[BMIM][PF(6)] promotes the synthesis of halohydrin esters from diols using potassium halides.

Science.gov (United States)

Oromí-Farrús, Mireia; Eras, Jordi; Villorbina, Gemma; Torres, Mercè; Llopis-Mestre, Veronica; Welton, Tom; Canela, Ramon

2008-10-01

Haloesterification of diverse diols with various carboxylic acids was achieved using potassium halides (KX) as the only halide source in ionic liquids. The best yield was obtained in [BMIM][PF(6)] when 1,2-octanediol, palmitic acid and KBr were used. This yield was 85% and the regioisomer with the bromine in primary position was present in a 75:25 ratio. The regioisomeric ratio could be improved using either KCl or some phenylcarboxylic acids. [BMIM][PF(6)] acts as both reaction media and catalyst of the reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this type of combined reaction using an ionic liquid is unprecedented. The other solvents tested did not lead either to the same yield or to the same regioisomeric ratio.

PF-4708671, a specific inhibitor of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1, activates Nrf2 by promoting p62-dependent autophagic degradation of Keap1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Jeong Su [Severance Biomedical Science Institute (Korea, Republic of); Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Kang, Dong Hoon [Department of Life Science and Ewha Research Center for Systems Biology (Korea, Republic of); The Research Center for Cell Homeostasis, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 127-750 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Da Hyun [Severance Biomedical Science Institute (Korea, Republic of); Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Bae, Soo Han, E-mail: soohanbae@yuhs.ac [Severance Biomedical Science Institute (Korea, Republic of); Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of)

2015-10-23

p70 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is an important serine/threonine kinase and downstream target of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. PF-4708671 is a specific inhibitor of S6K1, and prevents S6K1-mediated phosphorylation of the S6 protein. PF-4708671 treatment often leads to apoptotic cell death. However, the protective mechanism against PF-4708671-induced cell death has not been elucidated. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway is essential for protecting cells against oxidative stress. p62, an adaptor protein in the autophagic process, enhances Nrf2 activation through the impairment of Keap1 activity. In this study, we showed that PF-4708671 induces autophagic Keap1 degradation-mediated Nrf2 activation in p62-dependent manner. Furthermore, p62-dependent Nrf2 activation plays a crucial role in protecting cells from PF-4708671-mediated apoptosis. - Highlights: • PF-4708671, a S6K1-specific inhibitor, prevents S6K1-mediated S6 phosphorylation. • However, PF-4708671 treatment often leads to apoptotic cell death. • Protective mechanism against PF-4708671-induced cell death remains to be elucidated. • PF-4708671 induced p62-dependent, autophagic Keap1 degradation-mediated Nrf2 activation. • p62-dependent Nrf2 activation protects cells from PF-4708671-mediated apoptosis.

Multiscale Simulations of Lamellar PS–PEO Block Copolymers Doped with LiPF6 Ions

KAUST Repository

Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan; Mogurampelly, Santosh; Ganesan, Venkat

2017-01-01

We report the results of atomistic simulations of the structural equilibrium properties of PS–PEO block copolymer (BCP) melt in the ordered lamellar phase doped with LiPF6 salt. A hybrid simulation strategy, consisting of steps of coarse

Conductivity and thermopower studies of bis-tetramethyltetraselenafulvalenium hexafluorophosphide, bis-tetramethyltetrathiafulvalenium hexafluorophosphide, and their solid solutions, (TMTSF1-xTMTTFx)2PF6

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mortensen, Kell; Engler, E. M.

1984-01-01

The conductivity σ and the thermoelectric power S have been studied experimentally on the organic conductors bis-tetramethyltetraselenafulvalenium hexafluorophosphide [(TMTSF)2PF6] and bis-tetramethyltetrathiafulvalenium hexafluorophosphide [(TMTTF)2PF6] and their solid solutions: (TMTSF1-xTMTTFx)2......PF6. Dramatic effects are seen in σ already when dilute concentrations of TMTTF molecules are introduced in the TMTSF chains, and for x=0.1, σ shows generally activated behavior. The thermopower, on the contrary, remains basically unaffected for x at least as large as 0.25. These unusual findings...

Understanding the thermal instability of fluoroethylene carbonate in LiPF6-based electrolytes for lithium ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Koeun; Park, Inbok; Ha, Se-Young; Kim, Yeonkyoung; Woo, Myung-Heuio; Jeong, Myung-Hwan; Shin, Woo Cheol; Ue, Makoto; Hong, Sung You; Choi, Nam-Soon

2017-01-01

Highlights: • The FEC in LiPF 6 -based electrolytes thermally decomposes at elevated temperatures. • Lewis acids in the electrolyte promote de-fluorination of the FEC to form HF. • The HF causes the SEI destruction and severe metal ion dissolution from the cathode. - Abstract: The cycling and storage performances of LiCoO 2 (LCO)-LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 (NCM)/pitch-coated silicon alloy-graphite (Si-C) full cells with ethylene carbonate (EC)–based and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC)–based electrolytes are investigated at elevated temperatures. Excess FEC (used as a co-solvent in LiPF 6 -based electrolytes), which is not completely consumed during the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the electrodes, is prone to defluorination in the presence of Lewis acids such as PF 5 ; this reaction can generate unwanted HF and various acids (H 3 OPF 6 , HPO 2 F 2 , H 2 PO 3 F, H 3 PO 4 ) at elevated temperatures. Our investigation reveals that the HF and acid compounds that are formed by FEC decomposition causes significant dissolution of transition metal ions (from the LCO-NCM cathode) into the electrolyte at elevated temperatures; as a result, the reversible capacity of the full cells reduces because of the deposition of the dissolved metal ions onto the anode. Moreover, we demonstrate possible mechanisms that account for the thermal instability of FEC in LiPF 6 -based electrolytes at elevated temperatures using model experiments.

Synthesis of Ca(PF$_6$)$_2$, formed $\\textit{via}$ nitrosonium oxidation of calcium

OpenAIRE

Keyzer, Evan; Matthews, PD; Liu, Zigeng; Bond, Andrew David; Grey, Clare Philomena; Wright, Dominic Simon

2017-01-01

The development of rechargeable Ca-ion batteries as an alternative to Li systems has been limited by the availability of suitable electrolyte salts. We present the synthesis of complexes of Ca(PF$_6$)$_2$ (a key potential Ca battery electrolyte salt) $\\textit{via}$ the treatment of Ca metal with NOPF$_6$, and explore their conversion to species containing PO$_2$F$_2$$^{-}$ under the reaction conditions. NSERC of Canada PGSD; Gonville and Caius College; Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and...

Hall effect in the normal phase of the organic superconductor (TMTSF)2PF6

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Moser, J.; Cooper, J.R.; Jerome, D.

2000-01-01

We report accurate Hall effect measurements performed in the normal phase of the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF)(2)PF(6) at ambient pressure. The Hall coefficient is found to be strongly temperature dependent all the way from 300 K down to the spin density wave onset arising aroun...

Simulation of LOFT anticipated-transient experiments L6-1, L6-2, and L6-3 using TRAC-PF1/MOD1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahota, M.S.

1984-01-01

Anticipated-transient experiments L6-1, L6-2, and L6-3, performed at the Loss-of-fluid Test (LOFT) facility, are analyzed using the latest released version of the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1/MOD1). The results are used to assess TRAC-PF1/MOD1 trip and control capabilities, and predictions of thermal-hydraulic phenomena during slow transients. Test L6-1 simulated a loss-of-stream load in a large pressurized-water reactor (PWR), and was initiated by closing the main steam-flow control valve (MSFCV) at its maximum rate, which reduced the heat removal from the secondary-coolant system and increased the primary-coolant system pressure that initiated a reactor scram. Test L6-2 simulated a loss-of-primary coolant flow in a large PWR, and was initiated by tripping the power to the primary-coolant pumps (PCPs) allowing the pumps to coast down. The reduced primary-coolant flow caused a reactor scram. Test L6-3 simulated an excessive-load increase incident in a large PWR, and was initiated by opening the MSFCV at its maximum rate, which increased the heat removal from the secondary-coolant system and decreased the primary-coolant system pressure that initiated a reactor scram. The TRAC calculations accurately predict most test events. The test data and the calculated results for most parameters of interest also agree well

Properties of the malarial proteins Pf2, Pf9 and PfP0, which support ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Properties of the malarial proteins Pf2, Pf9 and PfP0, which support their roles as immune targets. Antibodies raised to each of these proteins (or purified from immune adults) inhibit the growth of Plasmodium falciparum at the red cell invasion step. The proteins are localized on the parasite cell surface. Each protein is ...

Empirical parameters for solvent acidity, basicity, dipolarity, and polarizability of the ionic liquids [BMIM][BF4] and [BMIM][PF6].

Science.gov (United States)

del Valle, J C; García Blanco, F; Catalán, J

2015-04-02

The empirical solvent scales for polarizability (SP), dipolarity (SdP), acidity (SA), and basicity (SB) have been successfully used to interpret the solvatochromism of compounds dissolved in organic solvents and their solvent mixtures. Providing that the published solvatochromic parameters for the ionic liquids 1-(1-butyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM][BF4] and 1-(1-butyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [BMIM][PF6], are excessively widespread, their SP, SdP, SA, and SB values are measured herein at temperatures from 293 to 353 K. Four key points are emphasized herein: (i) the origin of the solvatochromic solvent scales--the gas phase, that is the absence of any medium perturbation--; (ii) the separation of the polarizability and dipolarity effects; (iii) the simplification of the probing process in order to obtain the solvatochromic parameters; and (iv) the SP, SdP, SA, and SB solvent scales can probe the polarizability, dipolarity, acidity, and basicity of ionic liquids as well as of organic solvents and water-organic solvent mixtures. From the multiparameter approach using the four pure solvent scales one can draw the conclusion that (a) the solvent influence of [BMIM][BF4] parallels that of formamide at 293 K, both of them miscible with water; (b) [BMIM][PF6] shows a set of solvatochromic parameters similar to that of chloroacetonitrile, both of them water insoluble; and (c) that the corresponding solvent acidity and basicity of the ionic liquids can be explained to a great extent from the cation species by comparing the empirical parameters of [BMIM](+) with those of the solvent 1-methylimidazole. The insolubility of [BMIM][PF6] in water as compared to [BMIM][BF4] is tentatively connected to some extent to the larger molar volume of the anion [PF6](-), and to the difference in basicity of [PF6](-) and [BF4](-).

Ultra-fast and sensitive photo-induced phase switching in (EDO-TTF)2PF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chollet, Matthieu; Guerin, Laurent; Uchida, Naoki; Fukaya, Souichi; Ishikawa, Tadahiko; Koshihara, Shin-ya; Matsuda, Kazunari; Yamochi, Hideki; Ota, Akira; Saito, Gunzi

2005-01-01

Organic conductor (EDO-TTF) 2 PF 6 crystal having 14 filled band shows a metal (M)-insulator (I) transition accompanied with Peierls transition, charge ordering, and anion ordering at transition temperature, T C =280K. This crystal is an important and fascinating candidate for photo-induced M-I transition because the multi-instability will afford sensitivity to the tiny stimulation. We make the report of the reflectivity change in (EDO-TTF) 2 PF 6 crystal induced by the irradiation of femto-second (fs) pulsed laser (pulse width: 120fs, main wavelength: 800nm, repetition rate: 1kHz). The obtained results indicate that the highly efficient I-to-M transition occurs within 3ps in this material. Based on these results, the strong electron-lattice cooperative interaction is proved to play an essential role in the driving process of this M-I transition. Also, 14 filled materials, which show M-I transition, accompanied with the charge ordering, can be classified as fascinating candidates not only for superconductivity but also for photo-induced cooperative phenomena and application in phase switching devices

Electrochemical studies of UO22+ in 1-octyl 3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (omimPF6) room temperature ionic liquid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kamat, J.V.; Gopinath, N.; Lohithakshan, K.V.; Aggarwal, S.K.

2007-01-01

The effect of the degraded products on the Electrochemical Window (EW) of l-octyl 3- methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (OmimPF 6 ) were studied. Studies were also carried to optimize conditions for extraction of UO 2 2+ to investigate its redox behavior in OmimPF6 and determine the number of electrons involved in the redox chemistry. The Chronoamperometric technique of evaluating n without knowing diffusion coefficient, D, was devised by Kakihana et al. and has been applied in the present work. The number of electrons involved was determined from the values of slope and intercept of the Cottrell plot. The results of these studies are presented in this paper

Passivation behavior of Type 304 stainless steel in a non-aqueous alkyl carbonate solution containing LiPF6 salt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Myung, Seung-Taek; Sasaki, Yusuke; Saito, Takamitsu; Sun, Yang-Kook; Yashiro, Hitoshi

2009-01-01

Passivation behavior of type 304 stainless steel in a non-aqueous alkyl carbonate solution containing LiPF 6 salt was studied using electrochemical polarization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time of flight-secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). Cathodic polarization to 0 V vs. Li/Li + resulted in most but not complete reduction of the air-formed film from oxides to metal on the stainless steel, as confirmed by XPS. For complete elimination of the air-formed film, the surface of the stainless steel was scratched under anodic polarization conditions. At 3 V vs. Li/Li + where an anodic current peak appeared, only an indistinct layer was recognized on the newly scratched surface, according to ToF-SIMS analysis. Above 4 V vs. Li/Li + , substantial passive films were formed, which were composed of oxides and fluorides of iron and chromium. The origin of oxide was due to water contained in the non-aqueous alkyl carbonate solution, and that of fluorides were the result of the decomposition of electrolytic salt, LiPF 6 , especially at higher potential. The resultant passive films were stable in the non-aqueous alkyl carbonate solution containing LiPF 6 salt.

Laser photolysis study of anthraquinone in binary mixtures ofionic liquid [bmim][PF6] and organic solvent

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Side Yao

2006-12-01

Full Text Available Photochemical properties of the ionic liquid (RTIL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazoliumhexafluorophosphate [bmim][PF6] and its binary mixed solutions with organic solvent(DMF and MeCN were investigated by laser photolysis at an excitation wavelength of 355nm, using anthraquinone (AQ as a probe molecule. It was indicated that the triplet excitedstate of AQ (3AQ* can abstract hydrogen from [bmim][PF6]. Moreover, along with thechange of the ratio of RTIL and organic solvent, the reaction rate constant changes regularly.Critical points were observed at volume fraction VRTIL = 0.2 for RTIL/MeCN and VRTIL =0.05 for RTIL/DMF. For both systems, before the critical point, the rate constant increasesrapidly with increasing VRTIL; however, it decreases obviously with VRTIL after the criticalpoint. We conclude that the concentration dependence is dominant at lower VRTIL, while theviscosity and phase transformation are dominant at higher VRTIL for the effect of ionic liquidon the decay of rate constant.

SÍNTESE DO 2-ALIL-4-CLORO-6-ISOPROPIL-3-METILFENOL A PARTIR DO TIMOL

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Flávia Nunes de Paula Azevedo

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A industria agroquímica busca apresentar compostos cada vez mais eficientes, seletivos e seguros sob a perspectiva ambiental. Nesse contexto, a síntese de novos compostos ativos partindo de materia-prima natural apresenta-se como forte alternativa. Os sistemas catalíticos, que utilizam condições suaves de temperatura e pressão e apresentam grande rendimento mostram-se extremamente eficientes e tem conquistado seu espaço nas pesquisas agroquimicas, bem como a sintese de clorofenois usando ions cloreto como fonte de cloro e um oxidante adequado. O presente trabalho propos sintetizar um composto inédito análogo ao herbicida dicamba, partindo do timol, um fenol de origem natural. Seguindo uma rota de sintese em tres etapas, que teve rendimento global de 84% pode-se desenvolver o composto 2-alil-4-cloro-6-isopropil-3-metilfenol, que foi caracterizado por espectrometria de massas e infravermelho.

Low temperature specific heat of the spin-density-wave compound (TMTSF)2PF6

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Odin, J.; Lasjaunias, J.C.; Biljakovic, K.

1994-01-01

We report on specific heat measurements of the SDW compound (TMTSF)2PF6 between 2 and 25 K, performed by two different techniques. We discuss the two successive transitions which occur in this T-range : the SDW ordering transition at T = 12.1 K, and a glass transition around-3-3.5 K. The latter i...... is very dependent on the kinetics of measurements, and has all characteristic features of freezing of supercooled liquids....

Mixed-ligand complexes of technetium-III. Synthesis and characterization of [bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane]tetrakis(trimethylphosphite)tech netium(I) hexafluorophosphate, [Tc(DPPE)(TMP)4]PF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abram, U.; Beyer, R.; Muenze, R.; Stach, J.; Kaden, L.; Lorenz, B.; Findeisen, M.

1989-01-01

The diamagnetic technetium(I) complex [Tc(DPPE)(TMP) 4 ]PF 6 was prepared from [Tc(N 2 )H(DPPE) 2 ] and characterized by elemental analysis. 1 H- and 99 Tc-NMR spectroscopy and fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. [Tc(DPPE)(TMP) 4 ]PF 6 is a prototype compound for technetium complexes with mixed phosphine-phosphite coordination spheres. (author)

Design, synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties of hexagonal metallomacrocycles based on triphenylamine: [M6(4,4'-bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridinyl)triphenylamine)6(X)12]; [M = Fe(II), PF6- and Zn(II), BF4-].

Science.gov (United States)

Hwang, Seok-Ho; Moorefield, Charles N; Wang, Pingshan; Fronczek, Frank R; Courtney, Brandy H; Newkome, George R

2006-08-07

Synthesis of a novel bis(terpyridine) ligand, 4,4'-bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridinyl)triphenylamine, utilizing triphenylamine, as a specific angle controller, has led to the self-assembly of a unique hexagonal metallomacrocycle family, [Fe6(2)6(PF6)12] and [Zn6(2)6(BF4)12], utilizing terpyridine-metal(II)-terpyridine connectivity. The crystal structure of the novel ligand shows that the angle between the two terpyridinyl moieties is 119.69 degrees , which enabled the formation of the hexagonal-shaped macrocycles. The crystal packing architectures of this starting ligand revealed channels induced by solvent encapsulation. Following complexation of this ligand with transition metals [Fe(II) or Zn(II)] in a one-pot reaction, the resultant structures were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR, UV/Vis and mass spectroscopies. The expected metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT; lambda(max) = 582 nm) and emission (lambda(em) = 575 nm) characteristics were exhibited by both [Fe6(2)6(PF6)12] and[Zn6(2)6(BF4)12]. The photoelectrochemical characteristics of these hexagonal metallomacrocycles demonstrate that they can be used as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Glass transition in the spin-density wave phase of (TMTSF)2PF6

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lasjaunias, J.C.; Biljakovic, K.; Nad, F.

1994-01-01

We present the results of low frequency dielectric measurements and a detailed kinetic investigation of the specific heat anomaly in the spin-density wave phase of (TMTSF)(2)PF6 in the temperature range between 2 and 4 K. The dielectric relaxation shows a critical slowing down towards a ''static'......'' glass transition around 2 K. The jump in the specific heat in different controlled kinetic conditions shows all the characteristics of freezing in supercooled liquids. Both effects give direct evidence of a glass transition in the spin-density wave ground state....

Magnetism and Pressure-Induced Superconductivity of Checkerboard-Type Charge-Ordered Molecular Conductor β-(meso-DMBEDT-TTF2X (X = PF6 and AsF6

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yutaka Nishio

2012-11-01

Full Text Available The metallic state of the molecular conductor β-(meso-DMBEDT-TTF2X (DMBEDT-TTF = 2-(5,6-dihydro-1,3-dithiolo[4,5-b][1,4]dithiin-2-ylidene-5,6-dihydro-5,6-dimethyl-1,3-dithiolo[4,5-b][1,4]dithiin, X = PF6, AsF6 is transformed into the checkerboard-type charge-ordered state at around 75–80 K with accompanying metal-insulator (MI transition on the anisotropic triangular lattice. With lowering temperatures, the magnetic susceptibility decreases gradually and reveals a sudden drop at the MI transition. By applying pressure, the charge-ordered state is suppressed and superconductivity appears in β-(meso-DMBEDT-TTF2AsF6 as well as in the reported β-(meso-DMBEDT-TTF2PF6. The charge-ordered spin-gapped state and the pressure-induced superconducting state are discussed through the paired-electron crystal (PEC model, where the spin-bonded electron pairs stay and become mobile in the crystal, namely the valence-bond solid (VBS and the resonant valence bonded (RVB state in the quarter-filled band structure.

Cycle stability of the electrochemical capacitors patterned with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes in an LiPF6-based electrolyte.

Science.gov (United States)

Chiou, Yi-Deng; Tsai, Dah-Shyang; Lam, Hoa Hung; Chang, Chuan-hua; Lee, Kuei-Yi; Huang, Ying-Sheng

2013-09-07

The miniature ultracapacitors, with interdigitated electrodes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) and an inter-electrode gap of 20 μm, have been prepared in the LiPF6 organic electrolyte with and without PVdF-HFP gel. PVdF-HFP between two opposing electrodes enhances the device reliability, but lessens its power performance because of the extra diffusion resistance. Also noteworthy are the gel influences on the cycle stability. When the applied voltage is 2.0 or 2.5 V, both the LiPF6 and the gel capacitors exhibit excellent stability, typified by a retention ratio of ≥95% after 10,000 cycles. Their coulombic efficiencies quickly rise up, and hold steady at 100%. Nonetheless, when the applied voltage is 3.5 or 4.0 V, the cycle stability deteriorates, since the negative electrode potential descends below 0.9 V (vs. Li), leading to electrolyte decomposition and SEI formation. For the LiPF6 capacitor, its retention ratio could be around 60% after 10,000 cycles and the coulombic efficiency of 100% is difficult to reach throughout its cycle life. On the other hand, the gel capacitor cycles energy with a much higher retention ratio, >80% after 10,000 cycles, and a better coulombic efficiency, even though electrolyte decomposition still occurs. We attribute the superior stability of the gel capacitor to its extra diffusion resistance which slows down the performance deterioration.

Multiscale Simulations of Lamellar PS–PEO Block Copolymers Doped with LiPF6 Ions

KAUST Repository

Sethuraman, Vaidyanathan

2017-06-02

We report the results of atomistic simulations of the structural equilibrium properties of PS–PEO block copolymer (BCP) melt in the ordered lamellar phase doped with LiPF6 salt. A hybrid simulation strategy, consisting of steps of coarse-graining and inverse coarse-graining, was employed to equilibrate the melt at an atomistic resolution in the ordered phase. We characterize the structural distributions between different atoms/ions and compare the features arising in BCPs against the corresponding behavior in PEO homopolymers for different salt concentrations. In addition, the local structural distributions are characterized in the lamellar phase as a function of distance from the interface. The cation–anion radial distribution functions (RDF) display stronger coordination in the block copolymer melts at high salt concentrations, whereas the trends are reversed for low salt concentrations. Radial distribution functions isolated in the PEO and PS domains demonstrate that the stronger coordination seen in BCPs arises from the influence of both the higher fraction of ions segregated in the PS phase and the influence of interactions in the PS domain. Such a behavior also manifests in the cation–anion clusters, which show a larger fraction of free ions in the BCP. While the average number of free anions (cations) decreases with increasing salt concentration, higher order aggregates of LiPF6 increase with increasing salt concentration. Further, the cation–anion RDFs display spatial heterogeneity, with a stronger cation–anion binding in the interfacial region compared to bulk of the PEO domain.

Synthesis of Polypyrrole Inverse Opal in [bmim]PF6- Containing Acetonitrile and the Application of the Inverse Opal in Cell Prototype

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wei Yan

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Most primary cells use Zn or Li as the anode, a metallic oxide as the cathode, and an acidic or alkaline solution or moist past as the electrolytic solution. In this paper, highly ordered polypyrrole (PPy inverse opals have been successfully synthesized in the acetonitrile solution containing [bmim]PF6. PPy films were prepared under the same experimental conditions. Cyclic voltammograms of the PPy film and the PPy inverse opal in neutral phosphate buffer solution (PBS were recorded. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique was used to investigate the structural surface of the PPy films and the PPy inverse opals. It is found that the PF6- anions kept dedoping from the PPy films during the potential scanning process, resulting in the electrochemical inactivity. Although PF6- anions also kept dedoping from the PPy inverse opals, the PO43- anions from PBS could dope into the inverse opal, explaining why the PPy inverse opals kept their electrochemical activity. An environmental friendly cell prototype was constructed, using the PPy inverse opal as the anode. The electrolytes in both the cathodic and anodic half-cells were neutral PBSs. The open-circuit potential of the cell prototype reached 0.487 V and showed a stable output over several hundred hours.

LiFSI vs. LiPF6 electrolytes in contact with lithiated graphite: Comparing thermal stabilities and identification of specific SEI-reinforcing additives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eshetu, Gebrekidan Gebresilassie; Grugeon, Sylvie; Gachot, Grégory; Mathiron, David; Armand, Michel; Laruelle, Stephane

2013-01-01

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (LiFSI) is regarded as an alternative to the classical LiPF 6 salt in today's LiFePO 4 /graphite-based Li-ion batteries electrolyte owing to its slightly higher conductivity and lower fluorine content. In an attempt to better evaluate the safety issues, here we report the comparative study of the LiFSI and LiPF 6 based electrolyte/lithiated graphite interface thermal behavior. DSC measurements with LiFSI-based electrolyte reveal a sharp exotherm with large heat release though at higher onset and peak temperatures compared to LiPF 6 -based electrolyte. With the help of GC/MS, 19 F NMR and ESI-HRMS analyses, we assume that this highly energetic peak around 200 °C, which is dependant upon the lithium content, is mainly related to electrochemical reduction of FSI − anion. In a strategy to limit the probability and damage of thermal runaway event, electrolyte additives such as vinylene carbonate (VC), fluoro ethylene carbonate (FEC), di-isocyanato hexane (DIH) and toluene di-isocyanate (TDI) have been investigated and shown to significantly lower the energy associated with the exothermic phenomenon

Operational Status of PF-Ring and PF-AR after the Earthquake

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Honda, T; Asaoka, S; Haga, K; Harada, K; Honda, Y; Izawa, M; Kamiya, Y; Kobayashi, Y; Miyajima, T; Miyauchi, H; Nagahashi, S; Nakamura, N; Nogami, T; Obina, T; Ozaki, T; Sagehashi, H; Sakai, H; Sakanaka, S; Sasaki, H; Sato, Y

2013-01-01

In 2011, two SR sources of KEK, PF-ring and PF-AR, needed to change the operation schedule because of the unprecedented earthquake on March 11. Though the injector linac and the storage rings suffered a serious damage, temporary recovery was accomplished quickly and the trial operation started in May. The regular user operation could be resumed in October 2011. In the restoration work after the earthquake, some old vacuum components were removed from PF-ring. This work fortunately brought an effect of settling the quadrupole-mode longitudinal instability. For the top-up injection of PF-ring, the pulsed sextupole magnet has been used instead of the conventional kicker magnets since 2011. The hybrid-fill mode in place of the single-bunch mode has become available. Recently, the 10-Hz orbit switching for the tandem circularly polarized undulators has been developed for the user operation.

Artemether resistance in vitro is linked to mutations in PfATP6 that also interact with mutations in PfMDR1 in travellers returning with Plasmodium falciparum infections.

KAUST Repository

Pillai, Dylan R; Lau, Rachel; Khairnar, Krishna; Lepore, Rosalba; Via, Allegra; Staines, Henry M; Krishna, Sanjeev

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND: Monitoring resistance phenotypes for Plasmodium falciparum, using in vitro growth assays, and relating findings to parasite genotype has proved particularly challenging for the study of resistance to artemisinins. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum isolates cultured from 28 returning travellers diagnosed with malaria were assessed for sensitivity to artemisinin, artemether, dihydroartemisinin and artesunate and findings related to mutations in pfatp6 and pfmdr1. RESULTS: Resistance to artemether in vitro was significantly associated with a pfatp6 haplotype encoding two amino acid substitutions (pfatp6 A623E and S769N; (mean IC50 (95% CI) values of 8.2 (5.7 - 10.7) for A623/S769 versus 623E/769 N 13.5 (9.8 - 17.3) nM with a mean increase of 65%; p = 0.012). Increased copy number of pfmdr1 was not itself associated with increased IC50 values for artemether, but when interactions between the pfatp6 haplotype and increased copy number of pfmdr1 were examined together, a highly significant association was noted with IC50 values for artemether (mean IC50 (95% CI) values of 8.7 (5.9 - 11.6) versus 16.3 (10.7 - 21.8) nM with a mean increase of 87%; p = 0.0068). Previously described SNPs in pfmdr1 are also associated with differences in sensitivity to some artemisinins. CONCLUSIONS: These findings were further explored in molecular modelling experiments that suggest mutations in pfatp6 are unlikely to affect differential binding of artemisinins at their proposed site, whereas there may be differences in such binding associated with mutations in pfmdr1. Implications for a hypothesis that artemisinin resistance may be exacerbated by interactions between PfATP6 and PfMDR1 and for epidemiological studies to monitor emerging resistance are discussed.

Artemether resistance in vitro is linked to mutations in PfATP6 that also interact with mutations in PfMDR1 in travellers returning with Plasmodium falciparum infections.

KAUST Repository

Pillai, Dylan R

2012-04-27

BACKGROUND: Monitoring resistance phenotypes for Plasmodium falciparum, using in vitro growth assays, and relating findings to parasite genotype has proved particularly challenging for the study of resistance to artemisinins. METHODS: Plasmodium falciparum isolates cultured from 28 returning travellers diagnosed with malaria were assessed for sensitivity to artemisinin, artemether, dihydroartemisinin and artesunate and findings related to mutations in pfatp6 and pfmdr1. RESULTS: Resistance to artemether in vitro was significantly associated with a pfatp6 haplotype encoding two amino acid substitutions (pfatp6 A623E and S769N; (mean IC50 (95% CI) values of 8.2 (5.7 - 10.7) for A623/S769 versus 623E/769 N 13.5 (9.8 - 17.3) nM with a mean increase of 65%; p = 0.012). Increased copy number of pfmdr1 was not itself associated with increased IC50 values for artemether, but when interactions between the pfatp6 haplotype and increased copy number of pfmdr1 were examined together, a highly significant association was noted with IC50 values for artemether (mean IC50 (95% CI) values of 8.7 (5.9 - 11.6) versus 16.3 (10.7 - 21.8) nM with a mean increase of 87%; p = 0.0068). Previously described SNPs in pfmdr1 are also associated with differences in sensitivity to some artemisinins. CONCLUSIONS: These findings were further explored in molecular modelling experiments that suggest mutations in pfatp6 are unlikely to affect differential binding of artemisinins at their proposed site, whereas there may be differences in such binding associated with mutations in pfmdr1. Implications for a hypothesis that artemisinin resistance may be exacerbated by interactions between PfATP6 and PfMDR1 and for epidemiological studies to monitor emerging resistance are discussed.

Low-frequency permittivity of spin-density wave in (TMTSF)₂PF₆ at low temperatures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nad, F.; Monceau, P.; Bechgaard, K.

1995-01-01

Conductivity and permittivity epsilon of(TMTSF)(2)PF6 have been measured at low frequencies of (10(2)-10(7) Hz) at low temperatures below the spin-density wave (SDW) transition temperature T-p. The temperature dependence of the conductivity shows a deviation from thermally activated behavior at T...

Galvanomagnetic properties in the spin-density-wave phase of (TMTSF)2PF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Korin-Hamzic, B.; Bechgaard, K.

1999-01-01

We have measured the magnetoresistance and the Hall effect in the spin-density-wave (SDW) state of (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 down to 2 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 T in order to gain an additional insight into the nature of the possible subphases in the SDW state. We have found that the temperature dependent magnetoresistance anisotropy changes below 4 K; this change being maximal for the current in the lowest conductivity direction. The Hall resistivity has showed different magnetic field dependencies for T>4 K and T<4 K. The resistivity and the Hall resistivity were also investigated as the function of the electric field. The backflow coefficient α does not change below 4 K. (orig.)

[BMIM][PF6] Incorporation Doubles CO2 Selectivity of ZIF-8: Elucidation of Interactions and Their Consequences on Performance.

Science.gov (United States)

Kinik, F Pelin; Altintas, Cigdem; Balci, Volkan; Koyuturk, Burak; Uzun, Alper; Keskin, Seda

2016-11-16

Experiments were combined with atomically detailed simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the effect of incorporation of an ionic liquid (IL), 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF 6 ]), into a metal organic framework (MOF with a zeolitic imidazolate framework), ZIF-8, on the CO 2 separation performance. The interactions between [BMIM][PF 6 ] and ZIF-8 were examined in deep detail, and their consequences on CO 2 /CH 4 , CO 2 /N 2 , and CH 4 /N 2 separation have been elucidated by using experimental measurements complemented by DFT calculations and atomically detailed simulations. Results suggest that IL-MOF interactions strongly affect the gas affinity of materials at low pressure, whereas available pore volume plays a key role for gas adsorption at high pressures. Direct interactions between IL and MOF lead to at least a doubling of CO 2 /CH 4 and CO 2 /N 2 selectivities of ZIF-8. These results provide opportunities for rational design and development of IL-incorporated MOFs with exceptional selectivity for target gas separation applications.

Capturing the effect of [PF3(C2F5)3]-vs. [PF6]-, flexible anion vs. rigid, and scaled charge vs. unit on the transport properties of [bmim]+-based ionic liquids: a comparative MD study.

Science.gov (United States)

Kowsari, Mohammad H; Ebrahimi, Soraya

2018-05-16

Comprehensive molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the average single-particle dynamics and the transport properties of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [bmim][PF6], and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate, [bmim][FAP], ionic liquids (ILs) at 400 K. We applied one of the most widely used nonpolarizable all-atom force fields for ILs, both with the original unit (±1) charges on each ion and with the partial charges uniformly scaled to 80-85%, taking into account the average polarizability and tracing the experimentally compatible transport properties. In all simulations, [bmim]+ was considered to be flexible, while the effect of a flexible vs. rigid structure of the anions and the effect of two applied charge sets on the calculated properties were separately investigated in detail. The simulation results showed that replacing [PF6]- with [FAP]-, considering anion flexibility, and applying the charge-scaled model significantly enhanced the ionic self-diffusion, ionic conductivity, inverse viscosity, and hyper anion preference (HAP). Both of the calculated self-diffusion coefficients from the long-time linear slope of the mean-square displacement (MSD) and from the integration of the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) for the centers of mass of the ions were used for evaluation of the ionic transference number, HAP, ideal Nernst-Einstein ionic conductivity (σNE), and the Stokes-Einstein viscosity. In addition, for quantification of the degree of complicated ionic association (known as the Nernst-Einstein deviation parameter, Δ) and ionicity phenomena in the two studied ILs, the ionic conductivity was determined more rigorously by the Green-Kubo integral of the electric-current autocorrelation function (ECACF), and then the σGK/σNE ratio was evaluated. It was found that the correlated motion of the (cationanion) neighbors in [bmim][FAP] is smaller than in [bmim][PF6]. The relaxation times of

Bridge joint fabrication and validation for SST-1 PF coil winding pack

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prasad, Upendra; Sharma, A.N.; Patel, D.; Doshi, K.; Varmora, P.; Khristi, Y.; Pradhan, S.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Prototype of bridge type joints fabricated and validated successfully. • Bridge type joints fabricated and validated on one of the SST-1 PF#3T coil successfully. • Joint resistance was measured with precision nano volt meter and PXI based data acquisition system. • Leak tightness of joint box was better than 3 × 10 −6 Pa m 3 s −1 . • The measured joint resistance of bridge type joint was ∼1.6 nano ohm. - Abstract: A novel concept of bridge joint for Poloidal field (PF) magnet of SST-1 with damaged winding pack has been realized. This joint has been fabricated on 5th and 6th layers of PF#3T coil winding pack (WP) after validation at 10 kA at liquid helium temperature of 4.2 K in current lead test chamber. The joint resistance of bridge joint was measured ∼1.6 nΩ at flat top DC current of 10 kA. This type of joint could be economically useful for revival of a shorted and damaged WP superconducting PF magnets of Tokamaks. In this paper, details of bridge joint design, fabrication and validations are discussed

Power law field dependence of the 2D magnetoresistance in (TMTSF)2PF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kriza, G.; Szeghy, G.; Kezsmarki, I.; Mihaly, G.

1999-01-01

The magnetoresistance of the quasi-one-dimensional organic conductor (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 is studied for currents flowing parallel to the best conducting a and second best conducting b directions in magnetic fields perpendicular to the a-b plane under a hydrostatic pressure of 0.8 GPa. As a function of the magnetic field, the magnetoresistance follows a power law ΔR/R = (B/B 0 ) 3/2 both in the a and b directions. The a-b plane conductivity anisotropy is field independent. The scaling field B 0 , characterizing the strength of the magnetoresistance, follows an exponential temperature dependence B 0 ∝exp(T/T 0 ) with a field-independent characteristic temperature T 0 = 10 K. (orig.)

Rate theory of solvent exchange and kinetics of Li(+) - BF4 (-)/PF6 (-) ion pairs in acetonitrile.

Science.gov (United States)

Dang, Liem X; Chang, Tsun-Mei

2016-09-07

In this paper, we describe our efforts to apply rate theories in studies of solvent exchange around Li(+) and the kinetics of ion pairings in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We report one of the first computer simulations of the exchange dynamics around solvated Li(+) in acetonitrile (ACN), which is a common solvent used in LIBs. We also provide details of the ion-pairing kinetics of Li(+)-[BF4] and Li(+)-[PF6] in ACN. Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ACN exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li(+). We calculate exchange rates using transition state theory and weighted them with the transmission coefficients determined by the reactive flux, Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches, and Grote-Hynes theory. We found the relaxation times changed from 180 ps to 4600 ps and from 30 ps to 280 ps for Li(+)-[BF4] and Li(+)-[PF6] ion pairs, respectively. These results confirm that the solvent response to the kinetics of ion pairing is significant. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of solvation into ACN, the anion type also should significantly influence the kinetics of ion pairing. These results will increase our understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of LIB systems.

TPX Poloidal Field (PF) power systems simulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lu, E.; Bronner, G.

1993-01-01

This paper describes the modeling and simulation of the PF power system for the Tokamak Physics Experiment (TPX), which is required to supply pulsed DC current to the Poloidal Field (PF) superconducting coil system. An analytical model was developed to simulate the dynamics of the PF power system for any PF current scenario and thereby provide the basis for selection of PF circuit topology, in support of the major design goal of optimizing the use of the existing Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) facilities at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL)

Accuracy of PfHRP2 versus Pf-pLDH antigen detection by malaria rapid diagnostic tests in hospitalized children in a seasonal hyperendemic malaria transmission area in Burkina Faso.

Science.gov (United States)

Maltha, Jessica; Guiraud, Issa; Lompo, Palpouguini; Kaboré, Bérenger; Gillet, Philippe; Van Geet, Chris; Tinto, Halidou; Jacobs, Jan

2014-01-13

In most sub-Saharan African countries malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are now used for the diagnosis of malaria. Most RDTs used detect Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2), though P. falciparum-specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase (Pf-pLDH)-detecting RDTs may have advantages over PfHRP2-detecting RDTs. Only few data are available on the use of RDTs in severe illness and the present study compared Pf-pLDH to PfHRP2-detection. Hospitalized children aged one month to 14 years presenting with fever or severe illness were included over one year. Venous blood samples were drawn for malaria diagnosis (microscopy and RDT), culture and complete blood count. Leftovers were stored at -80 °C and used for additional RDT analysis and PCR. An RDT targeting both PfHRP2 and Pf-pLDH was performed on all samples for direct comparison of diagnostic accuracy with microscopy as reference method. PCR was performed to explore false-positive RDT results. In 376 of 694 (54.2%) included children, malaria was microscopically confirmed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value were 100.0, 70.9, 69.4 and 100.0%, respectively for PfHRP2-detection and 98.7, 94.0, 91.6 and 99.1%, respectively for Pf-pLDH-detection. Specificity and PPV were significantly lower for PfHRP2-detection (p <0.001). For both detection antigens, specificity was lowest for children one to five years and in the rainy season. PPV for both antigens was highest in the rainy season, because of higher malaria prevalence. False positive PfHRP2 results were associated with prior anti-malarial treatment and positive PCR results (98/114 (86.0%) samples tested). Among children presenting with severe febrile illness in a seasonal hyperendemic malaria transmission area, the present study observed similar sensitivity but lower specificity and PPV of PfHRP2 compared to Pf-pLDH-detection. Further studies should assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of an

Identification of Immunodominant Responses to the Plasmodium falciparum Antigens PfUIS3, PfLSA1 and PfLSAP2 in Multiple Strains of Mice.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rhea J Longley

Full Text Available Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite, remains a serious global public health concern. A vaccine could have a substantial impact on eliminating this disease, alongside other preventative measures. We recently described the development of three novel, viral vectored vaccines expressing either of the antigens PfUIS3, PfLSA1 and PfLSAP2. Each vaccination regimen provided high levels of protection against chimeric parasite challenge in a mouse model, largely dependent on CD8+ T cells. In this study we aimed to further characterize the induced cellular immune response to these vaccines. We utilized both the IFNγ enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay and intracellular cytokine staining to achieve this aim. We identified immunodominant peptide responses for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for each of the antigens in BALB/c, C57BL/6 and HLA-A2 transgenic mice, creating a useful tool for researchers for subsequent study of these antigens. We also compared these immunodominant peptides with those generated from epitope prediction software, and found that only a small proportion of the large number of epitopes predicted by the software were identifiable experimentally. Furthermore, we characterized the polyfunctionality of the induced CD8+ T cell responses. These findings contribute to our understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying these protective vaccines, and provide a useful basis for the assessment of these and related vaccines as clinical constructs.

Industrial engineering studies for the manufacture of the ITER PF coils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Libeyre, P.; Decool, P.; Guerin, O.; Perrella, M.; Bourquard, A.

2007-01-01

Industrial studies have been carried out in Europe to prepare the manufacture of the five poloidal field (PF) coils, which will be manufactured on the ITER site. A first study, carried out by Ansaldo Superconduttori, addressed the manufacturing sequence, assuming the manufacture of the PF coils inside the two buildings which will further host the cryogenic system. A second study, carried out by Alstom investigated how to achieve the manufacture of some crucial points. A new layout of the manufacturing line was proposed, aiming at manufacture of the PF2-6 coils within 36 months. A recent study performed by Alstom, assumes the manufacture of the PF coils in a single dedicated building, releasing so the constraint of meeting the deadline fixed in ITER reference scheme by the starting point of installation of the cryogenic components

TRAC-PF1 choked-flow model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahota, M.S.; Lime, J.F.

1983-01-01

The two-phase, two-component choked-flow model implemented in the latest version of the Transient Reactor analysis Code (TRAC-PF1) was developed from first principles using the characteristic analysis approach. The subcooled choked-flow model in TRAC-PF1 is a modified form of the Burnell model. This paper discusses these choked-flow models and their implementation in TRAC-PF1. comparisons using the TRAC-PF1 choked-flow models are made with the Burnell model for subcooled flow and with the homogeneous-equilibrium model (HEM) for two-phae flow. These comparisons agree well under homogeneous conditions. Generally good agreements have been obtained between the TRAC-PF1 results from models using the choking criteria and those using a fine mesh (natural choking). Code-data comparisons between the separate-effects tests of the Marviken facility and the Edwards' blowdown experiment also are favorable. 10 figures

Deuteration of acetanilides and other substituted aromatics using [Ir(COD)(Cy3P)(Py)]PF6 as catalyst

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hesk, D.; Das, P.R.; Evans, B.

1995-01-01

Deuterium exchange labelling using [Ir(COD)(Cy 3 P)(Py)]PF 6 as catalyst and deuterium gas was studied on a number of substituted acetanilides. In most cases products containing deuterium ortho to the anilide group were obtained with a high degree of enrichment. With one exception no evidence for meta, para or anilide methyl labelling was seen. The catalyst was also effective in the ortho deuteration of acetophenone, benzophenone and the β-lactam containing compound Sch 48461. (Author)

Study on the pyrolysis of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and modified PF resin

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Jigang, E-mail: wangjigang@seu.edu.cn [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Jiang, Haiyun [Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallic Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing Institute of Technology, Nanjing 210013 (China); Jiang, Nan [Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China)

2009-12-10

The pyrolysis of pure phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and boron carbide (B{sub 4}C) modified PF resin was investigated by using thermogravimetry (TG) and pyrolysis gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry (PY-GC/MS). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were also employed to investigate the micro-structural evolution. It was shown from the TG analysis that the char residues of pure PF resin were 62.9 and 60.5% after being pyrolyzed at 700 and 1000 {sup o}C, respectively. The degradation and failure of the resin matrix were mainly resulted from the release of volatiles. The phenol and its methyl derivates took a large proportion in the amount of volatiles. In comparison with the pure PF resin, the char residues of B{sub 4}C modified PF resin were obviously higher, with the values of 71.9 and 68.4% at 700 and 1000 {sup o}C, respectively. Due to the oxidation-reduction reactions between B{sub 4}C additive and oxygen-containing volatiles including CO and H{sub 2}O, partial carbon and oxygen elements in the volatiles remained in the resin matrix in the forms of amorphous carbon and B{sub 2}O{sub 3}, respectively. The results of SEM and FT-IR characterization demonstrated the occurrence of the modification, and the amorphous carbon existed in the form of reticular substance. In addition, the amount of the released phenol and its methyl derivates was also decreased drastically due to the formation of borate.

Li+ solvation and kinetics of Li+-BF4-/PF6- ion pairs in ethylene carbonate. A molecular dynamics study with classical rate theories

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, Tsun-Mei; Dang, Liem X.

2017-10-01

Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ethylene carbonate (EC) exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li+ and the dissociation kinetics of ion pairs Li+-[BF4] and Li+-[PF6] in this solvent. We calculate the exchange rates using transition state theory and correct them with transmission coefficients computed by the reactive flux, Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches, and Grote-Hynes theory. We found that the residence times of EC around Li+ ions varied from 60 to 450 ps, depending on the correction method used. We found that the relaxation times changed significantly from Li+-[BF4] to Li+-[PF6] ion pairs in EC. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of dissociation in EC, the anion type also significantly influences the dissociation kinetics of ion pairing.

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation of the EAST PF converter for PF control system upgrade

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Xiaojiao, E-mail: chenxj@ipp.ac.cn [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science (ASIPP), P.O. Box 1126, Hefei, Anhui Province 230031 (China); Chinese University of Science and Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province 230022 (China); Fu, Peng [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science (ASIPP), P.O. Box 1126, Hefei, Anhui Province 230031 (China); Chinese University of Science and Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province 230022 (China); Huang, Liansheng, E-mail: huangls@ipp.ac.cn [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science (ASIPP), P.O. Box 1126, Hefei, Anhui Province 230031 (China); Gao, Ge; He, Shiying [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Science (ASIPP), P.O. Box 1126, Hefei, Anhui Province 230031 (China)

2016-11-15

Highlights: • The hardware in the loop simulation of the EAST PF system is presented. • The control functions and the protection logic have been tested and verified. • The major faults could be avoided and commissioning time could be saved on site. - Abstract: The EAST poloidal field (PF) control system was upgraded in 2015 and the new system has been in use for the 2015 EAST campaign. This paper presents the implementation of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform of the EAST PF converter system based on the RT-LAB simulation environment, which was used to improve and evaluate the performance of the real controller. The EAST PF power supply system and its operational modes are presented in this paper. The experiments on HIL simulation platform show that the control algorithms and the over current protection of the controller meet the design requirements well. In addition, the effectiveness of the designed control system has been verified by actual application during the EAST campaign at 2015 for six months.

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation of the EAST PF converter for PF control system upgrade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Xiaojiao; Fu, Peng; Huang, Liansheng; Gao, Ge; He, Shiying

2016-01-01

Highlights: • The hardware in the loop simulation of the EAST PF system is presented. • The control functions and the protection logic have been tested and verified. • The major faults could be avoided and commissioning time could be saved on site. - Abstract: The EAST poloidal field (PF) control system was upgraded in 2015 and the new system has been in use for the 2015 EAST campaign. This paper presents the implementation of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform of the EAST PF converter system based on the RT-LAB simulation environment, which was used to improve and evaluate the performance of the real controller. The EAST PF power supply system and its operational modes are presented in this paper. The experiments on HIL simulation platform show that the control algorithms and the over current protection of the controller meet the design requirements well. In addition, the effectiveness of the designed control system has been verified by actual application during the EAST campaign at 2015 for six months.

Effects of irradiation disorder on the insulating phases of (TMTSF) (DMTCNQ) and (TMTSF)2PF6: the stabililization of the metallic state by a weak disorder

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferro, L.

1983-03-01

The ordering of charge density waves (CDW) drives the organic conductor (TMTSF) (DMTCNQ) to an insulating state below 49 K while the magnetic ordering of spin density waves (SDW) produces the same effect around 20 K in (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 . X-ray irradiation has been used to introduce defects in low concentration of the order of 10 -3 mole fraction. The mosaicity induced by these defects in the CDW or SDW phases has important consequences on the transport and magnetic properties of the two compounds. Measurements of conductivity, Hall effect, magnetoresistance, thermopower, electron spin resonance (EPR) linewidth, g-factor and susceptibility are presented and discussed. A X-ray diffuse scattering study of the disordered CDW in (TMTSF) (DMTCNQ) provides an accurate determination of the longitudinal and transverse coherence lengths of the CDW's. It shows that each defect fixes the phase rigidly in a volume containing 3 chain segments of 10 molecules. In (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 , the EPR linewidth is used to follow the magnetic ordering under irradiation. In both compounds, the coherence loss of the low temperature condensed phases produces a large increase of the number of free carriers in irradiated samples. Even at low doses, the mobility of these carriers decreases quickly under irradiation in (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 , while it changes much more slowly in (TMTSF) (DMTCNQ) [fr

1H NMR studies in the regime of the field-induced spin-density wave phases of (TMTSF)2PF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brown, S.E.; Pieper, M.; Clark, W.G.; Chow, D.S.; Alavi, B.

1999-01-01

We report 1 H proton spin-lattice relaxation measurements T 1 -1 on pressurized (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 in high magnetic fields. Maxima in T 1 -1 identify the phase transition to the field-induced spin-density wave (FISDW) state. Fluctuation effects are evident at temperatures above the transition, and vanish continuously in strength as the field is lowered to the critical field B c for the onset of the FISDW cascade. (orig.)

Refurbishment and modification of existing protective shipping packages (for 30-inch UF{sub 6} cylinders) per USDOT specification No. USA-DOT-21PF-1A

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Housholder, W.R. [Nuclear Containers, Incorporated, Elizabethton, TN (United States)

1991-12-31

This paper addresses the refurbishment procedures for existing shipping containers for 30-inch diameter UF{sub 6} cylinders in accordance with DOT Specification 21PF-1 and the criteria used to determine rejection when such packages are unsuitable for refurbishment.

New organic superconductors beta-(BDA-TTP)2X [BDA-TTP + 2,5-bis(1,3-dithian-2ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene; X(-) = SbF6(-), AsF6(-), and PF6(-)].

Science.gov (United States)

Yamada, J; Watanabe, M; Akutsu, H; Nakatsuji, S; Nishikawa, H; Ikemoto, I; Kikuchi, K

2001-05-09

The synthesis, electrochemical properties, and molecular structure of a new pi-electron donor, 2,5-bis(1,3-dithian-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene (BDA-TTP), is described. In contrast to the hitherto-known tetrachalcogenafulvalene pi-donors providing organic superconductors, this donor contains only the bis-fused 1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene unit as a pi-electron system, yet produces a series of ambient-pressure superconductors beta-(BDA-TTP)2X [X = SbF6 (magnetic T(c) = 6.9 K, resistive T(c) = 7.5 K), AsF6 (magnetic T(c) = 5.9 K, resistive T(c) = 5.8 K), and PF6 (magnetic T(c) = 5.9 K)], which are isostructural. The values of the intermolecular overlap integrals calculated on the donor layers of these superconductors suggest a two-dimensional (2D) electronic structure with loose donor packing. Tight-binding band calculations also indicate that these superconductors have the 2D band dispersion relations and closed Fermi surfaces.

OsO(4) in ionic liquid [Bmim]PF(6): a recyclable and reusable catalyst system for olefin dihydroxylation. remarkable effect of DMAP.

Science.gov (United States)

Yao, Qingwei

2002-06-27

[reaction: see text] The combination of the ionic liquid [bmim]PF(6) and DMAP provides a most simple and practical approach to the immobilization of OsO(4) as catalyst for olefin dihydroxylation. Both the catalyst and the ionic liquid can be repeatedly recycled and reused in the dihydroxylation of a variety of olefins with only a very slight drop in catalyst activity.

21PF overpacks: Phenolic-foam induced corrosion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kovac, F.M.

1994-01-01

The 21PF overpack was developed in the 1960s and approved for use in the 1970s by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). This package, used for the transport of uranium hexafluoride enriched >1%, has had a history of severe metal corrosion, water ingress, and subsequent leakage. Problems associated with corrosion and water leaking from 21PF overpacks caused the DOT to seek public comments and to undertake rulemaking action. As a result, the DOT required modifications and refurbishment of existing overpacks, and specification changes for the fabrication of new 21PF overpacks. Recent studies conducted by the roofing industry indicate that phenolic foam has caused severe corrosion in metal roofing structures, and its use is being curtailed. These findings need to be explored in order to determine if phenolic foam in 21PF overpacks causes corrosion and compromises the package integrity. Metallic corrosion induced by phenolic foam may affect the continued use of the 21PF overpack because damage to the structural integrity of the metal parts of the packaging will affect its ability to meet design specifications

Rate theory of solvent exchange and kinetics of Li+ − BF4−/PF6− ion pairs in acetonitrile

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dang, Liem X.; Chang, Tsun-Mei

2016-01-01

In this paper, we describe our efforts to apply rate theories in studies of solvent exchange around Li + and the kinetics of ion pairings in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We report one of the first computer simulations of the exchange dynamics around solvated Li + in acetonitrile (ACN), which is a common solvent used in LIBs. We also provide details of the ion-pairing kinetics of Li + -[BF 4 ] and Li + -[PF 6 ] in ACN. Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ACN exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li + . We calculate exchange rates using transition state theory and weighted them with the transmission coefficients determined by the reactive flux, Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches, and Grote-Hynes theory. We found the relaxation times changed from 180 ps to 4600 ps and from 30 ps to 280 ps for Li + -[BF 4 ] and Li + -[PF 6 ] ion pairs, respectively. These results confirm that the solvent response to the kinetics of ion pairing is significant. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of solvation into ACN, the anion type also should significantly influence the kinetics of ion pairing. These results will increase our understanding of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of LIB systems.

Nature and climatology of Pfänderwind

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexander Gohm

2015-04-01

Full Text Available The characteristics and climatology of Pfänderwind, a largely unknown downslope windstorm near the town of Bregenz (Austria at the entrance of the Rhine Valley, are investigated based on an eleven-year dataset of weather station observations and ERA-Interim reanalyses. The goal is to clarify the inconsistency in the definition of this phenomenon, to illuminate its dynamics, and to quantify its frequency of occurrence. It is shown that Pfänderwind has similarities to foehn but does occur for different synoptic-scale conditions. Moreover, two types of Pfänderwind have to be distinguished: Type 1, or classical Pfänderwind, is associated with easterly to northeasterly large-scale flow that crosses the Pfänder mountain range, descends in a foehn-like manner and causes moderate to strong winds in the town of Bregenz and its vicinity. The temperature anomaly induced at the surface by adiabatic warming is small as a result of weak low-level stability. Type-1 events occur on average 12 times per year, preferentially in spring, and most frequently between the afternoon and midnight. Type 2, or southeast Pfänderwind, is associated with westerly to southwesterly ambient winds near the main Alpine crest level. The Rhine valley is filled with cold air and in most cases south foehn is not present. However, the synoptic and meso-scale pressure gradient favours southerly ageostrophic flow in the Rhine Valley especially near the top of the cold-air pool. This flow passes the Gebhardsberg, the southwestern extension of the Pfänder mountain range, descends on its leeward side and causes strong foehn-like warming at the surface. However, southerly to southeasterly near-surface winds at Bregenz are rather weak. Type-2 events occur on average 40 times per year, most frequently between the evening and the early morning, and exhibit a weak seasonal dependence. More than half of all type-1 and type-2 events last only one or two hours.

Analysis of the flow imbalance in the KSTAR PF cryo-circuit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Hyun-Jung; Park, Dong-Seong; Kwag, Sang-Woo; Joo, Jae-Jun; Moon, Kyung-Mo; Kim, Nam-Won; Lee, Young-Joo; Park, Young-Min; Yang, Hyung-Lyeol

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Investigate of flow imbalance trend for the KSTAR PF superconducting magnet. • Flow imbalance is compared with individual magnet test and integration magnet test. • Intensifying of flow imbalance is proven from the flow monitoring in the KSTAR PF circuit. • Flow behavior is analyzed during magnet charging in the circulator circuit. • Variation of magnet outlet temperature is analyzed due to flow imbalance. - Abstract: The KSTAR PF cryo-circuit is a quasi-closed circulation system in which more than 370 g/s of supercritical helium (SHe) is circulated using a SHe circulator. The heated helium from superconducting magnet is cooled through sub cooler (4.3 K). The circulator is operated at 4.5 K and 6.5 bar, and the pressure drop of the circuit is kept at 2 bar in order to maintain the supercritical state and circulator stability. The circuit is connected with helium refrigerator system, distribution system, and supercritical magnet system. It has a hundred branches to supply supercritical helium to the poloidal field superconducting magnet. The branch was designed to optimize the operation conditions and they are grouped for one cryogenic valve has the same length within the cardinal principle of the optimization. Five cryogenic valves are installed to control the mass flow rate, and seven orifice mass flow meters, differential pressure gauges and temperature sensors were installed in front of the magnet in the distribution because upper magnet and lower magnet is symmetric theoretically. The cryogenic pipe line was manufactured with elevation about 10 m between upper magnet and lower magnet. The inlet and outlet helium feed-through were installed at the coil inside in case of KSTAR PF1–PF5 upper magnet and lower magnet. The flow imbalance is caused by void fraction and it could be changed due to manufacturing process even if it has the same length of cooling channel. This creates an imbalance among cooling channels and temperatures are

Epoxidation of soybean oil with [MoO{sub 2}(acac){sub 2}]/TBHP Catalytic system in [bmim][PF{sub 6}]; Epoxidacao do oleo de soja com o sistema catalitico [MoO{sub 2}(acac){sub 2}]/TBHP em [bmim][PF{sub 6}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Farias, Maritana [Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia Sul-rio-grandense, Pelotas, RS (Brazil); Martinelli, Marcia, E-mail: maritana@pelotas.ifsul.edu.br [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica. Dept. de Quimica Inorganica

2012-07-01

Epoxidation of soybean oil was investigated using 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [bmim][PF{sub 6}] ionic liquid as biphasic medium with molybdenum(VI) acetylacetonate complex and tert-butyl hydroperoxide TBHP as oxidizing agent. Reaction conditions were molar ratio TBHP:number of double bonds of oil:catalyst of 100:100:1, reaction temperature of 60 deg C and reaction time between 2 and 24 h. The proposed system showed catalytic activity for epoxidation reactions under tested conditions. Reuse of ionic liquid/catalyst system for epoxidation reactions was also investigated. Evaluation of epoxidation observed in this catalytic system was done by quantitative {sup 1}H NMR data. (author)

Status and performance of PF injector linac

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, Isamu

1994-01-01

PF injector linac has been improved on a buncher section for accelerating of intense electron beam, and reinforced a focusing system of the positron generator linac for the expansion of phase space. In this presentation, I shall report present status and performance of PF injector linac, and discuss its upgrade program for B-factory project. (author)

Accuracy of PfHRP2 versus Pf-pLDH antigen detection by malaria rapid diagnostic tests in hospitalized children in a seasonal hyperendemic malaria transmission area in Burkina Faso

OpenAIRE

Maltha, Jessica; Guiraud, Issa; Lompo, Palpouguini; Kaboré, Bérenger; Gillet, Philippe; Van Geet, Chris; Tinto, Halidou; Jacobs, Jan

2014-01-01

Background In most sub-Saharan African countries malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are now used for the diagnosis of malaria. Most RDTs used detect Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2), though P. falciparum-specific parasite lactate dehydrogenase (Pf-pLDH)-detecting RDTs may have advantages over PfHRP2-detecting RDTs. Only few data are available on the use of RDTs in severe illness and the present study compared Pf-pLDH to PfHRP2-detection. Methods Hospitalized children...

Structural, (197)Au Mössbauer and solid state (31)P CP/MAS NMR studies on bis (cis-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene) gold(I) complexes [Au(dppey)(2)]X for X = PF(6), I.

Science.gov (United States)

Healy, Peter C; Loughrey, Bradley T; Bowmaker, Graham A; Hanna, John V

2008-07-28

(197)Au Mössbauer spectra for the d(10) gold(i) phosphine complexes, [Au(dppey)(2)]X (X = PF(6), I; dppey = (cis-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene), and the single crystal X-ray structure and solid state (31)P CPMAS NMR spectrum of [Au(dppey)(2)]I are reported here. In [Au(dppey)(2)]I the AuP(4) coordination geometry is distorted from the approximately D(2) symmetry observed for the PF(6)(-) complex with Au-P bond lengths 2.380(2)-2.426(2) A and inter-ligand P-Au-P angles 110.63(5)-137.71(8) degrees . Quadrupole splitting parameters derived from the Mössbauer spectra are consistent with the increased distortion of the AuP(4) coordination sphere with values of 1.22 and 1.46 mm s(-1) for the PF(6)(-) and I(-) complexes respectively. In the solid state (31)P CP MAS NMR spectrum of [Au(dppey)(2)]I, signals for each of the four crystallographically independent phosphorus nuclei are observed, with the magnitude of the (197)Au quadrupole coupling being sufficiently large to produce a collapse of (1)J(Au-P) splitting from quartets to doublets. The results highlight the important role played by the counter anion in the determination of the structural and spectroscopic properties of these sterically crowded d(10) complexes.

KT-2 poloidal-field(PF) system design

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, Jang Min; Hong, Bong Keun; Hwang, Chul Kyu; Song, Woo Sub; Kim, Sung Kyu; Lee, Kwang Won [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Taejon (Korea, Republic of)

1995-12-01

KT-2 poloidal-field (PF) system design is described. The PF coil system is designed for both up-down symmetric double-null (DN) and up-down asymmetric single-null (SN) configurations. Three sets of `design-basis` scenarios, which describe the ohmic heating (OH), the 5MW and the high bootstrap (HIBS) baseline modes, are represented. In these cases, the power and energy required from external power supplies are calculated. 8 tabs., 54 figs., 14 refs. (Author).

Targeting colorectal cancer cells by a novel sphingosine kinase 1 inhibitor PF-543

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ju, TongFa; Gao, DaQuan; Fang, Zheng-yu

2016-01-01

In this study, we showed that PF-543, a novel sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibitor, exerted potent anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects against a panel of established (HCT-116, HT-29 and DLD-1) and primary human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Its sensitivity was negatively associated with SphK1 expression level in the CRC cells. Surprisingly, PF-543 mainly induced programmed necrosis, but not apoptosis, in the CRC cells. CRC cell necrotic death was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse and mitochondrial P53-cyclophilin-D (Cyp-D) complexation. Correspondingly, the necrosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 largely attenuated PF-543-induced cytotoxicity against CRC cells. Meanwhile, the Cyp-D inhibitors (sanglifehrin A and cyclosporin A), or shRNA-mediated knockdown of Cyp-D, remarkably alleviated PF-543-induced CRC cell necrotic death. Reversely, over-expression of wild-type Cyp-D in HCT-116 cells significantly increased PF-543's sensitivity. In vivo, PF-543 intravenous injection significantly suppressed HCT-116 xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, whiling remarkably improving the mice survival. The in vivo activity by PF-543 was largely attenuated when combined with the Cyp-D inhibitor cyclosporin A. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PF-543 exerts potent anti-CRC activity in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial programmed necrosis pathway is likely the key mechanism responsible for PF-543's actions in CRC cells. - Highlights: • PF-543 is anti-proliferative and cytotoxic to established and primary CRC cells. • PF-543 induces programmed necrosis, but not apoptosis, in CRC cells. • Modulation of mitochondrial protein cyclophilin-D alters PF-543's sensitivity. • PF-543 inhibits HCT-116 xenograft growth in SCID mice, improving mice survival. • Co-administration of cyclophilin-D inhibitor CsA inhibits PF-543's activity in vivo.

Targeting colorectal cancer cells by a novel sphingosine kinase 1 inhibitor PF-543

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ju, TongFa [Department of Anal-colorectal Surgery, HangZhou First People' s Hospital, HangZhou (China); Gao, DaQuan [Hematological Department, HangZhou First People' s Hospital, HangZhou (China); Fang, Zheng-yu, E-mail: fangzhengyu158@sina.com [Department of Anal-colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou (China)

2016-02-12

In this study, we showed that PF-543, a novel sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) inhibitor, exerted potent anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects against a panel of established (HCT-116, HT-29 and DLD-1) and primary human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Its sensitivity was negatively associated with SphK1 expression level in the CRC cells. Surprisingly, PF-543 mainly induced programmed necrosis, but not apoptosis, in the CRC cells. CRC cell necrotic death was detected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse and mitochondrial P53-cyclophilin-D (Cyp-D) complexation. Correspondingly, the necrosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 largely attenuated PF-543-induced cytotoxicity against CRC cells. Meanwhile, the Cyp-D inhibitors (sanglifehrin A and cyclosporin A), or shRNA-mediated knockdown of Cyp-D, remarkably alleviated PF-543-induced CRC cell necrotic death. Reversely, over-expression of wild-type Cyp-D in HCT-116 cells significantly increased PF-543's sensitivity. In vivo, PF-543 intravenous injection significantly suppressed HCT-116 xenograft growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, whiling remarkably improving the mice survival. The in vivo activity by PF-543 was largely attenuated when combined with the Cyp-D inhibitor cyclosporin A. Collectively, our results demonstrate that PF-543 exerts potent anti-CRC activity in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial programmed necrosis pathway is likely the key mechanism responsible for PF-543's actions in CRC cells. - Highlights: • PF-543 is anti-proliferative and cytotoxic to established and primary CRC cells. • PF-543 induces programmed necrosis, but not apoptosis, in CRC cells. • Modulation of mitochondrial protein cyclophilin-D alters PF-543's sensitivity. • PF-543 inhibits HCT-116 xenograft growth in SCID mice, improving mice survival. • Co-administration of cyclophilin-D inhibitor CsA inhibits PF-543's activity in vivo.

PF-03882845, a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, prevents renal injury with reduced risk of hyperkalemia in an animal model of nephropathy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stephen eOrena

2013-10-01

Full Text Available The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR antagonists PF 03882845 and eplerenone were evaluated for renal protection against aldosterone mediated renal disease in uninephrectomized Sprague Dawley (SD rats maintained on a high salt diet and receiving aldosterone by osmotic mini pump for 27 days. Serum K+ and the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR were assessed following 14 and 27 days of treatment. Aldosterone induced renal fibrosis as evidenced by increases in UACR, collagen IV staining in kidney cortex, and expression of pro fibrotic genes relative to sham operated controls not receiving aldosterone. While both PF 03882845 and eplerenone elevated serum K+ levels with similar potencies, PF 03882845 was more potent than eplerenone in suppressing the rise in UACR. PF 03882845 prevented the increase in collagen IV staining at 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg BID while eplerenone was effective only at the highest dose tested (450 mg/kg BID. All doses of PF 03882845 suppressed aldosterone induced increases in collagen IV, transforming growth factor 1 (Tgf 1, interleukin 6 (Il-6, intermolecular adhesion molecule 1 (Icam-1 and osteopontin gene expression in kidney while eplerenone was only effective at the highest dose. The therapeutic index (TI, calculated as the ratio of the EC50 for increasing serum K+ to the EC50 for UACR lowering, was 83.8 for PF 03882845 and 1.47 for eplerenone. Thus the TI of PF 03882845 against hyperkalemia was 57 fold superior to that of eplerenone indicating that PF 03882845 may present significantly less risk for hyperkalemia compared to eplerenone.

PF2fit: Polar Fast Fourier Matched Alignment of Atomistic Structures with 3D Electron Microscopy Maps.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Radhakrishna Bettadapura

2015-10-01

Full Text Available There continue to be increasing occurrences of both atomistic structure models in the PDB (possibly reconstructed from X-ray diffraction or NMR data, and 3D reconstructed cryo-electron microscopy (3D EM maps (albeit at coarser resolution of the same or homologous molecule or molecular assembly, deposited in the EMDB. To obtain the best possible structural model of the molecule at the best achievable resolution, and without any missing gaps, one typically aligns (match and fits the atomistic structure model with the 3D EM map. We discuss a new algorithm and generalized framework, named PF(2 fit (Polar Fast Fourier Fitting for the best possible structural alignment of atomistic structures with 3D EM. While PF(2 fit enables only a rigid, six dimensional (6D alignment method, it augments prior work on 6D X-ray structure and 3D EM alignment in multiple ways: Scoring. PF(2 fit includes a new scoring scheme that, in addition to rewarding overlaps between the volumes occupied by the atomistic structure and 3D EM map, rewards overlaps between the volumes complementary to them. We quantitatively demonstrate how this new complementary scoring scheme improves upon existing approaches. PF(2 fit also includes two scoring functions, the non-uniform exterior penalty and the skeleton-secondary structure score, and implements the scattering potential score as an alternative to traditional Gaussian blurring. Search. PF(2 fit utilizes a fast polar Fourier search scheme, whose main advantage is the ability to search over uniformly and adaptively sampled subsets of the space of rigid-body motions. PF(2 fit also implements a new reranking search and scoring methodology that considerably improves alignment metrics in results obtained from the initial search.

Effects of Propylene Carbonate Content in CsPF ₆ -Containing Electrolytes on the Enhanced Performances of Graphite Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo; Xiang, Hongfa [School of; Engelhard, Mark H.; Polzin, Bryant J. [Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States; Wang, Chongmin; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Xu, Wu

2016-02-15

The effects Of propylene carbonate (PC) content in CsPF6-containing electrolytes on the performances of graphite electrode in lithium half cells and in graphite parallel to LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) full cells are investigated. It is found that the performance of graphite electrode is significantly-affected by PC content in the CsPF6-containing electrolytes. An optimal PC content of 20% by weight in the solvent mixtures is identified. The enhanced electrochemical performance of graphite electrode can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the PC solvent and the Cs+ additive. The synergistic effects of Cs+ additive and appropriate amount of PC enable the formation of a robust, ultrathin, and compact solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of graphite electrode, which is only permeable for desolvated Li+ ions and allows fast Li+ ion transport through it. Therefore, this SEI layer effectively suppresses the PC cointercalation and largely alleviates the Li dendrite formation on graphite electrode during lithiation even at relatively high current densities. The presence of low-melting-point PC solvent improves the sustainable operation of graphite parallel to NCA full cells under a wide temperature range. The fundamental findings also shed light On the importance of manipulating/maintaining the electrode/electrolyte interphasial stability in various energy-storage devices.

TRAC-PF1/MOD1 computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liles, D.R.; Mahaffy, J.H.

1983-01-01

TRAC-PF1 was designed to improve the ability of TRAC-PD2 to handle small-break LOCAs and other transients. TRAC-PF1 has all of the major improvements of TRAC-PD2 but, in addition, uses a full two-fluid model with two-step numerics in the one-dimensional components. The two-fluid model, in conjunction with a stratified-flow regime, handles countercurrent flow better than the drift-flux model previously used. The two-step numerics allow large time steps to be taken for slow transients. TRAC-PF1/MOD1 was designed to provide full balance-of-plant modeling capabilities. This required addition of a general capability for modeling plant control systems. The steam generator model was replaced to allow a wider variety of feedwater connections and better modeling of steam tube ruptures. A special turbine component also has been added, but new components were not required for adequate modeling of condensors, heaters, and pumps in the secondary system

Systematic study of spin crossover and structure in [Co(terpyRX)2](Y)2 systems (terpyRX = 4'-alkoxy-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, X = 4, 8, 12, Y = BF4(-), ClO4(-), PF6(-), BPh4(-))

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Pia; Nielsen, Hans Toftlund; Bond, Andrew

2009-01-01

A family of spin crossover cobalt(II) complexes of the type [Co(terpyRX)(2)](Y)(2) x nH(2)O (X = 4, 8, 12 and Y = BF(4)(-), ClO(4)(-), PF(6)(-), BPh(4)(-)) has been synthesized, whereby the alkyl chain length, RX, and counteranion, Y, have been systematically varied. The structural (single crystal...

PROMIS PF CAT Outperforms the ODI and SF-36 Physical Function Domain in Spine Patients.

Science.gov (United States)

Brodke, Darrel S; Goz, Vadim; Voss, Maren W; Lawrence, Brandon D; Spiker, William Ryan; Hung, Man

2017-06-15

The Oswestry Disability Index v2.0 (ODI), SF36 Physical Function Domain (SF-36 PFD), and PROMIS Physical Function CAT v1.2 (PF CAT) questionnaires were prospectively collected from 1607 patients complaining of back or leg pain, visiting a university-based spine clinic. All questionnaires were collected electronically, using a tablet computer. The aim of this study was to compare the psychometric properties of the PROMIS PF CAT with the ODI and SF36 Physical Function Domain in the same patient population. Evidence-based decision-making is improved by using high-quality patient-reported outcomes measures. Prior studies have revealed the shortcomings of the ODI and SF36, commonly used in spine patients. The PROMIS Network has developed measures with excellent psychometric properties. The Physical Function domain, delivered by Computerized Adaptive Testing (PF CAT), performs well in the spine patient population, though to-date direct comparisons with common measures have not been performed. Standard Rasch analysis was performed to directly compare the psychometrics of the PF CAT, ODI, and SF36 PFD. Spearman correlations were computed to examine the correlations of the three instruments. Time required for administration was also recorded. One thousand six hundred seven patients were administered all assessments. The time required to answer all items in the PF CAT, ODI, and SF-36 PFD was 44, 169, and 99 seconds. The ceiling and floor effects were excellent for the PF CAT (0.81%, 3.86%), while the ceiling effects were marginal and floor effects quite poor for the ODI (6.91% and 44.24%) and SF-36 PFD (5.97% and 23.65%). All instruments significantly correlated with each other. The PROMIS PF CAT outperforms the ODI and SF-36 PFD in the spine patient population and is highly correlated. It has better coverage, while taking less time to administer with fewer questions to answer. 2.

Daya Tahan Hidup Pseudomonas putida Strain Pf-20 dalam Beberapa Macam Inokulum

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yenny Wuryandari

2004-07-01

Full Text Available For any crop-protection agent, an efficient formulation is a necessity to translate laboratory activity into adequate field performance. There are particular challenges to be faced in formulation of biological control agents, because the active ingredient is a living organism that must be kept relatively immobile and inactive while in storage, but quickly resume its  normal metabolic processes once applied to the target site. The objective of the research was  to study survival of Pseudomonas putida strain Pf-20 in various formulations at the storage  time and germination. The twelve formulations include carriers, additives and concentration  of Pf-20. The efficacy of various formulation in maintaining the population of Pf-20 in storage was assessed. The research result showed that population of Pf 20  in the formulation  number seven was the highest, with the combination peat+talc, CMC+arginin and  concentration of Pf[20 10^10 CFU/ml. In peat+talc, CMC+arginin, Pf-20 10^10  CFU/ml based formulation the bacteria survived even up to 84 days of storage although the population declined. In all formulations, population of Pf-20 increased at the time of seed germination. At the time of seed germination, formulation number seven was the highest too.

Effects of Propylene Carbonate Content in CsPF6-Containing Electrolytes on the Enhanced Performances of Graphite Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo; Xiang, Hongfa; Engelhard, Mark H.; Polzin, Bryant; Wang, Chong M.; Zhang, Jiguang; Xu, Wu

2016-02-10

Cesium salt has been demonstrated as an efficient electrolyte additive in suppressing the lithium (Li) dendrite formation and directing the formation of an ultrathin and stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) even in propylene carbonate (PC)-ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes. Here, we further investigate the effect of PC content in the presence of CsPF6 additive (0.05 M) on the performances of graphite electrode in Li||graphite half cells and in graphite||LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) full cells. It is found that the performance of graphite electrode is also affected by PC content even though CsPF6 additive is present in the electrolytes. An optimal PC content of 20% by weight in the solvent mixtures is identified. The enhanced electrochemical performance of graphite electrode is attributed to the synergistic effects of the Cs+ additive and the PC solvent. The formation of a robust, ultrathin and compact SEI layer containing lithium-enriched species on the graphite electrode, directed by Cs+, effectively suppresses the PC co-intercalation and thus prevents the graphite exfoliation. This SEI layer is only permeable for de-solvated Li+ ions and allows fast Li+ ion transport through it, which therefore largely alleviates the Li dendrite formation on graphite electrode during lithiation even at high current densities. The presence of low-melting-point PC solvent also enables the sustainable operation of the graphite||NCA full cells under a wide spectrum of temperatures. The fundamental findings of this work shed light on the importance of manipulating/maintaining the electrode/electrolyte interphasial stability in a variety of energy storage devices.

TPX: Contractor preliminary design review. Volume 2, PF systems engineering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Calvin, H.A. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)

1995-07-28

This system development specification covers the Poloidal Field (PF) Magnet System, WBS 14 in the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory TPX Program to build a tokamak fusion reactor. This specification establishes the performance, design, development and test requirements of the PF Magnet System.

TPX: Contractor preliminary design review. Volume 2, PF systems engineering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calvin, H.A.

1995-01-01

This system development specification covers the Poloidal Field (PF) Magnet System, WBS 14 in the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory TPX Program to build a tokamak fusion reactor. This specification establishes the performance, design, development and test requirements of the PF Magnet System

Pregnancy-associated purpura fulminans (PF Púrpura fulminans asociada al embarazo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gisela de la Rosa Echavez

2005-03-01

Full Text Available

PF is a serious cutaneous purpuric disease, associated with an intravascular disseminated coagulation syndrome. Among its known causes, besides those of thrombophilia, are viral and bacterial infections, mostly Neisseria meningitidis. During pregnancy there are alterations in the hemostatic mechanism. However, by themselves, they have not been shown to lead to PF. The case of a 22-year-old woman who developed PF during pregnancy, presumably due to her Escherichia coli urinary tract infection, is presented including clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and surgical aspects. She recovered but suffered amputation of the distant phalanges of three toes in the left foot 

PF 9601N [N-(2-propynyl)-2-(5-benzyloxy-indolyl) methylamine], a new MAO-B inhibitor, attenuates MPTP-induced depletion of striatal dopamine levels in C57/BL6 mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Perez, Virgili; Unzeta, Mercedes

2003-02-01

Monoamine oxidase isoform B (MAO-B) is involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxin (MPTP) in human and non-human-primate. MAO-B inhibitors, such as L-deprenyl have shown to prevent against MPTP-toxicity in different species, and it has been used in Parkinson therapy, however, the fact that it is metabolized to (-)-methamphetamine and (-)-amphetamine highlights the need to find out new MAO-B inhibitors without a structural amphetaminic moiety. In this context we herein report, for the first time, anywhere a novel non-amphetamine-like MAO-B inhibitor, PF 9601N, N-(2-propynyl)-2-(5-benzyloxy-indolyl) methylamine. This attenuates the MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletion in young-adult and adult-old C57/BL mice, using different schedules of administration, and which behave "ex vivo" as a slightly more potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor than L-deprenyl, assayed for comparative purposes in the same experimental conditions. The MAO-B ID(50) values were calculated from the total MAO-B activity measured against [14C] phenylethylamine (22 microM) as substrate, at each inhibitor concentration. The MAO-B ID(50) values resulted to be 381 and 577 nmol/kg for PF 9601N and L-deprenyl, respectively. The intraperitoneally (i.p.) co-administration to young-adult C57/BL6 mice of MPTP (30 mg/kg), with different concentrations of PF 9601N or L-deprenyl (29.5-0.357 micromol/kg) showed a dose-dependent protective effect against striatal dopamine depletion, measuring the dopamine contents and its metabolites by HPLC. The ED(50) value proved to be 3.07 micromol/kg without any significant differences between either MAO-B inhibitor. Nevertheless, lower doses of PF 9601N (1.5 micromol/kg) were necessary to get almost total protection, without any change in the DOPAC and HVA content, when administered 2 h before MPTP (30 mg/kg), whereas partial protection (45%) against dopamine depletion was observed in the case of L-deprenyl. In

Scanning tunneling microscopy/scanning tunneling spectroscopy of the organic superconductors (TNTSF)2-PF6 and (TMTSF)2-ClO4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fainchtein, R.; Murphy, J.C.

1991-01-01

This paper reports on direct observations of the organic superconductors (tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene) (TMTSF) 2 -PF 6 and (TMTSF) 2 -ClO 4 made in air at room temperature. The samples consisted of single crystals electrochemically grown. Images revealing the molecular structural arrangement along different crystallographic orientations will be presented as well as spectroscopic data related to the electronic density of states. The images reveal a structure made up of flat molecules that stack on top of one another to form columns and are responsible for the quasi-one-dimensional nature of the electrical conductivity. Although both materials have similar crystal structure the differences in the symmetry and orientation of the counter anions are not resolved. Tunneling spectroscopy data at room temperature shows no apparent difference in the electronic density of states of both materials

Current distribution between petals in PF-FSJS sample

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zani, L.

2003-01-01

6 Rogowski coils have been installed on each leg of each of the 12 petals in the PF-FSJS sample (poloidal field - full size joint sample) in order to diagnostic current. It appears that Rogowski signal seem reliable for current distribution analysis (Ampere's law is checked and reproducibility is assured) but there is some limitations for qualitative diagnostics. In the series of transparencies results are detailed for the PU1 position, for both leg and right legs and for various unique-angle shift (Δθ) configurations but only results for 0 < Δθ < -5 are consistent

Ferric-Pyoverdine Recognition by Fpv Outer Membrane Proteins of Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

Hartney, Sierra L.; Mazurier, Sylvie; Girard, Maëva K.; Mehnaz, Samina; Davis, Edward W.; Gross, Harald; Lemanceau, Philippe

2013-01-01

The soil bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 (previously called P. fluorescens Pf-5) produces two siderophores, enantio-pyochelin and a compound in the large and diverse pyoverdine family. Using high-resolution mass spectroscopy, we determined the structure of the pyoverdine produced by Pf-5. In addition to producing its own siderophores, Pf-5 also utilizes ferric complexes of some pyoverdines produced by other strains of Pseudomonas spp. as sources of iron. Previously, phylogenetic analysis of the 45 TonB-dependent outer membrane proteins in Pf-5 indicated that six are in a well-supported clade with ferric-pyoverdine receptors (Fpvs) from other Pseudomonas spp. We used a combination of phylogenetics, bioinformatics, mutagenesis, pyoverdine structural determinations, and cross-feeding bioassays to assign specific ferric-pyoverdine substrates to each of the six Fpvs of Pf-5. We identified at least one ferric-pyoverdine that was taken up by each of the six Fpvs of Pf-5. Functional redundancy of the Pf-5 Fpvs was also apparent, with some ferric-pyoverdines taken up by all mutants with a single Fpv deletion but not by a mutant having deletions in two of the Fpv-encoding genes. Finally, we demonstrated that phylogenetically related Fpvs take up ferric complexes of structurally related pyoverdines, thereby establishing structure-function relationships that can be employed in the future to predict the pyoverdine substrates of Fpvs in other Pseudomonas spp. PMID:23222724

Paracheck-PF ® test Versus Microscopy in the Diagnosis of ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Background: Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Rapid diagnostic tests such as Paracheck Pf are the major tools for falciparum malaria diagnosis as an alternative to microscopy in peripheral health facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Paracheck Pf ...

Activation of Liver AMPK with PF-06409577 Corrects NAFLD and Lowers Cholesterol in Rodent and Primate Preclinical Models.

Science.gov (United States)

Esquejo, Ryan M; Salatto, Christopher T; Delmore, Jake; Albuquerque, Bina; Reyes, Allan; Shi, Yuji; Moccia, Rob; Cokorinos, Emily; Peloquin, Matthew; Monetti, Mara; Barricklow, Jason; Bollinger, Eliza; Smith, Brennan K; Day, Emily A; Nguyen, Chuong; Geoghegan, Kieran F; Kreeger, John M; Opsahl, Alan; Ward, Jessica; Kalgutkar, Amit S; Tess, David; Butler, Lynne; Shirai, Norimitsu; Osborne, Timothy F; Steinberg, Gregory R; Birnbaum, Morris J; Cameron, Kimberly O; Miller, Russell A

2018-04-08

Dysregulation of hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism is a significant contributor to cardiometabolic health, resulting in excessive liver lipid accumulation and ultimately non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therapeutic activators of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) have been proposed as a treatment for metabolic diseases; we show that the AMPK β1-biased activator PF-06409577 is capable of lowering hepatic and systemic lipid and cholesterol levels in both rodent and monkey preclinical models. PF-06409577 is able to inhibit de novo lipid and cholesterol synthesis pathways, and causes a reduction in hepatic lipids and mRNA expression of markers of hepatic fibrosis. These effects require AMPK activity in the hepatocytes. Treatment of hyperlipidemic rats or cynomolgus monkeys with PF-06409577 for 6weeks resulted in a reduction in circulating cholesterol. Together these data suggest that activation of AMPK β1 complexes with PF-06409577 is capable of impacting multiple facets of liver disease and represents a promising strategy for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH in humans. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and characterization of biomorphic ceramics; Sintese e caracterizacao de ceramicas biomorficas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rambo, Carlos Renato

2001-07-01

Biotemplating represents a recently developed technology for manufacturing of biomorphous ceramics from naturally grown plant structures. This approach allows the production of ceramic materials with cellular structure, where the microstructural features of the ceramic product are similar to the native plant. After processing, the biomorphic ceramic exhibits directed pore morphology in the micrometer range. Biomorphic SiC fibers were produced from bamboo by carbothermal reduction of SiO{sub 2} originally present in the bamboo structure. Bamboo pieces were heated up to 1500 deg C in argon to promote the reaction between carbon and silica. Biomorphic alumina, mullite and zirconia ceramics were manufactured via the sol-gel route by repeated infiltration of low viscous oxide precursors (sols) into rattan, pine and bamboo structures. The raw samples were pyrolyzed at 800 deg C in nitrogen for 1h and subsequently annealed at 1550 deg C in air. The microstructure and physical properties of the biomorphic ceramics were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high temperature-XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosimetry and picnometry. Thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) was performed on the infiltrated samples in order to evaluate the reactions and the total weight loss during the thermal process. The mechanical properties were evaluated by compressive strength tests. In contrast to conventional processed ceramic foam of similar porosity, the microstructure highly porous biomorphic ceramics shows uniaxial pore morphology with anisotropic properties. These properties are favorable for applications in catalyst support, filters or low-density heat insulation structures, or as biomaterials. (author)

Autotaxin inhibition with PF8380 enhances the radiosensitivity of human and murine glioblastoma cell lines

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Sandeep R Bhave

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM is an aggressive primary brain tumor that is radio-resistant and recurs despite aggressive surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. Autotaxin (ATX is over expressed in various cancers including GBM and is implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and angiogenesis. Using the ATX specific inhibitor, PF-8380, we studied ATX as a potential target to enhance radiosensitivity in GBM.Methods and Materials: Mouse GL-261 and Human U87MG cells were used as GBM cell models. Clonogenic survival assays and tumor transwell invasion assays were performed using PF-8380 to evaluate role of ATX in survival and invasion. Radiation dependent activation of Akt was analyzed by immunoblotting. Tumor induced angiogenesis was studied using the dorsal skin-fold model in Gl-261. Heterotopic mouse GL-261 tumors were used to evaluate the efficacy of PF-8380 as a radiosensitizer.Results: Pretreatment of GL-261 and U87-MG cells with 1µM PF-8380 followed by 4Gy irradiation resulted in decreased clonogenic survival, decreased migration (33% in GL-261;P = 0.002 and 17.9% in U87; P = 0.012 decreased invasion (35.6% in GL-261; P = 0.0037 and 31.8% in U87; P = 0.002, and attenuated radiation induced Akt phosphorylation. In the tumor window model inhibition of ATX abrogated radiation-induced tumor neovascularization (65%; P=0.011. In a heterotopic mouse GL-261 tumors untreated mice took 11.2 days to reach a tumor volume of 7000 mm3 , however combination of PF-8380 (10mg/kg with irradiation (5 fractions of 2Gy took more than 32 days to reach a tumor volume of 7000 mm3 .Conclusion: Inhibition of ATX by PF8380 led to decreased invasion and enhanced radiosensitization of glioma cells. Radiation induced activation of Akt was abrogated by inhibition of ATX. Furthermore, inhibition of ATX led to diminished tumor vascularity and delayed tumor growth. These results suggest that inhibition of ATX may ameliorate glioblastoma response to radiotherapy.

Plasmodium falciparum Hep1 Is Required to Prevent the Self Aggregation of PfHsp70-3.

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David O Nyakundi

Full Text Available The majority of mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus and need to be imported from the cytosol into the mitochondria, and molecular chaperones play a key role in the efficient translocation and proper folding of these proteins in the matrix. One such molecular chaperone is the eukaryotic mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70; however, it is prone to self-aggregation and requires the presence of an essential zinc-finger protein, Hsp70-escort protein 1 (Hep1, to maintain its structure and function. PfHsp70-3, the only Hsp70 predicted to localize in the mitochondria of P. falciparum, may also rely on a Hep1 orthologue to prevent self-aggregation. In this study, we identified a putative Hep1 orthologue in P. falciparum and co-expression of PfHsp70-3 and PfHep1 enhanced the solubility of PfHsp70-3. PfHep1 suppressed the thermally induced aggregation of PfHsp70-3 but not the aggregation of malate dehydrogenase or citrate synthase, thus showing specificity for PfHsp70-3. Zinc ions were indeed essential for maintaining the function of PfHep1, as EDTA chelation abrogated its abilities to suppress the aggregation of PfHsp70-3. Soluble and functional PfHsp70-3, acquired by co-expression with PfHep-1, will facilitate the biochemical characterisation of this particular Hsp70 protein and its evaluation as a drug target for the treatment of malaria.

Anisotropic p-f mixing mechanism explaining anomalous magnetic properties in Ce monopnictides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, H.; Kasuya, T.

1985-01-01

The crystal-field splittings in CeP, PrP and NdP are calculated by considering the point-charge Coulomb interaction, the intra-atomic d-f Coulomb interaction, and the p-f and d-f mixings. The p-f mixing mechanisms, not only between the occupied 4f states and the conduction bands, but also between the unoccupied 4f states and the valence bands make an important contribution to the crystal-field splitting. The fact that the crystal-field potential in CeP is smaller than those in PrP and NdP is due to the occupied 4f level in CeP being shallower. The values of the Slater-Koster integrals, (pfσ) and (pfπ), are determined uniquely from the crystal-field fitting for PrP and NdP. (author)

MHD equilibrium methods for ITER [International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor] PF [poloidal field] coil design and systems analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strickler, D.J.; Galambos, J.D.; Peng, Y.K.M.

1989-03-01

Two versions of the Fusion Engineering Design Center (FEDC) free-boundary equilibrium code designed to computer the poloidal field (PF) coil current distribution of elongated, magnetically limited tokamak plasmas are demonstrated and applied to the systems analysis of the impact of plasma elongation on the design point of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). These notes were presented at the ITER Specialists' Meeting on the PF Coil System and Operational Scenario, held at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching, Federal Republic of Germany, May 24--27, 1988. 8 refs., 6 figs., 4 tabs

Properties of Sago Particleboards Resinated with UF and PF Resin

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Chen Chiang Tay

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The sago processing industry in Mukah, Sarawak, had generated huge amount of sago waste after the milling process and scientists have employed the waste into composite material. In this work, sago residues were mixed with the Phenol Formaldehyde (PF and Urea Formaldehyde (UF for particleboard fabrication. The fabrication and testing methods are based on JIS A 5908 Standard. A single layer particleboard using sago particles was fabricated at targeted density of 600 kg/m3. Particles with weight fractions of 90%, 85%, and 80% with two different matrices were used in the fabrication. The results demonstrated that the samples with different weight fraction and matrix have great influence on the mechanical properties such as MOR, MOE, Young’s Modulus, tensile strength, impact strength, screw test, and internal bonding. The sago UF/PF particleboard only displays single stage decomposition. All the panels underwent physical tests which are water absorption and thickness swelling. The combination of sago particles with UF/PF can be utilized for general indoor application purposes such as furniture manufacturing. Sago particleboard made by UF/PF provided the advantages like optimized performance, minimized weight and volume, cost effectiveness, chemical resistance, and resistance to biodegradation.

Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) isoforms PH1 and PH2 perturb vacuolar physiology.

Science.gov (United States)

Callaghan, Paul S; Siriwardana, Amila; Hassett, Matthew R; Roepe, Paul D

2016-03-31

Recent work has perfected yeast-based methods for measuring drug transport by the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine (CQ) resistance transporter (PfCRT). The approach relies on inducible heterologous expression of PfCRT in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. In these experiments selecting drug concentrations are not toxic to the yeast, nor is expression of PfCRT alone toxic. Only when PfCRT is expressed in the presence of CQ is the growth of yeast impaired, due to inward transport of chloroquine (CQ) via the transporter. During analysis of all 53 known naturally occurring PfCRT isoforms, two isoforms (PH1 and PH2 PfCRT) were found to be intrinsically toxic to yeast, even in the absence of CQ. Additional analysis of six very recently identified PfCRT isoforms from Malaysia also showed some toxicity. In this paper the nature of this yeast toxicity is examined. Data also show that PH1 and PH2 isoforms of PfCRT transport CQ with an efficiency intermediate to that catalyzed by previously studied CQR conferring isoforms. Mutation of PfCRT at position 160 is found to perturb vacuolar physiology, suggesting a fitness cost to position 160 amino acid substitutions. These data further define the wide range of activities that exist for PfCRT isoforms found in P. falciparum isolates from around the globe.

PF4-HIT antibody (KKO) complexes activate broad innate immune and inflammatory responses.

Science.gov (United States)

Haile, Lydia A; Rao, Roshni; Polumuri, Swamy K; Arepally, Gowthami M; Keire, David A; Verthelyi, Daniela; Sommers, Cynthia D

2017-11-01

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated complication of heparin anticoagulation therapy resulting in thrombocytopenia frequently accompanied by thrombosis. Current evidence suggests that HIT is associated with antibodies developed in response to multi-molecular complexes formed by platelet factor 4 (PF4) bound to heparin or cell surface glycosaminoglycans. These antibody complexes activate platelets and monocytes typically through FcγRIIA receptors increasing the production of PF4, inflammatory mediators, tissue factor and thrombin. The influence of underlying events in HIT including complex-induced pro-inflammatory cell activation and structural determinants leading to local inflammatory responses are not fully understood. The stoichiometry and complex component requirements were determined by incubating fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with different concentrations of unfractionated heparin (H), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), PF4- and anti-PF4-H complex antibodies (KKO). Cytokine mRNA or protein were measured by qRT-PCR or Meso Scale Discovery technology, respectively. Gene expression profile analysis for 594 genes was performed using Nanostring technology and analyzed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. The data show that antibodies magnify immune responses induced in PBMCs by PF4 alone or in complex with heparin or LMWH. We propose that following induction of HIT antibodies by heparin-PF4 complexes, binding of the antibodies to PF4 is sufficient to induce a local pro-inflammatory response which may play a role in the progression of HIT. In vitro assays using PBMCs may be useful in characterizing local inflammatory and innate immune responses induced by HIT antibodies in the presence of PF4 and different sources of heparins. The findings and conclusions in this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and are not being formally disseminated by the Food and Drug Administration. Thus, they should not be

The light-induced spin transition of tetranuclear spin crossover complex [Fe4(CN)4(bpy)4(tpa)2](PF6)4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishihara, T; Tanaka, K; Nihei, M; Oshio, H

2009-01-01

We report on the light induced spin transition in the tetranuclear spin crossover complex [Fe 4 (CN) 4 (bpy) 4 (tpa) 2 ](PF 6 ) 4 . The photo-conversion occurs at the specific site (Fe2) of four Fe II ions. The red light irradiation (1.79 eV) gives rise to full conversion of Fe2 into the high spin state from the low spin state. The green light irradiation (2.33 eV) can convert only the half of Fe2 into the high spin state, though the photo-conversion rate in the beginning is much higher than that with the red light. We present a simple model in which the photo-conversion kinetics is controlled by a large background absorption due to remaining three Fe II ions (Fe1, Fe3 and Fe4).

Iron is a substrate of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter PfCRT in Xenopus oocytes.

Science.gov (United States)

Bakouh, Naziha; Bellanca, Sebastiano; Nyboer, Britta; Moliner Cubel, Sonia; Karim, Zoubida; Sanchez, Cecilia P; Stein, Wilfred D; Planelles, Gabrielle; Lanzer, Michael

2017-09-29

The chloroquine resistance transporter of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum , PfCRT, is an important determinant of resistance to several quinoline and quinoline-like antimalarial drugs. PfCRT also plays an essential role in the physiology of the parasite during development inside erythrocytes. However, the function of this transporter besides its role in drug resistance is still unclear. Using electrophysiological and flux experiments conducted on PfCRT-expressing Xenopus laevis oocytes, we show here that both wild-type PfCRT and a PfCRT variant associated with chloroquine resistance transport both ferrous and ferric iron, albeit with different kinetics. In particular, we found that the ability to transport ferrous iron is reduced by the specific polymorphisms acquired by the PfCRT variant as a result of chloroquine selection. We further show that iron and chloroquine transport via PfCRT is electrogenic. If these findings in the Xenopus model extend to P. falciparum in vivo , our data suggest that PfCRT might play a role in iron homeostasis, which is essential for the parasite's development in erythrocytes. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Initial characterization of the Pf-Int recombinase from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

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Mehdi Ghorbal

Full Text Available Genetic variation is an essential means of evolution and adaptation in many organisms in response to environmental change. Certain DNA alterations can be carried out by site-specific recombinases (SSRs that fall into two families: the serine and the tyrosine recombinases. SSRs are seldom found in eukaryotes. A gene homologous to a tyrosine site-specific recombinase has been identified in the genome of Plasmodium falciparum. The sequence is highly conserved among five other members of Plasmodia.The predicted open reading frame encodes for a ∼57 kDa protein containing a C-terminal domain including the putative tyrosine recombinase conserved active site residues R-H-R-(H/W-Y. The N-terminus has the typical alpha-helical bundle and potentially a mixed alpha-beta domain resembling that of λ-Int. Pf-Int mRNA is expressed differentially during the P. falciparum erythrocytic life stages, peaking in the schizont stage. Recombinant Pf-Int and affinity chromatography of DNA from genomic or synthetic origin were used to identify potential DNA targets after sequencing or micro-array hybridization. Interestingly, the sequences captured also included highly variable subtelomeric genes such as var, rif, and stevor sequences. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with DNA were carried out to verify Pf-Int/DNA binding. Finally, Pf-Int knock-out parasites were created in order to investigate the biological role of Pf-Int.Our data identify for the first time a malaria parasite gene with structural and functional features of recombinases. Pf-Int may bind to and alter DNA, either in a sequence specific or in a non-specific fashion, and may contribute to programmed or random DNA rearrangements. Pf-Int is the first molecular player identified with a potential role in genome plasticity in this pathogen. Finally, Pf-Int knock-out parasite is viable showing no detectable impact on blood stage development, which is compatible with such function.

Introduction and immigration of TRAC-PF1 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan Yuhua; Gao Zuying; Gao Cheng; Li Jincai

1997-01-01

TRAC-PF1 code performs best-estimate predictions of postulated accidents for pressurized light water reactors. It is one of the few system analyse codes which use two fluid model to treat two phase problems in nuclear system. In order to use this advanced software in China and make it possible to be run in different compute systems, IBM version of TRAC-PF1 code, imported from USA National Energy Software Center, is immigrated to CDC NOS/VE system and SUN workstation. The differences in computer languages from IBM 370 to CDC NOS/VE and to SUN workstation are modified properly. All the benchmark problems are calculated, and the results show that the immigration is successful

TRAC-PF1/MOD2 status and plans

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spore, J.W.; Steinke, R.G.; Nelson, R.A.; Cappiello, M.W.; Jenks, R.

1989-01-01

The development of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code was completed in July 1988 with the release of Version 14.4. A TRAC-PF1/MOD2 code development plan addresses code deficiencies identified in the MOD1 code in order to provide an accurate and defensible tool that can be used to simulate large-break loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs), small-break LOCAs, and operational transients. The MOD2 code development plan is an international cooperative effort that includes contributions from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Japanese Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI), Cray Research, Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), and United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)

Pf16 and phiPMW: Expanding the realm of Pseudomonas putida bacteriophages.

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Damian J Magill

Full Text Available We present the analysis of two novel Pseudomonas putida phages, pf16 and phiPMW. Pf16 represents a peripherally related T4-like phage, and is the first of its kind infecting a Pseudomonad, with evidence suggesting cyanophage origins. Extensive divergence has resulted in pf16 occupying a newly defined clade designated as the pf16-related phages, lying at the interface of the Schizo T-Evens and Exo T-Evens. Recombination with an ancestor of the P. putida phage AF is likely responsible for the tropism of this phage. phiPMW represents a completely novel Pseudomonas phage with a genome containing substantial genetic novelty through its many hypothetical proteins. Evidence suggests that this phage has been extensively shaped through gene transfer events and vertical evolution. Phylogenetics shows that this phage has an evolutionary history involving FelixO1-related viruses but is in itself highly distinct from this group.

Chemical vapor deposition of NiSi using Ni(PF3)4 and Si3H8

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishikawa, M.; Muramoto, I.; Machida, H.; Imai, S.; Ogura, A.; Ohshita, Y.

2007-01-01

NiSi x films were deposited using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with a Ni(PF 3 ) 4 and Si 3 H 8 /H 2 gas system. The step coverage quality of deposited NiSi x was investigated using a horizontal type of hot-wall low pressure CVD reactor, which maintained a constant temperature throughout the deposition area. The step coverage quality improved as a function of the position of the gas flow direction, where PF 3 gas from decomposition of Ni(PF 3 ) 4 increased. By injecting PF 3 gas into the Ni(PF 3 ) 4 and Si 3 H 8 /H 2 gas system, the step coverage quality markedly improved. This improvement in step coverage quality naturally occurred when PF 3 gas was present, indicating a strong relationship. The Si/Ni deposit ratio at 250 deg. C is larger than at 180 deg. C. It caused a decreasing relative deposition rate of Ni to Si. PF 3 molecules appear to be adsorbed on the surface of the deposited film and interfere with faster deposition of active Ni deposition species

Haldane-gap excitations in the low-Hc one-dimensional quantum antiferromagnet Ni(C5D14N2)2N3(PF6)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zheludev, A.; Chen, Y.; Broholm, C. L.; Honda, Z.; Katsumata, K.

2001-01-01

Inelastic neutron scattering on deuterated single-crystal samples is used to study Haldane-gap excitations in the new S=1 one-dimensional quantum antiferromagnet Ni(C 5 D 14 N 2 ) 2 N 3 (PF 6 ), that was recently recognized as an ideal model system for high-field studies. The Haldane gap energies Δ x =0.42(3) meV, Δ y =0.52(6) meV, and Δ z =1.9(1) meV, for excitations polarized along the a, b, and c crystallographic axes, respectively, are measured. The dispersion relation is studied for momentum transfers both along and perpendicular to the chains' direction. The in-chain exchange constant J=2.8 meV is found to be much larger than interchain coupling, J y =1.8(4)x10 -3 meV and J x =4(3)x10 -4 meV, along the b and a axes, respectively. The results are discussed in the context of future experiments in high magnetic fields

Activated carbon and single-walled carbon nanotube based electrochemical capacitor in 1 M LiPF6 electrolyte

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Azam, M.A.; Jantan, N.H.; Dorah, N.; Seman, R.N.A.R.; Manaf, N.S.A.; Kudin, T.I.T.; Yahya, M.Z.A.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Activated carbon and single-walled CNT based electrochemical capacitor. • Electrochemical analysis by means of CV, charge/discharge and impedance. • 1 M LiPF 6 non-aqueous solution as an electrolyte. • AC/SWCNT electrode exhibits a maximum capacitance of 60.97 F g −1 . - Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been extensively studied because of their wide range of potential application such as in nanoscale electric circuits, textiles, transportation, health, and the environment. Carbon nanotubes feature extraordinary properties, such as electrical conductivities higher than those of copper, hardness and thermal conductivity higher than those of diamond, and strength surpassing that of steel, among others. This research focuses on the fabrication of an energy storage device, namely, an electrochemical capacitor, by using carbon materials, i.e., activated carbon and single-walled carbon nanotubes, of a specific weight ratio as electrode materials. The electrolyte functioning as an ion carrier is 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate. Variations in the electrochemical performance of the device, including its capacitance, charge/discharge characteristics, and impedance, are reported in this paper. The electrode proposed in this work exhibits a maximum capacitance of 60.97 F g −1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s −1

1.48 GHz (34.8 T) ^1H NMR measurements of SDW fluctuations in (TMTSF)_2PF_6

Science.gov (United States)

Clark, W. G.; Vonlanthen, P.; Goto, A.; Tanaka, K. B.; Alavi, B.; Kuhns, P.; Reyes, A. P.; Moulton, W. G.

2001-03-01

We report ^1H spin-lattice relaxation rate (T_1-1) measurements that probe the spin-density-wave (SDW) fluctuations in the quasi 1-d system (TMTSF)_2PF6 up to 1.48 GHz (34.8 T) in the NHMFL hybrid magnet. In the critical regime above the SDW transition near 12 K, T_1-1 has no frequency dependence and the angular dependence of T_1-1 attributed to the spin-flop condition in the ordered phase is absent. These results indicate that amplitude fluctuations of the SDW drive T_1-1 in the critical regime and that the SDW critical fluctuation correlation time is <1× 10-10 s. Somewhat below the transition, T_1-1 continues the decrease with increasing NMR frequency observed at lower frequencies. We attribute it to the power spectrum of the SDW phason fluctuations. The dependence of T_1-1 upon the field orientation in this phase reflects the spin-flop condition, but with parameters that are different from the expected ones. The UCLA part of this work was supported by NSF Grants DMR-9705369 and DMR-0072524.

A 160 kJ dual plasma focus (DuPF) for fusion-relevant materials testing and nano-materials fabrication

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saw, S.H.; Damideh, V.; Chong, P.L.; Lee, Paul; Rawat, R.S.; Lee, Sing

2014-01-01

This paper summarizes PF-160 Dual Plasma Focus (DuPF) numerical experiments using the Lee Model code and preliminary 3D design drawings using SolidWorks software. This DuPF consists of two interchangeable electrodes enabling it to be optimized for both Slow Pinch Mode (SFM) and Fast Pinch Mode (FFM); the latter using a speed factor (SF) of 90 kA cm-1 Torr-0.5 for FFM in deuterium [S Lee et al, IEEE Trans Plasma Science 24, 1101-1105 (1996)]; and the former with SF of less than half that value for SFM. Starting with available 6 × 450 µF capacitors rated at 11kV (10% reversal), numerical experiments indicate safe operation at 9 kV, 6 Torr deuterium with FFM anode of 5 cm radius; producing intense ion beam and streaming plasma pulses which would be useful for studies of potential fusion reactor wall materials. On the other hand operating at 5 kV, 10 Torr deuterium with SFM anode of 10 cm radius leads to long-duration, uniform large-area flow which could be more suitable for synthesis of nano-materials. The dual plasma focus design is illustrated here with two figures showing FFM and SFM electrodes. (author)

Study on Stability and Electrochemical Properties of Nano-LiMn1.9Ni0.1O3.99S0.01-Based Li-Ion Batteries with Liquid Electrolyte Containing LiPF6

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Monika Bakierska

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Herein, we report on the stability and electrochemical properties of nanosized Ni and S doped lithium manganese oxide spinel (LiMn1.9Ni0.1O3.99S0.01, LMN1OS in relation to the most commonly used electrolyte solution containing LiPF6 salt. The influence of electrochemical reaction in the presence of selected electrolyte on the LMN1OS electrode chemistry was examined. The changes in the structure, surface morphology, and composition of the LMN1OS cathode after 30 cycles of galvanostatic charging/discharging were determined. In addition, thermal stability and reactivity of the LMN1OS material towards the electrolyte system were verified. Performed studies revealed that no degradative effects, resulting from the interaction between the spinel electrode and liquid electrolyte, occur during electrochemical cycling. The LMN1OS electrode versus LiPF6-based electrolyte has been indicated as an efficient and electrochemically stable system, exhibiting high capacity, good rate capability, and excellent coulombic efficiency. The improved stability and electrochemical performance of the LMN1OS cathode material originate from the synergetic substitution of LiMn2O4 spinel with Ni and S.

Identification of active Plasmodium falciparum calpain to establish screening system for Pf-calpain-based drug development

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Soh Byoung

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background With the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to available drugs, there is an urgent demand to develop new anti-malarial drugs. Calpain inhibitor, ALLN, is proposed to inhibit parasite proliferation by suppressing haemoglobin degradation. This provides Plasmodium calpain as a potential target for drug development. Pf-calpain, a cysteine protease of Plasmodium falciparum, belongs to calpain-7 family, which is an atypical calpain not harboring Ca2+-binding regulatory motifs. In this present study, in order to establish the screening system for Pf-calpain specific inhibitors, the active form of Pf-calpain was first identified. Methods Recombinant Pf-calpain including catalytic subdomain IIa (rPfcal-IIa was heterologously expressed and purified. Enzymatic activity was determined by both fluorogenic substrate assay and gelatin zymography. Molecular homology modeling was carried out to address the activation mode of Pf-calpain in the aspect of structural moiety. Results Based on the measurement of enzymatic activity and protease inhibitor assay, it was found that the active form of Pf-calpain only contains the catalytic subdomain IIa, suggesting that Pf-calpain may function as a monomeric form. The sequence prediction indicates that the catalytic subdomain IIa contains all amino acid residues necessary for catalytic triad (Cys-His-Asn formation. Molecular modeling suggests that the Pf-calpain subdomain IIa makes an active site, holding the catalytic triad residues in their appropriate orientation for catalysis. The mutation analysis further supports that those amino acid residues are functional and have enzymatic activity. Conclusion The identified active form of Pf-calpain could be utilized to establish high-throughput screening system for Pf-calpain inhibitors. Due to its unique monomeric structural property, Pf-calpain could be served as a novel anti-malarial drug target, which has a high specificity for malaria parasite

Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) isoforms PH1 and PH2 perturb vacuolar physiology

OpenAIRE

Callaghan, Paul S.; Siriwardana, Amila; Hassett, Matthew R.; Roepe, Paul D.

2016-01-01

Background Recent work has perfected yeast-based methods for measuring drug transport by the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine (CQ) resistance transporter (PfCRT). Methods The approach relies on inducible heterologous expression of PfCRT in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. In these experiments selecting drug concentrations are not toxic to the yeast, nor is expression of PfCRT alone toxic. Only when PfCRT is expressed in the presence of CQ is the growth of yeast impaired, due to inward transpo...

Abraham Kuyper as kerkregkundige

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C. J. Smit

1989-05-01

Full Text Available As partyman was Kuyper onbetwis Abraham die Geweldige. As kerk­regkundige was hy die man vir sintese, die man wat teenstellende filosofiee en teologiese strominge met sy verstommende intellektuele vermoe kon absorbeer en dit dan tot ’n nuwe weg kon verwerk. Hierin lê Kuyper se oorspronklikheid: dat hy deur sintese uit teenstrydige gedagterigtings ’n nuwe weg na die ou Gereformeerde kerkreg kon aantoon en dat hy na die eise van sy tyd op die ou leer kon voortbou.

[Application study on PHI and 16PF and SCL-90 for freshman's psychology inspection].

Science.gov (United States)

Niu, Peng

2009-07-01

To explore the effect of application of the measurement table of PHI and 16PF and SCL-90 for freshmen psychology inspection. The measurement tables of PHI and 16PF for psychology inspection of freshmen of 2004-2007 years were used to sift crisis intervention objects. Continuous four years test showed certain stability, in addition to excited factors,the scores of Freshmen's PHI factors were more lower than normal. The incidence rates of mental problems screened by PHI table were very low and 3-5 serious-mental-problem students weren't detected. The problem can be resolved by the application of PHI combined with 16PF through remesuring the suspected cases by SCL-90. The combinative application of PHI, 16PF and SCL-90 would be better.

NbTi Strands Verification for ITER PF CICC Process Qualification of CNDA

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, F.; Liu, H.; Liu, S.; Liu, B.; Lei, L.; Wu, Y.

2014-05-01

China is in charge of most of Poloidal Field (PF) conductors production for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The execution for PF conductors shall be in three main phases. According to ITER Procurement Arrangement (PA), the Domestic Agency (DA) shall be required to verify the room and low temperature acceptance tests carried out by the strand suppliers. As the reference laboratory of Chinese DA (CNDA), the superconducting strands test laboratory of Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) was undertaking the task of strands verification for ITER conductors. The verification test includes: diameter, Nickel plating thickness, copper-to-non-copper volume ratio, twist pitch direction and length, standard critical current (IC) and resistive transition index (n), residual resistance ration (RRR), and hysteresis loss. 48 NbTi strands with 7 billets were supplied for the PF Cable-In-Conduit Conductor (CICC) process qualification. In total, 54 samples were measured. The verification level for PF CICC process qualification was 100%. The test method, facility and results of each item are described in detail in this publication.

Plasmodium falciparum Hop (PfHop Interacts with the Hsp70 Chaperone in a Nucleotide-Dependent Fashion and Exhibits Ligand Selectivity.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tawanda Zininga

Full Text Available Heat shock proteins (Hsps play an important role in the development and pathogenicity of malaria parasites. One of the most prominent functions of Hsps is to facilitate the folding of other proteins. Hsps are thought to play a crucial role when malaria parasites invade their host cells and during their subsequent development in hepatocytes and red blood cells. It is thought that Hsps maintain proteostasis under the unfavourable conditions that malaria parasites encounter in the host environment. Although heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70 is capable of independent folding of some proteins, its functional cooperation with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90 facilitates folding of some proteins such as kinases and steroid hormone receptors into their fully functional forms. The cooperation of Hsp70 and Hsp90 occurs through an adaptor protein called Hsp70-Hsp90 organising protein (Hop. We previously characterised the Hop protein from Plasmodium falciparum (PfHop. We observed that the protein co-localised with the cytosol-localised chaperones, PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp90 at the blood stages of the malaria parasite. In the current study, we demonstrated that PfHop is a stress-inducible protein. We further explored the direct interaction between PfHop and PfHsp70-1 using far Western and surface plasmon resonance (SPR analyses. The interaction of the two proteins was further validated by co-immunoprecipitation studies. We observed that PfHop and PfHsp70-1 associate in the absence and presence of either ATP or ADP. However, ADP appears to promote the association of the two proteins better than ATP. In addition, we investigated the specific interaction between PfHop TPR subdomains and PfHsp70-1/ PfHsp90, using a split-GFP approach. This method allowed us to observe that TPR1 and TPR2B subdomains of PfHop bind preferentially to the C-terminus of PfHsp70-1 compared to PfHsp90. Conversely, the TPR2A motif preferentially interacted with the C-terminus of PfHsp90. Finally, we

Seismic analysis of ITER fourth PF (Poloidal Field Coil) feeder

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Sumei; Chen, Wei; Song, Yuntao; Ni, Xiaojun; Wang, Zhongwei; Chen, Yonghua; Gong, Chenyu

2014-01-01

The ITER feeder systems connect the ITER magnet systems located inside the main cryostat to the cryo-plant, power-supply and control system interfaces outside the cryostat. The main purpose of the feeders is to convey the cryogenic supply and electrical power to the coils as well as house the instrumentation wiring. The PF busbar which carries 52 kA current will suffer from high Lorentz force due to the background magnetic field inspired by the coils and the self-field between every pair of busbars. Except their mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance must be achieved, the dynamic mechanism on PF structure should be assessed. This paper presents the simulation and seismic analysis on ITER 4th PF feeder including the Coil Terminal Box and S-bend Box (CTB and SBB), the Cryostat Feed-through (CFT), the In-Cryostat-Feeder (ICF), especially for the ground supports and main outer-tube firstly. This analysis aims to study seismic resistance on system design under local seismograms with floor response spectrum, the structural response vibration mode and response duration results of displacement, membrane stress, and bending stress on structure under different directions actuating signals were obtained by using the single-seismic spectrum analysis and Dead Weight analysis respectively. Based on the simulative and analytical results, the system seismic resistance and the integrity of the support structure in the 4th PF feeder have been studied and the detail design confirmed

Structure of a putative BenF-like porin from Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5 at 2.6 A resolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sampathkumar, P.; Swaminathan, S.; Lu, F.; Zhao, X.; Li, Z.; Gilmore, J.; Bain, K.; Rutter, M. E.; Gheyi, T.; Schwinn, D.; Bonanno, J. B.; Pieper, U.; Fajardo, J. E.; Fiser, A.; Almo, S. C.; Chance, M. R.; Baker, D.; Atwell, S.; Thompson, D. A.; Emtage, J. S.; Wasserman, S. R.; Sali, A.; Sauder, J. M.; Burley, S. K.

2010-11-01

of benzoate. BLAST analysis of the amino acid sequence of P. fluorescens Pf-5 gene PFL1329 (Uniprot id: http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q4KH25) against P. putida KT2440 strain identified 20 related porins. The top six hits include P. putida KT2440 genes PP1383 (annotated as BenF-like), PP2517 (annotated as BenF-like), and PP3168 (annotated as BenF), which share sequence identities of 76%, 66%, and 44% with PFL1329, respectively. The precise functions of these genes are not yet known. Therefore, we refer to the protein product of gene PFL1329 as PflBenF-like, which reflects its current annotation in the Uniprot database. Crystal structures of OprD and OpdK (vanillate specific porin), both from P. aeruginosa (designated below as PaOprD and PaOpdK, respectively) have been determined. Herein, we report the crystal structure of a putative BenF-like porin from P. fluorescens Pf-5 (PflBenF-like). For the sake of brevity, all subsequent references to the PflBenF-like porin will be made using PflBenF. X-ray crystallography revealed a canonical 18-stranded {beta}-barrel fold that forms a central pore with a diameter of {approx}4.6 E. We describe detailed comparisons of the PflBenF structure with those of PaOprD and PaOpdK.

Synthesis, P-31 NMR data and X-ray analysis of a ruthenium(II) dimethylphenylphosphine complex with dimerized phenylacetylene: The structure of [(PhMe(2)P)(4)Ru(eta(3)-PhC(3)CHPh)](PF6)

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Liles, DC

1996-09-06

Full Text Available Treatment of [RuHL (5)] (+) (L = PMe (2) Ph) with phenylacetylene in ethanol yielded the dimerization of HC=CPh to (Z)-1, 4-diphenylbut-3-en-1-yne. The molecular structure of [Ru(eta(3)-PhC(3)CHPh)L(4)](PF6) (L = PMe(2)Ph) (2) shows a seven...

Limited variation in vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-6 over multiple transmission seasons

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Branch OraLee H

2010-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-6 (PfMSP6 is a component of the complex proteinacious coat that surrounds P. falciparum merozoites. This location, and the presence of anti-PfMSP6 antibodies in P. falciparum-exposed individuals, makes PfMSP6 a potential blood stage vaccine target. However, genetic diversity has proven to be a major hurdle for vaccines targeting other blood stage P. falciparum antigens, and few endemic field studies assessing PfMSP6 gene diversity have been conducted. This study follows PfMSP6 diversity in the Peruvian Amazon from 2003 to 2006 and is the first longitudinal assessment of PfMSP6 sequence dynamics. Methods Parasite DNA was extracted from 506 distinct P. falciparum infections spanning the transmission seasons from 2003 to 2006 as part of the Malaria Immunology and Genetics in the Amazon (MIGIA cohort study near Iquitos, Peru. PfMSP6 was amplified from each sample using a nested PCR protocol, genotyped for allele class by agarose gel electrophoresis, and sequenced to detect diversity. Allele frequencies were analysed using JMP v.8.0.1.0 and correlated with clinical and epidemiological data collected as part of the MIGIA project. Results Both PfMSP6 allele classes, K1-like and 3D7-like, were detected at the study site, confirming that both are globally distributed. Allele frequencies varied significantly between transmission seasons, with 3D7-class alleles dominating and K1-class alleles nearly disappearing in 2005 and 2006. There was a significant association between allele class and village location (p-value = 0.0008, but no statistically significant association between allele class and age, sex, or symptom status. No intra-allele class sequence diversity was detected. Conclusions Both PfMSP6 allele classes are globally distributed, and this study shows that allele frequencies can fluctuate significantly between communities separated by only a few kilometres, and over time in the

Combination of acid-resistor and -scavenger improves the SEI stability and cycling ability of tin–nickel battery anodes in LiPF6-containing electrolyte

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choo, Myeong-Ho; Nguyen, Cao Cuong; Hong, Sukhyun; Kwon, Yo Han; Woo, Sang-Wook; Kim, Je Young; Song, Seung-Wan

2013-01-01

Control of electrode–electrolyte interfacial reactivity and the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is a key technology for high performance rechargeable lithium batteries. Here we present the first report on a promising interfacial approach for Sn–Ni electrode that the use of acid-resisting and -scavenging fluorine-dopant on Sn combined with acid-scavenging trimethyl phosphite electrolyte additive to LiPF 6 -contiaing carbonate-based organic electrolyte improves the interfacial stability of Sn to acidic electrolyte species. As a result, a stable SEI layer consisting of a plenty of carbonate decomposition products forms and cycling ability significantly improves, in contrast to less efficient SEI formation and rapid performance fade for the electrodes without fluorine-dopant or trimethyl phosphite additive

PWR plant transient analyses using TRAC-PF1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ireland, J.R.; Boyack, B.E.

1984-01-01

This paper describes some of the pressurized water reactor (PWR) transient analyses performed at Los Alamos for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission using the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1). Many of the transient analyses performed directly address current PWR safety issues. Included in this paper are examples of two safety issues addressed by TRAC-PF1. These examples are pressurized thermal shock (PTS) and feed-and-bleed cooling for Oconee-1. The calculations performed were plant specific in that details of both the primary and secondary sides were modeled in addition to models of the plant integrated control systems. The results of these analyses show that for these two transients, the reactor cores remained covered and cooled at all times posing no real threat to the reactor system nor to the public

Synthesis, characterization of a new photosensitive compound [Ru(bpy)2 (TPAD)](PF6)2 and its application for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Hui-Qin; Guo, Yi-Ping; Yin, Ming-Cai; Fan, Yao-Ting

2016-06-01

A new photosensitive compound based on triphenylamine donor and ruthenium(II), namely [Ru(bpy)2(TPAD)](PF6)2 (PS1, bpy = 2,2‧-bipyridine, TPAD = N-(4-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10] phenanthroline-2-yl)phenyl)-N-phenylbenzenamine), had been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, MS spectra, UV, PL and CV measurements. The target photocatalyst, PS1/0.5 wt% Pt/TiO2, was prepared by sensitizing PS1 to 0.5 wt% Pt/TiO2 and characterized by SEM and XRD. The highest hydrogen evolution reached to 9500 μmol·(g·catalyst)-1 (475 μmol, 31.7 TON and TOF 5.8 vs. PS1) under the optimal conditions with 0.05 g·L-1 of PS1, and 5% of TEOA at pH 11 with the irradiation of 5.5 h. The mechanism of hydrogen evolution was also briefly discussed in the present work.

The Malaria Parasite Cyclin H Homolog PfCyc1 Is Required for Efficient Cytokinesis in Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum.

Science.gov (United States)

Robbins, Jonathan A; Absalon, Sabrina; Streva, Vincent A; Dvorin, Jeffrey D

2017-06-13

All well-studied eukaryotic cell cycles are driven by cyclins, which activate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and these protein kinase complexes are viable drug targets. The regulatory control of the Plasmodium falciparum cell division cycle remains poorly understood, and the roles of the various CDKs and cyclins remain unclear. The P. falciparum genome contains multiple CDKs, but surprisingly, it does not contain any sequence-identifiable G 1 -, S-, or M-phase cyclins. We demonstrate that P. falciparum Cyc1 (PfCyc1) complements a G 1 cyclin-depleted Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain and confirm that other identified malaria parasite cyclins do not complement this strain. PfCyc1, which has the highest sequence similarity to the conserved cyclin H, cannot complement a temperature-sensitive yeast cyclin H mutant. Coimmunoprecipitation of PfCyc1 from P. falciparum parasites identifies PfMAT1 and PfMRK as specific interaction partners and does not identify PfPK5 or other CDKs. We then generate an endogenous conditional allele of PfCyc1 in blood-stage P. falciparum using a destabilization domain (DD) approach and find that PfCyc1 is essential for blood-stage proliferation. PfCyc1 knockdown does not impede nuclear division, but it prevents proper cytokinesis. Thus, we demonstrate that PfCyc1 has a functional divergence from bioinformatic predictions, suggesting that the malaria parasite cell division cycle has evolved to use evolutionarily conserved proteins in functionally novel ways. IMPORTANCE Human infection by the eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria. Most well-studied eukaryotic cell cycles are driven by cyclins, which activate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) to promote essential cell division processes. Remarkably, there are no identifiable cyclins that are predicted to control the cell cycle in the malaria parasite genome. Thus, our knowledge regarding the basic mechanisms of the malaria parasite cell cycle remains unsatisfactory. We

Spectrophotometric assessment of the effectiveness of Opalescence PF 10%: a 14-month clinical study.

Science.gov (United States)

Grobler, S R; Hayward, R; Wiese, S; Moola, M H; van W Kotze, T J

2010-02-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of Opalescence PF 10% just after treatment, at 6-month follow-up and at a 14-month follow-up period. Opalescence PF 10% was applied nightly for 14 days. The color of teeth 11 and 21 of 17 subjects were measured with a spectrophotometer (L*; a*; b*) before treatment, just after treatment (14 days), after 6 months and after 14 months. Subjects were instructed to take note of any tooth sensitivity. For all three components (L*, a* and b*) statistical significant differences (p<0.05) in the values between base-line, after treatment (14 days later), after 6 months and after 14 months were found (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Sum Test). The decrease in L* was about 20% after 6 months and about 50% after 14 months. The a* value decreased approximately 14% after 6 months but was worse after 14 months than at the beginning. The b* value decreased the least with about 9% after 6 months and about 8% after 14 months. The decrease in DeltaE(ab)(*) was approximately 20% after 14 months. Less than 20% of the subjects experienced mild tooth sensitivity just after treatment. Significantly whiter teeth were found after treatment as well as after a 6-month follow-up period. The whiteness/brightness (L*) decreased with approximately 50% after 14 months and the a* value with approximately 50% after 7 months, while the yellowness (b* value) remained even after 14 months. The product is an effective tooth whitener resulting in only low tooth sensitivity. Re-bleaching could be done at about 14 months. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation on Polylactide (PLA)/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/Bark Flour of Plane Tree (PF) Eco-Composites

Science.gov (United States)

Dou, Qiang; Cai, Jun

2016-01-01

Polylactide (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/bark flour of plane tree (PF) eco-composites were prepared via melt blending. The morphologies, mechanical properties, crystal structures and melting and crystallization behaviors of the eco-composites were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical tests, polarized light microscopy (PLM), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. It is shown that the interfacial adhesion between PLA matrix and PF is weak and the mechanical properties of PLA/PF eco-composites are poor. The titanate treatment improves the adhesion between the matrix and the filler and enhances the stiffness of the eco-composites. The toughness is improved by PBAT and ductile fractured surfaces can be found. The spherulitic size of PLA is decreased by the addition of PF. The α crystalline form of PLA remains in the composites. Compared with PF, T-PF (PF treated by a titanate coupling agent) and PBAT have negative effects on the crystallization of PLA. PMID:28773515

Activated carbon and single-walled carbon nanotube based electrochemical capacitor in 1 M LiPF{sub 6} electrolyte

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Azam, M.A., E-mail: asyadi@utem.edu.my [Carbon Research Technology Research Group, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka (Malaysia); Jantan, N.H.; Dorah, N.; Seman, R.N.A.R.; Manaf, N.S.A. [Carbon Research Technology Research Group, Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka (Malaysia); Kudin, T.I.T. [Ionics Materials & Devices Research Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor (Malaysia); Yahya, M.Z.A. [Ionics Materials & Devices Research Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor (Malaysia); National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Activated carbon and single-walled CNT based electrochemical capacitor. • Electrochemical analysis by means of CV, charge/discharge and impedance. • 1 M LiPF{sub 6} non-aqueous solution as an electrolyte. • AC/SWCNT electrode exhibits a maximum capacitance of 60.97 F g{sup −1}. - Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been extensively studied because of their wide range of potential application such as in nanoscale electric circuits, textiles, transportation, health, and the environment. Carbon nanotubes feature extraordinary properties, such as electrical conductivities higher than those of copper, hardness and thermal conductivity higher than those of diamond, and strength surpassing that of steel, among others. This research focuses on the fabrication of an energy storage device, namely, an electrochemical capacitor, by using carbon materials, i.e., activated carbon and single-walled carbon nanotubes, of a specific weight ratio as electrode materials. The electrolyte functioning as an ion carrier is 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate. Variations in the electrochemical performance of the device, including its capacitance, charge/discharge characteristics, and impedance, are reported in this paper. The electrode proposed in this work exhibits a maximum capacitance of 60.97 F g{sup −1} at a scan rate of 1 mV s{sup −1}.

Systems concepts for DOE facilities: analysis of PF/LASS data

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bearse, R.C.; Shirk, D.G.; Marshall, R.S.; Thomas, C.C. Jr.

1982-06-01

We have analyzed Plutonium Facility/Los Alamos Safeguards System (PF/LASS) data for the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) process. Highlights of the work are: the PF/LASS data base provides useful information for accountability purposes, some measurement code assignments appear to be in error, some other data are erroneous, and material in process (MIP) and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts are powerful indicators of trouble areas. From these studies we recommend re-examination of instrument biases, adoption of new naming procedures for collection batches, improvement of measurement code assignment reliability, revision of round-off procedures, and strengthening of measurement control procedures

Structure-Activity Relationships of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Maturation Inhibitor PF-46396.

Science.gov (United States)

Murgatroyd, Christopher; Pirrie, Lisa; Tran, Fanny; Smith, Terry K; Westwood, Nicholas J; Adamson, Catherine S

2016-09-15

HIV-1 maturation inhibitors are a novel class of antiretroviral compounds that consist of two structurally distinct chemical classes: betulinic acid derivatives and the pyridone-based compound PF-46396. It is currently believed that both classes act by similar modes of action to generate aberrant noninfectious particles via inhibition of CA-SP1 cleavage during Gag proteolytic processing. In this study, we utilized a series of novel analogues with decreasing similarity to PF-46396 to determine the chemical groups within PF-46396 that contribute to antiviral activity, Gag binding, and the relationship between these essential properties. A spectrum of antiviral activity (active, intermediate, and inactive) was observed across the analogue series with respect to CA-SP1 cleavage and HIV-1 (NL4-3) replication kinetics in Jurkat T cells. We demonstrate that selected inactive analogues are incorporated into wild-type (WT) immature particles and that one inactive analogue is capable of interfering with PF-46396 inhibition of CA-SP1 cleavage. Mutations that confer PF-46396 resistance can impose a defective phenotype on HIV-1 that can be rescued in a compound-dependent manner. Some inactive analogues retained the capacity to rescue PF-46396-dependent mutants (SP1-A3V, SP1-A3T, and CA-P157S), implying that they can also interact with mutant Gag. The structure-activity relationships observed in this study demonstrate that (i) the tert-butyl group is essential for antiviral activity but is not an absolute requirement for Gag binding, (ii) the trifluoromethyl group is optimal but not essential for antiviral activity, and (iii) the 2-aminoindan group is important for antiviral activity and Gag binding but is not essential, as its replacement is tolerated. Combinations of antiretroviral drugs successfully treat HIV/AIDS patients; however, drug resistance problems make the development of new mechanistic drug classes an ongoing priority. HIV-1 maturation inhibitors are novel as they

Heparin-independent, PF4-dependent binding of HIT antibodies to platelets: implications for HIT pathogenesis.

Science.gov (United States)

Padmanabhan, Anand; Jones, Curtis G; Bougie, Daniel W; Curtis, Brian R; McFarland, Janice G; Wang, Demin; Aster, Richard H

2015-01-01

Antibodies specific for platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complexes are the hallmark of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HIT), but many antibody-positive patients have normal platelet counts. The basis for this is not fully understood, but it is believed that antibodies testing positive in the serotonin release assay (SRA) are the most likely to cause disease. We addressed this issue by characterizing PF4-dependent binding of HIT antibodies to intact platelets and found that most antibodies testing positive in the SRA, but none of those testing negative, bind to and activate platelets when PF4 is present without any requirement for heparin (P HIT antibodies recognize PF4 in a complex with heparin, only a subset of these antibodies recognize more subtle epitopes induced in PF4 when it binds to CS, the major platelet glycosaminoglycan. Antibodies having this property could explain "delayed HIT" seen in some individuals after discontinuation of heparin and the high risk for thrombosis that persists for weeks in patients recovered from HIT. © 2015 by The American Society of Hematology.

A homeodomain transcription factor gene, PfMSX, activates expression of Pif gene in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mi Zhao

Full Text Available We reported pearl oyster Pinctada fucata cDNA and genomic characterization of a new homeobox-containing protein, PfMSX. The PfMSX gene encodes a transcription factor that was localized to the nucleus. Analyses of PfMSX mRNA in tissues and developmental stages showed high expressions in mantle or D-shaped larvae. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs PfMSX binded to MSX consensus binding sites in the 5' flanking region of the Pif promoter. In co-transfection experiment PfMSX transactivated reporter constructs containing Pif promoter sequences, and mutation of the MSX-binding sites attenuated transactivation. A knockdown experiment using PfMSX dsRNA showed decreased Pif mRNA and unregular crystallization of the nacreous layer using scanning electron microscopy. Our results suggested that PfMSX was a conserved homeodomain transcription factor gene, which can activate Pif gene expression through MSX binding site, and was then involved in the mineralization process in pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. Our data provided important clues about mechanisms regulating biomineralization in pearl oyster.

A Homeodomain Transcription Factor Gene, PfMSX, Activates Expression of Pif Gene in the Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Mi; He, Maoxian; Huang, Xiande; Wang, Qi

2014-01-01

We reported pearl oyster Pinctada fucata cDNA and genomic characterization of a new homeobox-containing protein, PfMSX. The PfMSX gene encodes a transcription factor that was localized to the nucleus. Analyses of PfMSX mRNA in tissues and developmental stages showed high expressions in mantle or D-shaped larvae. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) PfMSX binded to MSX consensus binding sites in the 5′ flanking region of the Pif promoter. In co-transfection experiment PfMSX transactivated reporter constructs containing Pif promoter sequences, and mutation of the MSX-binding sites attenuated transactivation. A knockdown experiment using PfMSX dsRNA showed decreased Pif mRNA and unregular crystallization of the nacreous layer using scanning electron microscopy. Our results suggested that PfMSX was a conserved homeodomain transcription factor gene, which can activate Pif gene expression through MSX binding site, and was then involved in the mineralization process in pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. Our data provided important clues about mechanisms regulating biomineralization in pearl oyster. PMID:25099698

A homeodomain transcription factor gene, PfMSX, activates expression of Pif gene in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Mi; He, Maoxian; Huang, Xiande; Wang, Qi

2014-01-01

We reported pearl oyster Pinctada fucata cDNA and genomic characterization of a new homeobox-containing protein, PfMSX. The PfMSX gene encodes a transcription factor that was localized to the nucleus. Analyses of PfMSX mRNA in tissues and developmental stages showed high expressions in mantle or D-shaped larvae. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) PfMSX binded to MSX consensus binding sites in the 5' flanking region of the Pif promoter. In co-transfection experiment PfMSX transactivated reporter constructs containing Pif promoter sequences, and mutation of the MSX-binding sites attenuated transactivation. A knockdown experiment using PfMSX dsRNA showed decreased Pif mRNA and unregular crystallization of the nacreous layer using scanning electron microscopy. Our results suggested that PfMSX was a conserved homeodomain transcription factor gene, which can activate Pif gene expression through MSX binding site, and was then involved in the mineralization process in pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. Our data provided important clues about mechanisms regulating biomineralization in pearl oyster.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of [11C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 for neuroimaging of fatty acid amide hydrolase

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hicks, Justin W.; Parkes, Jun; Sadovski, Oleg; Tong, Junchao; Houle, Sylvain; Vasdev, Neil; Wilson, Alan A.

2013-01-01

Introduction: Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) has a significant role in regulating endocannabinoid signaling in the central nervous system. As such, FAAH inhibitors are being actively sought for pain, addiction, and other indications. This has led to the recent pursuit of positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers targeting FAAH. We report herein the preparation and preclinical evaluation of [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845, an isotopologue of the potent irreversible FAAH inhibitor. Methods: PF-04457845 was radiolabeled at the carbonyl position via automated [ 11 C]CO 2 -fixation. Ex vivo brain biodistribution of [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 was carried out in conscious rats. Specificity was determined by pre-administration of PF-04457845 or URB597 prior to [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845. In a separate experiment, rats injected with the title radiotracer had whole brains excised, homogenized and extracted to examine irreversible binding to brain parenchyma. Results: The title compound was prepared in 5 ± 1% (n = 4) isolated radiochemical yield based on starting [ 11 C]CO 2 (decay uncorrected) within 25 min from end-of-bombardment in > 98% radiochemical purity and a specific activity of 73.5 ± 8.2 GBq/μmol at end-of-synthesis. Uptake of [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 into the rat brain was high (range of 1.2–4.4 SUV), heterogeneous, and in accordance with reported FAAH distribution. Saturable binding was demonstrated by a dose-dependent reduction in brain radioactivity uptake following pre-treatment with PF-04457845. Pre-treatment with the prototypical FAAH inhibitor, URB597, reduced the brain radiotracer uptake in all regions by 71–81%, demonstrating specificity for FAAH. The binding of [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 to FAAH at 40 min post injection was irreversible as 98% of the radioactivity in the brain could not be extracted. Conclusions: [ 11 C-carbonyl]PF-04457845 was rapidly synthesized via an automated radiosynthesis. Ex vivo biodistribution studies in

The role of carboxylato ligand dissociation in the oxidation of chrysin with H2O2 catalysed by [Mn-2 (III, IV)(mu-CH3COO)(mu-O)(2)(Me(4)dtne)](PF6)(2)

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Abdolahzadeh, Shaghayegh; Boyle, Nicola M.; Hoogendijk, M. Lisa; Hage, Ronald; de Boer, Johannes W.; Browne, Wesley R.

2014-01-01

The aqueous and non-aqueous chemistry of the complex [Mn-2 (III,IV)(mu-CH3COO)(mu-O)(2)(Me(4)dtne)](PF6)(2) (where Me(4)dtne = 1,2-bis(4,7-dimethyl- 1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl) ethane), which has been demonstrated as an exceptionally active catalyst in the bleaching of raw cotton and especially wood

Genomics-guided discovery of secondary metabolites and their regulation in Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a well-characterized rhizosphere bacterium known for its production of a diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites and its capacity to suppress plant diseases caused by soilborne fungal, bacterial and oomycete pathogens. Metabolites produced by Pf-5 include 2,4-...

PF-WFS Shell Inspection Update December 2016

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vigil, Anthony Eugene [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Ledoux, Reina Rebecca [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Gonzales, Antonio R. [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Montano, Joshua Daniel [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Savage, Lowell Curtis [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Randles, Wayne Alfred [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

2017-01-26

Since the last project update in FY16:Q2, PF-WFS personnel have advanced in understanding of shell inspection on Coordinate Measuring Machines {CMM} and refined the PF-WFS process to the point it was decided to convert shell inspection from the Sheffield #1 gage to Lietz CM Ms. As a part of introspection on the quality of this process many sets of data have been reviewed and analyzed. This analysis included Sheffield to CMM comparisons, CMM inspection repeatability, fixturing differences, quality check development, probing approach changes. This update report will touch on these improvements that have built the confidence in this process to mainstream it inspecting shells. In addition to the CMM programming advancements, the continuation in refinement of input and outputs for the CMM program has created an archiving scheme, input spline files, an output metafile, and inspection report package. This project will continue to mature. Part designs may require program modifications to accommodate "new to this process" part designs. Technology limitations tied to security and performance are requiring possible changes to computer configurations to support an automated process.

Feasibility analysis of fuzzy logic control for ITER Poloidal field (PF) AC/DC converter system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hassan, Mahmood Ul; Fu, Peng [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); University of Science and Technology of China (China); Song, Zhiquan, E-mail: zhquansong@ipp.ac.cn [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Chen, Xiaojiao [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); University of Science and Technology of China (China); Zhang, Xiuqing [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Humayun, Muhammad [Shanghai Jiaotong University (China)

2017-05-15

Highlights: • The implementation of the Fuzzy controller for the ITER PF converter system is presented. • The comparison of the FLC and PI simulation are investigated. • The FLC single and parallel bridge operation are presented. • Fuzzification and Defuzzification algorithms are presented using FLC controller. - Abstract: This paper describes the feasibility analysis of the fuzzy logic control to increase the performance of the ITER poloidal field (PF) converter systems. A fuzzy-logic-based controller is designed for ITER PF converter system, using the traditional PI controller and Fuzzy controller (FC), the dynamic behavior and transient response of the PF converter system are compared under normal operation by analysis and simulation. The analysis results show that the fuzzy logic control can achieve better operation performance than PI control.

Evaluation of the siRNA PF-04523655 versus ranibizumab for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (MONET Study)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nguyen, Quan Dong; Schachar, Ronald A; Nduaka, Chudy I

2012-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy of different dosing paradigms of PF-04523655 (PF) versus ranibizumab (comparator) in subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).......To evaluate the efficacy of different dosing paradigms of PF-04523655 (PF) versus ranibizumab (comparator) in subjects with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD)....

The Crystal Structure of PF-8, the DNA Polymerase Accessory Subunit from Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baltz, Jennifer L.; Filman, David J.; Ciustea, Mihai; Silverman, Janice Elaine Y.; Lautenschlager, Catherine L.; Coen, Donald M.; Ricciardi, Robert P.; Hogle, James M.; (UPENN)

2009-12-01

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is an emerging pathogen whose mechanism of replication is poorly understood. PF-8, the presumed processivity factor of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus DNA polymerase, acts in combination with the catalytic subunit, Pol-8, to synthesize viral DNA. We have solved the crystal structure of residues 1 to 304 of PF-8 at a resolution of 2.8 {angstrom}. This structure reveals that each monomer of PF-8 shares a fold common to processivity factors. Like human cytomegalovirus UL44, PF-8 forms a head-to-head dimer in the form of a C clamp, with its concave face containing a number of basic residues that are predicted to be important for DNA binding. However, there are several differences with related proteins, especially in loops that extend from each monomer into the center of the C clamp and in the loops that connect the two subdomains of each protein, which may be important for determining PF-8's mode of binding to DNA and to Pol-8. Using the crystal structures of PF-8, the herpes simplex virus catalytic subunit, and RB69 bacteriophage DNA polymerase in complex with DNA and initial experiments testing the effects of inhibition of PF-8-stimulated DNA synthesis by peptides derived from Pol-8, we suggest a model for how PF-8 might form a ternary complex with Pol-8 and DNA. The structure and the model suggest interesting similarities and differences in how PF-8 functions relative to structurally similar proteins.

Enhancing blockade of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion: assessing combinations of antibodies against PfRH5 and other merozoite antigens.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrew R Williams

Full Text Available No vaccine has yet proven effective against the blood-stages of Plasmodium falciparum, which cause the symptoms and severe manifestations of malaria. We recently found that PfRH5, a P. falciparum-specific protein expressed in merozoites, is efficiently targeted by broadly-neutralizing, vaccine-induced antibodies. Here we show that antibodies against PfRH5 efficiently inhibit the in vitro growth of short-term-adapted parasite isolates from Cambodia, and that the EC(50 values of antigen-specific antibodies against PfRH5 are lower than those against PfAMA1. Since antibody responses elicited by multiple antigens are speculated to improve the efficacy of blood-stage vaccines, we conducted detailed assessments of parasite growth inhibition by antibodies against PfRH5 in combination with antibodies against seven other merozoite antigens. We found that antibodies against PfRH5 act synergistically with antibodies against certain other merozoite antigens, most notably with antibodies against other erythrocyte-binding antigens such as PfRH4, to inhibit the growth of a homologous P. falciparum clone. A combination of antibodies against PfRH4 and basigin, the erythrocyte receptor for PfRH5, also potently inhibited parasite growth. This methodology provides the first quantitative evidence that polyclonal vaccine-induced antibodies can act synergistically against P. falciparum antigens and should help to guide the rational development of future multi-antigen vaccines.

Thiolato-technetium complexes. 5. Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical properties of bis(o-phenylenebis(dimethylarsine))technetium(II) and -technetium(III) complexes with thiolato ligands. Single-crystal structural analyses of trans-[Tc(SCH3)2(DIARS)2]PF6 and trans-[Tc(SC6H5)2(DIARS)2]0

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Konno, Takumi; Heineman, W.R.; Deutsch, E.; Kirchhoff, J.R.; Heeg, M.J.; Stuckey, J.A.

1992-01-01

Three different thiols have been brought into reaction with trans-[Tc(OH)(O)(DIARS) 2 ] 2+ to produce initially the Tc(II) complex, [Tc(SR) 2 (DIARS) 2 ] 0 , which can be oxidized to the Tc(III) complex, [Tc(SR) 2 (DIARS) 2 ] + (DIARS = o-phenylenebis(dimethylarsine)). In the case of SR = SCH 3 and SCH 2 C 6 H 5 , the Tc(II) and Tc(III) products were found to be in the trans geometry, while for SR = SC 6 H 5 , both cis and trans isomers were generated. Two of the complexes were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. trans-[Tc(SCH 3 ) 2 (DIARS) 2 ]PF 6 , chemical formula TcAs 4 S 2 PF 6 C 22 H 38 , crystallizes in the monoclinic space group. The Tc atom occupies an inversion center. Representative elemental analyses, FAB mass spectra, and visible-UV spectra are reported. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements were taken on trans-[Tc(SCH 3 ) 2 (DIARS) 2 ] + , trans-[Tc(SCH 2 C 6 H 5 ) 2 (DIARS) 2 ] + , and cis-[Tc(SC 6 H 5 ) 2 (DIARS) 2 ] + , which exhibit a reversible Tc(III/II) redox couple in the range -0.32 to -0.47 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Another redox couple is present in the range -1.22 to -1.70 V; this is ascribed to Tc(II/I) and is reversible only for SR = SCH 2 C 6 H 5 at 20C. At room temperature, chemically irreversible couples are exhibited at ca. +1.0 V for Tc(IV/III)

Protection from radiation injury through oral administration of PF4 gene carried by attenuated salmonella

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Lihua; Liu Bin; Yu Xiaofei; Zhang Lei; Han Zhongchao

2005-01-01

Objective: To investigate the in vivo radiation protection effect of PF4 by oral administration of attenuated salmonella as the carrier in mice. Methods: The eukaryotic vector pIRES2-EGFP-carried PF4 gene was transferred into an aroA-autotrophic mutant of salmonella typhimurium (SL3261), which was administered orally to BALBPc mice at 1x10 8 PFu once every interval three days. At 12 hours after the third oral administration the mice were subjected to a total body irradiation (TBI) of 700 cGy by a 60 Co source. The protective effect of SL3261/PF4 was determined by detection GFP ( green fluorescence protein) expression in tissues, peripheral blood count, culture of bone marrow colony-forming cells and survival time of mice. Results: Expression of GFP could be detected in the liver, spleen, intestine, kidney, peripheral blood and bone marrow. On days 7 and 14 after irradiation, Compared to controls, there were obvious differences in number of bone marrow mononuclear cells, CFU-GM (granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming unit ) and HPP-CFC (high proliferating potential-colony-forming cells) of mice treated with SL3261/PF4 (P<0.05) as well as prolongation of the survival time. Conclusion: These data demonstrate for the first time that PF4 protects mice from TBI injury and accelerates recovery of hematopoiesis by oral administration of attenuated salmonella carrying PF4 gene. (authors)

Suppressive Effects of the Site 1 Protease (S1P) Inhibitor, PF-429242, on Dengue Virus Propagation.

Science.gov (United States)

Uchida, Leo; Urata, Shuzo; Ulanday, Gianne Eduard L; Takamatsu, Yuki; Yasuda, Jiro; Morita, Kouichi; Hayasaka, Daisuke

2016-02-10

Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in the world. Despite the great need, effective vaccines and practical antiviral therapies are still under development. Intracellular lipid levels are regulated by sterol regulatory elements-binding proteins (SREBPs), which are activated by serine protease, site 1 protease (S1P). Small compound PF-429242 is known as a S1P inhibitor and the antivirus effects have been reported in some viruses. In this study, we examined the anti-DENV effects of PF-429242 using all four serotypes of DENV by several primate-derived cell lines. Moreover, emergence of drug-resistant DENV mutants was assessed by sequential passages with the drug. DENV dependency on intracellular lipids during their infection was also evaluated by adding extracellular lipids. The addition of PF-429242 showed suppression of viral propagation in all DENV serotypes. We showed that drug-resistant DENV mutants are unlikely to emerge after five times sequential passages through treatment with PF-429242. Although the levels of intracellular cholesterol and lipid droplets were reduced by PF-429242, viral propagations were not recovered by addition of exogenous cholesterol or fatty acids, indicating that the reduction of LD and cholesterol caused by PF-429242 treatment is not related to its mechanism of action against DENV propagation. Our results suggest that PF-429242 is a promising candidate for an anti-DENV agent.

A Novel Acidic Matrix Protein, PfN44, Stabilizes Magnesium Calcite to Inhibit the Crystallization of Aragonite*

Science.gov (United States)

Pan, Cong; Fang, Dong; Xu, Guangrui; Liang, Jian; Zhang, Guiyou; Wang, Hongzhong; Xie, Liping; Zhang, Rongqing

2014-01-01

Magnesium is widely used to control calcium carbonate deposition in the shell of pearl oysters. Matrix proteins in the shell are responsible for nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals. However, there is no direct evidence supporting a connection between matrix proteins and magnesium. Here, we identified a novel acidic matrix protein named PfN44 that affected aragonite formation in the shell of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata. Using immunogold labeling assays, we found PfN44 in both the nacreous and prismatic layers. In shell repair, PfN44 was repressed, whereas other matrix proteins were up-regulated. Disturbing the function of PfN44 by RNAi led to the deposition of porous nacreous tablets with overgrowth of crystals in the nacreous layer. By in vitro circular dichroism spectra and fluorescence quenching, we found that PfN44 bound to both calcium and magnesium with a stronger affinity for magnesium. During in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization and calcification of amorphous calcium carbonate, PfN44 regulated the magnesium content of crystalline carbonate polymorphs and stabilized magnesium calcite to inhibit aragonite deposition. Taken together, our results suggested that by stabilizing magnesium calcite to inhibit aragonite deposition, PfN44 participated in P. fucata shell formation. These observations extend our understanding of the connections between matrix proteins and magnesium. PMID:24302723

Potentially functional SNPs (pfSNPs as novel genomic predictors of 5-FU response in metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

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Jingbo Wang

Full Text Available 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU and its pro-drug Capecitabine have been widely used in treating colorectal cancer. However, not all patients will respond to the drug, hence there is a need to develop reliable early predictive biomarkers for 5-FU response. Here, we report a novel potentially functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (pfSNP approach to identify SNPs that may serve as predictive biomarkers of response to 5-FU in Chinese metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC patients. 1547 pfSNPs and one variable number tandem repeat (VNTR in 139 genes in 5-FU drug (both PK and PD pathway and colorectal cancer disease pathways were examined in 2 groups of CRC patients. Shrinkage of liver metastasis measured by RECIST criteria was used as the clinical end point. Four non-responder-specific pfSNPs were found to account for 37.5% of all non-responders (P<0.0003. Five additional pfSNPs were identified from a multivariate model (AUC under ROC = 0.875 that was applied for all other pfSNPs, excluding the non-responder-specific pfSNPs. These pfSNPs, which can differentiate the other non-responders from responders, mainly reside in tumor suppressor genes or genes implicated in colorectal cancer risk. Hence, a total of 9 novel SNPs with potential functional significance may be able to distinguish non-responders from responders to 5-FU. These pfSNPs may be useful biomarkers for predicting response to 5-FU.

PF-1355, a mechanism-based myeloperoxidase inhibitor, prevents immune complex vasculitis and anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis.

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Wei; Warner, Roscoe; Ruggeri, Roger; Su, Chunyan; Cortes, Christian; Skoura, Athanasia; Ward, Jessica; Ahn, Kay; Kalgutkar, Amit; Sun, Dexue; Maurer, Tristan S; Bonin, Paul D; Okerberg, Carlin; Bobrowski, Walter; Kawabe, Thomas; Zhang, Yanwei; Coskran, Timothy; Bell, Sammy; Kapoor, Bhupesh; Johnson, Kent; Buckbinder, Leonard

2015-05-01

Small vessel vasculitis is a life-threatening condition and patients typically present with renal and pulmonary injury. Disease pathogenesis is associated with neutrophil accumulation, activation, and oxidative damage, the latter being driven in large part by myeloperoxidase (MPO), which generates hypochlorous acid among other oxidants. MPO has been associated with vasculitis, disseminated vascular inflammation typically involving pulmonary and renal microvasculature and often resulting in critical consequences. MPO contributes to vascular injury by 1) catabolizing nitric oxide, impairing vasomotor function; 2) causing oxidative damage to lipoproteins and endothelial cells, leading to atherosclerosis; and 3) stimulating formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, resulting in vessel occlusion and thrombosis. Here we report a selective 2-thiouracil mechanism-based MPO inhibitor (PF-1355 [2-(6-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)acetamide) and demonstrate that MPO is a critical mediator of vasculitis in mouse disease models. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic response model of PF-1355 exposure in relation with MPO activity was derived from mouse peritonitis. The contribution of MPO activity to vasculitis was then examined in an immune complex model of pulmonary disease. Oral administration of PF-1355 reduced plasma MPO activity, vascular edema, neutrophil recruitment, and elevated circulating cytokines. In a model of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, formerly known as Goodpasture disease, albuminuria and chronic renal dysfunction were completely suppressed by PF-1355 treatment. This study shows that MPO activity is critical in driving immune complex vasculitis and provides confidence in testing the hypothesis that MPO inhibition will provide benefit in treating human vasculitic diseases. Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Ion beams from high-current PF facilities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sadowski, M [Soltan Inst. for Nuclear Studies, Otwock-Swierk (Poland)

1997-12-31

Pulsed beams of fast deuterons and impurity or admixture ions emitted from high-current PF-type facilities operated in different laboratories are dealt with. A short comparative analysis of time-integrated and time-resolved studies is presented. Particular attention is paid to the microstructure of such ion beams, and to the verification of some theoretical models. (author). 5 figs., 19 refs.

Reactions of the dirhenium(II) complexes Re2X4(dppm)2 (X = Cl, Br; dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2) with isocyanides. 5. Mixed carbonyl-isocyanide and carbonyl-isocyanide-nitrile complexes of stoichiometry (Re2Cl3(dppm)2(CO)(CNR)(L))PF6 (R = t-Bu, xyl (Xylyl); L = t-BuNC, xylNC, MeCN, EtCN). Structural characterization of the cation (Cl2(CO)Re(μ-dppm)2ReCl (CN-t-Bu)2)+

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fanwick, P.E.; Price, A.C.; Walton, R.A.

1988-01-01

Several dirhenium (II) species that contain mixed sets of carbonyl, isocyanide, and/or nitrile ligands have been prepared from the reactions between Re 2 Cl 4 (dppm) 2 (CO)(CNR) (dppm = Ph 2 PCHPPh 2 ; R = t-Bu, xyl (xylyl)), and the appropriate ligands in the presence of TlPF 6 . The crystal structures of these compounds are reported. The terminally-bound ligand noted in the complexes (Re 2 Cl 3 (dppm) 2 (CO)(CN-t-Bu) 2 )PF 6 and (Re 2 CL 3 (dppm) 2 (CO)(CN-t-Bu)(CNxyl))PF 6 indicates structures that have not been previously reported. Complexes in which there are mixed sets of carbonyl, isocyanide, and nitrile ligands, viz. (Re 2 Cl 3 (dppm) 2 (CO)(CNR)(CNR'))PF 6 are also reported. 20 refs., 1 fig., 5 tabs

1.3.3. Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a new ruthenium polypyridyl complex [Ru(phen2(4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'- bipyridine]PF6

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiaxi Chen, Jing Sun*, Jufang Kong, Wenxiu Chen and Hongqing Hao*

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract: A new Ru(II polypyridyl complex, [Ru(phen2(4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine]PF6·1.5H2O, was synthesized andcharacterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elementalanalyses, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, infraredspectra, ultraviolet (UV spectra, and emission spectra. Thestructure of the cation [Ru(phen2(4,4'-(COO-,(COOH-2,2'-bpy]+ consists of a six-coordinated ruthenium atom chelated bytwo phen ligands and one 4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine ligand.The absorption spectrum of the Ru(II complex is characterizedby two intense ligand-centered transitions in the UV region andone metal to ligand charge transfer in the visible region. Moreover,the complex can display luminescence in water at roomtemperature, with maximum emission at 623 nm.Supporting information: Cif file

The Plasmodium falciparum exported protein PF3D7_0402000 binds to erythrocyte ankyrin and band 4.1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shakya, Bikash; Penn, Wesley D.; Nakayasu, Ernesto S.; Lacount, Douglas J.

2017-09-01

Plasmodium falciparum extensively modifies the infected red blood cell (RBC), resulting in changes in deformability, shape and surface properties. These alterations suggest that the RBC cytoskeleton is a major target for modification during infection. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes are largely unknown. To begin to address this question, we screened for exported P. falciparum proteins that bound to the erythrocyte cytoskeleton proteins ankyrin 1 (ANK1) and band 4.1 (4.1R), which form critical interactions with other cytoskeletal proteins that contribute to the deformability and stability of RBCs. Yeast two-hybrid screens with ANK1 and 4.1R identified eight interactions with P. falciparum exported proteins, including an interaction between 4.1R and PF3D7_0402000 (PFD0090c). This interaction was first identified in a large-scale screen (Vignali et al., Malaria J, 7:211, 2008), which also reported an interaction between PF3D7_0402000 and ANK1. We confirmed the interactions of PF3D7_0402000 with 4.1R and ANK1 in pair-wise yeast two-hybrid and co-precipitation assays. In both cases, an intact PHIST domain in PF3D7_0402000 was required for binding. Complex purification followed by mass spectrometry analysis provided additional support for the interaction of PF3D7_0402000 with ANK1 and 4.1R. RBC ghost cells loaded with maltose-binding protein (MBP)-PF3D7_0402000 passed through a metal microsphere column less efficiently than mock- or MBP-loaded controls, consistent with an effect of PF3D7_0402000 on RBC rigidity or membrane stability. This study confirmed the interaction of PF3D7_0402000 with 4.1R in multiple independent assays, provided the first evidence that PF3D7_0402000 also binds to ANK1, and suggested that PF3D7_0402000 affects deformability or membrane stability of uninfected RBC ghosts.

Li ⁺ solvation and kinetics of Li⁺–BF₄^-/PF ₆ ^- ion pairs in ethylene carbonate. A molecular dynamics study with classical rate theories

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, Tsun-Mei [Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53141, USA; Dang, Liem X. [Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 93352, USA

2017-10-28

Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ethylene carbonate (EC) exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li+ and the dissociation kinetics of ion pairs Li+-[BF4] and Li+-[PF6] in this solvent. We calculate the exchange rates using transition state theory and correct them with transmission coefficients computed by the reactive flux; Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches; and Grote-Hynes theory. We found the residence times of EC around Li+ ions varied from 70 to 450 ps, depending on the correction method used. We found the relaxation times changed significantly from Li+-[BF4] to Li+-[PF6] ion pairs in EC. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of dissociation in EC, the anion type also significantly influence the dissociation kinetics of ion pairing. This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences. The calculations were carried out using computer resources provided by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

Suppressive Effects of the Site 1 Protease (S1P Inhibitor, PF-429242, on Dengue Virus Propagation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leo Uchida

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Dengue virus (DENV infection causes one of the most widespread mosquito-borne diseases in the world. Despite the great need, effective vaccines and practical antiviral therapies are still under development. Intracellular lipid levels are regulated by sterol regulatory elements-binding proteins (SREBPs, which are activated by serine protease, site 1 protease (S1P. Small compound PF-429242 is known as a S1P inhibitor and the antivirus effects have been reported in some viruses. In this study, we examined the anti-DENV effects of PF-429242 using all four serotypes of DENV by several primate-derived cell lines. Moreover, emergence of drug-resistant DENV mutants was assessed by sequential passages with the drug. DENV dependency on intracellular lipids during their infection was also evaluated by adding extracellular lipids. The addition of PF-429242 showed suppression of viral propagation in all DENV serotypes. We showed that drug-resistant DENV mutants are unlikely to emerge after five times sequential passages through treatment with PF-429242. Although the levels of intracellular cholesterol and lipid droplets were reduced by PF-429242, viral propagations were not recovered by addition of exogenous cholesterol or fatty acids, indicating that the reduction of LD and cholesterol caused by PF-429242 treatment is not related to its mechanism of action against DENV propagation. Our results suggest that PF-429242 is a promising candidate for an anti-DENV agent.

Dissection of the role of PfEMP1 and ICAM-1 in the sensing of Plasmodium-falciparum-infected erythrocytes by natural killer cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Myriam Baratin

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Host innate immunity contributes to malaria clinical outcome by providing protective inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma, and by shaping the adaptive immune response. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf is the etiologic agent of the most severe forms of human malaria. Natural Killer (NK cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are the first effectors to produce interferon-gamma in response to Pf. However, the molecular bases of Pf-NK cell recognition events are unknown. Our study focuses on the role of Pf erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1, a major Pf virulence factor. PfEMP1 is expressed on parasitized-erythrocytes and participates to vascular obstruction through the binding to several host receptors. PfEMP1 is also a pivotal target for host antibody response to Pf infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using genetically-engineered parasite mutant strains, a human genetic deficiency, and blocking antibodies, we identified two receptor-ligand pairs involved in two uncoupled events occurring during the sensing of Pf infection by NK cells. First, PfEMP1 interaction with one of its host receptor, chondroitin sulfate A, mediates the cytoadhesion of Pf-infected erythrocytes to human NK cell lines, but is not required for primary NK cell activation. Second, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, another host receptor for PfEMP1, is mandatory for NK cell interferon-gamma response. In this case, ICAM-1 acts via its engagement with its host ligand, LFA-1, and not with PfEMP1, consistent with the obligatory cross-talk of NK cells with macrophages for their production of interferon-gamma. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: PfEMP1-independent but ICAM-1/LFA-1-dependent events occurring during NK cell activation by Pf highlight the fundamental role of cellular cooperation during innate immune response to malaria.

Chlorpheniramine Analogues Reverse Chloroquine Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum by Inhibiting PfCRT.

Science.gov (United States)

Deane, Karen J; Summers, Robert L; Lehane, Adele M; Martin, Rowena E; Barrow, Russell A

2014-05-08

The emergence and spread of malaria parasites that are resistant to chloroquine (CQ) has been a disaster for world health. The antihistamine chlorpheniramine (CP) partially resensitizes CQ-resistant (CQR) parasites to CQ but possesses little intrinsic antiplasmodial activity. Mutations in the parasite's CQ resistance transporter (PfCRT) confer resistance to CQ by enabling the protein to transport the drug away from its site of action, and it is thought that resistance-reversers such as CP exert their effect by blocking this CQ transport activity. Here, a series of new structural analogues and homologues of CP have been synthesized. We show that these compounds (along with other in vitro CQ resistance-reversers) inhibit the transport of CQ via a resistance-conferring form of PfCRT expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Furthermore, the level of PfCRT-inhibition was found to correlate well with both the restoration of CQ accumulation and the level of CQ resensitization in CQR parasites.

TRAC-PF1/MOD1 assessment at Los Alamos

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knight, T.D.

1984-01-01

The Los Alamos National Laboratory is developing the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) to provide an advanced best-estimate predictive capability for the analysis of postulated accidents in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Over the past several years, four distinct versions of the code have been released; each new version introduced improvements to the existing models and numerics and added new models to extend the applications of the code. The first goal of the code was to analyze large-break loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs), and the TRAC-P1A and TRAC-PD2 codes primarily addressed the large-break LOCA. (The TRAC-PD2/MOD1 code is essentially the same as the TRAC-PD2 code but it also includes a released set of error corrections.) The TRAC-PF1 code contained major changes to the models and trips and to the numerical methods. These modifications enhanced the computational speed of the code and improved the application to small-break LOCAs. The TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code, the latest released version, added improved steam-generator modeling, a turbine component, and a control system together with modified constitutive relations to model the balance of plant on the secondary side and to extend the applications to non-LOCA transients. The TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code also contains reasonably general reactor-kinetics modeling to facilitate the simulation of transients with delayed scram or without scram. 13 references, 24 figures

Multiple ETS family proteins regulate PF4 gene expression by binding to the same ETS binding site.

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Yoshiaki Okada

Full Text Available In previous studies on the mechanism underlying megakaryocyte-specific gene expression, several ETS motifs were found in each megakaryocyte-specific gene promoter. Although these studies suggested that several ETS family proteins regulate megakaryocyte-specific gene expression, only a few ETS family proteins have been identified. Platelet factor 4 (PF4 is a megakaryocyte-specific gene and its promoter includes multiple ETS motifs. We had previously shown that ETS-1 binds to an ETS motif in the PF4 promoter. However, the functions of the other ETS motifs are still unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate a novel functional ETS motif in the PF4 promoter and identify proteins binding to the motif. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, FLI-1, ELF-1, and GABP bound to the -51 ETS site. Expression of FLI-1, ELF-1, and GABP activated the PF4 promoter in HepG2 cells. Mutation of a -51 ETS site attenuated FLI-1-, ELF-1-, and GABP-mediated transactivation of the promoter. siRNA analysis demonstrated that FLI-1, ELF-1, and GABP regulate PF4 gene expression in HEL cells. Among these three proteins, only FLI-1 synergistically activated the promoter with GATA-1. In addition, only FLI-1 expression was increased during megakaryocytic differentiation. Finally, the importance of the -51 ETS site for the activation of the PF4 promoter during physiological megakaryocytic differentiation was confirmed by a novel reporter gene assay using in vitro ES cell differentiation system. Together, these data suggest that FLI-1, ELF-1, and GABP regulate PF4 gene expression through the -51 ETS site in megakaryocytes and implicate the differentiation stage-specific regulation of PF4 gene expression by multiple ETS factors.

Synthesis and characterization of new ionic liquids; Sintese e caracterizacao de novos liquidos ionicos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oliveira, L.M.C. de; Mattedi, S.; Boaventura, J.S., E-mail: luanaufrn@hotmail.co [Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA (Brazil). Escola Politecnica. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia Quimica; Iglesias, M. [Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA (Brazil). Escola Politecnica. Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia Quimica; Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria. Dept. de Ingenieria Quimica

2010-07-01

In recent years, ionic liquids have been highlighted for its potential in various industrial applications. Among them, the salts of Broensted has a promising profile for the low toxicity, low cost and simple synthesis. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of new salts of Bronsted with branched (lactate) or large chain anions (oleate) for future use as additives promoters of proton conductivity in fuel cells of ethanol. Experimental data were measured for density, sound velocity and conductivity of pure ionic liquids and mixtures. The density decreases linearly with increasing temperature, and sound velocity shows a similar trend, but not linear. The conductivity increases according to the Arrhenius model with activation energy less than 10 J/mol. Tests NMR, FTIR and TGA confirm ionic structure and thermal stability up to 165 deg C. (author)

Synthesis and characterization of metallic nuclear fuels; Sintese e caracterizacao de combustiveis nucleares metalicos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Longen, F.R., E-mail: frlongen@utfpr.edu.br [Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana (UTFPR), Medianeira, PR (Brazil); Barco, R.; Paesano Junior, A. [Universidade Estadual de Maringa (UEM), PR (Brazil); Pagano Junior, L. [Centro Tecnologico da Marinha (CETEM), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2014-07-01

U-Zr-Mo and U-Zr-Gd ternary alloys, potentially useful as metallic nuclear fuel, were prepared at different concentrations by arc-melting and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Those alloys containing molybdenum were submitted to thermal annealing in inert atmosphere, followed by quenching in water. These samples were measured before and after the thermal treatment. The diffractometric results evidenced that the as-cast alloys solidified mostly with a body centered cubic structure (γphase) and that for the uranium richest samples a second phase formed, with an orthorhombic structure (α phase). For the U-Zr-Gd alloys the X-ray diffractometry revealed the retention of a hexagonal structure (δ phase) and gadolinium traces in the poorest uranium samples. The U{sub 57}(Zr{sub 92}Gd{sub 8}){sub 43} sample resulted monophasic becoming, according to literature, the first time that a solid solution combining uranium and gadolinium is identified. (author)

PfSETvs methylation of histone H3K36 represses virulence genes in Plasmodium falciparum

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jiang, Lubin; Mu, Jianbing; Zhang, Qingfeng

2013-01-01

The variant antigen Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), which is expressed on the surface of P. falciparum-infected red blood cells, is a critical virulence factor for malaria. Each parasite has 60 antigenically distinct var genes that each code for a different PfEMP1...... parasite nuclei and their expression as proteins on the surface of individual infected red blood cells. PfSETvs-dependent H3K36me3 is present along the entire gene body, including the transcription start site, to silence var genes. With low occupancy of PfSETvs at both the transcription start site of var...... protein. During infection the clonal parasite population expresses only one gene at a time before switching to the expression of a new variant antigen as an immune-evasion mechanism to avoid the host antibody response. The mechanism by which 59 of the 60 var genes are silenced remains largely unknown...

Cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(N-N)(P-P)]PF6 complexes: Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity: (BzCN=benzonitrile; N-N=2,2'-bipyridine; 1,10-phenanthroline; P-P=1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino) butane, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, or 1,1'-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene).

Science.gov (United States)

Pereira, Flávia de C; Lima, Benedicto A V; de Lima, Aliny P; Pires, Wanessa C; Monteiro, Thallita; Magalhães, Lorena F; Costa, Wanderson; Graminha, Angélica E; Batista, Alzir A; Ellena, Javier; Siveira-Lacerda, Elisângela de P

2015-08-01

The motivation to use ruthenium complexes in cancer treatment has led our research group to synthesize complexes with this metal and test them against several types of tumor cells, yielding promising results. In this paper the results of biological tests, assessed by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, were carried out on the complexes cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppe)]PF6 (1), cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppb)]PF6 (2), cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(bipy)(dppf)]PF6 (3) and cis-[RuCl(BzCN)(phen)(dppb)]PF6 (4) which are described [BzCN = b enzonitrile; bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane; dppb = 1,4-bis-(diphenylphosphino)butane; dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]. The present study is focused on the cytotoxic activity of complexes (1)-(4) against four tumor cell lines and on the apoptosis and changes in the cell cycle and gene expression observed in the sarcoma 180 (S180) tumor cell line treated with complex (1). The results demonstrated that this complex inhibits S180 cell growth, with an IC50 of 17.02 ± 8.21 μM, while exhibiting lower cytotoxicity (IC50 = 53.73 ± 5.71 μM) towards lymphocytes (normal cells). Flow cytometry revealed that the complex inhibits the growth of tumor cells by inducing apoptosis as evidenced by an increase in the proportion of cells positive for annexin V staining and G0/G1 phase cell-cycle arrest. Further investigation showed that complex (1) induces a drop in the mitochondrial membrane potential and provokes a decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression and increase in caspase 3 activation, while the increased activation of caspase 8 caused a decrease in the gene expression in caspases 3 and 9. Increases in Tp53 and Bax expressions were also observed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Exported Chaperone PfHsp70x Is Dispensable for the Plasmodium falciparum Intraerythrocytic Life Cycle.

Science.gov (United States)

Cobb, David W; Florentin, Anat; Fierro, Manuel A; Krakowiak, Michelle; Moore, Julie M; Muralidharan, Vasant

2017-01-01

Export of parasite proteins into the host erythrocyte is essential for survival of Plasmodium falciparum during its asexual life cycle. While several studies described key factors within the parasite that are involved in protein export, the mechanisms employed to traffic exported proteins within the host cell are currently unknown. Members of the Hsp70 family of chaperones, together with their Hsp40 cochaperones, facilitate protein trafficking in other organisms, and are thus likely used by P. falciparum in the trafficking of its exported proteins. A large group of Hsp40 proteins is encoded by the parasite and exported to the host cell, but only one Hsp70, P. falciparum Hsp70x (PfHsp70x), is exported with them. PfHsp70x is absent in most Plasmodium species and is found only in P. falciparum and closely related species that infect apes. Herein, we have utilized clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing in P. falciparum to investigate the essentiality of PfHsp70x. We show that parasitic growth was unaffected by knockdown of PfHsp70x using both the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)-based destabilization domain and the glmS ribozyme system. Similarly, a complete gene knockout of PfHsp70x did not affect the ability of P. falciparum to proceed through its intraerythrocytic life cycle. The effect of PfHsp70x knockdown/knockout on the export of proteins to the host red blood cell (RBC), including the critical virulence factor P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), was tested, and we found that this process was unaffected. These data show that although PfHsp70x is the sole exported Hsp70, it is not essential for the asexual development of P. falciparum . IMPORTANCE Half of the world's population lives at risk for malaria. The intraerythrocytic life cycle of Plasmodium spp. is responsible for clinical manifestations of malaria; therefore, knowledge of the parasite's ability to survive within the erythrocyte is

Solution structure of a Plasmodium falciparum AMA-1/MSP 1 chimeric protein vaccine candidate (PfCP-2.9 for malaria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jin Changwen

2010-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The Plasmodium falciparum chimeric protein PfCP-2.9 is a promising asexual-stage malaria vaccine evaluated in clinical trials. This chimeric protein consists of two cysteine-rich domains: domain III of the apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1 [III] and the C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1-19. It has been reported that the fusion of these two antigens enhanced their immunogenicity and antibody-mediated inhibition of parasite growth in vitro. Methods The 15N-labeled and 13C/15N-labeled PfCP-2.9 was produced in Pichia pastoris for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR structure analysis. The chemical shift assignments of PfCP-2.9 were compared with those previously reported for the individual domains (i.e., PfAMA-1(III or PfMSP 1-19. The two-dimensional spectra and transverse relaxation rates (R2 of the PfMSP1-19 alone were compared with that of the PfCP-2.9. Results Confident backbone assignments were obtained for 122 out of 241 residues of PfCP-2.9. The assigned residues in PfCP-2.9 were very similar to those previously reported for the individual domains. The conformation of the PfMSP1-19 in different constructs is essentially the same. Comparison of transverse relaxation rates (R2 strongly suggests no weak interaction between the domains. Conclusions These data indicate that the fusion of AMA-1(III and MSP1-19 as chimeric protein did not change their structures, supporting the use of the chimeric protein as a potential malaria vaccine.

Diagnosing severe falciparum malaria in parasitaemic African children: a prospective evaluation of plasma PfHRP2 measurement.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ilse C E Hendriksen

Full Text Available In African children, distinguishing severe falciparum malaria from other severe febrile illnesses with coincidental Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia is a major challenge. P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2 is released by mature sequestered parasites and can be used to estimate the total parasite burden. We investigated the prognostic significance of plasma PfHRP2 and used it to estimate the malaria-attributable fraction in African children diagnosed with severe malaria.Admission plasma PfHRP2 was measured prospectively in African children (from Mozambique, The Gambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo aged 1 month to 15 years with severe febrile illness and a positive P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH-based rapid test in a clinical trial comparing parenteral artesunate versus quinine (the AQUAMAT trial, ISRCTN 50258054. In 3,826 severely ill children, Plasmadium falciparum PfHRP2 was higher in patients with coma (p = 0.0209, acidosis (p<0.0001, and severe anaemia (p<0.0001. Admission geometric mean (95%CI plasma PfHRP2 was 1,611 (1,350-1,922 ng/mL in fatal cases (n = 381 versus 1,046 (991-1,104 ng/mL in survivors (n = 3,445, p<0.0001, without differences in parasitaemia as assessed by microscopy. There was a U-shaped association between log(10 plasma PfHRP2 and risk of death. Mortality increased 20% per log(10 increase in PfHRP2 above 174 ng/mL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.21, 95%CI 1.05-1.39, p = 0.009. A mechanistic model assuming a PfHRP2-independent risk of death in non-malaria illness closely fitted the observed data and showed malaria-attributable mortality less than 50% with plasma PfHRP2≤174 ng/mL. The odds ratio (OR for death in artesunate versus quinine-treated patients was 0.61 (95%CI 0.44-0.83, p = 0.0018 in the highest PfHRP2 tertile, whereas there was no difference in the lowest tertile (OR 1.05; 95%CI 0.69-1.61; p = 0.82. A limitation of the study is that some

A method for visualizing surface-exposed and internal PfEMP1 adhesion antigens in Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arnot David E

2008-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The insertion of parasite antigens into the host erythrocyte membrane and the structure and distribution of Plasmodium falciparum adhesion receptors on that membrane are poorly understood. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM and a novel labelling and fixation method have been used to obtain high resolution immuno-fluorescent images of erythrocyte surface PfEMP1 and internal antigens which allow analysis of the accumulation of PfEMP1 on the erythrocyte membrane during asexual development. Methods A novel staining technique has been developed which permits distinction between erythrocyte surface PfEMP1 and intracellular PfEMP1, in parasites whose nuclear material is exceptionally well resolved. Primary antibody detection by fluorescence is carried out on the live parasitized erythrocyte. The surface labelled cells are then fixed using paraformaldehyde and permeabilized with a non-ionic detergent to permit access of antibodies to internal parasite antigens. Differentiation between surface and internal antigens is achieved using antibodies labelled with different fluorochromes and confocal microscopy Results Surface exposed PfEMP1 is first detectable by antibodies at the trophozoite stage of intracellular parasite development although the improved detection method indicates that there are differences between different laboratory isolates in the kinetics of accumulation of surface-exposed PfEMP1. Conclusion A sensitive method for labelling surface and internal PfEMP1 with up to three different fluorochromes has been developed for laser scanning confocal optical microscopy and the analysis of the developmental expression of malaria adhesion antigens.

Motivational Distortion on 16 PF Primaries by Male Felons.

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Wallbrown, Fred H.; And Others

1989-01-01

Investigated motivational distortion using the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF) for male (n=331) criminal offenders. Results indicated that ego-strength, free-floating anxiety, ability to bind anxiety, boldness, dominance, emotional sensitivity and suspiciousness contributed most to the motivational distortion scale predictions.…

The synthetic Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite peptide PfCS102 as a malaria vaccine candidate: a randomized controlled phase I trial.

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Régine Audran

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Fully efficient vaccines against malaria pre-erythrocytic stage are still lacking. The objective of this dose/adjuvant-finding study was to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a vaccine candidate based on a peptide spanning the C-terminal region of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCS102 in malaria naive adults. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Thirty-six healthy malaria-naive adults were randomly distributed into three dose blocks (10, 30 and 100 microg and vaccinated with PfCS102 in combination with either Montanide ISA 720 or GSK proprietary Adjuvant System AS02A at days 0, 60, and 180. Primary end-point (safety and reactogenicity was based on the frequency of adverse events (AE and of abnormal biological safety tests; secondary-end point (immunogenicity on P. falciparum specific cell-mediated immunity and antibody response before and after immunization. The two adjuvant formulations were well tolerated and their safety profile was good. Most AEs were local and, when systemic, involved mainly fatigue and headache. Half the volunteers in AS02A groups experienced severe AEs (mainly erythema. After the third injection, 34 of 35 volunteers developed anti-PfCS102 and anti-sporozoite antibodies, and 28 of 35 demonstrated T-cell proliferative responses and IFN-gamma production. Five of 22 HLA-A2 and HLA-A3 volunteers displayed PfCS102 specific IFN-gamma secreting CD8(+ T cell responses. Responses were only marginally boosted after the 3(rd vaccination and remained stable for 6 months. For both adjuvants, the dose of 10 microg was less immunogenic in comparison to 30 and 100 microg that induced similar responses. AS02A formulations with 30 microg or 100 microg PfCS102 induced about 10-folds higher antibody and IFN-gamma responses than Montanide formulations. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: PfCS102 peptide was safe and highly immunogenic, allowing the design of more advanced trials to test its potential

Design of coolant distribution system (CDS) for ITER PF AC/DC converter

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guo, Bin [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Song, Zhiquan, E-mail: zhquansong@ipp.ac.cn [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Fu, Peng; Xu, Xuesong; Li, Chuan [Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Wang, Min; Dong, Lin [China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center, Beijing 100862 (China)

2016-10-15

Highlights: • System process and arrangement has been proposed to meet the multiple requirements from the converter system. • Thermal hydraulic analysis model has been developed to size and predict the system operation behavior. • Prototype test has been performed to validate the proposed design methodology. - Abstract: The Poloidal Field (PF) converter unit, playing an essential role in the plasma shape and position control in vertical and horizontal direction, which is an important part of ITER power supply system. As an important subsystem of the converter unit, the coolant distribution system has the function to distribute the cooling water from ITER component cooling water system (CCWS) to its main components at the required flow rate, pressure and temperature. This paper presents the thermal hydraulic design of coolant distribution system for the ITER PF converter unit. Different operational requirements of the PF converter unit regarding flow rate, temperature and pressure have been analyzed to design the system process and arrangement. A thermal-hydraulic analysis model has been built to size the system and predict the flow rate and temperature distribution of the system under the normal operation. Based on the system thermal-hydraulic analysis results, the system pressure profile has been plotted to evaluate the pressure behavior along each client flow path. A CDS prototype for the ITER PF converter has been constructed and some experiments have been performed on it. A good agreement of the flow distribution and temperature behavior between the simulated and test results validate the proposed design methodology.

49 CFR 178.358 - Specification 21PF fire and shock resistant, phenolic-foam insulated, metal overpack.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Specification 21PF fire and shock resistant, phenolic-foam insulated, metal overpack. 178.358 Section 178.358 Transportation Other Regulations Relating... Class 7 (Radioactive) Materials § 178.358 Specification 21PF fire and shock resistant, phenolic-foam...

Electron-capture Rates for pf-shell Nuclei in Stellar Environments and Nucleosynthesis

Science.gov (United States)

Suzuki, Toshio; Honma, Michio; Mori, Kanji; Famiano, Michael A.; Kajino, Toshitaka; Hidakai, Jun; Otsuka, Takaharu

Gamow-Teller strengths in pf-shell nuclei obtained by a new shell-model Hamltonian, GXPF1J, are used to evaluate electron-capture rates in pf-shell nuclei at stellar environments. The nuclear weak rates with GXPF1J, which are generally smaller than previous evaluations for proton-rich nuclei, are applied to nucleosynthesis in type Ia supernova explosions. The updated rates are found to lead to less production of neutron-rich nuclei such as 58Ni and 54Cr, thus toward a solution of the problem of over-production of neutron-rich isotopes of iron-group nuclei compared to the solar abundance.

Transcript and protein expression profile of PF11_0394, a Plasmodium falciparum protein expressed in salivary gland sporozoites

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Schlarman Maggie S

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a significant problem around the world today, thus there is still a need for new control methods to be developed. Because the sporozoite displays dual infectivity for both the mosquito salivary glands and vertebrate host tissue, it is a good target for vaccine development. Methods The P. falciparum gene, PF11_0394, was chosen as a candidate for study due to its potential role in the invasion of host tissues. This gene, which was selected using a data mining approach from PlasmoDB, is expressed both at the transcriptional and protein levels in sporozoites and likely encodes a putative surface protein. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR and green fluorescent protein (GFP-trafficking studies, a transcript and protein expression profile of PF11_0394 was determined. Results The PF11_0394 protein has orthologs in other Plasmodium species and Apicomplexans, but none outside of the group Apicomplexa. PF11_0394 transcript was found to be present during both the sporozoite and erythrocytic stages of the parasite life cycle, but no transcript was detected during axenic exoerythrocytic stages. Despite the presence of transcript throughout several life cycle stages, the PF11_0394 protein was only detected in salivary gland sporozoites. Conclusions PF11_0394 appears to be a protein uniquely detected in salivary gland sporozoites. Even though a specific function of PF11_0394 has not been determined in P. falciparum biology, it could be another candidate for a new vaccine.

A cross-species translational pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic evaluation of core body temperature reduction by the TRPM8 blocker PF-05105679.

Science.gov (United States)

Gosset, James R; Beaumont, Kevin; Matsuura, Tomomi; Winchester, Wendy; Attkins, Neil; Glatt, Sophie; Lightbown, Ian; Ulrich, Kristina; Roberts, Sonia; Harris, Jolie; Mesic, Emir; van Steeg, Tamara; Hijdra, Diana; van der Graaf, Piet H

2017-11-15

PF-05105679 is a moderately potent TRPM8 blocker which has been evaluated for the treatment of cold pain sensitivity. The TRPM8 channel is responsible for the sensation of cold environmental temperatures and has been implicated in regulation of core body temperature. Consequently, blockade of TRPM8 has been suggested to result in lowering of core body temperature. As part of the progression to human studies, the effect of PF-05105679 on core body temperature has been investigated in animals. Safety pharmacology studies showed that PF-05105679 reduced core body temperature in a manner that was inversely related to body weight of the species tested (greater exposure to PF-05105679 was required to lower temperature by 1°C in higher species). Based on an allometric (body weight) relationship, it was hypothesized that PF-05105679 would not lower core body temperature in humans at exposures that could exhibit pharmacological effects on cold pain sensation. On administration to humans, PF-05105679 was indeed effective at reversing the cold pain sensation associated with the cold pressor test in the absence of effects on core body temperature. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EPICOR-II resin degradation results from first resin samples of PF-8 and PF-20

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McConnell, J.W. Jr.; Sanders, R.D. Sr.

1985-12-01

The 28 March 1979 accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2 released approximately 560,000 gallons of contaminated water to the Auxiliary and Fuel Handling Buildings. The water was decontaminated using a demineralization system called EPICOR-II developed by Epicor, Inc. The Low-Level Waste Data Base Development - EPICOR-II Resin/Liner Investigation Project is studying the chemical and physical conditions of the synthetic ion exchange resins found in several EPICOR-II prefilters. This report summarizes results and analyses of the first sampling of ion exchange resins from EPICOR-II prefilters PE-8 and -20. Results are compared with baseline data from tests performed on unirradiated Epicor, Inc. resins to determine if degradation has occurred due to the high internal radiation dose received by the EPICOR-II resins. Results also are compared with recent findings on resin degradation by Battelle Columbus Laboratories and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Analyses comparing test results of resins from EPICOR-II prefilters PF-8 and -20 with unirradiated resins obtained from Epicor, Inc. show resin degradation has occurred in some of the EPICOR-II resins examined. The mechanism of degradation is compared with work of other researchers and is consistent with their findings. The strong acid cation resins (divinylbenzene, styrene base structure) are losing effective cross-linking along with scission of functional groups and are experiencing first an increase and eventually a decrease in total exchange capacity as the absorbed radiation dose increases. The phenolic cation resins (phenol-formaldehyde base structure) show a loss of effective cross-linking and oxidation of the polymer chain. Analyses of resins removed from EPICOR-II prefilters PF-8 and -20 over the next several years should show a further increase in degradation

The rare codon AGA is involved in regulation of pyoluteorin biosynthesis in Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

The soil bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 can colonize root and seed surfaces of many plants, protecting them from infection by plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. This capacity to suppress disease is attributed in part to Pf-5’s production of a large spectrum of antibiotics, which is controll...

Tumor p-glycoprotein correlates with efficacy of PF-3758309 in in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer.

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Erica Lynn Bradshaw-Pierce

2013-03-01

Full Text Available P-glycoprotein (P-gp, a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, is overexpressed in a number of different cancers and some studies show that P-gp overexpression can be correlated to poor prognosis or therapeutic resistance. Here we sought to elucidate if PF-3758309 (PF-309, a novel p-21 activated kinase inhibitor, efficacy was influenced by tumor P-gp. Based on in vitro proliferation data, a panel of colorectal cancer cell lines were ranked as sensitive or resistant and ABCB1 (P-gp expression was evaluated by microarray for these cell lines. P-gp expression was determined by western blot and activity determined by rhodamine efflux assay. Knock down of P-gp and pharmacologic inhibition of P-gp to restore PF-309 activity was performed in vitro. PF-309 activity was evaluated in vivo in cell line xenograft models and in primary patient derived tumor xenografts (PDTX. Mice were treated with 25 mg/kg PF-309 orally, twice daily. On the last day of treatment, tumor and plasma were collected for PF-309 analysis. Here we show that ABCB1 gene expression correlates with resistance to PF-309 treatment in vitro and the expression and activity of P-gp was verified in a panel of resistant cells. Furthermore, inhibition of P-gp increased the sensitivity of resistant cells, resulting in a 4-100 fold decrease in the IC50s. Eleven cell line xenografts and 12 PDTX models were treated with PF-309. From the cell line xenografts, we found a significant correlation between ABCB1 gene expression profiles and tumor response. We evaluated tumor and plasma concentrations for 8 tumor models (3 cell line xenografts and 5 PDTX models and a significant correlation was found between tumor concentration and response. Additionally, we show that tumor concentration is approximately 4-fold lower in tumors that express P-gp, verified by western blot. Our in vitro and in vivo data strongly suggests that PF-309 efficacy is influenced by the expression of tumor P-gp.

Mutations in the P-Type Cation-Transporter ATPase 4, PfATP4, Mediate Resistance to Both Aminopyrazole and Spiroindolone Antimalarials

Science.gov (United States)

2015-01-01

Aminopyrazoles are a new class of antimalarial compounds identified in a cellular antiparasitic screen with potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum asexual and sexual stage parasites. To investigate their unknown mechanism of action and thus identify their target, we cultured parasites in the presence of a representative member of the aminopyrazole series, GNF-Pf4492, to select for resistance. Whole genome sequencing of three resistant lines showed that each had acquired independent mutations in a P-type cation-transporter ATPase, PfATP4 (PF3D7_1211900), a protein implicated as the novel Plasmodium spp. target of another, structurally unrelated, class of antimalarials called the spiroindolones and characterized as an important sodium transporter of the cell. Similarly to the spiroindolones, GNF-Pf4492 blocks parasite transmission to mosquitoes and disrupts intracellular sodium homeostasis. Our data demonstrate that PfATP4 plays a critical role in cellular processes, can be inhibited by two distinct antimalarial pharmacophores, and supports the recent observations that PfATP4 is a critical antimalarial target. PMID:25322084

Anisotropic p-f mixing mechanism explaining anomalous magnetic properties in Ce monopnictides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, H.; Kasuya, T.

1985-01-01

The indirect f-f-interaction derived from fourth-order perturbation theory with respect to the p-f mixing is calculated using the valence bands obtained by the APW band calculations. The type of the f-f-interactions is described as the coupling through the symmetry exchange under the cubic crystal field, which cannot be written as a simple bilinear type of 4f spin operator. It is necessary to consider the short-range-ordering effect as well as the non-linear effect of the p-f mixing to explain the fact that a type-I antiferromagnetic ordering is established by the second-order transition in CeBi. (author)

Medtner. Piano concertos. Geoffrey Tozer (pf) / Bryce Morrison

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Morrison, Bryce

1992-01-01

Uuest heliplaadist "Medtner. Piano concertos. Geoffrey Tozer (pf) London Philarmonic Orchestra, Neeme Järvi. Chandos CHAN 9038/9 (two discs, oas 73 and 54 minutes). Also available as a two-disc set CD CHAN 9040. CHAN 9038: Piano concertos - N2 Op. 50; N 3 Op. 60 "Ballade" CHAN 9039 Piano concerto N 1 in C minor. Sonata-Ballade in Fsharp major Op. 27"

SAM domain-dependent activity of PfTKL3, an essential tyrosine kinase-like kinase of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Science.gov (United States)

Abdi, Abdirahman; Eschenlauer, Sylvain; Reininger, Luc; Doerig, Christian

2010-10-01

Over the last decade, several protein kinases inhibitors have reached the market for cancer chemotherapy. The kinomes of pathogens represent potentially attractive targets in infectious diseases. The functions of the majority of protein kinases of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasitic protist responsible for the most virulent form of human malaria, remain unknown. Here we present a thorough characterisation of PfTKL3 (PF13_0258), an enzyme that belongs to the tyrosine kinase-like kinase (TKL) group. We demonstrate by reverse genetics that PfTKL3 is essential for asexual parasite proliferation in human erythrocytes. PfTKL3 is expressed in both asexual and gametocytes stages, and in the latter the protein co-localises with cytoskeleton microtubules. Recombinant PfTKL3 displays in vitro autophosphorylation activity and is able to phosphorylate exogenous substrates, and both activities are dramatically dependent on the presence of an N-terminal "sterile alpha-motif" domain. This study identifies PfTKL3 as a validated drug target amenable to high-throughput screening.

Engineering Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 for Nitrogen Fixation and its Application to Improve Plant Growth under Nitrogen-Deficient Conditions

Science.gov (United States)

Setten, Lorena; Soto, Gabriela; Mozzicafreddo, Matteo; Fox, Ana Romina; Lisi, Christian; Cuccioloni, Massimiliano; Angeletti, Mauro; Pagano, Elba; Díaz-Paleo, Antonio; Ayub, Nicolás Daniel

2013-01-01

Nitrogen is the second most critical factor for crop production after water. In this study, the beneficial rhizobacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 was genetically modified to fix nitrogen using the genes encoding the nitrogenase of Pseudomonas stutzeri A1501 via the X940 cosmid. Pf-5 X940 was able to grow in L medium without nitrogen, displayed high nitrogenase activity and released significant quantities of ammonium to the medium. Pf-5 X940 also showed constitutive expression and enzymatic activity of nitrogenase in ammonium medium or in nitrogen-free medium, suggesting a constitutive nitrogen fixation. Similar to Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas veronii and Pseudomonas taetrolens but not Pseudomonas balearica and Pseudomonas stutzeri transformed with cosmid X940 showed constitutive nitrogenase activity and high ammonium production, suggesting that this phenotype depends on the genome context and that this technology to obtain nitrogen-fixing bacteria is not restricted to Pf-5. Interestingly, inoculation of Arabidopsis, alfalfa, tall fescue and maize with Pf-5 X940 increased the ammonium concentration in soil and plant productivity under nitrogen-deficient conditions. In conclusion, these results open the way to the production of effective recombinant inoculants for nitrogen fixation on a wide range of crops. PMID:23675499

Independent Review of Siesmic Performance Assessments for the Plutonium Facility PF-4

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Whittaker, Andrew [State Univ. of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, NY (United States); Goen, Lawrence Kenneth [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); Kennedy, Robert [RPK Structural Mechanics, San Diego, CA (United States); McDonald, Brian [Exponent, Los Angeles, CA (United States); Morgan, Troy [Exponent, Los Angeles, CA (United States); Wyllie, Loring [Degenkolb Engineers, San Francisco, CA (United States)

2015-11-25

The Plutonium Facility, designated PF-4, is located in Technical Area 55 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The facility is a one-story rectangular structure above a complete basement; the building was constructed of cast-in-place reinforced concrete, with small interior frames of structural steel. The plan dimensions of the building are 265’×284’. The overall height of the building varies between 39’-0” at the north and south ends, and 40’-6” at the center ridge. The programmatic work performed in the building is vital to our national security and its functions and storage purposes are not replicated elsewhere in the United States Department of Energy (DOE).

Molecular interaction of selected phytochemicals under the charged environment of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) model.

Science.gov (United States)

Patel, Saumya K; Khedkar, Vijay M; Jha, Prakash C; Jasrai, Yogesh T; Pandya, Himanshu A; George, Linz-Buoy; Highland, Hyacinth N; Skelton, Adam A

2016-01-01

Phytochemicals of Catharanthus roseus Linn. and Tylophora indica have been known for their inhibition of malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum in cell culture. Resistance to chloroquine (CQ), a widely used antimalarial drug, is due to the CQ resistance transporter (CRT) system. The present study deals with computational modeling of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) protein and development of charged environment to mimic a condition of resistance. The model of PfCRT was developed using Protein homology/analogy engine (PHYRE ver 0.2) and was validated based on the results obtained using PSI-PRED. Subsequently, molecular interactions of selected phytochemicals extracted from C. roseus Linn. and T. indica were studied using multiple-iterated genetic algorithm-based docking protocol in order to investigate the translocation of these legends across the PfCRT protein. Further, molecular dynamics studies exhibiting interaction energy estimates of these compounds within the active site of the protein showed that compounds are more selective toward PfCRT. Clusters of conformations with the free energy of binding were estimated which clearly demonstrated the potential channel and by this means the translocation across the PfCRT is anticipated.

ION-EXCHANGE IMMUNOAFFINITY PURIFICATION OF A RECOMBINANT BACULOVIRUS PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM APICAL MEMBRANE ANTIGEN, PF83/AMA-1

NARCIS (Netherlands)

NARUM, DL; WELLING, GW; THOMAS, AW

1993-01-01

A two-step purification regime has been developed for a quantitatively minor, putatively transmembrane, M(r) 83 000, apical membrane blood stage vaccine candidate antigen of Plasmodium falciparum (PF83/AMA-1), that has been expressed as a full-length baculovirus recombinant protein, PF83-FG8-1. The

QSAR study on the antimalarial activity of Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) inhibitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, X; Chen, X; Zhang, M; Yan, A

2016-01-01

Plasmodium falciparum, the most fatal parasite that causes malaria, is responsible for over one million deaths per year. P. falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) has been validated as a promising drug development target for antimalarial therapy since it catalyzes the rate-limiting step for DNA and RNA biosynthesis. In this study, we investigated the quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) of the antimalarial activity of PfDHODH inhibitors by generating four computational models using a multilinear regression (MLR) and a support vector machine (SVM) based on a dataset of 255 PfDHODH inhibitors. All the models display good prediction quality with a leave-one-out q(2) >0.66, a correlation coefficient (r) >0.85 on both training sets and test sets, and a mean square error (MSE) antimalarial activity. The models are capable of predicting inhibitors' antimalarial activity and the molecular descriptors for building the models could be helpful in the development of new antimalarial drugs.

The Malarial Exported PFA0660w Is an Hsp40 Co-Chaperone of PfHsp70-x.

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Michael O Daniyan

Full Text Available Plasmodium falciparum, the human pathogen responsible for the most dangerous malaria infection, survives and develops in mature erythrocytes through the export of proteins needed for remodelling of the host cell. Molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (Hsp family are prominent members of the exportome, including a number of Hsp40s and a Hsp70. PFA0660w, a type II Hsp40, has been shown to be exported and possibly form a complex with PfHsp70-x in the infected erythrocyte cytosol. However, the chaperone properties of PFA0660w and its interaction with human and parasite Hsp70s are yet to be investigated. Recombinant PFA0660w was found to exist as a monomer in solution, and was able to significantly stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-x but not that of a second plasmodial Hsp70 (PfHsp70-1 or a human Hsp70 (HSPA1A, indicating a potential specific functional partnership with PfHsp70-x. Protein binding studies in the presence and absence of ATP suggested that the interaction of PFA0660w with PfHsp70-x most likely represented a co-chaperone/chaperone interaction. Also, PFA0660w alone produced a concentration-dependent suppression of rhodanese aggregation, demonstrating its chaperone properties. Overall, we have provided the first biochemical evidence for the possible role of PFA0660w as a chaperone and as co-chaperone of PfHsp70-x. We propose that these chaperones boost the chaperone power of the infected erythrocyte, enabling successful protein trafficking and folding, and thereby making a fundamental contribution to the pathology of malaria.

Implantation of TRAC-PF1 computer code of VAX-11/750

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Madeira, A.A.; Souza Gouvea, L. de; Galetti, M.R.S.

1988-01-01

The implantation of TRAC-PF1 code, IBM version, in VAX-11/750 is described. This work provides Reator Department with an advanced best-estimate tool to perform loss-of-coolant accident analysis. (Author) [pt

Efficacy of a preservative-free formulation of fixed-combination bimatoprost and timolol (Ganfort PF in treatment-naïve patients vs previously treated patients

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cordeiro MF

2015-08-01

Full Text Available M Francesca Cordeiro,1 Ivan Goldberg,2 Rhett Schiffman,3 Paula Bernstein,3 Marina Bejanian31Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; 2Discipline of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 3Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USAPurpose: To evaluate, using subgroup analysis, the effect of treatment status on the intraocular pressure (IOP-lowering efficacy of a preservative-free formulation of fixed-combination bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% (FCBT PF.Methods: A primary, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, 12-week study compared the efficacy and safety of FCBT PF with preserved FCBT (Ganfort® in 561 patients diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. For this analysis, eligible patients were treatment-naïve or had inadequate IOP lowering and underwent a washout of previous treatment. IOP (8 am, 10 am, and 4 pm was measured at baseline and weeks 2, 6, and 12. Subgroup analysis of the FCBT PF arm assessed changes in average eye IOP from baseline in treatment-naïve vs previously treated patients. To evaluate the effect of treatment status at baseline (treatment-naïve vs previously treated on IOP reduction in the FCBT PF treatment group, an analysis of covariance model was used with treatment status and investigator as fixed effects, and baseline average eye IOP, age, glaucoma diagnosis, and baseline average eye corneal thickness as covariates. P-values and the 95% confidence intervals were determined using the model.Results: In the FCBT PF arm, IOP mean changes from baseline ranged from -8.7 mmHg to -9.8 mmHg in treatment-naïve patients (N=50, compared with -7.3 mmHg to -8.5 mmHg in previously treated patients (N=228. Baseline IOP, age, glaucoma diagnosis, and corneal thickness significantly affected IOP reduction in the FCBT PF group. Adjusting for these covariates, FCBT PF had a greater IOP-lowering effect (0.8–1.7 mmHg in treatment-naïve patients than previously treated patients

Bio-inspired synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic particles; Sintese e caracterizacao bioinspirada de particulas superparamagneticas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Castro, Vinicius F., E-mail: vfc_mg@yahoo.com.br [Universidade Federal de Itajuba (UNIFEI), MG (Brazil); Queiroz, Alvaro A.A. [Universidade Federal de Itajuba (UNIFEI), MG (Brazil). Centro de Estudos e Inovacao em Materiais Biofuncionais Avancados

2012-08-15

This paper discusses the bio-inspired synthesis of type YFeAl ferrites encapsulated into polyglycerol dendrimers (PGLD) generation 3. The structure and morphological properties of the system YFeAl/PGLD was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic properties were studied through the techniques of Moessbauer spectroscopy and magnetization. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles encapsulated in dendrimers PGLD G3 at the cell membrane was studied against mammalian cell line CHO.K1 measuring the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released by the cell damage. Microscopy TEM and XRD analysis indicate that spherical nanoparticles were obtained highly crystalline and monodisperse with size 20 nm

Identification of Selective Inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum Hexose Transporter PfHT by Screening Focused Libraries of Anti-Malarial Compounds.

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Diana Ortiz

Full Text Available Development of resistance against current antimalarial drugs necessitates the search for novel drugs that interact with different targets and have distinct mechanisms of action. Malaria parasites depend upon high levels of glucose uptake followed by inefficient metabolic utilization via the glycolytic pathway, and the Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter PfHT, which mediates uptake of glucose, has thus been recognized as a promising drug target. This transporter is highly divergent from mammalian hexose transporters, and it appears to be a permease that is essential for parasite viability in intra-erythrocytic, mosquito, and liver stages of the parasite life cycle. An assay was developed that is appropriate for high throughput screening against PfHT based upon heterologous expression of PfHT in Leishmania mexicana parasites that are null mutants for their endogenous hexose transporters. Screening of two focused libraries of antimalarial compounds identified two such compounds that are high potency selective inhibitors of PfHT compared to human GLUT1. Additionally, 7 other compounds were identified that are lower potency and lower specificity PfHT inhibitors but might nonetheless serve as starting points for identification of analogs with more selective properties. These results further support the potential of PfHT as a novel drug target.

The comparability of the constructs of the 16PF in the South African context

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. Abrahams

1999-06-01

Full Text Available The primary aims of the study were to determine whether the scores of the 16PF (SA92 are comparable in a crosscultural setting in South Africa, and also to investigate the influence of the gender of the research participants on the scores of the 16PF (SA92. The sample consisted of 983 students who were enrolled at different universities at the time of the field work. The statistical methods involved the application of descriptive statistics as well as methods to determine the comparability of the constructs. The results showed that although race exercised a considerable influence on the findings, this was not necessarily the case as far as gender was concerned. The presence of problems relating to the construct comparability of the test were also identified, as significant differences in means were found between the different race groups. Some of the implications of persisting with the use of the 16PF (SA92 in the South African context are outlined against the background of recently promulgated labour legislation. Opsomming Die primere doelstellings met die onderhawige studie was om die toepaslikheid van die 16PF (SA92 in Suid Afrikaanse konteks met sy diversiteit van kultuurgroepe te evalueer. Die invloed van die geslag van die navorsingsdeelnembers op die resultate is ook nagevors. Die deelnemergroep het bestaan uit 983 studente wat ten tye van die veldwerk aan verskillende universiteite gestudeer het. Benewens normale beskrywende statistiek, is daar ook gebruik gemaak van metodes om konstrukvergelykbaarheid te evalueer. Die bevindings het daarop gedui dat alhoewel ras 'n belangrike invloede op die toetsfaktore uitoefen, dit nie die geval is in soverre dit geslag betref nie. Die teenwoordigheid van probleme het ook ten opsigte van konstrukvergelykbaarheid na vore getree, aangesien betekenis voile verskille tussen gemiddeldes gevind is. Sommige van die implikasies van die volgehoue gebruik van die 16PF (SA92 in Suid Afrika word ook in die lig

Targeting the CXCR4 pathway using a novel anti-CXCR4 IgG1 antibody (PF-06747143 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

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Manoj K. Kashyap

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The CXCR4-CXCL12 axis plays an important role in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL-microenvironment interaction. Overexpression of CXCR4 has been reported in different hematological malignancies including CLL. Binding of the pro-survival chemokine CXCL12 with its cognate receptor CXCR4 induces cell migration. CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis promotes cell survival and proliferation and may contribute to the tropism of leukemia cells towards lymphoid tissues and bone marrow. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeting CXCR4 with an IgG1 antibody, PF-06747143, may constitute an effective therapeutic approach for CLL. Methods Patient-derived primary CLL-B cells were assessed for cytotoxicity in an in vitro model of CLL microenvironment. PF-06747143 was analyzed for cell death induction and for its potential to interfere with the chemokine CXCL12-induced mechanisms, including migration and F-actin polymerization. PF-06747143 in vivo efficacy was determined in a CLL murine xenograft tumor model. Results PF-06747143, a novel-humanized IgG1 CXCR4 antagonist antibody, induced cell death of patient-derived primary CLL-B cells, in presence or absence of stromal cells. Moreover, cell death induction by the antibody was independent of CLL high-risk prognostic markers. The cell death mechanism was dependent on CXCR4 expression, required antibody bivalency, involved reactive oxygen species production, and did not require caspase activation, all characteristics reminiscent of programmed cell death (PCD. PF-06747143 also induced potent B-CLL cytotoxicity via Fc-driven antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC and complement-dependent cytotoxicity activity (CDC. PF-06747143 had significant combinatorial effect with standard of care (SOC agents in B-CLL treatment, including rituximab, fludarabine (F-ara-A, ibrutinib, and bendamustine. In a CLL xenograft model, PF-06747143 decreased tumor burden and improved survival as a monotherapy

Assessment of TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code for large break LOCA in PWR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akimoto, Hajime; Ohnuki, Akira; Murao, Yoshio; Abe, Yutaka.

1993-03-01

As the first step of the REFLA/TRAC code development, the TRAC/PF1/MOD1 code has been assessed for various experiments that simulate postulated large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA) in PWR to understand the predictive capability and to identify the problem areas of the code. The assessment calculations were performed for separate effect tests for critical flow, counter current flow, condensation at cold leg and reflood as well as integral tests to understand predictability for individual phenomena. This report summarizes results from the assessment calculations of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code for LBLOCA in PWR. The assessment calculations made clear the predictive capability and problem areas of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code for LBLOCA in PWR. The areas, listed below, should be improved for more realistic and effective simulation of LBLOCA in PWR: (1) core heat transfer model during blowdown, (2) ECC bypass model at downcomer during refill, (3) condensation model during accumulator injection, and (4) core thermal hydraulic model during reflood. (author) 57 refs

Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum Cyclic Amine Resistance Locus (PfCARL Confer Multidrug Resistance

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Gregory LaMonte

2016-07-01

Full Text Available Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum cyclic amine resistance locus (PfCARL are associated with parasite resistance to the imidazolopiperazines, a potent class of novel antimalarial compounds that display both prophylactic and transmission-blocking activity, in addition to activity against blood-stage parasites. Here, we show that pfcarl encodes a protein, with a predicted molecular weight of 153 kDa, that localizes to the cis-Golgi apparatus of the parasite in both asexual and sexual blood stages. Utilizing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR-mediated gene introduction of 5 variants (L830V, S1076N/I, V1103L, and I1139K, we demonstrate that mutations in pfcarl are sufficient to generate resistance against the imidazolopiperazines in both asexual and sexual blood-stage parasites. We further determined that the mutant PfCARL protein confers resistance to several structurally unrelated compounds. These data suggest that PfCARL modulates the levels of small-molecule inhibitors that affect Golgi-related processes, such as protein sorting or membrane trafficking, and is therefore an important mechanism of resistance in malaria parasites.

The ALK inhibitor PF-06463922 is effective as a single agent in neuroblastoma driven by expression of ALK and MYCN

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J. Guan

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The first-in-class inhibitor of ALK, c-MET and ROS1, crizotinib (Xalkori, has shown remarkable clinical efficacy in treatment of ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, in neuroblastoma, activating mutations in the ALK kinase domain are typically refractory to crizotinib treatment, highlighting the need for more potent inhibitors. The next-generation ALK inhibitor PF-06463922 is predicted to exhibit increased affinity for ALK mutants prevalent in neuroblastoma. We examined PF-06463922 activity in ALK-driven neuroblastoma models in vitro and in vivo. In vitro kinase assays and cell-based experiments examining ALK mutations of increasing potency show that PF-06463922 is an effective inhibitor of ALK with greater activity towards ALK neuroblastoma mutants. In contrast to crizotinib, single agent administration of PF-06463922 caused dramatic tumor inhibition in both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts as well as a mouse model of high-risk neuroblastoma driven by Th-ALKF1174L/MYCN. Taken together, our results suggest PF-06463922 is a potent inhibitor of crizotinib-resistant ALK mutations, and highlights an important new treatment option for neuroblastoma patients.

An overview of the TA-55, Building PF-4 ventilation system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1994-01-01

An overview of the TA-55, Building PF-4 ventilation system is provided in the following sections. Included are descriptions of the zone configurations, equipment-performance criteria, ventilation support systems, and the ventilation-system evaluation criteria. Section 4.2.1.1 provides a brief discussion of the ventilation system function. Section 4.2.1.2 provides details on the overall system configuration. Details of system interfaces and support systems are provided in Section 4.2.1.3. Section 4.2.1.4 describes instrumentation and control needed to operate the ventilation system. Finally, Sections 4.2.1.5 and 4.2.1.6 describe system surveillance/maintenance and Technical Safety Requirements (TSR) Limitations, respectively. Note that the numerical parameters included in this description are considered nominal; set points and other specifications actually fall within operational bands

An overview of the TA-55, Building PF-4 ventilation system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1994-02-22

An overview of the TA-55, Building PF-4 ventilation system is provided in the following sections. Included are descriptions of the zone configurations, equipment-performance criteria, ventilation support systems, and the ventilation-system evaluation criteria. Section 4.2.1.1 provides a brief discussion of the ventilation system function. Section 4.2.1.2 provides details on the overall system configuration. Details of system interfaces and support systems are provided in Section 4.2.1.3. Section 4.2.1.4 describes instrumentation and control needed to operate the ventilation system. Finally, Sections 4.2.1.5 and 4.2.1.6 describe system surveillance/maintenance and Technical Safety Requirements (TSR) Limitations, respectively. Note that the numerical parameters included in this description are considered nominal; set points and other specifications actually fall within operational bands.

Spatial and temporal activity of the foxtail millet (Setaria italica) seed-specific promoter pF128.

Science.gov (United States)

Pan, Yanlin; Ma, Xin; Liang, Hanwen; Zhao, Qian; Zhu, Dengyun; Yu, Jingjuan

2015-01-01

pF128 drives GUS specifically expressed in transgenic seeds of foxtail millet and Zea mays with higher activity than the constitutive CaMV35S promoter and the maize seed-specific 19Z promoter. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), a member of the Poaceae family, is an important food and fodder crop in arid regions. Foxtail millet is an excellent C4 crop model owing to its small genome (~490 Mb), self-pollination and availability of a complete genome sequence. F128 was isolated from a cDNA library of foxtail millet immature seeds. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that F128 mRNA was specifically expressed in immature and mature seeds. The highest F128 mRNA level was observed 5 days after pollination and gradually decreased as the seed matured. Sequence analysis suggested that the protein encoded by F128 is likely a protease inhibitor/seed storage protein/lipid-transfer protein. The 1,053 bp 5' flanking sequence of F128 (pF128) was isolated and fused to the GUS reporter gene. The corresponding vector was then transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana, foxtail millet and Zea mays. GUS analysis revealed that pF128 drove GUS expression efficiently and specifically in the seeds of transgenic Arabidopsis, foxtail millet and Zea mays. GUS activity was also detected in Arabidopsis cotyledons. Activity of pF128 was higher than that observed for the constitutive CaMV35S promoter and the maize seed-specific 19 Zein (19Z) promoter. These results indicate that pF128 is a seed-specific promoter. Its application is expected to be of considerable value in plant genetic engineering.

Attenuation of ketamine-induced impairment in verbal learning and memory in healthy volunteers by the AMPA receptor potentiator PF-04958242.

Science.gov (United States)

Ranganathan, M; DeMartinis, N; Huguenel, B; Gaudreault, F; Bednar, M M; Shaffer, C L; Gupta, S; Cahill, J; Sherif, M A; Mancuso, J; Zumpano, L; D'Souza, D C

2017-11-01

There is a need to develop treatments for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS). The significant role played by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in both the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and in neuronal plasticity suggests that facilitation of NMDAR function might ameliorate CIAS. One strategy to correct NMDAR hypofunction is to stimulate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) as AMPAR and NMDAR functioning are coupled and interdependent. In rats and nonhuman primates (NHP), AMPAR potentiators reduce spatial working memory deficits caused by the nonselective NMDAR antagonist ketamine. The current study assessed whether the AMPAR potentiator PF-04958242 would attenuate ketamine-induced deficits in verbal learning and memory in humans. Healthy male subjects (n=29) participated in two randomized treatment periods of daily placebo or PF-04958242 for 5 days separated by a washout period. On day 5 of each treatment period, subjects underwent a ketamine infusion for 75 min during which the effects of PF-04958242/placebo were assessed on ketamine-induced: (1) impairments in verbal learning and recall measured by the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test; (2) impairments in working memory on a CogState battery; and (3) psychotomimetic effects measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Clinician-Administered Dissociative Symptoms Scale. PF-04958242 significantly reduced ketamine-induced impairments in immediate recall and the 2-Back and spatial working memory tasks (CogState Battery), without significantly attenuating ketamine-induced psychotomimetic effects. There were no pharmacokinetic interactions between PF-04958242 and ketamine. Furthermore, PF-04958242 was well tolerated. 'High-impact' AMPAR potentiators like PF-04958242 may have a role in the treatment of the cognitive symptoms, but not the positive or negative symptoms, associated with schizophrenia. The excellent concordance between the

Parasites causing cerebral falciparum malaria bind multiple endothelial receptors and express EPCR and ICAM-1-binding PfEMP1

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tuikue Ndam, Nicaise; Moussiliou, Azizath; Lavstsen, Thomas

2017-01-01

Background: Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) mediates the binding and accumulation of infected erythrocytes (IE) to blood vessels and tissues. Specific interactions have been described between PfEMP1 and human endothelial proteins CD36, intercellular adhesion molecule-1...

Dose-Related Target Occupancy and Effects on Circuitry, Behavior, and Neuroplasticity of the Glycine Transporter-1 Inhibitor PF-03463275 in Healthy and Schizophrenia Subjects.

Science.gov (United States)

D'Souza, Deepak Cyril; Carson, Richard E; Driesen, Naomi; Johannesen, Jason; Ranganathan, Mohini; Krystal, John H

2018-01-31

Glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1) inhibitors may ameliorate cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia. The dose-related occupancy and target engagement of the GlyT1 inhibitor PF-03463275 were studied to inform optimal dose selection for a clinical trial for cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia. In substudy 1, the effects of PF-03463275 (10, 20, and 40 mg twice a day) on occupancy of GlyT1 were tested using positron emission tomography and 18 F-MK-6577, and visual long-term potentiation (LTP) in schizophrenia patients (SZs) and healthy control subjects. Furthermore, the capacity of PF-03463275 to attenuate ketamine-induced disruption of working memory-related activation of a "working memory" circuit was tested only in healthy control subjects using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, the effects of PF-03463275 (60 mg twice a day) on occupancy of GlyT1 and long-term potentiation were examined only in SZs (substudy 2). PF-03463275 at 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg twice a day produced ∼44%, 61%, 76%, and 83% GlyT1 occupancy, respectively, in SZs with higher ligand binding to GlyT1 in subcortical versus cortical regions. PF-03463275 did not attenuate any ketamine-induced effects but did improve working memory accuracy in healthy control subjects. PF-03463275 increased long-term potentiation only in SZs with peak effects at 40 mg twice a day (∼75% GlyT1 occupancy) and with a profile suggestive of an inverted U dose response. PF-03463275 was well-tolerated. The dose-related GlyT1 occupancy of PF-03463275 is linear. While PF-03463275 did not show evidence of facilitating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function in the ketamine assay, it enhanced neuroplasticity in SZs. These findings provide support for a clinical trial to test the ability of PF-03463275 to enhance cognitive remediation toward addressing cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Roles of Rhizoxin and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol in Suppression of Fusarium spp. by the Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Pf-5 is a rhizosphere bacterium that acts as a biocontrol agent of soilborne plant diseases and produces at least 10 different secondary metabolites, including several with antifungal properties. We derived site-directed mutants of Pf-5 with single and multiple mutatio...

The patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis subscale of the KOOS (KOOS-PF): development and validation using the COSMIN checklist.

Science.gov (United States)

Crossley, Kay M; Macri, Erin M; Cowan, Sallie M; Collins, Natalie J; Roos, Ewa M

2017-03-03

Patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis are prevalent and associated with substantial pain and functional impairments. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended for research and clinical use, but no PROMs are specific for patellofemoral osteoarthritis, and existing PROMs for patellofemoral pain have methodological limitations. This study aimed to develop a new subscale of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis (KOOS-PF), and evaluate its measurement properties. Items were generated using input from 50 patients with patellofemoral pain and/or osteoarthritis and 14 health and medical clinicians. Item reduction was performed using data from patellofemoral cohorts (n=138). We used the COnsesus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurements INstruments guidelines to evaluate reliability, validity, responsiveness and interpretability of the final version of KOOS-PF and other KOOS subscales. From an initial 80 generated items, the final subscale included 11 items. KOOS-PF items loaded predominantly on one factor, pain during activities that load the patellofemoral joint. KOOS-PF had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α 0.86) and adequate test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.86). Hypothesis testing supported convergent, divergent and known-groups validity. Responsiveness was confirmed, with KOOS-PF demonstrating a moderate correlation with Global Rating of Change scores (r 0.52) and large effect size (Cohen's d 0.89). Minimal detectable change was 2.3 (groups) and 16 (individuals), while minimal important change was 16.4. There were no floor or ceiling effects. The 11-item KOOS-PF, developed in consultation with patients and clinicians, demonstrated adequate measurement properties, and is recommended for clinical and research use in patients with patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of

Evasion of Immunity to Plasmodium falciparum: Rosettes of Blood Group A Impair Recognition of PfEMP1

Science.gov (United States)

Moll, Kirsten; Palmkvist, Mia; Ch'ng, Junhong; Kiwuwa, Mpungu Steven; Wahlgren, Mats

2015-01-01

The ABO blood group antigens are expressed on erythrocytes but also on endothelial cells, platelets and serum proteins. Notably, the ABO blood group of a malaria patient determines the development of the disease given that blood group O reduces the probability to succumb in severe malaria, compared to individuals of groups A, B or AB. P. falciparum rosetting and sequestration are mediated by PfEMP1, RIFIN and STEVOR, expressed at the surface of the parasitized red blood cell (pRBC). Antibodies to these antigens consequently modify the course of a malaria infection by preventing sequestration and promoting phagocytosis of pRBC. Here we have studied rosetting P. falciparum and present evidence of an immune evasion mechanism not previously recognized. We find the accessibility of antibodies to PfEMP1 at the surface of the pRBC to be reduced when P. falciparum forms rosettes in blood group A RBC, as compared to group O RBC. The pRBC surrounds itself with tightly bound normal RBC that makes PfEMP1 inaccessible to antibodies and clearance by the immune system. Accordingly, pRBC of in vitro cloned P. falciparum devoid of ABO blood group dependent rosetting were equally well detected by anti-PfEMP1 antibodies, independent of the blood group utilized for their propagation. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the severe forms of malaria may in patients of blood group A depend on the ability of the parasite to mask PfEMP1 from antibody recognition, in so doing evading immune clearance. PMID:26714011

Redefining the PF06864 Pfam family based on Burkholderia pseudomallei PilO2(Bp S-SAD crystal structure.

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Patricia Lassaux

Full Text Available Type IV pili are surface-exposed filaments and bacterial virulence factors, represented by the Tfpa and Tfpb types, which assemble via specific machineries. The Tfpb group is further divided into seven variants, linked to heterogeneity in the assembly machineries. Here we focus on PilO2(Bp, a protein component of the Tfpb R64 thin pilus variant assembly machinery from the pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei. PilO2(Bp belongs to the PF06864 Pfam family, for which an improved definition is presented based on newly derived Hidden Markov Model (HMM profiles. The 3D structure of the N-terminal domain of PilO2(Bp (N-PilO2(Bp, here reported, is the first structural representative of the PF06864 family. N-PilO2(Bp presents an actin-like ATPase fold that is shown to be present in BfpC, a different variant assembly protein; the new HMM profiles classify BfpC as a PF06864 member. Our results provide structural insight into the PF06864 family and on the Type IV pili assembly machinery.

Trypanosoma cruzi: avirulence of the PF strain to Callithrix marmosets

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Humberto Menezes

1981-06-01

Full Text Available Callithrix jacchus geoffroy marmosets (HumBol. 1812 were injected once subcutaneously with 10.000 parasites/g body weight and followed for a period of six months. The PF strain of Trypanosoma cruzi was used. Follow-up was done through blood cultures, xenodiagnosis, serological tests, and ECG. A small number of normaI animais served as control.

Dose-ranging evaluation of intravitreal siRNA PF-04523655 for diabetic macular edema (the DEGAS study)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nguyen, Quan Dong; Schachar, Ronald A; Nduaka, Chudy I

2012-01-01

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of three doses of PF-04523655, a 19-nucleotide methylated double stranded siRNA targeting the RTP801 gene, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) compared to focal/grid laser photocoagulation.......To evaluate the safety and efficacy of three doses of PF-04523655, a 19-nucleotide methylated double stranded siRNA targeting the RTP801 gene, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) compared to focal/grid laser photocoagulation....

Assessment of TRAC-PF1/MOD3 Mark-22 assembly model using SRL ''A'' tank single-assembly flow experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fischer, S.R.; Lam, K.; Lin, J.C.

1991-01-01

This paper summarizes the results of an assessment of our TRAC-PF1/MOD3 Mark-22 prototype fuel assembly model against single-assembly data obtained from the ''A'' Tank single-assembly tests that were performed at the Savannah River Laboratory. We felt the data characterize prototypic assembly behavior over a range of air-water flow conditions of interest for loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) calculations. This study was part of a benchmarking effort performed to evaluate and validate a multiple-assembly, full-plant model that is being developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory to study various aspects of the Savannah River plant operating conditions, including LOCA transients, using TRAC-PF1/MOD3 Version 1.10. The results of this benchmarking effort demonstrate that TRAC-PF1/MOD3 is capable pf calculating plenum conditions and assembly flows during conditions thought to be typical of the Emergency Cooling System (ECS) phase of a LOCA. 10 refs., 12 fig

Performance of “VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan” (IMACCESS®, a new malaria rapid diagnostic test for detection of symptomatic malaria infections

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Chou Monidarin

2012-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Recently, IMACCESS® developed a new malaria test (VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan™, based on the detection of falciparum malaria (HRP-2 and non-falciparum malaria (aldolase. Methods The performance of this new malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT was assessed using 1,000 febrile patients seeking malaria treatment in four health centres in Cambodia from August to December 2011. The results of the VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan were compared with those obtained by microscopy, the CareStart Malaria™ RDT (AccessBio® which is currently used in Cambodia, and real-time PCR (as “gold standard”. Results The best performances of the VIKIA Malaria Ag Pf/Pan™ test for detection of both Plasmodium falciparum and non-P. falciparum were with 20–30 min reading times (sensitivity of 93.4% for P. falciparum and 82.8% for non-P. falciparum and specificity of 98.6% for P. falciparum and 98.9% for non-P. falciparum and were similar to those for the CareStart Malaria™ test. Conclusions This new RDT performs similarly well as other commercially available tests (especially the CareStart Malaria™ test, used as comparator, and conforms to the World Health Organization’s recommendations for RDT performance. It is a good alternative tool for the diagnosis of malaria in endemic areas.

Contrasting feature in the repopulation of host-type T cells in the spleens of F1----P and P----F1 radiation bone marrow chimeras

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hirokawa, K.; Sado, T.; Kubo, S.; Kamisaku, H.; Utsuyama, M.

1986-01-01

The regeneration and persistence of host- and donor-derived T cells were examined in the thymus as well as the spleen of mouse radiation bone marrow chimeras of two semiallogeneic combinations (F1----P, P----F1) with different Thy-1 markers on T cells of donor and host origins. An unexpectedly large number of host-type T cells were recovered from the spleens of F1----P chimeras, amounting to as high as 45 and 25% of total T cells at 6 and 14 weeks after bone marrow transplantation (BMT), respectively. To the contrary, the residual host-type T cells in the spleens of P----F1 chimeras disappeared quickly, resulting in less than 0.1% of total T cells at 6 weeks after BMT. It was also revealed that the number of host-type T cells in the spleens of F1----P chimeras decreased in proportion to increase of radiation dose given to the recipients

Implementation of JAERI's reflood model into TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akimoto, Hajime; Ohnuki, Akira; Murao, Yoshio

1993-02-01

Selected physical models of REFLA code, that is a reflood analysis code developed at JAERI, were implemented into the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code in order to improve the predictive capability of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code for the core thermal hydraulic behaviors during the reflood phase in a PWR LOCA. Through comparisons of physical models between both codes, (1) Murao-Iguchi void fraction correlation, (2) the drag coefficient correlation acting to drops, (3) the correlation for wall heat transfer coefficient in the film boiling regime, (4) the quench velocity correlation and (5) heat transfer correlations for the dispersed flow regime were selected from the REFLA code to be implemented into the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code. A method for the transformation of the void fraction correlation to the equivalent interfacial friction model was developed and the effect of the transformation method on the stability of the solution was discussed. Through assessment calculation using data from CCTF (Cylindrical Core Test Facility) flat power test, it was confirmed that the predictive capability of the TRAC code for the core thermal hydraulic behaviors during the reflood can be improved by the implementation of selected physical models of the REFLA code. Several user guidelines for the modified TRAC code were proposed based on the sensitivity studies on fluid cell number in the hydraulic calculation and on node number and effect of axial heat conduction in the heat conduction calculation of fuel rod. (author)

Characterization of polyacrylamide-stabilized Pf1 phage liquid crystals for protein NMR spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Trempe, Jean-Francois; Morin, Frederick G.; Xia Zhicheng; Marchessault, Robert H.; Gehring, Kalle [McGill University, Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry (Canada)], E-mail: kalle@bri.nrc.ca

2002-01-15

A new polymer-stabilized nematic liquid crystal has been characterized for the measurement of biomolecular residual dipolar couplings. Filamentous Pf1 phage were embedded in a polyacrylamide matrix that fixes the orientation of the particles. The alignment was characterized by the quadrupolar splitting of the {sup 2}H NMR water signal and by the measurement of {sup 1}H-{sup 15}N residual dipolar couplings (RDC) in the archeal translation elongation factor 1{beta}. Protein dissolved in the polymer-stabilized medium orients quantitatively as in media without polyacrylamide. We show that the quadrupolar splitting and RDCs are zero in media in which the Pf1 phage particles are aligned at the magic angle. This allows measurement of J and dipolar couplings in a single sample.

Characterization of polyacrylamide-stabilized Pf1 phage liquid crystals for protein NMR spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trempe, Jean-Francois; Morin, Frederick G.; Xia Zhicheng; Marchessault, Robert H.; Gehring, Kalle

2002-01-01

A new polymer-stabilized nematic liquid crystal has been characterized for the measurement of biomolecular residual dipolar couplings. Filamentous Pf1 phage were embedded in a polyacrylamide matrix that fixes the orientation of the particles. The alignment was characterized by the quadrupolar splitting of the 2 H NMR water signal and by the measurement of 1 H- 15 N residual dipolar couplings (RDC) in the archeal translation elongation factor 1β. Protein dissolved in the polymer-stabilized medium orients quantitatively as in media without polyacrylamide. We show that the quadrupolar splitting and RDCs are zero in media in which the Pf1 phage particles are aligned at the magic angle. This allows measurement of J and dipolar couplings in a single sample

TRAC-PF1 MOD1 post test calculations of the OECD LOFT Experiment LP-SB-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allen, E.J.

1990-04-01

Analysis of the small, hot leg break, OECD LOFT Experiment LP-SB-1. using the ''best-estimate'' computer code TRAC-PF1/MOD1 is presented. Descriptions of the LOFT facility and the LP-SB-1 experiment are given and development of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 input model is detailed. The calculations performed in achieving the steady state conditions, from which the experiment was initiated, and the specification of experimental boundary conditions are outlined. 24 refs., 66 figs., 12 tabs

Memory decline in Down syndrome and its relationship to iPF2alpha, a urinary marker of oxidative stress.

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Panagiotis Zis

Full Text Available Lipid peroxidation may be a marker of free-radical-mediated injury associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD. We aimed to investigate whether changes in lipid peroxidation is associated with cognitive decline in individuals with Down syndrome over a 4-year period.Thirty-two adults with DS participated in a longitudinal study with urinary isoprostane 8,12-iso-iPF2alpha (iPF2alpha assays at baseline and four years follow-up. Informants rated their functional ability and memory function and the adults with DS attempted assessments of language skills and memory. Twenty-six individuals completed assessments of memory (Modified Memory Object Task, MOMT, adaptive behavior (ABAS, and receptive vocabulary (British Picture vocabulary, BPVS at both time-points.Overall change in iPF2alpha level was negatively correlated with change in the MOMT score (Spearman's Rho =  -0.576, p = 0.006, i.e., increased lipid peroxidation was correlated with worse memory functioning over time. An increase of ≥ 0.02 ng/mg creatinine iPF2α had good sensitivity (85.7%, positive predictive value (75%,, specificity (85.7% and negative predictive value (92.3% for memory decline.Change in iPF2alpha over time may have potential as a biomarker for memory decline in Down syndrome and potentially also help to track progression of MCI to AD in the general population.

TRAC-PF1/MOD3 calculations of Savannah River Laboratory Rig FA single-annulus heated experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fischer, S.R.; McDaniel, C.K.

1992-01-01

This paper presents the results of TRAC-PF1/MOD3 benchmarks of the Rig FA experiments performed at the Savannah River Laboratory to simulate prototypic reactor fuel assembly behavior over a range of fluid conditions typical of the emergency cooling system (ECS) phase of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The primary purpose of this work was to use the SRL Rig FA tests to qualify the TRAC-PF1/MOD3 computer code and models for computing Mark-22 fuel assembly LOCA/ECS power limits. This qualification effort was part of a larger effort undertaken by the Los Alamos National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy to independently confirm power limits for the Savannah River Site K Reactor. The results of this benchmark effort as discussed in this paper demonstrate that TRAC/PF1/MOD3 coupled with proper modeling is capable of simulating thermal-hydraulic phenomena typical of that encountered in Mark-22 fuel assembly during LOCA/ECS conditions

Progress in mass- and energy- analysis of ion beams emitted from RPI and PF-type discharges

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Czaus, K.; Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Malinowski, K.; Zebrowski, J.; Sadowski, M.J.

2013-01-01

The paper describes progress in studies of ion beams generated and accelerated within RPI (Rod Plasma Injector) and PF (Plasma-Focus) devices. To perform mass- and energy-analysis of such ion beams the use was made of different mass-spectrometers of the Thomson type. Ion measurements in RPI-IBIS facility were first performed with a big Thomson analyzer placed outside the vacuum chamber. To perform ion measurements near the electrodes two other Thomson analyzers were constructed at IPJ (now NCBJ). A smaller analyzer was applied in a large PF-1000 facility at IFPiLM, and time-integrated ion parabolas were recorded on nuclear track detectors. That analyzer was also adopted for time-resolved measurements by means of miniature scintillation detectors located along the deuteron parabola and it was used in the RPI-IBIS facility. Recently the analyzer construction was modernized to ensure differential pumping of the inlet system, and it was used for measurements within PF-360 and RPI-IBIS facilities.

Performance of CareStart™ Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test for the ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Background: CareStart™ Malaria Pf/Pv Combo test has shown encouraging results for the diagnosis of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the performance of the test could be affected by different factors like gene polymorphisms, excess heat and humidity. Hence, evaluation of the performance of ...

Evasion of immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria by IgM masking of protective IgG epitopes in infected erythrocyte surface-exposed PfEMP1

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Barfod, Lea; Dalgaard, Michael B; Pleman, Suzan T

2011-01-01

1 (PfEMP1) family is central to both. Here, we present evidence of a P. falciparum evasion mechanism not previously documented: the masking of PfEMP1-specific IgG epitopes by nonspecific IgM. Nonspecific IgM binding to erythrocytes infected by parasites expressing the PfEMP1 protein VAR2CSA...

Diagnostic systems for the nuclear fusion and plasma research in the PF-24 plasma focus laboratory at the IFJ PAN

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Marciniak Łukasz

2016-12-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a set of diagnostics dedicated to PF-24 - new medium size - plasma focus (PF device built and operated at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN. The PF-24 can operate at energy level up to 93 kJ and charging voltage up to 40 kV. Each condenser is connected with a specially designed spark gap with a very small jitter, which ensures a high effi ciency and a low current rise time. The working parameters of PF-24 generator make it a suitable tool for testing new detection systems to be used in fusion research. Four types of such detection systems are presented in this article: three diagnostic systems used to measure electric quantities (Rogowski coil, magnetic probe, capacitance probe, neutron counter based on beryllium activation, fast neutron pinhole camera based on small-area BCF-12 plastic scintillation detectors and high-speed four-frame soft X-ray camera with microchannel plate.

RNAdualPF: software to compute the dual partition function with sample applications in molecular evolution theory.

Science.gov (United States)

Garcia-Martin, Juan Antonio; Bayegan, Amir H; Dotu, Ivan; Clote, Peter

2016-10-19

RNA inverse folding is the problem of finding one or more sequences that fold into a user-specified target structure s 0 , i.e. whose minimum free energy secondary structure is identical to the target s 0 . Here we consider the ensemble of all RNA sequences that have low free energy with respect to a given target s 0 . We introduce the program RNAdualPF, which computes the dual partition function Z ∗ , defined as the sum of Boltzmann factors exp(-E(a,s 0 )/RT) of all RNA nucleotide sequences a compatible with target structure s 0 . Using RNAdualPF, we efficiently sample RNA sequences that approximately fold into s 0 , where additionally the user can specify IUPAC sequence constraints at certain positions, and whether to include dangles (energy terms for stacked, single-stranded nucleotides). Moreover, since we also compute the dual partition function Z ∗ (k) over all sequences having GC-content k, the user can require that all sampled sequences have a precise, specified GC-content. Using Z ∗ , we compute the dual expected energy 〈E ∗ 〉, and use it to show that natural RNAs from the Rfam 12.0 database have higher minimum free energy than expected, thus suggesting that functional RNAs are under evolutionary pressure to be only marginally thermodynamically stable. We show that C. elegans precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) is significantly non-robust with respect to mutations, by comparing the robustness of each wild type pre-miRNA sequence with 2000 [resp. 500] sequences of the same GC-content generated by RNAdualPF, which approximately [resp. exactly] fold into the wild type target structure. We confirm and strengthen earlier findings that precursor microRNAs and bacterial small noncoding RNAs display plasticity, a measure of structural diversity. We describe RNAdualPF, which rapidly computes the dual partition function Z ∗ and samples sequences having low energy with respect to a target structure, allowing sequence constraints and specified GC

Genetic analysis of suppressors of the PF10 mutation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dutcher, S.K.; Gibbons, W.; Inwood, W.B.

1988-01-01

A mutation at the PF10 locus of the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii leads to abnormal cell motility. The asymmetric form of the ciliary beat stroke characteristic of wild-type flagella is modified by this mutation to a nearly symmetric beat. We report here that this abnormal motility is a conditional phenotype that depends on light intensity. In the absence of light or under low light intensities, the motility is more severely impaired than at higher light intensities. By UV mutagenesis we obtained 11 intragenic and 70 extragenic strains that show reversion of the pf10 motility phenotype observed in low light. The intragenic events reverted the motility phenotype of the pf10 mutation completely. The extragenic events define at least seven suppressor loci; these map to linkage groups IV, VII, IX, XI, XII and XVII. Suppressor mutations at two of the seven loci (LIS1 and LIS2) require light for their suppressor activity. Forty-eight of the 70 extragenic suppressors were examined in heterozygous diploid cells; 47 of these mutants were recessive to the wild-type allele and one mutant (bop5-1) was dominant to the wild-type allele. Complementation analysis of the 47 recessive mutants showed unusual patterns. Most mutants within a recombinationally defined group failed to complement one another, although there were pairs that showed intra-allelic complementation. Additionally, some of the mutants at each recombinationally defined locus failed to complement mutants at other loci. They define dominant enhancers of one another

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Pseudocercospora fijiensis to Determine the Role of PfHog1 in Osmotic Stress Regulation and Virulence Modulation

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Francis Onyilo

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Black Sigatoka disease, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis is a serious constraint to banana production worldwide. The disease continues to spread in new ecological niches and there is an urgent need to develop strategies for its control. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is well known to respond to changes in external osmolarity. HOG pathway activation leads to phosphorylation, activation and nuclear transduction of the HOG1 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs. The activated HOG1 triggers several responses to osmotic stress, including up or down regulation of different genes, regulation of protein translation, adjustments to cell cycle progression and synthesis of osmolyte glycerol. This study investigated the role of the MAPK-encoding PfHog1 gene on osmotic stress adaptation and virulence of P. fijiensis. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of PfHog1 significantly suppressed growth of P. fijiensis on potato dextrose agar media supplemented with 1 M NaCl, indicating that PfHog1 regulates osmotic stress. In addition, virulence of the PfHog1-silenced mutants of P. fijiensis on banana was significantly reduced, as observed from the low rates of necrosis and disease development on the infected leaves. Staining with lacto phenol cotton blue further confirmed the impaired mycelial growth of the PfHog1 in the infected leaf tissues, which was further confirmed with quantification of the fungal biomass using absolute- quantitative PCR. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PfHog1 plays a critical role in osmotic stress regulation and virulence of P. fijiensis on its host banana. Thus, PfHog1 could be an interesting target for the control of black Sigatoka disease in banana.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Pseudocercospora fijiensis to Determine the Role of PfHog1 in Osmotic Stress Regulation and Virulence Modulation.

Science.gov (United States)

Onyilo, Francis; Tusiime, Geoffrey; Chen, Li-Hung; Falk, Bryce; Stergiopoulos, Ioannis; Tripathi, Jaindra N; Tushemereirwe, Wilberforce; Kubiriba, Jerome; Changa, Charles; Tripathi, Leena

2017-01-01

Black Sigatoka disease, caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis is a serious constraint to banana production worldwide. The disease continues to spread in new ecological niches and there is an urgent need to develop strategies for its control. The high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is well known to respond to changes in external osmolarity. HOG pathway activation leads to phosphorylation, activation and nuclear transduction of the HOG1 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The activated HOG1 triggers several responses to osmotic stress, including up or down regulation of different genes, regulation of protein translation, adjustments to cell cycle progression and synthesis of osmolyte glycerol. This study investigated the role of the MAPK-encoding PfHog1 gene on osmotic stress adaptation and virulence of P. fijie nsis. RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of PfHog1 significantly suppressed growth of P. fijiensis on potato dextrose agar media supplemented with 1 M NaCl, indicating that PfHog1 regulates osmotic stress. In addition, virulence of the PfHog1 -silenced mutants of P. fijiensis on banana was significantly reduced, as observed from the low rates of necrosis and disease development on the infected leaves. Staining with lacto phenol cotton blue further confirmed the impaired mycelial growth of the PfHog1 in the infected leaf tissues, which was further confirmed with quantification of the fungal biomass using absolute- quantitative PCR. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PfHog1 plays a critical role in osmotic stress regulation and virulence of P. fijiensis on its host banana. Thus, PfHog1 could be an interesting target for the control of black Sigatoka disease in banana.

Synthesis and characterization of NiO nanoparticles by Pechini method; Sintese e caracterizacao de nanoparticulas de NiO pelo metodo Pechini

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nascimento, A; Ribeiro, M A; Costa, A C.F.M.; Gama, L [Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), PB (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia de Materiais; Bernardi, M I.B. [Universidade de Sao Paulo (IFSC/USP), Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil). Inst. de Fisica

2009-07-01

In recent years, ultrafine magnetic particles of NiO have attracting the attention because of its unknown behavior, enormous scientific potential and technological application. Some of its more important properties are accented magnetic moments, double dynamic exchange, quantization of wave of spin and etc. In this context, this work has for objective to synthesize and to characterize nanoparticles of NiO for the Pechini method. The powder was analyzed by X-rays diffraction. The results of scanning electron microscopy, adsorption of nitrogen. The analysis of X-rays diffraction of the sample showed single-phase peaks of NiO, with crystallite size close to 38 nm. The surface area was 6.44 m{sup 2}/g. The image from scanning electron microscopy shows soft homogeneous agglomerates. The Pechini synthesis was efficient in the production of powders of NiO nano metrics and single-phase. (author)

Synthesis of 4‧-substituted-2,2‧;6‧,2″-terpyridine Ru(II) complexes electrochemical, fluorescence quenching and antibacterial studies

Science.gov (United States)

Ezhilarasu, Tamilarasu; Sathiyaseelan, Anbazhagan; Kalaichelvan, Pudupalayam Thangavelu; Balasubramanian, Sengottuvelan

2017-04-01

Three new Ru(II) terpyridine complexes viz. [Ru(BBtpy)2](PF6)2 [Ru(L1)] (BBtpy = 4‧-(4-benzyloxybenzaldehyde)-2,2‧:6‧,2″-terpyridine), [Ru(BMBtpy)2](PF6)2 [Ru(L2)] (BMBtpy = 4‧-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde)-2,2‧:6‧,2″-terpyridine) and [Ru(BEBtpy)2](PF6)2 [Ru(L3)] (BEBtpy = 4‧-(4-benzyloxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde)-2,2‧:6‧,2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The MALDI-TOF/MS fragmentation pattern of [Ru(BMBtpy)2](PF6)2 complex exhibits a molecular ion peak at m/z = 987.09 [M-2PF6]2+ fragment. These Ru(II) complexes are redox active, show both metal centered oxidation and ligand centered reduction processes. The peak potential and peak current Ipa and Ipc also undergo definite shift and increase with increase in the scan rate (20-120 mV/s). The fluorescence of Ru(II) complexes [Ru(L1)], [Ru(L2)] and [Ru(L3)] are effectively quenched by 1,4-benzoquinone and 1,4-naphthoquinone in acetonitrile. The antibacterial activity of ruthenium(II) complexes were screened against four human pathogens both gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia) by the well diffusion method. The antibacterial activity of Ru(II) complexes is comparable to that of standard antibiotics like tetracycline.

Cross-reactive anti-PfCLAG9 antibodies in the sera of asymptomatic parasite carriers of Plasmodium vivax

Science.gov (United States)

Costa, Joana D'Arc Neves; Zanchi, Fernando Berton; Rodrigues, Francisco Lurdevanhe da Silva; Honda, Eduardo Rezende; Katsuragawa, Tony Hiroschi; Pereira, Dhélio Batista; Taborda, Roger Lafontaine Mesquita; Tada, Mauro Shugiro; Ferreira, Ricardo de Godoi Mattos; Pereira-da-Silva, Luiz Hildebrando

2013-01-01

The PfCLAG9 has been extensively studied because their immunogenicity. Thereby, the gene product is important for therapeutics interventions and a potential vaccine candidate. Antibodies against synthetic peptides corresponding to selected sequences of the Plasmodium falciparum antigen PfCLAG9 were found in sera of falciparum malaria patients from Rondônia, in the Brazilian Amazon. Much higher antibody titres were found in semi-immune and immune asymptomatic parasite carriers than in subjects suffering clinical infections, corroborating original findings in Papua Guinea. However, sera of Plasmodium vivax patients from the same Amazon area, in particular from asymptomatic vivax parasite carriers, reacted strongly with the same peptides. Bioinformatic analyses revealed regions of similarity between P. falciparum Pfclag9 and the P. vivax ortholog Pvclag7. Indirect fluorescent microscopy analysis showed that antibodies against PfCLAG9 peptides elicited in BALB/c mice react with human red blood cells (RBCs) infected with both P. falciparum and P. vivax parasites. The patterns of reactivity on the surface of the parasitised RBCs are very similar. The present observations support previous findings that PfCLAG9 may be a target of protective immune responses and raises the possibility that the cross reactive antibodies to PvCLAG7 in mixed infections play a role in regulate the fate of Plasmodium mixed infections. PMID:23440122

First-in-Human Study of PF-05212384 (PKI-587), a Small-Molecule, Intravenous, Dual Inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR in Patients with Advanced Cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Shapiro, Geoffrey I; Bell-McGuinn, Katherine M; Molina, Julian R; Bendell, Johanna; Spicer, James; Kwak, Eunice L; Pandya, Susan S; Millham, Robert; Borzillo, Gary; Pierce, Kristen J; Han, Lixin; Houk, Brett E; Gallo, Jorge D; Alsina, Maria; Braña, Irene; Tabernero, Josep

2015-04-15

To evaluate safety (primary endpoint), tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic profile, and preliminary activity of the intravenous, pan-class I isoform PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-05212384 in patients with advanced solid tumors. Part 1 of this open-label phase I study was designed to estimate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with nonselected solid tumors, using a modified continual reassessment method to guide dose escalation. Objectives of part 2 were MTD confirmation and assessment of preliminary activity in patients with selected tumor types and PI3K pathway dysregulation. Seventy-seven of the 78 enrolled patients received treatment. The MTD for PF-05212384, administered intravenously once weekly, was estimated to be 154 mg. The most common treatment-related adverse events (AE) were mucosal inflammation/stomatitis (58.4%), nausea (42.9%), hyperglycemia (26%), decreased appetite (24.7%), fatigue (24.7%), and vomiting (24.7%). The majority of patients treated at the MTD experienced only grade 1 treatment-related AEs. Grade 3 treatment-related AEs occurred in 23.8% of patients at the MTD. No treatment-related grade 4-5 AEs were reported at any dose level. Antitumor activity was noted in this heavily pretreated patient population, with two partial responses (PR) and an unconfirmed PR. Eight patients had long-lasting stable disease (>6 months). Pharmacokinetic analyses showed a biphasic concentration-time profile for PF-05212384 (half-life, 30-37 hours after multiple dosing). PF-05212384 inhibited downstream effectors of the PI3K pathway in paired tumor biopsies. These findings demonstrate the manageable safety profile and antitumor activity of the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF-05212384, supporting further clinical development for patients with advanced solid malignancies. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

TRAC-PF1 analyses of potential pressurized-thermal-shock transients at a Combustion-Engineering PWR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koenig, J.E.; Spriggs, G.D.; Smith, R.C.

1984-01-01

Los Alamos is participating in a program to assess the risk of pressurized thermal shock (PTS) to a reactor vessel. Our role is to provide best-estimate thermal-hydraulic analyses of 12 postulated overcooling transients using TRAC-PF1. These transients are hypothetical and include multiple operator/equipment failures. Calvert Cliffs/Unit-1, a Combustion-Engineering plant, is the pressurized water reactor modeled for this study. The utility and the vendor supplied information for the comprehensive TRAC-PF1 model. Secondary and primary breaks from both hot-zero-power and full-power conditions were simulated for 7200 s (2 h). Low bulk temperatures and loop-flow stagnation while the system was at a high pressure were of particular interest for PTS analysis. Three transients produced primary temperatures below 405 K (270 0 F - the NRC screening criterion) with system repressurization. Six transients indicated flow stagnation would occur in one loop but not both. One transient showed flow stagnation might occur in both loops. Oak Ridge National Laboratory will do fracture-mechanics analysis using these TRAC-PF1 results and make the final determination of the risk of PTS

The Effect of Bacteria Colony Pseudomonas fluorescens (UB_Pf1 and Bacillus subtilis (UB_Bs1 on the Mortality of Pratylenchus coffeae (Tylenchida: Pratylenchidae

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Presti Mardiyani Purwaningtyas

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Parasitic Root-Lession nematode of Pratylenchus coffeae can reduce the Indonesian coffee plants productivity. Several studies reported that Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis endophytic bacteria were antagonistic bacteria to nematode. The objective of this research was to reveal the effectiveness of bacterial colonies density of P. fluorescens (UB_Pf1, B.subtilis (UB BS1, and a combination of both bacteria on nematode mortality using median lethal concentration (LC50 and median lethal time 50 (LT50. The densities of bacteria used in this study were 107, 109, 1011 and 1013 cfu/ml. 35 testing nematodes were used and the mortality was counted at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after treatments. The results showed that LC50 values of P. fluorescens was (UB_Pf1 was 4,3x108 cfu/ml, LC50 B. subtilis (UB_Bs1 was 1,9x109cfu/ ml, and LC50 combination of both bacteria was, 8x107 cfu/ml. It implies that the application of the combination of both bacteria are more pathogenic than single bacterial treatment. The results also showed that the highest LT50 value was 13.21  hours combination of bacterial colonies with a density of 1013 cfu/ml and the lowest LT50 value was 52.00 hours on P. fluorescens (UB_Pf1 treatment with colonies density of 107 cfu/ml.How to CitePurwaningtyas, P. M., Rahardjo, B. T., & Tarno, H. (2016. The Effect of Bacteria Colony Pseudomonas fluorescens (UB_Pf1 and Bacillus subtilis (UB_Bs1 on the Mortality of Pratylenchus coffeae (Tylenchida: Pratylenchidae. Biosaintifika: Journal of Biology & Biology Education, 8(3, 286-293. 

Structure of the first representative of Pfam family PF09410 (DUF2006) reveals a structural signature of the calycin superfamily that suggests a role in lipid metabolism

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chiu, Hsiu-Ju; Bakolitsa, Constantina; Skerra, Arne; Lomize, Andrei; Carlton, Dennis; Miller, Mitchell D.; Krishna, S. Sri; Abdubek, Polat; Astakhova, Tamara; Axelrod, Herbert L.; Clayton, Thomas; Deller, Marc C.; Duan, Lian; Feuerhelm, Julie; Grant, Joanna C.; Grzechnik, Slawomir K.; Han, Gye Won; Jaroszewski, Lukasz; Jin, Kevin K.; Klock, Heath E.; Knuth, Mark W.; Kozbial, Piotr; Kumar, Abhinav; Marciano, David; McMullan, Daniel; Morse, Andrew T.; Nigoghossian, Edward; Okach, Linda; Paulsen, Jessica; Reyes, Ron; Rife, Christopher L.; Bedem, Henry van den; Weekes, Dana; Xu, Qingping; Hodgson, Keith O.; Wooley, John; Elsliger, Marc-André; Deacon, Ashley M.; Godzik, Adam; Lesley, Scott A.; Wilson, Ian A.

2009-01-01

NE1406, the first structural representative of PF09410, reveals a lipocalin-like fold with features that suggest involvement in lipid metabolism. In addition, NE1406 provides potential structural templates for two other protein families (PF07143 and PF08622). The first structural representative of the domain of unknown function DUF2006 family, also known as Pfam family PF09410, comprises a lipocalin-like fold with domain duplication. The finding of the calycin signature in the N-terminal domain, combined with remote sequence similarity to two other protein families (PF07143 and PF08622) implicated in isoprenoid metabolism and the oxidative stress response, support an involvement in lipid metabolism. Clusters of conserved residues that interact with ligand mimetics suggest that the binding and regulation sites map to the N-terminal domain and to the interdomain interface, respectively

Post-test analysis of semiscale large-break test S-06-3 using TRAC-PF1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyack, B.E.

1982-01-01

The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) is an advanced systems code for light-water-reactor accident analysis. The code was developed originally to analyze large-break loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs) and running time was not a primary development criterion. TRAC-PF1 was developed because increased application of the code to long transients such as small-break LOCAs required a faster-running code version. Although developed for long transients, its performance on large-break transients is still important. This paper assesses the ability of TRAC-PF1 to predict large-break-LOCA Test S-06-3 conducted in the Semiscale Mod-1 facility

Beam transport of PF (Positron Factory) 2.5-GeV linac

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shiraga, Takahiro; Asami, Akira; Suwada, Tsuyoshi; Kobayashi, Hitoshi.

1993-01-01

The beam transport is one of the most important problems in the linac to be used as the injector for the B-FACTORY accelerators. A basic problem of the beam transport is how to correct transport parameters immediately when a klystron becomes off. This is studied with the PF (Positron Factory) 2.5-GeV linac. (author)

Multidimensional protein fractionation using ProteomeLab PF 2D™ for profiling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis immunity: A preliminary report

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Mosley R Lee

2008-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The ProteomeLab™ PF 2D platform is a relatively new approach to global protein profiling. Herein, it was used for investigation of plasma proteome changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS patients before and during immunization with glatiramer acetate (GA in a clinical trial. Results The experimental design included immunoaffinity depletion of 12 most abundant proteins from plasma samples with the ProteomeLab™ IgY-12 LC10 column kit as first dimension separation, also referred to as immuno-partitioning. Second and third dimension separations of the enriched proteome were performed on the PF 2D platform utilizing 2D isoelectric focusing and RP-HPLC with the resulting fractions collected for analysis. 1D gel electrophoresis was added as a fourth dimension when sufficient protein was available. Protein identification from collected fractions was performed using nano-LC-MS/MS approach. Analysis of differences in the resulting two-dimensional maps of fractions obtained from the PF 2D and the ability to identify proteins from these fractions allowed sensitivity threshold measurements. Masked proteins in the PF 2D fractions are discussed. Conclusion We offer some insight into the strengths and limitations of this emerging proteomic platform.

Numerical estimation on balance coefficients of central difference averaging method for quench detection of the KSTAR PF coils

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jin Sub; An, Seok Chan; Ko, Tae Kuk; Chu, Yong

2016-01-01

A quench detection system of KSTAR Poloidal Field (PF) coils is inevitable for stable operation because normal zone generates overheating during quench occurrence. Recently, new voltage quench detection method, combination of Central Difference Averaging (CDA) and Mutual Inductance Compensation (MIK) for compensating mutual inductive voltage more effectively than conventional voltage detection method, has been suggested and studied. For better performance of mutual induction cancellation by adjacent coils of CDA+MIK method for KSTAR coil system, balance coefficients of CDA must be estimated and adjusted preferentially. In this paper, the balance coefficients of CDA for KSTAR PF coils were numerically estimated. The estimated result was adopted and tested by using simulation. The CDA method adopting balance coefficients effectively eliminated mutual inductive voltage, and also it is expected to improve performance of CDA+MIK method for quench detection of KSTAR PF coils

An Examination of the Relationship of the 16PF Fifth Edition to a Multidimensional Model of Self-Esteem

OpenAIRE

Dale Pietrzak; Betsy Page; James S. Korcuska; Amber Bach Gorman

2015-01-01

The regression equation needed to predict the self-esteem score from the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) Fifth Edition is not available for hand scoring. This score is derived from the Coopersmith’s Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), which is based on a unitary model of self-esteem. The SEI may be subject to gender and extroversion biases. Moreover, there is a gap in the literature on the 16PF fifth edition a...

Novel mutations in DNAJB6 gene cause a very severe early-onset limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1D disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Palmio, Johanna; Jonson, Per Harald; Evilä, Anni; Auranen, Mari; Straub, Volker; Bushby, Kate; Sarkozy, Anna; Kiuru-Enari, Sari; Sandell, Satu; Pihko, Helena; Hackman, Peter; Udd, Bjarne

2015-11-01

DNAJB6 is the causative gene for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1D (LGMD1D). Four different coding missense mutations, p.F89I, p.F93I, p.F93L, and p.P96R, have been reported in families from Europe, North America and Asia. The previously known mutations cause mainly adult-onset proximal muscle weakness with moderate progression and without respiratory involvement. A Finnish family and a British patient have been studied extensively due to a severe muscular dystrophy. The patients had childhood-onset LGMD, loss of ambulation in early adulthood and respiratory involvement; one patient died of respiratory failure aged 32. Two novel mutations, c.271T > A (p.F91I) and c.271T > C (p.F91L), in DNAJB6 were identified by whole exome sequencing as a cause of this severe form of LGMD1D. The results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The anti-aggregation effect of the mutant DNAJB6 was investigated in a filter-trap based system using transient transfection of mammalian cell lines and polyQ-huntingtin as a model for an aggregation-prone protein. Both novel mutant proteins show a significant loss of ability to prevent aggregation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Interspecies Signaling System Mediated by Fusaric Acid Has Parallel Effects on Antifungal Metabolite Production by Pseudomonas protegens Strain Pf-5 and Antibiosis of Fusarium spp.

Science.gov (United States)

Quecine, Maria Carolina; Kidarsa, Teresa A.; Goebel, Neal C.; Shaffer, Brenda T.; Henkels, Marcella D.; Zabriskie, T. Mark

2015-01-01

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a rhizosphere bacterium that suppresses soilborne plant diseases and produces at least seven different secondary metabolites with antifungal properties. We derived mutants of Pf-5 with single and multiple mutations in biosynthesis genes for seven antifungal metabolites: 2,4-diacetylphoroglucinol (DAPG), pyrrolnitrin, pyoluteorin, hydrogen cyanide, rhizoxin, orfamide A, and toxoflavin. These mutants were tested for inhibition of the pathogens Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi. Rhizoxin, pyrrolnitrin, and DAPG were found to be primarily responsible for fungal antagonism by Pf-5. Previously, other workers showed that the mycotoxin fusaric acid, which is produced by many Fusarium species, including F. verticillioides, inhibited the production of DAPG by Pseudomonas spp. In this study, amendment of culture media with fusaric acid decreased DAPG production, increased pyoluteorin production, and had no consistent influence on pyrrolnitrin or orfamide A production by Pf-5. Fusaric acid also altered the transcription of biosynthetic genes, indicating that the mycotoxin influenced antibiotic production by Pf-5 at the transcriptional level. Addition of fusaric acid to the culture medium reduced antibiosis of F. verticillioides by Pf-5 and derivative strains that produce DAPG but had no effect on antibiosis by Pf-5 derivatives that suppressed F. verticillioides due to pyrrolnitrin or rhizoxin production. Our results demonstrated the importance of three compounds, rhizoxin, pyrrolnitrin, and DAPG, in suppression of Fusarium spp. by Pf-5 and confirmed that an interspecies signaling system mediated by fusaric acid had parallel effects on antifungal metabolite production and antibiosis by the bacterial biological control organism. PMID:26655755

Comparison of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 to TRAC-PF1/MOD1 for timing analysis of PWR fuel pin failures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jones, K.R.; Katsma, K.R.; Wade, N.L.; Siefken, L.J.; Straka, M.

1991-01-01

A comparison has been made of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3- and TRAC-PF1/MOD1- based calculations of the fuel pin failure timing (time from containment isolation signal to first fuel pin failure) in a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The two codes were used to calculate the thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions for a complete, double-ended, offset-shear break of a cold leg in a Westinghouse 4-loop pressurized water reactor. Both calculations used the FRAPCON-2 code to calculate the steady-state fuel rod behavior and the FRAP-T6 code to calculate the transient fuel rod behavior. The analysis was performed for 16 combinations of fuel burnups and power peaking factors extending up to the Technical Specifications limits. While all calculations were made on a best-estimate basis, the SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 code has not yet been fully assessed for large-break LOCA analysis. The results indicate that SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 yields conservative fuel pin failure timing results in comparison to those generated using TRAC-PF1/MOD1. 7 refs., 5 figs

[A place in the macrocosmos: Paracelsus in Bad Pfäfers].

Science.gov (United States)

Pörksen, G

1994-03-29

The script about Bad Pfäfers is an exception within the entire work of Paracelsus: It is short, completely worked over and has been printed already during his lifetime. It contains an unique list of comments on latin termini in his native language, hints about the context of their origin and may be read like a concentrate of his philosophy. Biography and personality of Paracelsus are briefly outlined; thereafter, the dark preface of the script on Bad Pfäfers is commented on. The latter turned out to be a stenograph of his central ideas on natural philosophy and cosmology as expressed in other scripts of the thirties, in the 'Astronomia magna' in particular (1536). The concept of the human body, of his macrocosmic derivation and of the 'source' as natural testimony of the healing nature of Christ becomes clear. Finally, from circumstantial evidence in text and context of the script, it is concluded, that it must have derived from the dialogue with the personnel of the spa uneducated in a humanistic sense, and may be understood as an abbreviated draft ("aide-mémoire") of Paracelsic instructions.

Fungal-specific transcription factor AbPf2 activates pathogenicity in Alternaria brassicicola

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cho, Yangrae; Ohm, Robin A. [US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA; Grigoriev, Igor V. [US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, USA; Srivastava, Akhil [Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 3190 Maile Way, St John 317, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA

2013-05-24

Alternaria brassicicola is a successful saprophyte and necrotrophic plant pathogen. To identify molecular determinants of pathogenicity, we created non-pathogenic mutants of a transcription factor-encoding gene, AbPf2. The frequency and timing of germination and appressorium formation on host plants were similar between the non-pathogenic abpf2 mutants and wild-type A. brassicicola. The mutants were also similar in vitro to wild-type A. brassicicola in terms of vegetative growth, conidium production, and responses to a phytoalexin, reactive oxygen species and osmolites. The hyphae of the mutants grew slowly but did not cause disease symptoms on the surface of host plants. Transcripts of the AbPf2 gene increased exponentially soon after wild-type conidia contacted their host plants . A small amount of AbPf2 protein, as monitored using GFP fusions, was present in young, mature conidia. The protein level decreased during saprophytic growth, but increased and was located primarily in fungal nuclei during pathogenesis. Levels of the proteins and transcripts sharply decreased following colonization of host tissues beyond the initial infection site. When expression of the transcription factor was induced in the wild-type during early pathogenesis, 106 fungal genes were also induced in the wild-type but not in the abpf2 mutants. Notably, 33 of the 106 genes encoded secreted proteins, including eight putative effector proteins. Plants inoculated with abpf2 mutants expressed higher levels of genes associated with photosynthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway and primary metabolism, but lower levels of defense-related genes. Our results suggest that AbPf2 is an important regulator of pathogenesis, but does not affect other cellular processes in A. brassicicola.

Drugs and personality: comparison of drug users, nonusers, and other clinical groups on the 16PF.

Science.gov (United States)

Spotts, J V; Shontz, F C

1991-10-01

This article reviews published 16PF research on drug users. It also compares the 16PF scores of a new sample of nonusers with scores of matched groups of heavy, chronic users of cocaine, amphetamine, opiates, and barbiturates/sedative hypnotics, as well as combined groups of stimulant users, depressant users, and a combined group of users of all substances. No significant differences were found among drug user groups, but the profile of the nonuser group was distinctive. K-Means Cluster Analyses, as well as Cattell's Similarity and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficients, were used to compare profiles of these new samples with the 19 groups described in an earlier meta-analysis of published 16PF studies. Data from the new samples did not cluster with data from other published research, although certain specific similarities appeared in more detailed correlational analyses. Methodological problems are discussed, and it is recommended that in future studies drug user groups be more carefully selected and defined, sample descriptions be more thorough and complete, complete profile information be routinely provided, and efforts be made to explore the utility of the Cattell CAQ in studies of drug users/misusers.

Chlamydomonas DYX1C1/PF23 is essential for axonemal assembly and proper morphology of inner dynein arms.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ryosuke Yamamoto

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Cytoplasmic assembly of ciliary dyneins, a process known as preassembly, requires numerous non-dynein proteins, but the identities and functions of these proteins are not fully elucidated. Here, we show that the classical Chlamydomonas motility mutant pf23 is defective in the Chlamydomonas homolog of DYX1C1. The pf23 mutant has a 494 bp deletion in the DYX1C1 gene and expresses a shorter DYX1C1 protein in the cytoplasm. Structural analyses, using cryo-ET, reveal that pf23 axonemes lack most of the inner dynein arms. Spectral counting confirms that DYX1C1 is essential for the assembly of the majority of ciliary inner dynein arms (IDA as well as a fraction of the outer dynein arms (ODA. A C-terminal truncation of DYX1C1 shows a reduction in a subset of these ciliary IDAs. Sucrose gradients of cytoplasmic extracts show that preassembled ciliary dyneins are reduced compared to wild-type, which suggests an important role in dynein complex stability. The role of PF23/DYX1C1 remains unknown, but we suggest that DYX1C1 could provide a scaffold for macromolecular assembly.

Air-side performance of a parallel-flow parallel-fin (PF{sup 2}) heat exchanger in sequential frosting

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Ping [Zhejiang Vocational College of Commerce, Hangzhou, Binwen Road 470 (China); Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (United States); Hrnjak, P.S. [Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (United States)

2010-09-15

The thermal-hydraulic performance in periodic frosting conditions is experimentally studied for the parallel-flow parallel-fin heat exchanger, henceforth referred to as a PF{sup 2} heat exchanger, a new style of heat exchanger that uses louvered bent fins on flat tubes to enhance water drainage when the flat tubes are horizontal. Typically, it takes a few frosting/defrosting cycles to come to repeatable conditions. The criterion for the initiation of defrost and a sufficiently long defrost period are determined for the test PF{sup 2} heat exchanger and test condition. The effects of blower operation on the pressure drop, frost accumulation, water retention, and capacity in time are compared under the conditions of 15 sequential frosting cycles. Pressure drop across the heat exchanger and overall heat transfer coefficient are quantified under frost conditions as functions of the air humidity and air face velocity. The performances of two types of flat-tube heat exchangers, PF{sup 2} heat exchanger and conventional parallel-flow serpentine-fin (PFSF) heat exchanger, are compared and the results obtained are presented. (author)

PF-05231023, a long-acting FGF21 analogue, decreases body weight by reduction of food intake in non-human primates.

Science.gov (United States)

Thompson, W Clayton; Zhou, Yingjiang; Talukdar, Saswata; Musante, Cynthia J

2016-08-01

PF-05231023, a long-acting FGF21 analogue, is a promising potential pharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities. Previous studies have shown the potential of FGF21 and FGF21-like compounds to decrease body weight in mice, non-human primates, and humans; the precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. In particular, there have been conflicting reports on the degree to which FGF21-induced weight loss in non-human primates is attributable to a decrease in food intake versus an increase in energy expenditure. Here, we present a semi-mechanistic mathematical model of energy balance and body composition developed from similar work in mice. This model links PF-05231023 administration and washout to changes in food intake, which in turn drives changes in body weight. The model is calibrated to and compared with recently published data from cynomolgus macaques treated with PF-05231023, demonstrating its accuracy in describing pharmacotherapy-induced weight loss in these animals. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that PF-05231023 decreases body weight in cynomolgus macaques solely by a reduction in food intake, with no direct effect on energy expenditure.

An Interspecies Signaling System Mediated by Fusaric Acid Has Parallel Effects on Antifungal Metabolite Production by Pseudomonas protegens Strain Pf-5 and Antibiosis of Fusarium spp.

Science.gov (United States)

Quecine, Maria Carolina; Kidarsa, Teresa A; Goebel, Neal C; Shaffer, Brenda T; Henkels, Marcella D; Zabriskie, T Mark; Loper, Joyce E

2015-12-11

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a rhizosphere bacterium that suppresses soilborne plant diseases and produces at least seven different secondary metabolites with antifungal properties. We derived mutants of Pf-5 with single and multiple mutations in biosynthesis genes for seven antifungal metabolites: 2,4-diacetylphoroglucinol (DAPG), pyrrolnitrin, pyoluteorin, hydrogen cyanide, rhizoxin, orfamide A, and toxoflavin. These mutants were tested for inhibition of the pathogens Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi. Rhizoxin, pyrrolnitrin, and DAPG were found to be primarily responsible for fungal antagonism by Pf-5. Previously, other workers showed that the mycotoxin fusaric acid, which is produced by many Fusarium species, including F. verticillioides, inhibited the production of DAPG by Pseudomonas spp. In this study, amendment of culture media with fusaric acid decreased DAPG production, increased pyoluteorin production, and had no consistent influence on pyrrolnitrin or orfamide A production by Pf-5. Fusaric acid also altered the transcription of biosynthetic genes, indicating that the mycotoxin influenced antibiotic production by Pf-5 at the transcriptional level. Addition of fusaric acid to the culture medium reduced antibiosis of F. verticillioides by Pf-5 and derivative strains that produce DAPG but had no effect on antibiosis by Pf-5 derivatives that suppressed F. verticillioides due to pyrrolnitrin or rhizoxin production. Our results demonstrated the importance of three compounds, rhizoxin, pyrrolnitrin, and DAPG, in suppression of Fusarium spp. by Pf-5 and confirmed that an interspecies signaling system mediated by fusaric acid had parallel effects on antifungal metabolite production and antibiosis by the bacterial biological control organism. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

A semi-automated multiplex high-throughput assay for measuring IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) domains in small volumes of plasma

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cham, Gerald K K; Kurtis, Jonathan; Lusingu, John

2008-01-01

-based assay was sensitive, accurate and reproducible. Four recombinant PfEMP1 proteins C17, D5, D9 and D12, selected on the basis that they showed a spread of median fluorescent intensity (MFI) values from low to high when analysed by the bead-based assay were analysed by ELISA and the results from both...... reactivity levels to twenty eight different recombinant PfEMP1 proteins were simultaneously measured using a single microliter of plasma. Thus, the assay reported here provides a useful tool for rapid and efficient quantification of antibody reactivity against PfEMP1 variants in human plasma....... of twenty nine PfEMP1 domains were PCR amplified from 3D7 genomic DNA, expressed in the Baculovirus system and purified by metal-affinity chromatography. The antibody reactivity level to the recombinant PfEMP1 proteins in human hyper-immune plasma was measured by ELISA. In parallel, these recombinant PfEMP1...

Surface chemistry of PH 3, PF 3 and PCl 3 on Ru(0001)

Science.gov (United States)

Tao, H.-S.; Diebold, U.; Shinn, N. D.; Madey, T. E.

1994-06-01

The adsorption, desorption and decomposition of PH 3, PF 3 and PCl 3 on Ru(0001) have been studied by soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SXPS) using synchrotron radiation. Due to large chemical shifts in the P 2p core levels, different phosphorus containing surface species can be identified. We find that PF 3 adsorbs molecularly on Ru(0001) at 80 and 300 K. At 80 K, PH 3 saturates the surface with one layer of atomic hydrogen, elemental phosphorus, subhydride (i.e., PHx (0 PH 3, with a total phosphorus coverage of 0.4 ML. At 300 K, PH 3 decomposes into atomic hydrogen and elemental phosphorus with a phosphorus coverage of 0.8 ML. At 80 K, PCl 3 adsorbs dissociatively into atomic chlorine, elemental phosphorus, PCl and possibly PCl 2 and PCl 3 in the first monolayer. Formation of multilayers of PCl 3 is observed at 80 K. At 300 K, PCl 3 adsorbs dissociatively as atomic chlorine and elemental phosphorus with a saturation phosphorus coverage of 0.1 ML. The variation in total phosphorus uptake at 300 K from PX3 ( X = H, FandCl) adsorption is a result of competition between site blocking by dissociation fragments and displacement reactions. Annealing surfaces with adsorbed phosphorus to 1000 K results in formation of RuzP ( z = 1 or 2), which is manifested by the chemical shifts in the P2p core level, as well as the P LVV Auger transition. The recombination of adsorbed phosphorus and adsorbed X ( = H, FandCl) from decomposition is also observed, but is a minor reaction channel on the surface. Thermochemical data are used to analyze the different stabilities of PX 3 at 300 K, namely, PF 3 adsorbs molecularly and PH 3 and PCl 3 dissociate completely. First, we compare the heat of molecular adsorption and the heat of dissociative adsorption of PX 3 on Ru(0001), using an enthalpy approach, and find results consistent with experimental observations. Second, we compare the total bond energy difference between molecular adsorption and complete dissociation of PX 3 on Ru

The improvement of the heat transfer coupling between the flow field and the conduction slab for TRAC-PF1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Lang Chen.

1990-01-01

A semi-implicit coupling technique (treating only the fluid temperature in the energy source term implicitly) of fluid heat-transfer to conduction slabs is presently used in TRAC-PF1. In this study, a fully implicit coupling scheme between the flow field and conduction slab for the one-dimensional capability of TRAC-PF1 has been developed. The new methods treat the heat-transfer coefficient and wall temperature in the energy source term of both the convection and the conduction equation implicitly. In order to test the accuracy of the standard TRAC coupling method and the new methods used in TRAC-PF1, a series of simple tube experiments were modeled with TRAC-PF1 version 3.9B. Additional studies showed the current TRAC-PF1 convergence variables (pressure fraction change and temperature change) and the current convergence criteria are not appropriate for obtaining an accurate result. Use of these values would produce non-physical double values or would adversely affect results in the reflood calculation. Another study also had been done to determine the importance of each HTC variable on computational accuracy and speed by using the non-linear oterative method. It is found that the heat-transfer correlations have a strong dependency on the local void fraction rather than on fluid velocity, fluid temperature, and wall surface temperature in the film boiling heat-transfer regime. At the beginning of a cooldown transient, the old time void fraction is always higher than the new time void fraction in the same time step. The old time void fraction evaluates a lower heat-transfer coefficient for that cell and initiates cooldown later and more slowly. This then leads to a longer quench time and lowers the fluid temperature and the wall temperature plateau for the downstream control volumes

PfClpC Is an Essential Clp Chaperone Required for Plastid Integrity and Clp Protease Stability in Plasmodium falciparum

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anat Florentin

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Summary: The deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum contains a nonphotosynthetic plastid, known as the apicoplast, that functions to produce essential metabolites, and drugs that target the apicoplast are clinically effective. Several prokaryotic caseinolytic protease (Clp genes have been identified in the Plasmodium genome. Using phylogenetic analysis, we focused on the Clp members that may form a regulated proteolytic complex in the apicoplast. We genetically targeted members of this complex and generated conditional mutants of the apicoplast-localized PfClpC chaperone and PfClpP protease. Conditional inhibition of the PfClpC chaperone resulted in growth arrest and apicoplast loss and was rescued by addition of the essential apicoplast-derived metabolite IPP. Using a double-conditional mutant parasite line, we discovered that the chaperone activity is required to stabilize the mature protease, revealing functional interactions. These data demonstrate the essential function of PfClpC in maintaining apicoplast integrity and its role in regulating the proteolytic activity of the Clp complex. : Plasmodium falciparum contains a unique organelle, the apicoplast. Using genetic and phenotypic assays, Florentin et al. characterize the apicoplast Clp chaperone and protease. They find that the chaperone is essential for protease stability and that together they function to maintain organelle integrity and segregation into daughter cells. Keywords: malaria, Plasmodium, apicoplast, IPP, Clp, chaperone, caseinolytic protease

Tumor p-glycoprotein correlates with efficacy of PF-3758309 in in vitro and in vivo models of colorectal cancer.

OpenAIRE

Erica Lynn Bradshaw-Pierce; Erica Lynn Bradshaw-Pierce; Todd M Pitts; Aik-Choon eTan; Kelly eMcPhillips; Mark eWest; Daniel L Gustafson; Charles eHalsey; Leslie eNguyen; Nathan V Lee; Julie LC Kan; Brion William Murray; S. Gail eEckhardt

2013-01-01

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, is overexpressed in a number of different cancers and some studies show that P-gp overexpression can be correlated to poor prognosis or therapeutic resistance. Here we sought to elucidate if PF-3758309 (PF-309), a novel p-21 activated kinase inhibitor, efficacy was influenced by tumor P-gp. Based on in vitro proliferation data, a panel of colorectal cancer cell lines were ranked as sensitive or resistant and ABCB...

Review of solution approach, methods, and recent results of the TRAC-PF1 system code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahaffy, J.H.; Liles, D.R.; Knight, T.D.

1983-01-01

The current version of the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1) was created to improve on the capabilities of its predecessor (TRAC-PD2) for analyzing slow reactor transients such as small-break loss-of-coolant accidents. TRAC-PF1 continues to use a semi-implicit finite-difference method for modeling three-dimensional flows in the reactor vessel. However, it contains a new stability-enhancing two-step (SETS) finite-difference tecnique for one-dimensional flow calculations. This method is not restricted by a material Courant stability condition, allowing much larger time-step sizes during slow transients than would a semi-implicit method. These have been successfully applied to the analysis of a variety of experiments and hypothetical plant transients covering a full range of two-phase flow regimes

Synthesis and characterization of type silicoaluminophosphates catalytic support; Sintese e caracterizacao de suportes cataliticos do tipo silicoaluminofosfatico

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leite, C.E.T.; Carvalho, M.W.N.C.; Pereira, K.R.O., E-mail: carlosedisio@hotmail.co [Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), PB (Brazil). Unidade Academica de Engenharia Quimica. Lab. de Catalise, Adsorcao e Biocombustiveis

2010-07-01

The refining processes, the catalytic hydrocracking is the future of diesel oil in Brazil and the first units are already scheduled to be inaugurated. Among the catalysts used in this process, silicoaluminophosphates (SAPO's) have considerable potential for use as they have been effective in the isomerization of n-alkanes, the isomerization of olefins and alkylation of aromatics. Because of this, the objective is to develop catalysts that will be used in hydrocracking reactions. The media like SAPO-5 were synthesized with different ratios silicon/aluminum, which is used as a catalytic support and have the function of crack organic molecules, since it has acidic character. The materials were characterized by techniques: X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis and textural by BET. After summarizing the media found that they had agreements with the crystalline phases presented in the literature.(author)

Phebus PF, international major programme in nuclear safety: the last test

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

2004-11-01

For the last test Phebus P.F. (the fifth one), it is expected a fast degradation of the boron carbon pencils, leading to a fast release of boron and carbon gas species. Among the carbon gas produced, it is expected to a presence of methane susceptible to interact with iodine to form organic species. The conditions of tests should lead to observe a contribution of containment sump to volatile iodine generation. (N.C.)

Recruitment of PfSET2 by RNA polymerase II to variant antigen encoding loci contributes to antigenic variation in P. falciparum.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Uchechi E Ukaegbu

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Histone modifications are important regulators of gene expression in all eukaryotes. In Plasmodium falciparum, these epigenetic marks regulate expression of genes involved in several aspects of host-parasite interactions, including antigenic variation. While the identities and genomic positions of many histone modifications have now been cataloged, how they are targeted to defined genomic regions remains poorly understood. For example, how variant antigen encoding loci (var are targeted for deposition of unique histone marks is a mystery that continues to perplex the field. Here we describe the recruitment of an ortholog of the histone modifier SET2 to var genes through direct interactions with the C-terminal domain (CTD of RNA polymerase II. In higher eukaryotes, SET2 is a histone methyltransferase recruited by RNA pol II during mRNA transcription; however, the ortholog in P. falciparum (PfSET2 has an atypical architecture and its role in regulating transcription is unknown. Here we show that PfSET2 binds to the unphosphorylated form of the CTD, a property inconsistent with its recruitment during mRNA synthesis. Further, we show that H3K36me3, the epigenetic mark deposited by PfSET2, is enriched at both active and silent var gene loci, providing additional evidence that its recruitment is not associated with mRNA production. Over-expression of a dominant negative form of PfSET2 designed to disrupt binding to RNA pol II induced rapid var gene expression switching, confirming both the importance of PfSET2 in var gene regulation and a role for RNA pol II in its recruitment. RNA pol II is known to transcribe non-coding RNAs from both active and silent var genes, providing a possible mechanism by which it could recruit PfSET2 to var loci. This work unifies previous reports of histone modifications, the production of ncRNAs, and the promoter activity of var introns into a mechanism that contributes to antigenic variation by malaria parasites.

PfPI3K, a Phosphatidylinsoitol-3 kinase in Plasmodium falciparum, is exported to the host erythrocyte and is involved in hemoglobin trafficking

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Vaid, A

2010-03-01

Full Text Available largely unexplored. Our present studies suggest that PfPI3K, a novel phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) in Plasmodium falciparum, is exported to the host erythrocyte by the parasite in an active form. PfPI3K is a versatile enzyme as it can generate...

Tumor P-Glycoprotein Correlates with Efficacy of PF-3758309 in in vitro and in vivo Models of Colorectal Cancer

OpenAIRE

Bradshaw-Pierce, Erica Lynn; Pitts, Todd M.; Tan, Aik-Choon; McPhillips, Kelly; West, Mark; Gustafson, Daniel L.; Halsey, Charles; Nguyen, Leslie; Lee, Nathan V.; Kan, Julie L. C.; Murray, Brion William; Eckhardt, S. Gail

2013-01-01

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, is overexpressed in a number of different cancers and some studies show that P-gp overexpression can be correlated to poor prognosis or therapeutic resistance. Here we sought to elucidate if PF-3758309 (PF-309), a novel p-21 activated kinase inhibitor, efficacy was influenced by tumor P-gp. Based on in vitro proliferation data, a panel of colorectal cancer cell lines were ranked as sensitive or resistant and ABCB1...

Analysis of the PLC object model in the PF linac

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abe, Isamu; Shirakawa, Akihiro; Nakahara, Kazuo; Tanaka, Masahiko

1995-01-01

Device controllers (front end) for the KEK PF Linac, which has been operated for more than ten years, had to be renewed, because there is no longer support from hardware manufacturer. To reduce maintenance costs, device controllers are planed to be replaced by PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Investigations launched in the late 1994s for the PLC have carried out in order to make sure of the I/O stability and network possibilities. In this paper, the software for the PLC is discussed based on the OOP concept. (author)

Suppression of Longitudinal Coupled-Bunch Instabilities at the KEK-PF

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obina, T.; Tobiyama, M.; Honda, T.; Tadano, M.; Flanagan, J.W.; Mitsuhashi, T.; Cheng, W.X.; Fox, J.D.; Teytelman, D.

2012-01-01

A bunch-by-bunch feedback system has been developed to suppress longitudinal coupled-bunch instabilities at the KEK-PF. A longitudinal kicker based on a DAFNE-type overdamped cavity has been designed and installed in the ring, and a general purpose signal processor, called iGp, has been developed by the collaboration of the KEK, SLAC, and INFN-LNF. The entire feedback loop has been closed by the end of June 2007, and the feedback system has successfully suppressed the longitudinal dipole-mode instabilities up to 430 mA.

Synthesis and characterization of polypropylene/graphite nano composite preparation for in situ polymerization; Sintese e caracterizacao de nanocompositos polipropileno/grafite obtidos pela polimerizacao in situ

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Montagna, L.S.; Fim, F. de C.; Galland, G.B. [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica; Basso, N.R.S., E-mail: nrbass@pucrs.b [Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil)

2010-07-01

This paper presents the synthesis of polypropylene/graphite nanocomposites through in situ polymerization, using the metallocene catalyst C{sub 20}H{sub 16}Cl{sub 2}Zr (dichloro(rac-ethylenebis(indenyl))zircon(IV)). The graphite nanosheets in nano dimensions were added to the polymer matrix in percentages of 0.6;1.0;4.2;4.8 and 6.0% (w/w). The TEM images indicated that the thickness of graphite nanosheets ranged from 4 to 60 nm and by means of XRD analysis it was observed that the physical and chemical treatment did not destroyed the graphite layers. The presence of nanosheets did not decrease the catalytic activity of the nanocomposites. TEM images and XRD analysis of nanocomposites showed a good dispersion of the graphite nanosheets in the polypropylene matrix. (author)

Impacts of P-f & Q-V Droop Control on MicroGrids Transient Stability

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao-xia, Xiao; Hong-wei, Fang

Impacts of P-f & Q-V droop control on MicroGrid transient stability was investigated with a wind unit of asynchronous generator in the MicroGrid. The system frequency stability was explored when the motor load starts and its load power changes, and faults of different types and different locations occurs. The simulations were done by PSCAD/EMTDC.

α2-macroglobulin can crosslink multiple Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) molecules and may facilitate adhesion of parasitized erythrocytes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stevenson, Liz; Laursen, Erik; Cowan, Graeme J

2015-01-01

-macroglobulin (α2M), which is both required and sufficient for rosetting mediated by the PfEMP1 protein HB3VAR06 and some other rosette-mediating PfEMP1 proteins. We map the α2M binding site to the C terminal end of HB3VAR06, and demonstrate that α2M can bind at least four HB3VAR06 proteins, plausibly....... Together, our results are evidence that P. falciparum parasites exploit α2M (and IgM) to expand the repertoire of host receptors available for PfEMP1-mediated IE adhesion, such as the erythrocyte carbohydrate moieties that lead to formation of rosettes. It is likely that this mechanism also affects IE...

A portion of the Pf155/RESA antigen of Plasmodium falciparum is accessible on the surface of infected erythrocytes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saul, A.; Maloy, W.L.; Howard, R.J.; Rock, E.P.

1988-01-01

An investigation of antigens accessible to lactoperoxidase-catalysed cell surface iodination on intact Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (RBC) has identified a 125 I-labelled antigen with an apparent size of about 155 kD. This labelled protein was specifically immunoprecipitated by the following antibodies: a rabbit antiserum and a mouse monoclonal antibody raised against a synthetic peptide comprising the 3',8-mer repeat EENVEHDA of the Pf155/RESA protein; a rabbit antiserum raised against a synthetic octapeptide comprising two copies of the 3',4-mer repeat EENV of the Pf155/RESA protein; and rabbit antisera against another synthetic peptide C(MYSNNNVED) 2 . The last antibody shows a strong reaction in asexual blood state parasites with the Pf155/RESA antigen. While this antigen has been described previously as a submembrane component of the outer membrane of infected RBC, this report shows that at least part of it is accessible to the surface of both ring and late trophozoite-infected erythrocytes. 21 refs., 4 figs

Investigation of the biological properties of Cinnulin PF in the context of diabetes: mechanistic insights by genome-wide mRNA-Seq analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Rafehi, Haloom; Ververis, Katherine; Balcerczyk, Aneta; Ziemann, Mark; Ooi, Jenny; Hu, Sean; Kwa, Faith A A; Loveridge, Shanon J; Georgiadis, George T; El-Osta, Assam; Karagiannis, Tom C

2012-01-01

The accumulating evidence of the beneficial effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni) in type-2 diabetes, a chronic age-associated disease, has prompted the commercialisation of various supplemental forms of the spice. One such supplement, Cinnulin PF(®), represents the water soluble fraction containing relatively high levels of the double-linked procyanidin type-A polymers of flavanoids. The overall aim of this study was to utilize genome-wide mRNA-Seq analysis to characterise the changes in gene expression caused by Cinnulin PF in immortalised human keratinocytes and microvascular endothelial cells, which are relevant with respect to diabetic complications. In summary, our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of action of Cinnulin PF in diabetes and diabetic complications. More generally, we identify relevant candidate genes which could provide the basis for further investigation.

Plasma membrane ordering agent pluronic F-68 (PF-68) reduces neurotransmitter uptake and release and produces learning and memory deficits in rats

Science.gov (United States)

Clarke, M. S.; Prendergast, M. A.; Terry, A. V. Jr

1999-01-01

A substantial body of evidence indicates that aged-related changes in the fluidity and lipid composition of the plasma membrane contribute to cellular dysfunction in humans and other mammalian species. In the CNS, reductions in neuronal plasma membrane order (PMO) (i.e., increased plasma membrane fluidity) have been attributed to age as well as the presence of the beta-amyloid peptide-25-35, known to play an important role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These PMO increases may influence neurotransmitter synthesis, receptor binding, and second messenger systems as well as signal transduction pathways. The effects of neuronal PMO on learning and memory processes have not been adequately investigated, however. Based on the hypothesis that an increase in PMO may alter a number of aspects of synaptic transmission, we investigated several neurochemical and behavioral effects of the membrane ordering agent, PF-68. In cell culture, PF-68 (nmoles/mg SDS extractable protein) reduced [3H]norepinephrine (NE) uptake into differentiated PC-12 cells as well as reduced nicotine stimulated [3H]NE release. The compound (800-2400 microg/kg, i.p., resulting in nmoles/mg SDS extractable protein in the brain) decreased step-through latencies and increased the frequencies of crossing into the unsafe side of the chamber in inhibitory avoidance training. In the Morris water maze, PF-68 increased the latencies and swim distances required to locate a hidden platform and reduced the time spent and distance swam in the previous target quadrant during transfer (probe) trials. PF-68 did not impair performance of a well-learned working memory task, the rat delayed stimulus discrimination task (DSDT), however. Studies with 14C-labeled PF-68 indicated that significant (pmoles/mg wet tissue) levels of the compound entered the brain from peripheral (i.p.) injection. No PF-68 related changes were observed in swim speeds or in visual acuity tests in water maze experiments, rotorod

Esterification and characterization of lignin aiming the synthesis of polymeric composite; Esterificacao e caracterizacao da lignina visando a sintese de compositos polimericos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Victor, Priscilla A.; Machado, Fabricio, E-mail: fmachado@unb.br [Universidade de Brasilia (UnB), DF (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica; Goncalves, Silvia B., E-mail: silvia.belem@embrapa.br [Embrapa Agroenergia, Parque Estacao Biologica (PqEB), Brasilia, DF (Brazil)

2015-07-01

Lignin is a natural polymer derived from lignocellulosic materials with high availability, presenting a huge potential for production of new materials. Due to its complex macromolecular structure, and its low compatibility with styrene, eucalyptus wood-extracted lignin method was esterified with methacrylic anhydride - exhibiting a yield of 64% - in order to ensure homogeneity in the organic phase into the reaction medium. The evaluation of both the natural and esterified lignin through infrared (IR) spectroscopy showed a decrease of the hydroxyl band, characteristic of natural lignin (3200-3400 cm{sup -1}) and an increase of the characteristic ester band (1720 to 1740 cm{sup -1}). According to nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 1}H NMR) analysis on esterified lignin, intense peaks were observed in the range from 1.7 to 2.05 ppm (-CH{sub 3}) and 5.4 ppm to 6.2 ppm (=CH{sub 2}), related to methacrylic anhydride. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the esterified lignin showed a decrease in its thermal stability when compared to natural lignin, exhibiting two main weight losses between 200 °C and 300 °C and in the interval from 550 °C to 800 °C. Comparatively, the esterified lignin also displayed an increase in its glass transition temperature (Tg = 98 °C) for, when compared to natural lignin, whose Tg value was determined to be equal to 91 °C. (author)

A specific PfEMP1 is expressed in P. falciparum sporozoites and plays a role in hepatocyte infection

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zanghì, Gigliola; Vembar, Shruthi S; Baumgarten, Sebastian

2018-01-01

Heterochromatin plays a central role in the process of immune evasion, pathogenesis, and transmission of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during blood stage infection. Here, we use ChIP sequencing to demonstrate that sporozoites from mosquito salivary glands expand heterochromatin......_SpzPfEMP1. Overall, we show that the epigenetic signature of var genes is reset in mosquito stages. Moreover, the identification of a strain-specific sporozoite PfEMP1 is highly relevant for vaccine design based on sporozoites....

TRAC-PF1/MOD1 computer code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liles, D.R.; Mahaffy, J.H.

1984-01-01

The TRAC-P1 program was designed primarily for the analysis of large-break loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs) in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Because of its versatility, however, it can be applied directly to many analyses ranging from blowdowns in simple pipes to integral LOCA tests in multiloop facilities. A refined version, called TRAC-P1A, was released to the National Energy Software Center (NESC) in March 1979. Although it still treats the same class of problems, TRAC-P1A is more efficient than TRAC-P1 and incorporates improved hydrodynamic and heat-transfer models. It also is easier to implement on various computers. TRAC-PD2 contains improved reflood and heat-transfer models and improvements in the numerical solution methods. Although a large LOCA code, it has been applied successfully to small-break problems and to the Three Mile Island incident. Distinguishing characteristics of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 are summarized

Characterization of the integrated filamentous phage Pf5 and its involvement in small-colony formation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mooij, Marlies J.; Drenkard, Eliana; Llamas, María A.; Vandenbroucke-Grauls, Christina M. J. E.; Savelkoul, Paul H. M.; Ausubel, Frederick M.; Bitter, Wilbert

2007-01-01

Bacteriophages play an important role in bacterial virulence and phenotypic variation. It has been shown that filamentous bacteriophage Pf4 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 mediates the formation of small-colony variants (SCVs) in biofilms. This morphology type is associated with parameters of

TRAC-PF1 code assessment using OECD LOFT LP-FP-1 experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbero, F.J.

1992-04-01

This report assesses thermal-hydraulic aspects of LOFT LP-FP-1 experiment making use of TRAC-PF1/MOD1. LP-FP-1 experiment studies the system thermal-hydraulic and core thermal response for initial and boundary conditions similar to a large-break design basis LOCA leading to fission product release from the fuel cladding gap region. It also assesses the fission product retention effectiveness of the PWR-ECCS in best estimate conditions

Vibrational autoionization in PF3: Doing violence to the propensity rule

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Berkowitz, J.; Greene, J.P.

1984-01-01

The photoionization spectrum of PF + 3 in its threshold region displays two prominent progressions of autoionization peaks. When these are analyzed, together with earlier photoabsorption studies and a photoelectron spectrum, they lead to the conclusion that vibrational autoionization is occurring, with Δν< or =-13. This conclusion stands in sharp contrast with the current theory of vibrational autoionization, which predicts a propensity rule Δν = -1. Other examples from the recent literature are summarized, to suggest that a more general theory of vibrational autoionization is required

Field evaluation of a PfHRP-2/pLDH rapid diagnostic test and light microscopy for diagnosis and screening of falciparum malaria during the peak seasonal transmission in an endemic area in Yemen.

Science.gov (United States)

Alareqi, Lina M Q; Mahdy, Mohammed A K; Lau, Yee-Ling; Fong, Mun-Yik; Abdul-Ghani, Rashad; Ali, Arwa A; Cheong, Fei-Wen; Tawfek, Rehab; Mahmud, Rohela

2016-01-28

Malaria is a public health threat in Yemen, with 149,451 cases being reported in 2013. Of these, Plasmodium falciparum represents 99%. Prompt diagnosis by light microscopy (LM) and rapid diagnostic tests (RTDs) is a key element in the national strategy of malaria control. The heterogeneous epidemiology of malaria in the country necessitates the field evaluation of the current diagnostic strategies, especially RDTs. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate LM and an RDT, combining both P. falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), for falciparum malaria diagnosis and survey in a malaria-endemic area during the transmission season against nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference method. A household-based, cross-sectional malaria survey was conducted in Mawza District, a malaria-endemic area in Taiz governorate. A total of 488 participants were screened using LM and PfHRP-2/pLDH RDT. Positive samples (160) and randomly selected negative samples (52) by both RDT and LM were further analysed using 18S rRNA-based nested PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the RDT were 96.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 90.9-98.3), 56.0% (95% CI: 44.7-66.8), 76.3% (95% CI: 69.0-82.3), and 90.4% (95% CI: 78.8-96.8), respectively. On the other hand, LM showed sensitivity of 37.6% (95% CI: 29.6-46.3), specificity of 97.6% (95% CI: 91.7-99.7), PPV of 95.9% (95% CI: 86.3-98.9), and NPV of 51.3% (95% CI: 43.2-59.2). The sensitivity of LM dropped to 8.5% for detecting asymptomatic malaria. Malaria prevalence was 32.8% (32.1 and 37.5% for ≥10 and <10 years, respectively) with the RDT compared with 10.7% (10.8 and 9.4% for age groups of ≥10 and <10 years, respectively) with LM. Among asymptomatic malaria individuals, LM and RDT-based prevalence rates were 1.6 and 25.6%, respectively. However, rates of 88.2 and 94.1% of infection with P. falciparum were found

Numerical study for determining PF coil system parameters in MHD equilibrium of KT-2 tokamak plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ryu, J.; Hong, S.H.; Lee, K.W.; Hong, B.G.; In, S.R.; Kim, S.K.

1995-01-01

The KT-2 is a large-aspect-ratio medium-sized divertor tokamak in the conceptual design phase and planned to be operational in 1998 at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). Plasma equilibrium in tokamak can be acquired by controlling the current of poloidal field (PF) coils in appropriate geometries and positions. In this study, the authors have performed numerical calculations to achieve the various equilibrium conditions fitting given plasma shapes and satisfying PF current limitations. Usually an ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equation is used to obtain the equilibrium solution of tokamak plasma, and it is practical to take advantage of a numerical method in solving the MHD equation because it has nonlinear source terms. Two equilibrium codes have been applied to find a double-null configuration of free-boundary tokamak plasma in KT-2: one is of the authors' own developing and the other is a free-boundary tokamak equilibrium code (FBT) that has been used mainly for the verification of developed code's results. PF coil system parameters including their positions and currents are determined for the optimization of input power required when the specifications of KT-2 tokamak are met. Then, several sets of equilibrium conditions during the tokamak operation are found to observe the changes of poloidal field currents with the passing of operation time step, and the basic stability problems related with the magnetic field structure is also considered

PF1163A and B, new antifungal antibiotics produced by Penicillium sp. I. Taxonomy of producing strain, fermentation, isolation and biological activities.

Science.gov (United States)

Nose, H; Seki, A; Yaguchi, T; Hosoya, A; Sasaki, T; Hoshiko, S; Shomura, T

2000-01-01

Two novel antifungal antibiotics, PF1163A and B, were isolated from the fermentation broth of Penicillium sp. They were purified from the solid cultures of rice media using ethyl acetate extraction, silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies. PF1163A and B showed potent growth inhibitory activity against pathogenic fungal strain Candida albicans but did not show cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. These compounds inhibited the ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans.

Pf1 bacteriophage hydration by magic angle spinning solid-state NMR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sergeyev, Ivan V.; Bahri, Salima; McDermott, Ann E., E-mail: aem5@columbia.edu [Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, 3000 Broadway, New York, New York 10027 (United States); Day, Loren A. [Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, 225 Warren St., Newark, New Jersey 07103 (United States)

2014-12-14

High resolution two- and three-dimensional heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy ({sup 1}H–{sup 13}C, {sup 1}H–{sup 15}N, and {sup 1}H–{sup 13}C–{sup 13}C HETCOR) has provided a detailed characterization of the internal and external hydration water of the Pf1 virion. This long and slender virion (2000 nm × 7 nm) contains highly stretched DNA within a capsid of small protein subunits, each only 46 amino acid residues. HETCOR cross-peaks have been unambiguously assigned to 25 amino acids, including most external residues 1–21 as well as residues 39–40 and 43–46 deep inside the virion. In addition, the deoxyribose rings of the DNA near the virion axis are in contact with water. The sets of cross-peaks to the DNA and to all 25 amino acid residues were from the same hydration water {sup 1}H resonance; some of the assigned residues do not have exchangeable side-chain protons. A mapping of the contacts onto structural models indicates the presence of water “tunnels” through a highly hydrophobic region of the capsid. The present results significantly extend and modify results from a lower resolution study, and yield a comprehensive hydration surface map of Pf1. In addition, the internal water could be distinguished from external hydration water by means of paramagnetic relaxation enhancement. The internal water population may serve as a conveniently localized magnetization reservoir for structural studies.

Immunization with the Malaria Diversity-Covering Blood-Stage Vaccine Candidate Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1 DiCo in Complex with Its Natural Ligand PfRon2 Does Not Improve the In Vitro Efficacy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Holger Spiegel

2017-06-01

Full Text Available The blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1 can induce strong parasite growth-inhibitory antibody responses in animals but has not achieved the anticipated efficacy in clinical trials. Possible explanations in humans are the insufficient potency of the elicited antibody responses, as well as the high degree of sequence polymorphisms found in the field. Several strategies have been developed to improve the cross-strain coverage of PfAMA1-based vaccines, whereas innovative concepts to increase the potency of PfAMA1-specific IgG responses have received little attention even though this may be an essential requirement for protective efficacy. A previous study has demonstrated that immunization with a complex of PyAMA1 and PyRON2, a ligand with an essential functional role in erythrocyte invasion, leads to protection from lethal Plasmodium yoelli challenge in an animal model and suggested to extend this strategy toward improved strain coverage by using multiple PfAMA1 alleles in combination with PfRon2L. As an alternative approach along this line, we decided to use PfRon2L in combination with three PfAMA1 diversity covering variants (DiCo to investigate the potential of this complex to induce more potent parasite growth inhibitory immune response in combination with better cross-strain-specific efficacy. Within the limits of the study design, the ability of the PfAMA1 DiCo-Mix to induce cross-strain-specific antibodies was not affected in all immunization groups, but the DiCo–PfRon2L complexes did not improve the potency of PfAMA1-specific IgG responses.

An evaluation of TRAC-PF1/MOD1 computer code performance during posttest simulations of Semiscale MOD-2C feedwater line break transients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hall, D.G.; Watkins, J.C.

1987-01-01

This report documents an evaluation of the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 reactor safety analysis computer code during computer simulations of feedwater line break transients. The experimental data base for the evaluation included the results of three bottom feedwater line break tests performed in the Semiscale Mod-2C test facility. The tests modeled 14.3% (S-FS-7), 50% (S-FS-11), and 100% (S-FS-6B) breaks. The test facility and the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 model used in the calculations are described. Evaluations of the accuracy of the calculations are presented in the form of comparisons of measured and calculated histories of selected parameters associated with the primary and secondary systems. In addition to evaluating the accuracy of the code calculations, the computational performance of the code during the simulations was assessed. A conclusion was reached that the code is capable of making feedwater line break transient calculations efficiently, but there is room for significant improvements in the simulations that were performed. Recommendations are made for follow-on investigations to determine how to improve future feedwater line break calculations and for code improvements to make the code easier to use

Evaluation of fuel-temperature feedback mechanisms in TRAC-PF1/MOD2/NESTLE

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knepper, Paula L.; Feltus, Madeline; Hochreiter, L.E.; Ivanov, Kostadin

1999-01-01

Coupled spatial kinetics and thermal-hydraulics system codes provide a means to model transient nuclear reactor behavior more accurately. Transients marked by strong perturbations, both with thermal-hydraulics and neutronics, such as a control-rod ejection or a main steam-line break, are especially of interest. It is now feasible to model complex reactor behavior with a coupled thermal-hydraulics and spatial kinetics code that provides a means to forecast safety margins. Recently, the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC)-PF1/MOD2, Version 5.4.25, was coupled with the NESTLE code. This coupled code (TRAC-PF1/MOD2/NESTLE) is used to examine effective fuel-temperature models. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) rod-ejection benchmark was analyzed to evaluate the influence of effective fuel temperature. The rod-ejection transient tests only the fuel-rod, heat-conduction coupling. The coolant thermal-hydraulic coupling is not tested because of the speed of the transient. The neutronics solution changes extremely rapidly, whereas the convective heat transfer at the fuel surface requires more time to influence the coolant temperature of the system. The need to model the response of the system coolant temperature is not crucial in this analysis. The influence of the effective fuel temperature is the key component of this study. Various models were examined using the coupled code to calculate effective fuel temperatures. The influence of different, effective fuel-temperature models on the coupled-code results is studied. Three effective fuel-temperature models are examined: (l) volume average effective fuel temperature, (2) the effective fuel-temperature model suggested by the Office of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rod-ejection benchmark, and (3) the NESTLE effective fuel-temperature model. A discussion is provided describing the effective fuel-temperature models examined in TRAC-PF1/MOD2/NESTLE and the influence of effective fuel temperature in

Uit genade alleen? Herbesinning oor die Romeinebrief deur Suid ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Die kritiek (verwyt!) dat hierdie benadering agter- haald is, word ondervang deurdat sy analise, sintese en toepassing verder ook nog vanuit die perspektief van die retoriese situasie van Romeine (bl 17v) benader is. Met behulp van 'n literêr-kritiese paradigma van verstaan van die Romeinebrief vra hy die belangrike vraag ...

Toward improved construction health, safety, and ergonomics in ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Hierdie dien as plaaslike insig en 'n lyn van gestruktureerde vrae vir gebruik in die hoofstudie, wat geposisioneer is in die aksie-navorsing (AN) paradigma en gebruik die fokusgroep (FG) metode om groot kwalitatiewe data in te samel van SARAP-geregistreerde deelnemers. Sintese van die FG data met die literatuur asook ...

Artificial intelligence and distance learning philosophy in support of PfP mandate

OpenAIRE

Antoliš, Krunoslav

2003-01-01

Computers have long been utilised in the legal environment. The main use of computers however, has merely been to automate office tasks. More exciting is the prospect of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create computers that can emulate the substantive legal jobs performed by lawyers, to create computers that can autonomously reason with the law to determine legal solutions, for example: structuring and support of Partnership for Peace (PfP) mandate. Such attempts have not bee...

Design study on a high brilliance lattice of the PF storage ring

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Katoh, M.; Araki, A.; Kobayashi, Y.; Hori, Y.

1994-01-01

A high brilliance lattice of the PF storage ring is proposed. A small beam emittance of 27 nm-rad (about one fifth of the present value) can be achieved by doubling the number of the quadrupoles in the FODO cells. This emittance reduction will result in ten times brighter synchrotron light from the existing insertion devices. The problems incidental to the low emittance lattice, the small dynamic aperture and the short Touschek lifetime, will be discussed. (author)

Effect of current distribution on the voltage-temperature characteristics: study of the NbTi PF-FSJS sample for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zani, L.; Ciazynski, D.; Gislon, P.; Stepanov, B.; Huber, S.

2004-01-01

Various tests, either on full-size joint samples or on model coils confirmed that current distribution may play a crucial role in the electrical behaviour of CICC in operating conditions. In order to evaluate its influence, CEA developed a code (ENSIC) the main feature of which is a CICC electrical model including a discrete resistive network associated with superconducting lengths. Longitudinal and transverse resistances are also modeled, representing either joint or conductor. In our paper we will present the comparison of experimental results with ENSIC calculations for one International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) sample prototype relevant to poloidal field (PF) coils: the PF-full-size joint sample (PF-FSJS). In this purpose, the current distribution has been measured thanks to a segmented Rogowski coils system. Current distribution effects on the basic characteristics (T CS , n-value etc) of the cable compared to single strand will be discussed. This study aims at putting light on the global strand state in a conductor and is also useful to evaluate some intrinsic parameters hardly measurable (effective interpetal transverse contact resistance for example) allowing further application in coils

Met tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PF-2341066, suppresses growth and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhao Y

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Yuanyuan Zhao,1,* Jing Zhang,2,* Ying Tian,1,* Cong Xue,1 Zhihuang Hu,1 Li Zhang1,3 1Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 2Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guang Zhou Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 3National Anti-Cancer Drug Research Centre, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: We explored the effect of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF/Met signaling pathway on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC cells in vitro and in vivo, and investigated the ability of Met tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI to block HGF-induced biological signaling.Experimental design: Met TKI inhibitor PF-2341066 alone, or in combination with cisplatin, was investigated for its ability to block HGF-induced signaling and biological effects in vitro and in vivo. HGF/Met expression and activation of signaling in NPC cells were detected by using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Biological evaluation, including wound healing, cell proliferation, and invasion of NPC cells, was also examined, and the correlation between HGF/Met expression of primary and metastatic tumor in NPC patients and clinical prognosis were also analyzed.Results: Met TKI inhibitor, PF-2341066, inhibited growth of NPC cells in vivo with half maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.79±0.21 µmol/L, and suppressed invasion and migration of NPC cells; also, the inhibition of PF-2341066 was synergized with cisplatin treatment. Compared with the control group, Met TKI inhibited metastasis of transplanted NPC in nude mice (the number of live metastases [mean ± SD]: 5.8±2.2 versus 11.8±2.2, P=0.03; the number of lung metastases: 2.3±1.5 versus

An inter-species signaling system mediated by fusaric acid has parallel effects on antifungal metabolite production by Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 and antibiosis of Fusarium spp.

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a rhizosphere bacterium that acts as a biocontrol agent of soilborne plant diseases, and produces at least seven different secondary metabolites with antifungal properties. We derived site-directed mutants of Pf-5 with single and multiple mutations in the biosynt...

Surface co-expression of two different PfEMP1 antigens on single Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes facilitates binding to ICAM1 and PECAM1

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Joergensen, Louise; Bengtsson, Dominique C; Bengtsson, Anja

2010-01-01

The Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) antigens play a major role in cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes (IE), antigenic variation, and immunity to malaria. The current consensus on control of variant surface antigen expression is that only one PfEMP1 encoded by one var...

Synthesis and characterization of metal soaps of lanthanides (III); Sintese e caracterizacao de saboes metalicos de lantanidios (III)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Payolla, Filipe Boccato; Ribeiro, Sidney Jose Lima; Massbni, Antonio Carlos [Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Araraquara, SP (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica; Centro Universitario de Araraquara (UNIARA), Araraquara, SP (Brazil)

2015-07-01

The present study describes synthesis and partial characterization of Eu{sup 3+}, Nd{sup 3+}, Dy{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} behenate complexes. The compounds were analyzed using IR-Spectroscopy, TG-DTG, DSC, elemental analysis, XRD, luminescence and SEM. The results show the purity of the compounds. The XRD analysis and the SEM images show the high crystallinity of the complexes. TG-DTG and DSC analyses do not show a liquid crystal behavior, as occurs with other lanthanide metallic soaps. The mass loses until 1000° C show that the compounds lose ligand fragments at specific temperatures. XRD of the residues are compatible with the respective lanthanide oxides. The luminescence analysis shows that the Eu{sup 3+}, Nd{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} complexes presents appreciable emission. The Judd-Ofelt parameters obtained are compatible with the values found in the literature. It was not possible to obtain the complexes in a glass-form because it is difficult to prevent the crystallization of the complexes even using liquid nitrogen. The XDR data indicate that one of the complexes axis has 52 Å of length, agreeing with a structure containing behenate-lanthanide ion-behenate. The structures of the complexes were not fully elucidated and more analyses are necessary. The complexes presented a molar ratio of 3:1 (L:M) and were formulated as Bh{sub 3}Eu, Bh{sub 3}Nd, Bh{sub 3}Dy, Bh{sub 3}Tb e Bh{sub 3}Yb (Bh = behenate anion). (author)

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite-doped silver nanoparticles; Sintese e caracterizacao de hidroxiapatita dopada com nanoparticulas de prata

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Andrade, Flavio Augusto Cavadas da Silva; Rollo, Joao Manuel Domingos de Almeida, E-mail: flavio.andrade@usp.br [Universidade de Sao Paulo (EESC/FMRP/IQSC/USP), Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil). Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades Bioengenharia; Rigo, Eliana Cristina da Silva; Vercik, Andres; Vercik, Luci Cristina de Oliveira; Valencia, German Ayala; Ferreira, Leticcia Gaviao [Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Pirassununga, SP (Brazil). Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos. Departamento de Ciencias Basicas

2012-07-01

Hydroxyapatite-doped silver nanoparticles was obtained by immersing the powder in increasing dilutions of a solution containing AGNPS which were synthesized in different times and were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction (XRD)studies demonstrate no change in the major phase of HA. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed morphological characteristics of powders after doping and the presence of silver was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis.The antibacterial effect of the doped powders was evaluated using strain of Staphylococcus aureus by disc-diffusion test. The zone of inhibition was found to vary with the amount of silver nanoparticle in the doped powder even for low concentrations of AgNPs. These results indicate that the method of immersion hydroxyapatite in solutions containing AgNPs is promising to obtain bioactive materials with low cytotoxicity and antibacterial effects. (author)

Oxidative degradation of the organometallic iron(II) complex [Fe{bis[3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl]methane}(MeCN)(PMe3)](PF6)2: structure of the ligand decomposition product trapped via coordination to iron(II).

Science.gov (United States)

Haslinger, Stefan; Pöthig, Alexander; Cokoja, Mirza; Kühn, Fritz E

2015-12-01

Iron is of interest as a catalyst because of its established use in the Haber-Bosch process and because of its high abundance and low toxicity. Nitrogen-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are important ligands in homogeneous catalysis and iron-NHC complexes have attracted increasing attention in recent years but still face problems in terms of stability under oxidative conditions. The structure of the iron(II) complex [1,1'-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-2,2-bi(1H-imidazole)-κN(3)][3,3'-bis(pyridin-2-yl-κN)-1,1'-methanediylbi(1H-imidazol-2-yl-κC(2))](trimethylphosphane-κP)iron(II) bis(hexafluoridophosphate), [Fe(C17H14N6)(C16H12N6)(C3H9P)](PF6)2, features coordination by an organic decomposition product of a tetradentate NHC ligand in an axial position. The decomposition product, a C-C-coupled biimidazole, is trapped by coordination to still-intact iron(II) complexes. Insights into the structural features of the organic decomposition products might help to improve the stability of oxidation catalysts under harsh conditions.

Measurements of energy spectra of fast electrons from PF-1000 in the upstream and downstream directions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kwiatkowski, R.; Czaus, K.; Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Malinowski, K.; Zebrowski, J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies (IPJ), 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Sadowski, M.J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies (IPJ), 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Karpinski, L.; Paduch, M.; Scholz, M. [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Kubes, P. [Czech Technical University (CVUT), 166-27 Prague, (Czech Republic)

2011-07-01

The paper describes measurements of energy spectra of electrons emitted in the upstream direction along the symmetry-axis of the PF-1000 facility, operated with the deuterium filling at 21 kV, 290 kJ. The measurements were performed with a magnetic analyzer. The same analyzer was used to measure also electron beams emitted in along the symmetry-axis in the downstream direction. The recorded spectra showed that the electron-beams emitted in the upstream direction have energies in the range from about 40 keV to about 800 keV, while those in the downstream direction have energies in the range from about 60 keV to about 200 keV. These spectra confirm that in the PF (Plasma Focus) plasma column there appear strong local fields accelerating charged particles in different directions. This document is composed of a paper and a poster. (authors)

Effect of some geometric parameters on performance of PF{sup 2} heat exchangers in periodic frosting

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Ping [Zhejiang Vocational College of Commerce, Hangzhou, Binwen Road 470 (China); Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (United States); Hrnjak, P.S. [Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 (United States)

2010-03-15

The thermal performance under conditions of initial frost growth and subsequent refrosting after a defrost is experimentally studied for the parallel flow parallel fin (PF{sup 2}) heat exchanger, a new style of heat exchanger that uses louvered bent fins on flat tubes to enhance water drainage when the flat tubes are horizontal (typically outdoor heat exchanger in heat pump operation). This paper focuses on quantification of the effects of geometry (i.e. fin pitch 12-22 fpi and louver pitch 1.4-2.8 mm) on defrost and refrost times. Eight heat exchangers differing in louver pitch and fin spacing are studied. A series of tests are conducted in search for the best geometry. The effects of geometry on heat transfer (thermal performance) and pressure drop for air face velocities of 0.9, 2, and 3 m/s are determined and used for comparison. Characteristics of initial heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop during the first frosting cycle are reported in terms of Colburn j{sub 0} factor and Fanning friction f{sub 0} factor, as a function of Re{sub L{sub p}} and geometry. The newly developed air-side correlations for PF{sup 2} heat exchangers (Colburn j{sub 0} factor and Fanning friction f{sub 0} factor) predict the test data within rms error of {+-}10%, and with mean deviation of 2.95% and 4.98%, respectively. The correlations are base on a very low Reynolds numbers in the range of 100-620, and 8 PF{sup 2} heat exchangers using 48 experimental data. (author)

No apparent costs for facultative antibiotic production by the soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1.

Science.gov (United States)

Garbeva, Paolina; Tyc, Olaf; Remus-Emsermann, Mitja N P; van der Wal, Annemieke; Vos, Michiel; Silby, Mark; de Boer, Wietse

2011-01-01

Many soil-inhabiting bacteria are known to produce secondary metabolites that can suppress microorganisms competing for the same resources. The production of antimicrobial compounds is expected to incur fitness costs for the producing bacteria. Such costs form the basis for models on the co-existence of antibiotic-producing and non-antibiotic producing strains. However, so far studies quantifying the costs of antibiotic production by bacteria are scarce. The current study reports on possible costs, for antibiotic production by Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, a soil bacterium that is induced to produce a broad-spectrum antibiotic when it is confronted with non-related bacterial competitors or supernatants of their cultures. We measured the possible cost of antibiotic production for Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 by monitoring changes in growth rate with and without induction of antibiotic production by supernatant of a bacterial competitor, namely Pedobacter sp.. Experiments were performed in liquid as well as on semi-solid media under nutrient-limited conditions that are expected to most clearly reveal fitness costs. Our results did not reveal any significant costs for production of antibiotics by Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1. Comparison of growth rates of the antibiotic-producing wild-type cells with those of non-antibiotic producing mutants did not reveal costs of antibiotic production either. Based on our findings we propose that the facultative production of antibiotics might not be selected to mitigate metabolic costs, but instead might be advantageous because it limits the risk of competitors evolving resistance, or even the risk of competitors feeding on the compounds produced.

Structure of the first representative of Pfam family PF09410 (DUF2006) reveals a structural signature of the calycin superfamily that suggests a role in lipid metabolism

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chiu, Hsiu-Ju; Bakolitsa, Constantina; Skerra, Arne; Lomize, Andrei; Carlton, Dennis; Miller, Mitchell D.; Krishna, S. Sri; Abdubek, Polat; Astakhova, Tamara; Axelrod, Herbert L.; Clayton, Thomas; Deller, Marc C.; Duan, Lian; Feuerhelm, Julie; Grant, Joanna C.; Grzechnik, Slawomir K.; Han, Gye Won; Jaroszewski, Lukasz; Jin, Kevin K.; Klock, Heath E.; Knuth, Mark W.; Kozbial, Piotr; Kumar, Abhinav; Marciano, David; McMullan, Daniel; Morse, Andrew T.; Nigoghossian, Edward; Okach, Linda; Paulsen, Jessica; Reyes, Ron; Rife, Christopher L.; van den Bedem, Henry; Weekes, Dana; Xu, Qingping; Hodgson, Keith O.; Wooley, John; Elsliger, Marc-Andre; Deacon, Ashley M.; Godzik, Adam; Lesley, Scott A.; Wilson, Ian A. (SLAC); (Michigan); (TU Munchen)

2015-10-15

The first structural representative of the domain of unknown function DUF2006 family, also known as Pfam family PF09410, comprises a lipocalin-like fold with domain duplication. The finding of the calycin signature in the N-terminal domain, combined with remote sequence similarity to two other protein families (PF07143 and PF08622) implicated in isoprenoid metabolism and the oxidative stress response, support an involvement in lipid metabolism. Clusters of conserved residues that interact with ligand mimetics suggest that the binding and regulation sites map to the N-terminal domain and to the interdomain interface, respectively.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with bronchiectasis: pulmonary function, arterial blood gases, and the 6-minute walk test.

Science.gov (United States)

van Zeller, Mafalda; Mota, Patrícia Caetano; Amorim, Adelina; Viana, Paulo; Martins, Paula; Gaspar, Luís; Hespanhol, Venceslau; Gomes, Isabel

2012-01-01

Information regarding the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on pulmonary function (PF), arterial blood gases (ABG), and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in patients with bronchiectasis is scant in the literature. To evaluate the effects of PR on these indices in this population, a retrospective evaluation of those who attended PR from 2007 to 2010, was made. Pulmonary rehabilitation lasted a mean of 12 weeks and included cycle ergometer exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, with additional upper limbs and quadriceps training. PF, ABG, and 6MWD were evaluated before and after PR to determine the potential influence of gender, exacerbations, underlying cause of bronchiectasis, severity of obstruction, and colonization with bacteria. Forty-one patients (48.8% males; median age, 54 years) were included; 25 had severe obstruction and 19 were colonized with bacteria. Following PR, no significant changes were detected in PF or ABG. Median 6MWD before PR was 425 m and post-PR was 450 m (P = .431). Outcomes did not show any interaction with gender, colonization, or exacerbations. However, patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis did show a significant improvement in forced vital capacity in percent of predicted and residual volume after PR (P = .016 and .048, respectively). Patients with severe obstruction showed a statistically significant decrease in percent of predicted residual volume (P = .025). There appears to be a beneficial impact of PR on PF in certain groups of patients with bronchiectasis. In addition, PR indications and protocols for patients with bronchiectasis may need to be adapted to accommodate specific patients, so that expressive exercise capacity improvement can be achieved.

Conceptual design of PF coil system and operation scenario on inductively-operated day-long pulsed tokamak reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, J.F.; Yamamoto, T.; Ogawa, Y.

1994-01-01

It is said that disadvantages of pulsed operation in tokamak fusion reactor are fatigue problem of structural materials and an introduction of energy storage System to compensate the power during the dwell time. To overcome theses disadvantages the authors have designed an inductively-operated ultralong pulsed tokamak called (IDLT) reactor where plasma with a major radius of 10 m are employed so as to provide a magnetic flux necessary to sustain a plasma current inductively during 10 hours or more. This makes it possible to reduce the total cycle number to be around 10 4 during the life of the fusion plant. In pulsed operation reactors the shorter dwell time with a quick start-up and shut down of plasma is very convenient to realize a high availability of the power plant, but it will induce more severe conditions for the hardware design. The authors assumed the dwell time of 5∼10 minutes and analyzed the feasibility of plasma operation scenario for IDLT reactor, especially paying much attention to PF coil system. The stored energy of PF coil system becomes ∼100 GJ, which is comparable with that of toroidal field coil system. When the plasma current of 14 MA is ramped up with a time of 100 seconds, it is found that the maximum capacity of 1 GW is necessary for PF coil power supply. Engineering issues related with AC/hysterisis loss should be carefully examined

Diagnostics of PF-1000 facility operation and plasma concentration on the basis of spectral measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Malinowski, K.; Sadowski, M.J.; Scholz, M.; Tsarenko, A.V.

2005-01-01

The paper concerns the monitoring of the operation of high-current pulse discharges and the determination of the plasma concentration within the dense magnetized plasma column by means of optical spectroscopy methods. In experiments performed within the large PF-1000 facility, which is operated at IPPLM in Warsaw, particular attention was paid to possibility of the determination of correctness of the operational mode. In order to measure the visible radiation (VR), as emitted from the collapsing current sheath and the dense pinch region, the use was made of the MECHELLE R 900-optical-spectrometer, which was equipped with a CCD measuring head. The spectral measurements were performed at an angle of about 650 to the symmetry axis of the PF electrode system, through an optical window and a special collimator coupled with the quartz optical-cable. The observed VR emission originated from a part of the inner- and outer-electrode surfaces, the collapsing current-sheath layer and a portion of the dense plasma pinch-region (located a distance of 40-50 mm from the electrode ends). Considerable differences were found in the optical spectra recorded for so-called good shots and for cases of some failures. In the case of a breakdown (damage) of the main insulator there were observed different Al-lines, which originated from the eroded insulator material. At so-called bad vacuum conditions there were recorded various C-lines, and at an uncontrolled air-leakage into the experimental chamber there appeared numerous N-lines. The appearance of these characteristic spectral lines made possible to determine whether the operation of the PF-1000 facility was correct or incorrect. The paper reports also on estimates of plasma concentration values, which have been performed on the basis of a quantitative analysis of the Stark broadening of the selected spectral lines. (author)

Valproic Acid as a Potential Inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum Histone Deacetylase 1 (PfHDAC1: An in Silico Approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamed A. Abdallah Elbadawi

2015-02-01

Full Text Available A new Plasmodium falciparum histone deacetylase1 (PfHDAC1 homology model was built based on the highest sequence identity available template human histone deacetylase 2 structure. The generated model was carefully evaluated for stereochemical accuracy, folding correctness and overall structure quality. All evaluations were acceptable and consistent. Docking a group of hydroxamic acid histone deacetylase inhibitors and valproic acid has shown binding poses that agree well with inhibitor-bound histone deacetylase-solved structural interactions. Docking affinity dG scores were in agreement with available experimental binding affinities. Further, enzyme-ligand complex stability and reliability were investigated by running 5-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations. Thorough analysis of the simulation trajectories has shown that enzyme-ligand complexes were stable during the simulation period. Interestingly, the calculated theoretical binding energies of the docked hydroxamic acid inhibitors have shown that the model can discriminate between strong and weaker inhibitors and agrees well with the experimental affinities reported in the literature. The model and the docking methodology can be used in screening virtual libraries for PfHDAC1 inhibitors, since the docking scores have ranked ligands in accordance with experimental binding affinities. Valproic acid calculated theoretical binding energy suggests that it may inhibit PfHDAC1.

ORGANOMETALLIC IRON(II) COMPLEXES CONTAINING P-SUBSTITUTED ACETOPHENONE-ARYLHYDRAZONE LIGANDS

OpenAIRE

Manzur, Carolina; Millán, Lorena; Figueroa, Walter; Hamon, Jean-René; Mata, Jose A.; Carrillo, David

2002-01-01

A series of twelve new organometallic acetophenone-hydrazone complexes of general formula [(h 5-Cp)Fe(h 6-o-RC6H4)-NHN=CMe-C6H4-p-R’]+PF6- (Cp= C5H5; R,R’=H,Me, [5]+PF6-; H,MeO, [6]+PF6-; H,NMe2, [7]+PF6-; Me,Me, [8]+PF6-; Me,MeO, [9]+PF6-; Me,NMe2, [10]+PF6-; MeO,Me, [11]+PF6-; MeO,MeO, [12]+PF6-; MeO,NMe2, [13]+PF6-; Cl,Me, [14]+PF6-; Cl,MeO, [15]+PF6-; Cl,NMe2, [16]+PF6-) has been prepared by reaction between their corresponding organometallic hydrazine precursors [(h 5-Cp)Fe(h 6-o-RC6H4)-...

No apparent costs for facultative antibiotic production by the soil bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paolina Garbeva

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Many soil-inhabiting bacteria are known to produce secondary metabolites that can suppress microorganisms competing for the same resources. The production of antimicrobial compounds is expected to incur fitness costs for the producing bacteria. Such costs form the basis for models on the co-existence of antibiotic-producing and non-antibiotic producing strains. However, so far studies quantifying the costs of antibiotic production by bacteria are scarce. The current study reports on possible costs, for antibiotic production by Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1, a soil bacterium that is induced to produce a broad-spectrum antibiotic when it is confronted with non-related bacterial competitors or supernatants of their cultures. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We measured the possible cost of antibiotic production for Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1 by monitoring changes in growth rate with and without induction of antibiotic production by supernatant of a bacterial competitor, namely Pedobacter sp.. Experiments were performed in liquid as well as on semi-solid media under nutrient-limited conditions that are expected to most clearly reveal fitness costs. Our results did not reveal any significant costs for production of antibiotics by Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1. Comparison of growth rates of the antibiotic-producing wild-type cells with those of non-antibiotic producing mutants did not reveal costs of antibiotic production either. SIGNIFICANCE: Based on our findings we propose that the facultative production of antibiotics might not be selected to mitigate metabolic costs, but instead might be advantageous because it limits the risk of competitors evolving resistance, or even the risk of competitors feeding on the compounds produced.

Phloroglucinol mediates crosstalk between the pyoluteorin and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol biosynthetic pathways in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

The antibiotics pyoluteorin and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) are involved in the biological control of certain soil-borne diseases by some strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, including P. fluorescens Pf-5. These secondary metabolites also act as signaling molecules with each compound reported ...

Subtle abnormalities of gait detected early in vitamin B6 deficiency in aged and weanling rats with hind leg gait analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Schaeffer, M C; Cochary, E F; Sadowski, J A

1990-04-01

Motor abnormalities have been observed in every species made vitamin B6 deficient, and have been detected and quantified early in vitamin B6 deficiency in young adult female Long-Evans rats with hind leg gait analysis. Our objective was to determine if hind leg gait analysis could be used to detect vitamin B6 deficiency in weanling (3 weeks) and aged (23 months) Fischer 344 male rats. Rats (n = 10 per group) were fed: the control diet ad libitum (AL-CON); the control diet devoid of added pyridoxine hydrochloride (DEF); or the control diet pair-fed to DEF (PF-CON). At 10 weeks, plasma pyridoxal phosphate concentration confirmed deficiency in both age groups. Gait abnormalities were detected in the absence of gross motor disturbances in both aged and weanling DEF rats at 2-3 weeks. Width of step was significantly reduced (16%, p less than 0.003) in DEF aged rats compared to AL- and PF-CON. This pattern of response was similar to that reported previously in young adult rats. In weanling rats, pair feeding alone reduced mean width of step (+/- SEM) by 25% compared to ad libitum feeding (2.7 +/- 0.1 vs 3.6 +/- 0.1 cm for PF- vs AL-CON, respectively, p less than 0.05). In DEF weanling rats, width (3.0 +/- 0.1 cm) was increased compared to PF-CON (11%, p less than 0.05) but decreased compared to AL-CON (16%, p less than 0.05). Width of step was significantly altered early in B6 deficiency in rats of different ages and strains and in both sexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

BI-2 destabilizes HIV-1 cores during infection and Prevents Binding of CPSF6 to the HIV-1 Capsid.

Science.gov (United States)

Fricke, Thomas; Buffone, Cindy; Opp, Silvana; Valle-Casuso, Jose; Diaz-Griffero, Felipe

2014-12-11

The recently discovered small-molecule BI-2 potently blocks HIV-1 infection. BI-2 binds to the N-terminal domain of HIV-1 capsid. BI-2 utilizes the same capsid pocket used by the small molecule PF74. Although both drugs bind to the same pocket, it has been proposed that BI-2 uses a different mechanism to block HIV-1 infection when compared to PF74. This work demonstrates that BI-2 destabilizes the HIV-1 core during infection, and prevents the binding of the cellular factor CPSF6 to the HIV-1 core. Overall this short-form paper suggests that BI-2 is using a similar mechanism to the one used by PF74 to block HIV-1 infection.

Current Sharing Analysis of Arm Prototype for ITER PF Converter Bridge

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Jinchao; Song Zhiquan; Xu Liuwei; Fu Peng; Guo Bin; Li Sen; Dong Lin; Wang Min

2014-01-01

A bridge arm prototype of ITER poloidal field (PF) converter modules has been designed and fabricated. Non-cophase counter parallel connection is chosen as the arm structure of the prototype. Among all factors affecting current sharing, arm structure is the main one. During the design of the arm prototype, a novel method based on inductance matrixes is employed to improve the current sharing of the bridge arm. The test results on the prototype show that the current sharing performance of the arm prototype is much better than relevant design requirement, and that the matrix method is very effective to analyze and solve the current sharing problems of thyristor converters

Characterization of the arsenite oxidizer Aliihoeflea sp. strain 2WW and its potential application in the removal of arsenic from groundwater in combination with Pf-ferritin.

Science.gov (United States)

Corsini, Anna; Colombo, Milena; Muyzer, Gerard; Cavalca, Lucia

2015-09-01

A heterotrophic arsenite-oxidizing bacterium, strain 2WW, was isolated from a biofilter treating arsenic-rich groundwater. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that it was closely related (98.7 %) to the alphaproteobacterium Aliihoeflea aesturari strain N8(T). However, it was physiologically different by its ability to grow at relatively low substrate concentrations, low temperatures and by its ability to oxidize arsenite. Here we describe the physiological features of strain 2WW and compare these to its most closely related relative, A. aestuari strain N8(T). In addition, we tested its efficiency to remove arsenic from groundwater in combination with Pf-ferritin. Strain 2WW oxidized arsenite to arsenate between pH 5.0 and 8.0, and from 4 to 30 °C. When the strain was used in combination with a Pf-ferritin-based material for arsenic removal from natural groundwater, the removal efficiency was significantly higher (73 %) than for Pf-ferritin alone (64 %). These results showed that arsenite oxidation by strain 2WW combined with Pf-ferritin-based material has a potential in arsenic removal from contaminated groundwater.

Disruption of transporters affiliated with enantio-pyochelin biosynthesis gene cluster of Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 has pleiotropic effects

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 (formerly Pseudomonas fluorescens) is a biocontrol bacterium that produces the siderophore enantio-pyochelin under conditions of iron starvation in a process that is often accompanied by the secretion of its biosynthesis intermediates, salicylic acid and dihydroaeruginoic ...

Preparation, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Frontier MO Study of the Heteronuclear Luminescent [Pt(2)Au(2)(dmb)(2)(PPh(3))(4)](PF(6))(2) Cluster (dmb = 1,8-Diisocyano-p-menthane). A Cluster with a Formal Au(0)-Au(0) Bond Encapsulated inside a "Pt(2)(dmb)(2)(2+) " Fragment.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Tianle; Drouin, Marc; Harvey, Pierre D.

1999-11-01

The title compound is prepared from the direct reaction of Pt(2)(dba)(3) (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) and [Au(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6)) in the presence of 1,8-diisocyano-p-methane (dmb), with Pt(2)(dmb)(2)Cl(2), [Pt(4)(dmb)(4)(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6))(2), and (PPh(3))AuCl being formed as parallel products. X-ray crystallography reveals the presence of a quasi-linear PPh(3)Au-AuPPh(3) fragment encapsulated inside a "Pt(2)(dmb)(2)(2+)" ring which is axially coordinated with two PPh(3) ligands. The d(AuAu) is 2.5977(6) Å and is indicative of a strong Au-Au single bond. The IR nu(CN) data reveal that the Pt oxidation state is I, which places the Au oxidation state at 0. The PtAu distances are 2.8422(5) and 2.8082(5) Å. The Raman-active nu(Au(2)), nu(PtAu) (b(2g) + a(g)), nu(PtP), nu(AuP), and nu(PtC) are found at 121.2, approximately 100, 85.5, 162.1, 183.1, and 457.2, and 440.9 cm(-)(1), respectively. The PtAu (0.67 mdyn Å(-)(1)) and Au(2) (1.21 mdyn Å(-)(1)) force constants (F) confirm the presence of medium PtAu and strong Au(2) bonding interactions. The absorption spectra are characterized by strong bands at lambda(max) (epsilon, M(-1) cm(-1)) at 316 (32 300), 366 (37 800), and 418 nm (21 500) and lower intensity features at 516 (2860) and 655 nm (834). The cluster is luminescent at low temperatures (solid and frozen glasses), and in the solid state at room temperature, and exhibits an emission band at approximately 875 nm, and an emission lifetime, tau(e), of 4.4 +/- 0.4 ns (solvent = butyronitrile, T = 77 K).

Main: 1L6H [RPSD[Archive

Lifescience Database Archive (English)

Full Text Available cule: Non-Specific Lipid Transfer Protein; Chain: A; Synonym: Ltp2 Lipid Transport D.Samuel, P.-C.Lyu D.Samu... SWS:P83210,P83210|PDB; 1L6H; NMR; A=1-69.|Gramene; P83210; -.|InterPro; IPR003612; AAI.|Pfam; PF00234; Tryp..._alpha_amyl; 1.|SMART; SM00499; AAI; 1. Nmr, Minimized Average Structure Length: 69 AA, Molecular weight: 7009 Da AGCNAGQLTVCTGAI

Evaluation of Ti-6Al-4V surface treatments for use with a polyphenylquinoxaline adhesive

Science.gov (United States)

Progar, Donald J.

1987-01-01

Three surface treatments for Ti-6Al-4V adherends were evaluated using a thermoplastic polymer monoether polyphenylquinoxaline, MEPPQ, which had been shown in previous studies to have good potential as a high temperature adhesive for aerospace applications. Initial results based on long term thermal exposure at 232 C (450 F) using the phosphate-fluoride (PF) and chromic acid anodized (CAA) treatments with MEPPQ adhesive were not encouraging. A significant improvement in strength retention and a change in failure mode (cohesive) at 232 C (450 F) was found for the SHA treated specimens compared to the PF and CAA treatments. Although an improvement in long term thermal durability was obtained with the SHA treatment of Ti-6Al-4V, an improved surface treatment with better long term durability is still required for aerospace applications.

JCSC_129_03_0365_0372_SI.docx

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

keisham

Contents, Pages. Copies of 1H and 13C-NMR spectra of [1]PF6-[4]PF6, S2-S9. Copy of 1H NMR spectrum of mixture containing [2]PF6 and [6]PF6, S10. ESI-MS spectra of [1]PF6-[6]PF6, S11-S13. Table of bond lengths and angles of [6]PF6, S14-S19 ...

Synthesis and characterization of polyanhydride derived from castor oil; Sintese e caracterizacao de polianidrido derivado do oleo de mamona

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Borges, Fernando de M.; Reis, Roberta Yonara Nascimento; Nobre, Francisco X.; Matos, Jose M.E., E-mail: robertayonara@gmail.com [Universidade Federal do Piaui (UFPI), Teresina, PI (Brazil)

2015-07-01

Polyanhydrides are biopolymers already used as drug carriers, that allow the controlled release of the drug in vivo. Currently, these polymers are produced from a polyol, such as ethyleneglycol. In this work we synthesized a polyanhydride from castor oil, from the derivatization of oil via alcoholysis reaction. The oil was then converted to a monoglyceride (MG) by alcoholysis reaction at 140 °C. The MG reacted with phthalic anhydride (PA) at 100 °C, forming the polymer P1. The polymer was characterized by FT-IR, {sup 1}H and {sup 13}C NMR. These techniques allowed confirmation of the polymer formation. (author)

Synthesis and characterization of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate); Sintese e caracterizacao do poli(estireno-co-metacrilato de metila)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Augustinho, Tiago R.; Abarca, Silvia A.C.; Machado, Ricardo A.F. [Departamento de Engenharia Quimica e Alimentos - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianopolis, SC (Brazil)

2011-07-01

Polystyrene (PS) is nowadays commonly used due its advantages over competitors. PS presents a lower cost when compared with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and with Polyethylene Tere-phthalate (PET), and can be easier processed than polypropylene (PP). At expandable form (EPS), can be used as projective equipment, thermal insulation, floating boards, refrigerators, isothermal, and low cost applications such as packaging and disposable material. Searching for more resistant materials and with a low cost, researches with copolymers materials are being developed. In this study, copolymerization reactions were carried out by suspension polymerization using monomers styrene and methyl methacrylate (MMA) with styrene. Styrene was in the highest percentage in relation to the MMA. The MMA was selected because is a monomer that presents a higher resistance than PS. The copolymerization was confirmed by performing infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen (RMN{sup 1}H), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA). (author)

Measurements of nitrous oxide emissions from P.F. fired power stations

Science.gov (United States)

Sloan, S. A.; Laird, C. K.

Nitrous oxide (N 2O) was measured in the flue gas from four wall-fired and three corner-fired 500 MW boilers, fitted with either conventional or low-NO x burners, at four C.E.G.B. power stations. Measurements were made both by on-line non-dispersive infra red (NDIR) monitors and by extractive sampling for later laboratory analysis by electron capture gas chromatography (ECD GC). It was found that the on-line and laboratory methods were in good agreement for samples analyzed within 1-3 h of sampling, but that the nitrous oxide concentration in the stored samples had a tendency to increase with time, which was dependent on the concentration of water in the sample. Experiments with synthetic mixtures showed that the increase in nitrous oxide concentration was consistent with the overall reaction2NO+SO 2→N 2O+SO 3 in which nitric oxide is reduced by sulphur dioxide. The highest average N 2O concentration measured by the on-line analyzer was 16 vpm, and for most of the boilers monitored the concentration was less than 10 vpm. There was no statistically significant difference between the measured N 2O emissions from normal boilers and those fitted with low-NO x burners. It is suggested that these values are close to the true levels of N 2O emissions from p.f. fired boilers and that recent reports of high levels (up to 200 vpm) are likely to be an artefact resulting from the observed generation of N 2O in stored samples. A consequence of these measurements of N 2O is that current estimates of the contribution of emissions from p.f. fired boilers to the global N 2O budget are likely to be too high.

Statistical fluctuations of electromagnetic transition intensities in pf-shell nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamoudi, A.; Nazmitdinov, R.G.; Shakhaliev, E.; Alhassid, Y.

2000-01-01

We study the fluctuation properties of ΔT = 0 electromagnetic transition intensities in A ∼ 60 nuclei within the framework of the interacting shell model, using a realistic effective interaction for pf-shell nuclei with a 56 Ni core. It is found that the B(E2) and the ΔJ ≠ 0 distributions are well described by the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble of random matrices (Porter-Thomas distribution) independently of the isobaric quantum number T Z . However, the statistics of the B(M1) transitions with Δ = 0 are sensitive to T Z : T Z = 1 nuclei exhibit a Porter-Thomas distribution, while a significant deviation from the GOE statistics is observed for self-conjugate nuclei (T Z = 0). Similar results are found for A = 22 sd-shell nuclei

Fuel models and results from the TRAC-PF1/MIMAS TMI-2 accident calculation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schwegler, E.C.; Maudlin, P.J.

1983-01-01

A brief description of several fuel models used in the TRAC-PF1/MIMAS analysis of the TMI-2 accident is presented, and some of the significant fuel-rod behavior results from this analysis are given. Peak fuel-rod temperatures, oxidation heat production, and embrittlement and failure behavior calculated for the TMI-2 accident are discussed. Other aspects of fuel behavior, such as cladding ballooning and fuel-cladding eutectic formation, were found not to significantly affect the accident progression

Relevance of LiPF6 as Etching Agent of LiMnPO4 Colloidal Nanocrystals for High Rate Performing Li-ion Battery Cathodes.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Lin; Dilena, Enrico; Paolella, Andrea; Bertoni, Giovanni; Ansaldo, Alberto; Colombo, Massimo; Marras, Sergio; Scrosati, Bruno; Manna, Liberato; Monaco, Simone

2016-02-17

LiMnPO4 is an attractive cathode material for the next-generation high power Li-ion batteries, due to its high theoretical specific capacity (170 mA h g(-1)) and working voltage (4.1 V vs Li(+)/Li). However, two main drawbacks prevent the practical use of LiMnPO4: its low electronic conductivity and the limited lithium diffusion rate, which are responsible for the poor rate capability of the cathode. The electronic resistance is usually lowered by coating the particles with carbon, while the use of nanosize particles can alleviate the issues associated with poor ionic conductivity. It is therefore of primary importance to develop a synthetic route to LiMnPO4 nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled size and coated with a highly conductive carbon layer. We report here an effective surface etching process (using LiPF6) on colloidally synthesized LiMnPO4 NCs that makes the NCs dispersible in the aqueous glucose solution used as carbon source for the carbon coating step. Also, it is likely that the improved exposure of the NC surface to glucose facilitates the formation of a conductive carbon layer that is in intimate contact with the inorganic core, resulting in a high electronic conductivity of the electrode, as observed by us. The carbon coated etched LiMnPO4-based electrode exhibited a specific capacity of 118 mA h g(-1) at 1C, with a stable cycling performance and a capacity retention of 92% after 120 cycles at different C-rates. The delivered capacities were higher than those of electrodes based on not etched carbon coated NCs, which never exceeded 30 mA h g(-1). The rate capability here reported for the carbon coated etched LiMnPO4 nanocrystals represents an important result, taking into account that in the electrode formulation 80% wt is made of the active material and the adopted charge protocol is based on reasonable fast charge times.

Assessing patient-caregiver communication in cancer--a psychometric validation of the Cancer Communication Assessment Tool (CCAT-PF) in a German sample.

Science.gov (United States)

Haun, Markus W; Sklenarova, Halina; Winkler, Eva C; Huber, Johannes; Thomas, Michael; Siminoff, Laura A; Woll, Michael; Brechtel, Anette; Herzog, Wolfgang; Hartmann, Mechthild

2014-09-01

The recently introduced Cancer Communication Assessment Tool (CCAT-PF) measures congruence in patient-caregiver communication and was initially validated in lung cancer patients. Contributing to a greater proportion of the variance in the conflict scores, primary caregivers were hypothesized to experience greater stress. For a detailed understanding of conflicting communication patterns of cancer-affected families, our study aimed for psychometric validation of the CCAT-PF in a sample covering heterogeneous tumor entities. Subsequent to a cross-sectional survey of 189 pairs of cancer patients (31 % gastrointestinal, 34 % lung, and 35 % urological) and their caregivers' exploratory factor analysis with principal component condensation and varimax rotation was conducted (response rate, 74.2 %). Reliability and construct validity were assessed calculating Cronbach's α and Pearson correlation coefficients for CCAT-P and CCAT-F scales and related constructs, respectively. Cancer-related communication according to the CCAT-PF can be subdivided into four factors including the scales Disclosure, Limitation of treatment, Family involvement in treatment decisions, and Continuing treatment. Reliability ranged from α = .51-.68. The Disclosure scale, describing poor cancer-related communication of the patient, was correlated with patient's distress (QSC-R10: r = .30, p reliable stand-alone instrument for identifying conflicting communication in patient-caregiver-dyads at risk.

Chelate-size effects on the structures, chemical behavior, properties, and catalytic activity of the new palladium(II)-allyl complexes [Pd(eta(3)-1-R-1-C3H4){FcCH=N-CH2-(CH2)(n)-NMe2}][PF6] {Fc = (eta(5)-C5H5)Fe(eta(5)-C5H4), n=2 or 1, and R-1 = h or ph}

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Pérez, S.; López, C.; Bosque, R.; Solans, X.; Font-Bardía, M.; Roig, A.; Molins, E.; van Leeuwen, P.W.N.M.; van Strijdonck, G.P.F.; Freixa, Z.

2008-01-01

The synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, and the study of the solution behavior of the palladium(II) allyl complexes [Pd(eta(3)-1R(1)-C3H4){FcCH=N-CH2-(CH2)(n)-NMe2}][PF6] {with Fc = (eta(5)-C5H5)Fe(eta(5)-C5H4), R-1 = H, and n = 2 (4) or 1 (5) or R-1 = Ph and n = 2 (6) or 1 (7)} are described. The

Complications and fixation techniques of trochanteric fractures with the TARGON(®) PF.

Science.gov (United States)

Takigawa, Naohide; Moriuchi, Hiromitsu; Abe, Muneki; Yasui, Kenji; Eshiro, Hisako; Kinoshita, Mitsuo

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyse clinical results of elderly patients with trochanteric fractures that were treated with use of TARGON(®) PF nail. Overall, 494 patients (113 males) were available for this study. On the basis of Jensen classification, there were 76 cases in type I, 164 cases in type II, 70 in type III, 129 in type IV and 55 in type V. (1) Sliding amount of lag screw in relation to the Jensen classification, (2) sliding amount of lag screw according to the Ikuta's classification that categorises the reduction in lateral view in three, Subtype A, Subtype N and Subtype P, (3) sliding amount of lag screw in correlation between Jensen classification and Ikuta's classification and (4) postoperative complications (9 cases; 1.7%) were assessed. Cut-out and back-out cases were seen in 6 cases (1.1%), and these severe complications were evaluated in details. In correlation between Jensen classification and Ikuta's classification, the excessive sliding of lag screw was prominent with the Subtype P, which was preoperatively in Jensen type III or V. Cut-out or back-out cases were caused either from (1) Subtype P that were preoperatively Jensen types III or V, or from (2) the fracture where there was bony defect anteriorly. Therefore, special care must be taken for these types. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Studies of plasma interactions with tungsten targets in PF-1000U facility

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ladygina Maryna S.

2016-06-01

Full Text Available This paper presents results of experimental studies of tungsten samples of 99.95% purity, which were irradiated by intense plasma-ion streams. The behaviour of tungsten, and particularly its structural change induced by high plasma loads, is of great importance for fusion technology. The reported measurements were performed within a modified PF-1000U plasma-focus facility operated at the IFPiLM in Warsaw, Poland. The working gas was pure deuterium. In order to determine the main plasma parameters and to study the behaviour of impurities at different instants of the plasma discharge, the optical emission spectroscopy was used. The dependence of plasma parameters on the initial charging voltage (16, 19 and 21 kV was studied. Detailed optical measurements were performed during interactions of a plasma stream with the tungsten samples placed at the z-axis of the facility, at a distance of 6 cm from the electrode outlets. The recorded spectra showed distinct WI and WII spectral lines. Investigation of a target surface morphology, after its irradiation by intense plasma streams, was performed by means of an optical microscope. The observations revealed that some amounts of the electrodes material (mainly copper were deposited upon the irradiated sample surface. In all the cases, melted zones were observed upon the irradiated target surface, and in experiments performed at the highest charging voltage there were formed some cracks.

Private Finance 2 (PF2): Re-inventing the Wheel?

Science.gov (United States)

Zawawi, N. A. W. A.; Abdul-Aziz, A. R.; Khamidi, M. F.; Othman, I.; Idrus, A.; Umar, A. A.

2013-06-01

The Procurement policy of any government is the most influential factor in determining the efficiency of infrastructure and service provision like roads, water supply and energy. The UK's HM Treasury released its new guidelines on private involvement in infrastructures provision and services towards reforming the popular Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) policy. This new approach, it now refers to as the Private Finance 2 (PF2) is meant to correct the imperfections which have bedeviled the older version-PFI. However, the 'new guidelines' contained nothing really new in the area of private financing and operation of public infrastructures, at best it is akin to 're-inventing the wheel' rather than being 'new'. While dwelling extensively on issues relating to cheaper financing sources, risks transfer, counterpart funding by government and improving public sector procurement skills, this paper argues that some countries in the developing world have long recognised these issues and taken practical steps to correct them.

Private Finance 2 (PF2): Re-inventing the Wheel?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zawawi, N A W A; Khamidi, M F; Othman, I; Umar, A A; Abdul-Aziz, A R; Idrus, A

2013-01-01

The Procurement policy of any government is the most influential factor in determining the efficiency of infrastructure and service provision like roads, water supply and energy. The UK's HM Treasury released its new guidelines on private involvement in infrastructures provision and services towards reforming the popular Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) policy. This new approach, it now refers to as the Private Finance 2 (PF2) is meant to correct the imperfections which have bedeviled the older version-PFI. However, the 'new guidelines' contained nothing really new in the area of private financing and operation of public infrastructures, at best it is akin to 're-inventing the wheel' rather than being 'new'. While dwelling extensively on issues relating to cheaper financing sources, risks transfer, counterpart funding by government and improving public sector procurement skills, this paper argues that some countries in the developing world have long recognised these issues and taken practical steps to correct them.

Recent studies of the ion emission from high-current PF-1000 experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Sadowski, M.J.; Czaus, K.; Malinowski, K.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Zebrowski, J.; Sadowski, M.J.; Karpinski, L.; Paduch, M.; Scholz, M.; Garkusha, I.E.

2010-01-01

The paper describes diagnostics of fast ion beams emitted from a large PF-1000 facility operated at 21...27 kV, 290...480 kJ. Those beams were measured with pinhole cameras and PM-355 nuclear track detectors, placed at different angles to the discharge axis. The measurements showed a complex spatial structure of the fast ion beams. Measurements behind an axial channel in the inner electrode have shown that some ion beams are emitted also in the upstream direction. The ion energy spectra were measured with a miniature Thomson-type spectrometer. Time-resolved measurements of ions were performed with miniature scintillation detectors placed behind a pinhole.

Validity study of the 16PF in terminal air traffic control work

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karson, S.; O'Dell, J.W.

1976-01-01

Personality test scores obtained in 1966 from the 16PF, Form A are compared with supervisory ratings on overall job ability made at least two years later on a sample of 510 terminal area journeymen controllers. Those rated above average were found to differ significantly from those rated below average in ability on one primary personality factor, namely, C (ego strength). Other factors which approached significance are also discussed. The present study represents an attempt to determine whether personality factor scores are valid over longer periods of time in successfully discriminating journeymen terminal controllers rated above and below average in overall ability by their supervisors

Identification and functional validation of the novel antimalarial resistance locus PF10_0355 in Plasmodium falciparum.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daria Van Tyne

2011-04-01

Full Text Available The Plasmodium falciparum parasite's ability to adapt to environmental pressures, such as the human immune system and antimalarial drugs, makes malaria an enduring burden to public health. Understanding the genetic basis of these adaptations is critical to intervening successfully against malaria. To that end, we created a high-density genotyping array that assays over 17,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (∼ 1 SNP/kb, and applied it to 57 culture-adapted parasites from three continents. We characterized genome-wide genetic diversity within and between populations and identified numerous loci with signals of natural selection, suggesting their role in recent adaptation. In addition, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS, searching for loci correlated with resistance to thirteen antimalarials; we detected both known and novel resistance loci, including a new halofantrine resistance locus, PF10_0355. Through functional testing we demonstrated that PF10_0355 overexpression decreases sensitivity to halofantrine, mefloquine, and lumefantrine, but not to structurally unrelated antimalarials, and that increased gene copy number mediates resistance. Our GWAS and follow-on functional validation demonstrate the potential of genome-wide studies to elucidate functionally important loci in the malaria parasite genome.

Field application of SD bioline malaria Ag Pf/Pan rapid diagnostic test for malaria in Greece.

Science.gov (United States)

Tseroni, Maria; Pervanidou, Danai; Tserkezou, Persefoni; Rachiotis, George; Pinaka, Ourania; Baka, Agoritsa; Georgakopoulou, Theano; Vakali, Annita; Dionysopoulou, Martha; Terzaki, Irene; Marka, Andriani; Detsis, Marios; Evlampidou, Zafiroula; Mpimpa, Anastasia; Vassalou, Evdokia; Tsiodras, Sotirios; Tsakris, Athanasios; Kremastinou, Jenny; Hadjichristodoulou, Christos

2015-01-01

Greece, a malaria-free country since 1974, has experienced re-emergence of Plasmodium vivax autochthonous malaria cases in some agriculture areas over the last three years. In early 2012, an integrated control programme (MALWEST Project) was launched in order to prevent re-establishment of the disease. In the context of this project, the rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) of SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pan that detects hrp-2 and pan-LDH antigens were used. The aim of this study was to assess the field application of the RDT for the P. vivax diagnosis in comparison to light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 955 samples were tested with all three diagnostic tools. Agreement of RDT against microscopy and PCR for the diagnosis of P. vivax was satisfactory (K value: 0.849 and 0.976, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of RDT against PCR was 95.6% (95% C.I.: 84.8-99.3), 100% (95% C.I.: 99.6-100.0) and 100% (95% CI: 91.7-100.0) respectively, while the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of RDT against microscopic examination was 97.4% (95% C.I.: 86.1-99.6), 99.4% (95% C.I.: 98.6-99.8) and 86.1% (95% CI: 72.1-94.7), respectively. Our results indicate that RDT performed satisfactory in a non-endemic country and therefore is recommended for malaria diagnosis, especially in areas where health professionals lack experience on light microscopy.

Influence of Nitrogen Source on 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol Production by the Biocontrol Strain Pf-5

OpenAIRE

M, Hultberg; B, Alsanius

2008-01-01

The production of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) by the biocontrol agent Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5 was studied in nutrient-solution based media with varying nitrogen content. No production of DAPG was observed when organic nitrogen was omitted from the media, regardless of the inorganic nitrogen source used. Furthermore, a micromolar concentration range of organic nitrogen was insufficient to sustain production. When a millimolar concentration range of organic nitrogen was used, DAPG pr...

Antigenic variation and the genetics and epigenetics of the PfEMP1 erythrocyte surface antigens in Plasmodium falciparum malaria

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Arnot, David E; Jensen, Anja T R

2011-01-01

. Sterile immunity is not achieved and chronic parasitization of apparently healthy adults is the norm. In this article, we analyse the best understood malaria "antigenic variation" system, that based on Plasmodium falciparum's PfEMP1-type cytoadhesion antigens, and critically review recent literature...

Structure-guided identification of a family of dual receptor-binding PfEMP1 that is associated with cerebral malaria

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lennartz, Frank; Adams, Yvonne; Bengtsson, Anja

2017-01-01

Cerebral malaria is a deadly outcome of infection by Plasmodium falciparum, occurring when parasite-infected erythrocytes accumulate in the brain. These erythrocytes display parasite proteins of the PfEMP1 family that bind various endothelial receptors. Despite the importance of cerebral malaria...

Bilateral comparison of 100 pF standards (ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K14.b) between the NSAI-NML (Ireland) and the BIPM

Science.gov (United States)

Gournay, Pierre; Power, Oliver

2017-01-01

This report presents the results of a bilateral comparison of capacitance at 100 pF between the NSAI-NML (Ireland) and the BIPM carried out in 2016. This comparison forms part of the ongoing BIPM key comparison BIPM.EM-K14.b in which the BIPM is the pilot laboratory. Two 100 pF travelling standards belonging to the BIPM were used in this comparison carried out with an 'A-B-A' pattern of measurements. The standards were measured first at the BIPM for a period of about one month, then for a similar period at the NSAI-NML, and finally again at the BIPM. The measurand was the two terminal-pair capacitance at a frequency of 1000 Hz, for a measuring rms voltage of 15 V. The results from the NSAI-NML and the BIPM were found to be in relatively good agreement, with a difference smaller than the relative expanded uncertainty (95 % confidence, k = 2) of 0.85 × 10-6. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Enhanced Anticancer Activity of PF-04691502, a Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor, in Combination With VEGF siRNA Against Non–small-cell Lung Cancer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laura Espana-Serrano

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States accounting for about 27% of all cancer deceases. In our effort to develop newer therapy for lung cancer, we evaluated the combinatory antitumor effect of siRNA targeting VEGF and the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor PF-04691502. We analyzed the anticancer effect of siRNA VEGF and PF-04691502 combination on proliferation, colony formation and migration of A549 and H460 lung cancer cells. Additionally, we assessed the combination treatment antiangiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Here, we show for the first time that the antiangiogenic siRNA VEGF potentiates the PF-04691502 anticancer activity against non–small-cell lung cancer. We observed a significant (P < 0.05 decrease in cell viability, colony formation, and migration for the combination comparing with the single drug treatment. We also showed a significant (P < 0.05 enhanced effect of the combination treatment inhibiting angiogenesis progression and tube formation organization compared to the single drug treatment groups. Our findings demonstrated an enhanced synergistic anticancer effect of siRNA VEGF and PF-04691502 combination therapy by targeting two main pathways involved in lung cancer cell survival and angiogenesis which will be useful for future preclinical studies and potentially for lung cancer patient management.

The patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis subscale of the KOOS (KOOS-PF)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Crossley, Kay M; Macri, Erin M; Cowan, Sallie M

2018-01-01

with patellofemoral pain and/or osteoarthritis and 14 health and medical clinicians. Item reduction was performed using data from patellofemoral cohorts (n=138). We used the COnsesus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurements INstruments guidelines to evaluate reliability, validity, responsiveness......BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis are prevalent and associated with substantial pain and functional impairments. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are recommended for research and clinical use, but no PROMs are specific for patellofemoral osteoarthritis, and existing PROMs...... for patellofemoral pain have methodological limitations. This study aimed to develop a new subscale of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis (KOOS-PF), and evaluate its measurement properties. METHODS: Items were generated using input from 50 patients...

Modelling of coupled self-actuating safety, relief and damped check valve systems with the codes TRAC-PF1 and ROLAST

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neumann, U.; Puzalowski, R.; Grimm, I.

1985-01-01

Numerical valve models for simulation of selfactuating safety valves and damped check valves are introduced for the computer programs TRAC-PF1 and ROLAST. As examples of application post-test calculations and stability analysis are given. (orig.)

Input data preparation and simulation of the second standard problem of IAEA using the Trac/PF1 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Madeira, A.A.; Pontedeiro, A.C.; Silva Galetti, M.R. da; Borges, R.C.

1989-10-01

The second Standard Problem sponsored by IAEA consists in the simulation of a small LOCA located in the downcomer of a PMK-NVH integral test facility, which models WWER/440 type reactor. This report presents input data preparation and comparison between TRAC-PF1 results and experimental measurements. (author) [pt

Antibody reactivity to conserved linear epitopes of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Staalsø, T; Khalil, E A; Elhassan, I M

1998-01-01

recognising the conserved regions of PfEMP1 arise upon exposure to the parasite, and that these may be involved in the development of protection against malaria. Antibodies to the Pfalhesin peptide of the human aniontransporter, band3, were measured by the same method. The magnitude of this antibody response...

Synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles as diagnostic and therapeutic tool; Sintese e caracterizacao de nanoparticulas de ouro como ferramenta terapeutica e diagnostica

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Costa, Pryscila Rodrigues da

2012-07-01

Nanomedicine covers the use of nanoparticles to the targeted site of action as platforms for building imaging and therapeutic agents against cancer and other human diseases. In particular, gold nanoparticles (AuNp's) have proven to be efficient for the diagnosis and therapy. Interest in the development of AuNp's is due to their extraordinary physical and chemical properties resulting from the effect of its size in the nanoscale, to have an area of easy modification and the radioactive {gamma} and {beta} emitter ({sup 198}Au; E{gamma} = 0,411 MeV, {beta}{sub max} = 0,96 MeV; T{sub 1/2} = 2,69 days), having the advantage of being able to be applied as a diagnostic tool for molecular photon emission tomography (SPECT) using only a small amount of radioactive gold . In this study were synthesized AuNp's, whose surface is functionalized with a biocompatible polymer (modified polyethylene glycol) and folic acid in order to render them stealth and specific tumors that over express the folate receptors. The techniques of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential ({zeta}), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy were employed to characterization of the size and geometry of the nanoparticles, in addition to confirming its binding to thiol -PEG and PEG-thiol Folate. The results of UV-Visible and TEM showed the formation of dispersed AuNp's ranging in size from 8-12 nm with a strong absorption around 520 nm, relating to a maximum of surface plasmon resonance. DLS results showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 10 and 14 nm. The (pH {approx} 5.0 to 6.0) ranged {zeta} potential values of the dispersions prepared between -16.2 and -42.1 mV, indicating stable colloidal suspensions. To determine the real concentration of gold in the samples, it was used neutron activation in the nuclear reactor TRIGA MARK I IPR-R1 CDTN / CNEN of Belo Horizonte. Biocompatibility studies in vitro and in vivo of the samples were carried out

Process Integration for the Disruption of Candida guilliermondii Cultivated in Rice Straw Hydrolysate and Recovery of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Aqueous Two-Phase Systems.

Science.gov (United States)

Gurpilhares, Daniela B; Pessoa, Adalberto; Roberto, Inês C

2015-07-01

Remaining cells of Candida guilliermondii cultivated in hemicellulose-based fermentation medium were used as intracellular protein source. Recovery of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was attained in conventional aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) was compared with integrated process involving mechanical disruption of cells followed by ATPS. Influences of polyethylene glycol molar mass (M PEG) and tie line lengths (TLL) on purification factor (PF), yields in top (Y T ) and bottom (Y B ) phases and partition coefficient (K) were evaluated. First scheme resulted in 65.9 % enzyme yield and PF of 2.16 in salt-enriched phase with clarified homogenate (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %); Y B of 75.2 % and PF B of 2.9 with unclarified homogenate (M PEG 1000 g mol(-1), TLL 35 %). The highest PF value of integrated process was 2.26 in bottom phase (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %). In order to optimize this response, a quadratic model was predicted for the response PFB for process integration. Maximum response achieved was PFB = 3.3 (M PEG 1500 g mol(-1), TLL 40 %). Enzyme characterization showed G6P Michaelis-Menten constant (K M ) equal 0.07-0.05, NADP(+) K M 0.02-1.98 and optimum temperature 70 °C, before and after recovery. Overall, our data confirmed feasibility of disruption/extraction integration for single-step purification of intracellular proteins from remaining yeast cells.

Revisión sistemática del Cuestionario Factorial de Personalidad (16PF)

OpenAIRE

Sánchez-Gallego, Nancy Janeth; Gómez-Macías, Carolina; Zambrano-Cruz, Renato

2011-01-01

Este artículo busca establecer el uso e impacto de la prueba de personalidad 16PF en publicaciones académicas durante el periodo 2000-2010. Para lograr dicho objetivo en esta investigación documental se utilizó la metodología de revisión sistemática de literatura en la que se encontraron 30 artículos que cumplen con los criterios de inclusión. Se observa que la prueba ha sido utilizada en diversas investigaciones alrededor del mundo de manera constante,aunque se discute el uso de la cuarta ed...

PF120916 Piecki fireball and Reszel meteorite fall

Science.gov (United States)

Olech, A.; Żołądek, P.; Tymiński, Z.; Stolarz, M.; Wiśniewski, M.; Bęben, M.; Lewandowski, T.; Polak, K.; Raj, A.; Zaręba, P.

2017-06-01

On September 12, 2016, at 21:44:07 UT, a -9.2±0.5 mag fireball appeared over northeastern Poland. The precise orbit and atmospheric trajectory of the event are presented, based on the data collected by six video stations of the Polish Fireball Network (PFN). The PF120916 Piecki fireball entered the Earth's atmosphere with the velocity of 16.7±0.3 km/s and started to shine at a height of 81.9 ± 0.3 km. Clear deceleration started after first three seconds of the flight, and the terminal velocity of the meteor was only 5.0±0.3 km/s at a height of 26.0 ± 0.2 km. Such a low value of the terminal velocity indicates that fragments with the total mass of around 10-15 kg could survive the atmospheric passage and cause fall of the meteorites. The predicted area of possible meteorite impact is computed and it is located south of Reszel city at the Warmian-Masurian region. The impact area was extensively searched by experienced groups of meteorite hunters, but without any success.

Factors that influence fatigue status in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good disease outcome following 6 months of TNF inhibitor therapy: a comparative analysis.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Minnock, Patricia

2015-11-01

The objective of the present study is to determine the factors associated with persistent fatigue in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good disease response to 6 months of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. Eligible patients with either persistent (PF) or no fatigue (NF) were compared. Using validated questionnaires and bivariate analysis, this cross-sectional survey explored if clinical characteristics, pain, self-efficacy, sleep and mood\\/depression differed between groups. Patients with PF (PF; NF) (n = 28; 28) reported significantly more overall pain (11.3 ± 9.4 (0-33); 6.9 ± 8.9 (0-33)), more recent and current pain intensity (41.4 ± 26.6 (0-80) 24.4 ± 26.6 (0-100) and depression (11.8 ± 7.5 (1-35); 8.2 ± 6.6 (0-26)), than the NF group. There was no significant difference between groups in self-efficacy and both groups experienced poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >5). Despite having good disease response, the PF group had significantly higher rheumatoid factor incidence, disease activity score-28, early morning stiffness duration and lower incidence of ever-failing disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs than the NF group. These findings enhance the fatigue literature in patients with RA prescribed tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibition therapy, identifying the potentially modifiable factors of pain and depression, previously demonstrated to be strongly associated with fatigue in non-biologic populations. In addition, this study highlights the association between persistent fatigue and an on-going state of low disease activity. This infers that more judicious disease management could minimise the symptom burden of pain and depression and consequentially fatigue.

Synthesis and electrical characterization of Ca2Nd4Ti6O20 ceramics

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Muhammad Raz

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Ca2Nd4Ti6O20, a layered perov skite structured material was synthesized via a chemical (citrate sol-gel route for the first time using nitrates and alkoxide precursors. Phase analysis of a sample sintered at 1625 °C revealed the formation of an orthorhombic (Pbn21 symmetry. The microstructure of the sample after sintering comprised rod-shaped grains of a size of 1.5 to 6.5µm. The room temperature dielectric constant of the sintered sample was 38 at 100 kHz. The remnant polarization (Pr and the coercive field (Ec were about 400 μC/cm2 and 8.4 kV/cm, respectively. Impedance spectroscopy revealed that the capacitance (13.7 pF and activation energy (1.39 eV of the grain boundary was greater than the capacitance (5.7 pF and activation energy (1.13 eV of the grain.

TRAC-PF1 analysis of LOFT steam-generator feedwater transient test L9-1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meier, J.K.

1983-01-01

The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1) calculations were compared to test data from Loss-of-Fluid Test (LOFT) L9-1, which was a loss-of-feedwater transient. This paper includes descriptions of the test and the TRAC input and compares the TRAC-calculated results with the test data. We conclude that the code predicted the experiment well, given the uncertainties in the boundary conditions. The analysis indicates the need to model all the flow paths and heat structures, and to improve the TRAC wall condensation heat-transfer model

Comparisons of TRAC-PF-1 calculations with semiscale Mod-3 small-break tests S-SB-P1 and S-SB-P7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahota, M.S.

1982-01-01

Semiscale Tests S-SB-P1 and S-SB-P7 conducted in the Semiscale Mod-3 facility at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory are analyzed using the latest released version of the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC-PF1). The results are used to assess TRAC-PF1 predictions of thermal-hydraulic phenomena and the effects of break size and pump operation on system response during slow transients. Tests S-SB-P1 and S-SB-P7 simulated an equivalent pressurized-water-reactor (PWR) 2.5% communicative cold-leg break for early and late pump trips, respectively, with only high-pressure injection (HPI) into the cold legs. The parameters examined include break flow, primary-system pressure response, primary-system mass distribution, and core characteristics

Insect cells are superior to Escherichia coli in producing malaria proteins inducing IgG targeting PfEMP1 on infected erythrocytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Joergensen Louise

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The PFD1235w Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1 antigen is associated with severe malaria in children and can be expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IE adhering to ICAM1. However, the exact three-dimensional structure of this PfEMP1 and its surface-exposed epitopes are unknown. An insect cell and Escherichia coli based system was used to express single and double domains encoded by the pfd1235w var gene. The resulting recombinant proteins have been evaluated for yield and purity and their ability to induce rat antibodies, which react with the native PFD1235w PfEMP1 antigen expressed on 3D7PFD1235w-IE. Their recognition by human anti-malaria antibodies from previously infected Tanzanian donors was also analysed. Methods The recombinant proteins were run on SDS-PAGE and Western blots for quantification and size estimation. Insect cell and E. coli-produced recombinant proteins were coupled to a bead-based Luminex assay to measure the plasma antibody reactivity of 180 samples collected from Tanzanian individuals. The recombinant proteins used for immunization of rats and antisera were also tested by flow cytometry for their ability to surface label 3D7PFD1235w-IE. Results All seven pAcGP67A constructs were successfully expressed as recombinant protein in baculovirus-infected insect cells and subsequently produced to a purity of 60-97% and a yield of 2-15 mg/L. By comparison, only three of seven pET101/D-TOPO constructs expressed in the E. coli system could be produced at all with purity and yield ranging from 3-95% and 6-11 mg/L. All seven insect cell, but only two of the E. coli produced proteins induced antibodies reactive with native PFD1235w expressed on 3D7PFD1235w-IE. The recombinant proteins were recognized in an age- and transmission intensity-dependent manner by antibodies from 180 Tanzanian individuals in a bead-based Luminex assay. Conclusions The baculovirus based insect cell

Structural Conservation Despite Huge Sequence Diversity Allows EPCR Binding by the PfEMP1 Family Implicated in Severe Childhood Malaria

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lau, Clinton K.Y.; Turner, Louise; Jespersen, Jakob S.

2015-01-01

with severe childhood malaria. We combine crystal structures of CIDRa1:EPCR complexes with analysis of 885 CIDRa1 sequences, showing that the EPCR-binding surfaces of CIDRa1 domains are conserved in shape and bonding potential, despite dramatic sequence diversity. Additionally, these domains mimic features...... of the natural EPCR ligand and can block this ligand interaction. Using peptides corresponding to the EPCR-binding region, antibodies can be purified from individuals in malaria-endemic regions that block EPCR binding of diverse CIDRa1 variants. This highlights the extent to which such a surface protein family......The PfEMP1 family of surface proteins is central for Plasmodium falciparum virulence and must retain the ability to bind to host receptors while also diversifying to aid immune evasion. The interaction between CIDRa1 domains of PfEMP1 and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) is associated...

Development of prismatic sealed nickel-cadmium battery, 2000PF

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Arahi,; Kazuo,; Yoshimura, Hideaki; Takeshima, Kenji; Kawamura, Chiaki

1988-10-21

Though, as for the sealed Ni-Cd battery, that of cylindrical form has been majorly used, that of prismatic form is heightened in needs, with the portable electronic appliances made smaller and thinner, for which needs a new type battery 2000 PF, by new production process technology and components, was developed. As compared with the past cylindrical sealed Ni-Ca batter, generally less than 100Wh/l in energy density, the new one is higher and 133Wh/l in it, with the achievement of a 17 to 34% lightening in weight. That heightening in energy density was realized by the optimized design of lamination structure, availing of the advantage not to necessitate the electrode to be wound in a spiral form, as necessary in the cylindrical battery. While as the sealing by caulking can not be adopted like the cylindrical battery, a precise welding technique by laser was established. The assembly line is of an almost unmanned on-line computer control system. The charge and discharge characteristics, etc. were indicated in detail. 11 figures, 1 table.

Identification of novel PfDHODH inhibitors as antimalarial agents via pharmacophore-based virtual screening followed by molecular docking and in vivo antimalarial activity.

Science.gov (United States)

Vyas, V K; Qureshi, G; Ghate, M; Patel, H; Dalai, S

2016-06-01

Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH) catalyses the fourth reaction of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in parasites, and represents an important target for the treatment of malaria. In this study, we describe pharmacophore-based virtual screening combined with docking study and biological evaluation as a rational strategy for identification of novel hits as antimalarial agents. Pharmacophore models were established from known PfDHODH inhibitors using the GALAHAD module with IC50 values ranging from 0.033 μM to 142 μM. The best pharmacophore model consisted of three hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor and one hydrophobic features. The pharmacophore models were validated through receiver operating characteristic and Günere-Henry scoring methods. The best pharmacophore model as a 3D search query was searched against the IBS database. Several compounds with different structures (scaffolds) were retrieved as hit molecules. Among these compounds, those with a QFIT value of more than 81 were docked in the PfDHODH enzyme to further explore the binding modes of these compounds. In silico pharmacokinetic and toxicities were predicted for the best docked molecules. Finally, the identified hits were evaluated in vivo for their antimalarial activity in a parasite inhibition assay. The hits reported here showed good potential to become novel antimalarial agents.

Reliability and Sensitivity of the Power Push-up Test for Upper-Body Strength and Power in 6-15-Year-Old Male Athletes.

Science.gov (United States)

Gillen, Zachary M; Miramonti, Amelia A; McKay, Brianna D; Jenkins, Nathaniel D M; Leutzinger, Todd J; Cramer, Joel T

2018-01-01

Gillen, ZM, Miramonti, AA, McKay, BD, Jenkins, NDM, Leutzinger, TJ, and Cramer, JT. Reliability and sensitivity of the power push-up test for upper-body strength and power in 6-15-year-old male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 83-96, 2018-The power push-up (PPU) test is an explosive upper-body test performed on a force plate and is currently being used in high school football combines throughout the United States. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reliability of the PPU test based on age and starting position (knees vs. toes) in young athletes. Sixty-eight boys (mean ± SD; age = 10.8 ± 2.0 years) were tested twice over 5 days. Boys were separated by age as 6-9 years (n = 16), 10-11 years (n = 26), and 12-15 years (n = 26). The PPU test was performed on a force plate while rotating from the knees vs. the toes. Measurements were peak force (PF, N), peak rate of force development (pRFD, N·s), average power (AP, W), and peak power (PP, W). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1), SEMs, coefficients of variation (CVs), and minimum detectable changes (MDCs) were calculated to quantify reliability and sensitivity. Peak force from the knees in 10-15-year-olds, PF from the toes in 12-15-year-olds, and pRFD from the knees and toes in 12-15-year-olds were comparably reliable (ICC ≥ 0.84). Neither power measurements (AP or PP) for any age group, nor any measurements (PF, pRFD, AP, or PP) for the 6-9-year-olds were comparably reliable (ICC ≤ 0.74). When considering the reliable variables, PF was greater in the 12-15-year-olds than in 10-11-year-olds (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, in 12-15-year-olds, PF and pRFD were greater from the knees than from the toes (p ≤ 0.05). For reasons largely attributable to growth and development, the PPU test may be a reliable (ICC ≥ 0.80) and sensitive (CV ≤ 19%) measure of upper-body strength (PF), whereas pRFD was also reliable (ICC ≥ 0.80), but less sensitive (CV = 30-38%) in 10-15-year-old male athletes.

Synthesis and characterization of tungsten or calcium doped PZT ceramics; Sintese e caracterizacao do PZT dopado com W ou Ca

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Santos, D.M.; Caracas, L.B.; Noronha, R.G.; Santos, M.M.T. dos [Universidade Federal do Maranhao (UFMA), Sao Luis, MA (Brazil). Dept. de Desenho e Tecnologia. Curso de Desenho Industrial; Paiva-Santos, C.O., E-mail: denilson@ufma.b [Universidade Estadual Paulista (IQ/UNESP), Araraquara, SP (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica

2009-07-01

Pure and doped (tungsten or calcium) PZT ceramics were prepared by association of the polymeric precursor and partial oxalate method. The phase formation was investigated by thermal analysis (TG/DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The affect of W or Ca doping PZT and their electrical properties was evaluated. Substitution of W by Ti and Ca by Pb leads to an increase of Curie temperature and broadening of dielectric constant. A typical hysteresis loop was observed at room temperature and the remnant polarization was increased with the content of W and Ca. (author)

Synthesis and characterization of boron trifluoride (B F[sub 3]). Sintese e caracterizacao de trifluoreto de boro (BF[sub 3])

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bastos, E T.R.; Umeda, K; Echternacht, M V; Silva, E.F. da.

1994-08-01

High purity boron trifluoride (B F[sub 3]) has been prepared from reaction of ammonium fluorborate and boron oxide in concentrated sulfuric acid. Fluorborate was synthesized by reaction of ammonium bi fluoride and boric acid produced from enrichment plant. (author).

Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated polyesters derived from glycerol; Sintese e caracterizacao de poliesteres sulfonados obtidos a partir do glicerol

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fiuza, R.A.; Jose, N.M.; Boaventura, J.S. [Universidade Federal da Bahia (IQ/UFBA), Salvador, BA (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica; Fiuza, R.P. [Universidade Federal da Bahia (EP/UFBA), Salvador, BA (Brazil). Escola Politecnica. Curso de Mestrado em Engenharia Quimica

2010-07-01

In this work were synthesized polyesters from glycerol and acid sulfonated phthalic previously. The materials were characterized by DSC, TGA, FTIR, SEM, XRD and XRF. The results showed effective sulfonation of phthalic acid. The presence of sulfonic groups promoted strong changes in the crystallinity of the new material makes the lens. The polyesters made from phthalic acid sulfonated combine characteristics such as heat resistance and groups that drivers potentiate the electrolyte for application in fuel cells proton exchange membrane and also for gas separation. (author)

Synthesis, characterization and thermal behavior of rare earth amido sulfonates; Sintese, caracterizacao e comportamento termico de amidossulfonatos de terras raras

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Luiz, Jose Marques; Nunes, Ronaldo Spezia, E-mail: jmluiz@feg.unesp.br [Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Guaratingueta, SP (Brazil). Faculdade de Engenharia. Departamento de Fisica e Quimica; Matos, Jivaldo do Rosario [Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), SP (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica

2013-09-01

Hydrated compounds prepared in aqueous solution by reaction between amidosulfonic acid [H{sub 3}NSO{sub 3}] and suspensions of rare earth hydroxycarbonates [Ln{sub 2}(OH){sub x}(CO{sub 3}){sub y}.zH{sub 2}O] were characterized by elemental analysis (% Ln, % N and % H), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetry (TG). The compounds presented the stoichiometry Ln(NH{sub 2}SO{sub 3}){sub 3}.xH{sub 2}O (where x = 1, 5, 2.0 or 3.0). The IR spectra showed absorptions characteristic of H{sub 2}O molecules and NH{sub 2}SO{sub 3} groups. Degree of hydration, thermal decomposition steps and formation of stable intermediates of the type [Ln{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}] and (Ln{sub 2}O{sub 2}SO{sub 4}), besides formation of their oxides, was determined by thermogravimetry. (author)

Dependence of CIT [Compact Ignition Tokamak] PF [poloidal field] coil currents on profile and shape parameters using the Control Matrix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strickler, D.J.; Peng, Y-K.M.; Jardin, S.C.; Pomphrey, N.

1990-01-01

The plasma shaping flexibility of the Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) poloidal field (PF) coil set is demonstrated through MHD equilibrium calculations of optimal PF coil current distributions and their variation with poloidal beta, internal inductance, plasma 95% elongation, and 95% triangularity. Calculations of the magnetic stored energy are used to compare solutions associated with various plasma parameters. The Control Matrix (CM) equilibrium code, together with the nonlinear equation and numerical optimization software packages HYBRD, and VMCON, respectively, are used to find equilibrium coil current distributions for fixed divertor geometry, volt-seconds, and plasma profiles in order to isolate the dependence on individual parameters. A reference equilibrium and coil current distribution are chosen, and correction currents dI are determined using the CM equilibrium method to obtain other specified plasma shapes. The reference equilibrium is the κ = 2 divertor at beginning of flattop (BOFT) with a minimum stored energy solution for the coil current distribution. The pressure profile function is fixed

Computational and experimental analysis identified 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine as a potential agent for treating infection by Plasmodium falciparum.

Science.gov (United States)

Plaimas, Kitiporn; Wang, Yulin; Rotimi, Solomon O; Olasehinde, Grace; Fatumo, Segun; Lanzer, Michael; Adebiyi, Ezekiel; König, Rainer

2013-12-01

Plasmodium falciparum (PF) is the most severe malaria parasite. It is developing resistance quickly to existing drugs making it indispensable to discover new drugs. Effective drugs have been discovered targeting metabolic enzymes of the parasite. In order to predict new drug targets, computational methods can be used employing database information of metabolism. Using this data, we performed recently a computational network analysis of metabolism of PF. We analyzed the topology of the network to find reactions which are sensitive against perturbations, i.e., when a single enzyme is blocked by drugs. We now used a refined network comprising also the host enzymes which led to a refined set of the five targets glutamyl-tRNA (gln) amidotransferase, hydroxyethylthiazole kinase, deoxyribose-phophate aldolase, pseudouridylate synthase, and deoxyhypusine synthase. It was shown elsewhere that glutamyl-tRNA (gln) amidotransferase of other microorganisms can be inhibited by 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine. Performing a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) assay, we showed, that 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine is also severely affecting viability of PF in blood plasma of the human host. We confirmed this by an in vivo study observing Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical analysis on ingress-of-coolant events in fusion reactors with TRAC-PF1 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ose, Yasuo; Takase, Kazuyuki; Akimoto, Hajime

2000-01-01

As for accident events related with thermal-hydraulics, in a fusion experimental reactor an ingress-of-coolant event (ICE) and a loss-of-vacuum-accident event (LOVA) should be considered. An integrated ICE/LOVA test apparatus is under planning in order to estimate quantitatively heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics under ICE and LOVA events. This study was carried out to predict numerically the thermal-hydraulic characteristics in fusion reactors at the ICE events before construction of the integrated ICE/LOVA test apparatus. The TRAC-PF1 code, which was originally developed for the thermal-hydraulic safety analysis in light water reactors, was used. The numerical analyses were performed for two kinds of system configuration with/without a pressure-suppression tank:the former for is investigation of the pressure rise characteristics and two-phase flow behavior; the latter for estimation of an effect of the pressure reduction due to the pressure-suppression tank. From the present analytical results, effects of the ingress water flow rate and vessel temperatures on the pressure rise ware clarified quantitatively. Furthermore, the pressure-rise suppression effect due to the vapor condensation in the pressure-suppression tank was predicted numerically. In addition, the useful information regarding to the design of the integrated ICE/LOVA test apparatus and the knowledge with respect to the effective usage of the TRAC-PF1 code were obtained through the present numerical study. (author)

Mapping the binding site of a cross-reactive Plasmodium falciparum PfEMP1 monoclonal antibody inhibitory of ICAM-1 binding

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lennartz, Frank; Bengtsson, Anja; Olsen, Rebecca W

2015-01-01

The virulence of Plasmodium falciparum is linked to the ability of infected erythrocytes (IE) to adhere to the vascular endothelium, mediated by P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). In this article, we report the functional characterization of an mAb that recognizes a panel of P...

Rhizoxin analogs, orfamide A and chitinase production contribute to the toxicity of Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 to Drosophila melanogaster

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a soil bacterium that was first described for its activity in biological control of plant diseases and has since been shown to be lethal to certain insects. Among these is the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, a well-established model organism for studies evalu...

When Middle Really Means "Top" or "Bottom": An Analysis of the 16PF5 Using Bock's Nominal Response Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Murray, Aja Louise; Booth, Tom; Molenaar, Dylan

2016-01-01

When self-report items with a Likert-type scale include a middle response option (e.g., Unsure, Neither agree nor disagree, or ?), this middle option is assumed to measure a level of the trait intermediate between the high and low response categories. In this study, we tested this assumption in the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire, Version 5 (16PF5) by fitting Bock's nominal response model in the U.S. and UK standardization samples of the 16PF5. We found that in many cases, the middle option was indicative of higher levels of the latent trait than the ostensibly highest response option. In certain other cases, it was indicative of lower levels of the latent trait than the ostensibly lowest response option. This undermines the use of a simple successive integer scoring scheme where responses in adjacent response categories are assigned scores of 0, 1, and 2. Recommendations for alternative scoring schemes are provided. Results also suggested that certain personality traits, especially neurotic traits, are associated with a tendency toward selecting the middle option.

Statistical fluctuations of electromagnetic transition intensities and electromagnetic moments in pf-shell nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hamoudi, A.; Shahaliev, E.; Nazmitdinov, R. G.; Alhassid, Y.

2002-01-01

We study the fluctuation properties of ΔT=0 electromagnetic transition intensities and electromagnetic moments in A∼60 nuclei within the framework of the interacting shell model, using a realistic effective interaction for pf-shell nuclei with a 56 Ni core. The distributions of the transition intensities and of the electromagnetic moments are well described by the Gaussian orthogonal ensemble of random matrices. In particular, the transition intensity distributions follow a Porter-Thomas distribution. When diagonal matrix elements (i.e., moments) are included in the analysis of transition intensities, the distributions remain Porter-Thomas except for the isoscalar M1. This deviation is explained in terms of the structure of the isoscalar M1 operator

Charge ordered insulating phases of DODHT salts with octahedral anions and a new radical salt, β''-(DODHT)2TaF6

Science.gov (United States)

Nishikawa, H.; Oshio, H.; Higa, M.; Kondo, R.; Kagoshima, S.; Nakao, A.; Sawa, H.; Yasuzuka, S.; Murata, K.

2008-10-01

Physical properties of isostructural β''-(DODHT)2X [DODHT = (l,4-dioxane-2,3-diyldithio)dihydrotetrathiafulvalene; X = PF6, AsF6, and SbF6] at ambient pressure have been compared. The insulating phase of β''-(DODHT)2PF6 salt has already been revealed to be a charge ordering (CO) state by X-ray diffraction study and magnetic behavior. CO in this salt was also confirmed by the observation of satellite reflections in oscillation photograph using synchrotron radiation. Transport property of β''-(DODHT)2SbF6 salt was reinvestigated up to the pressure of 3.7 GPa applied by a cubic anvil apparatus. Although the SbF6 salt turned to be metallic above 2.0 GPa, no superconductivity was observed. In order to examine the anion size dependence of DODHT salts with octahedral anions, we prepared a new DODHT salt, β''-(DODHT)2TaF6, which has the larger counter anion compared with the previous salts. Crystal structure of this salt was isostructural to the other DODHT salts. The electrical and magnetic properties of this salt were similar to those of β''-(DODHT)2SbF6 salt.

Physical fitness percentile charts for children aged 6-10 from Portugal.

Science.gov (United States)

Roriz De Oliveira, M S; Seabra, A; Freitas, D; Eisenmann, J C; Maia, J

2014-12-01

The present study aims (1) to provide reference percentile charts for the following measures of Physical Fitness (PF): the sit-and-reach, handgrip, standing long jump, 50 yards' dash, 4x10m shuttle run and 1-mile run/walk tests in children aged 6 to 10 years, and (2) to compare the performance of the Portuguese children with their age- and sex peers. A total of 3804 Portuguese children (1985 boys and 1819 girls) aged 6-10 years old participated in this study. The sample was stratified from 20 public elementary schools and children were randomly selected in each school. Charts were separately built for each sex using the LMS method. Boys showed better results than girls in handgrip, standing long jump, 50 yards' dash, 4x10 m shuttle run and 1-mile run/walk, while girls are better performers than boys in sit-and-reach. Age- and gender- percentiles for a set of physical fitness tests for 6-10 year old (primary school) Portuguese children have been established. Boys showed greater overall PF than girls, except in the flexibility test, in which girls performed better. The reported normative values provide ample opportunities to accurately detect individual changes during childhood. These reference values are especially important in healthcare and educational settings, and can be added to the worldwide literature on physical fitness values in children.

Design report on PF injector linac upgrade for KEKB

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sato, Isamu; Anami, Shozo; Enomoto, Atsushi; Fukuda, Shigeki; Kobayashi, Hitoshi; Nakahara, Kazuo [eds.

1966-03-01

The purpose of the B Factory project is to verify the physical problem `Is there difference in the physical laws of particle world and anti-particle world?` The outline of the KEK B Factory project (KEKB) is explained. The condition of injection corresponding to the KEKB, the increase of the energy of the PF injector and the augmentation of positron beam intensity for the KEKB, the guideline for, the most important problems of and the schedule of energy augmentation are described. Buildings and utilities, various problems related to large current electron beam acceleration, the generation of positrons, the examination of acceleration method, beam transport system, acceleration unit, vacuum system, high frequency source, the high frequency phase control between beam and acceleration high frequency wave, electron beam injection system, trigger system, beam monitors, the precision alignment of acceleration tube, electromagnets and beam monitors, the extension of control system, rise and adjustment, and radiation safety and the application related to radiation are described. Efforts are exerted for the development of klystron, the capability of high frequency power compression system, and the withstanding to pressure of acceleration tube. (K.I.)

PF-AR NW14, a new time-resolved diffraction/scattering beamline

Science.gov (United States)

Nozawa, Shunsuke; Adachi, Shin-ichi; Tazaki, Ryoko; Takahashi, Jun-ichi; Itatani, Jiro; Daimon, Masahiro; Mori, Takeharu; Sawa, Hiroshi; Kawata, Hiroshi; Koshihara, Shin-ya

2005-01-01

NW14 is a new insertion device beamline at the Photon Factory Advanced Ring (PF-AR), which is a unique ring with full-time single-bunched operation, aiming for timeresolved x-ray diffraction/scattering and XAFS experiments. The primary scientific goal of this beamline is to observe the ultrafast dynamics of condensed matter systems such as organic and inorganic crystals, biological systems and liquids triggered by optical pulses. With the large photon fluxes derived from the undulator, it should become possible to take a snapshoot an atomic-scale image of the electron density distribution. By combining a series of images it is possible to produce a movie of the photo-induced dynamics with 50-ps resolution. The construction of the beamline is being funded by the ERATO Koshihara Non-equilibrium Dynamics Project of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the beamline will be operational from autumn 2005.

PF-AR NW14, a new time-resolved diffraction/scattering beamline

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nozawa, Shunsuke; Adachi, Shin-ichi; Tazaki, Ryoko; Takahashi, Jun-ichi; Itatani, Jiro; Daimon, Masahiro; Mori, Takeharu; Sawa, Hiroshi; Kawata, Hiroshi; Koshihara, Shin-ya

2005-01-01

NW14 is a new insertion device beamline at the Photon Factory Advanced Ring (PF-AR), which is a unique ring with full-time single-bunched operation, aiming for timeresolved x-ray diffraction/scattering and XAFS experiments. The primary scientific goal of this beamline is to observe the ultrafast dynamics of condensed matter systems such as organic and inorganic crystals, biological systems and liquids triggered by optical pulses. With the large photon fluxes derived from the undulator, it should become possible to take a snapshoot an atomic-scale image of the electron density distribution. By combining a series of images it is possible to produce a movie of the photo-induced dynamics with 50-ps resolution. The construction of the beamline is being funded by the ERATO Koshihara Non-equilibrium Dynamics Project of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the beamline will be operational from autumn 2005

Anisotropic p-f mixing mechanism explaining anomalous magnetic properties in Ce monopnictides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takahashi, H.; Kasuya, T.

1985-01-01

An anomalously small crystal-field splitting in the paramagnetic region in CeSb and CeBi compared with those in CeP and CeAs is explained by the mixing mechanism between the occupied 4f states and the valence band holes. In the paramagnetic regions, the above p-f mixing gives the effective crystal-field splitting, which is estimated to nearly cancel the normal splittings extrapolated from CeP and CeAs in good agreement with experiment. The formula for the second-order transition temperature, at which the population ratio of the 4f GAMMA 8 states begins to be unbalanced, is also derived. In CeBi the second-order transition may occur, while in CeSb the first-order transition should occur in agreement with experiments. (author)

μ3-Carbonato-κ3 O:O′:O′′-tris­{(η6-ben­zene)[(R)-1-(1-amino­ethyl)naphthyl-κ2 C 2,N]ruthenium(II)} hexa­fluorido­phosphate dichloro­methane solvate

Science.gov (United States)

Sortais, Jean-Baptiste; Brelot, Lydia; Pfeffer, Michel; Barloy, Laurent

2008-01-01

The title compound, [Ru3(C12H12N)3(CO3)(C6H6)3]PF6·CH2Cl2, was obtained unintentionally as the product of an attempted deprotonation of the monomeric parent ruthenium complex [Ru(C12H12N)(C6H6)(C2H3N)]PF6. The carbonate ligand bridges three half-sandwich cyclo­ruthenated fragments, each of them exhibiting a pseudo-tetra­hedral geometry. The configuration of the Ru atoms is S. The naphthyl groups of the enanti­opure cyclo­ruthenated benzylic amine ligands point in the same direction, adopting a propeller shape. PMID:21201869

Polymethylated [Fe(η6-arene)2]2+ dications: methyl-group rearrangements and application of the EINS mechanism.

Science.gov (United States)

Štíbr, Bohumil; Bakardjiev, Mario; Hájková, Zuzana; Holub, Josef; Padělková, Zdenka; Růžička, Aleš; Kennedy, John D

2011-06-14

Reactions between the methylated arenes ArMe(n) [where ArMe(n) = C(6)Me(n)H((6-n)), and n = 1-6] and FeCl(2) in heptane at 90 °C in the presence of anhydrous AlCl(3) give, for the arenes with n = 1-5, extensive isomerisations and disproportionations involving the methyl groups on the arene rings, and the formation of mixtures of [Fe(ArMe(n))(2)](2+) dications that defy separation into pure species. GC-MS studies of AlCl(3)/mesitylene and AlCl(3)/durene reactions in the absence of FeCl(2) (90 °C, 2 h) allow quantitative assessments of the rearrangements, and the EINS mechanism (electrophile-induced nucleophilic substitution) is applied to rationalise the phenomena. By contrast, ArMe(n) / FeCl(2) /AlCl(3) reactions in heptane for 24-36 h at room-temperature proceed with no rearrangements, allowing the synthesis of the complete series of pure [Fe(ArMen)](2+) cations in yields of 48-71%. The pure compounds are characterised by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and electrospray-ionization mass-spectrometry (ESI-MS), and the structures of [Fe(m-xylene)(2)][PF(6)](2) and [Fe(durene)(2)][PF(6)](2) are established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

Haptoglobin is a serological biomarker for adenocarcinoma lung cancer by using the ProteomeLab PF2D combined with mass spectrometry.

Science.gov (United States)

Chang, You-Kang; Lai, Yu-Heng; Chu, Yen; Lee, Ming-Cheng; Huang, Chun-Yao; Wu, Semon

2016-01-01

Identification of serological biomarker is urgently needed for cancer screening, monitoring cancer progression, treatment response, and surveillance for recurrence in lung cancer. Therefore, we try to find new serological biomarker that has more specificity and sensitivity for lung cancer diagnostics. In this study, the 2-D liquid phase fractionation system (PF2D) and mass spectrometry approach has been used for comparison the serum profiles between lung cancer patients and healthy individuals. Eight proteins were identified form PF2D and subsequently by mass spectrometry. Among these proteins, haptoglobin (HP) and apolipoprotein AI (APOA1) were chosen and validated with turbidimetric assay. We found that HP levels were significantly higher and APOA1 levels were significantly lower in lung cancer patients. However, after the participants were stratified by gender, the expression trends of HP and APOA1 in lung cancer patients existed only in men, which is gender specific phenomenon. HP, APOA1 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), used for distinguishing lung adenocarcinoma, had a sensitivity of 64%, 64% and 79%, respectively. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) of HP, APOA1 and CEA were 0.768, 0.761 and 0.884, respectively. When restricted to male subjects, HP, APOA1 and CEA showed sensitivity of 89%, 73% and 100%, respectively. AUC of HP, APOA1 and CEA were 0.929, 0.840 and 0.877, respectively. Therefore, our results showed that combined with PF2D system and mass spectrometry, this is a promising novel approach to identify new serological biomarkers for lung cancer research. In addition, HP may be a potential serological biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma diagnostics, especially in male subjects.

Optical spectroscopy of free-propagating plasma and its interaction with tungsten targets in PF-1000 facility

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Malinowski, K. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Sadowski, M.J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland)] [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion, IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Kubkowska, M.; Jakubowska, K.; Paduch, M.; Scholz, M. [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion, IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Garkusha, I.E.; Ladygina, M.; Tereshin, V.I. [Institute of Plasma Physics, NSC KIPT, 61-108 Kharkov (Ukraine)

2011-07-01

The paper reports on optical spectroscopy of pulsed plasma streams during their free propagation within a vacuum chamber and their interaction with tungsten targets. Experiments were performed with the PF-1000 facility and particular attention was paid to improvements in spectroscopic diagnostics techniques. In contrary to preliminary studies, the recent spectroscopic measurements of the free plasma streams were carried out perpendicular to the z-axis and at a larger distance from the electrode outlet. The center of the observation quartz-window was located at z = 30 cm in order to observe first a pure deuterium-plasma stream, and later on some heavy impurities which might reach that distance with a delay induced by differences in their production and time-of-flight. The recorded spectral lines were identified by means of a Kurucz database. It was confirmed that at the pure D{sub 2}-filling the PF-1000 facility emits first the deuterium-plasma stream and one can observe intense deuterium Balmer lines, but at a distance z = 30 cm, after about 2 microseconds there appear many impurity lines originating mainly from the Cu-electrodes, i.e. Cu-lines. The second part of the experiment concerned the spectroscopic measurements of metal plasma 'pillow' produced by the plasma stream impinging upon a solid target made of pure tungsten. The described measurements enabled the most intense spectral lines to be identified. This document is composed of an abstract followed by the slides of the presentation

TRAC-PF1 code verification with data from the OTIS test facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Childerson, M.T.; Fujita, R.K.

1985-01-01

A computer code (TRAC-PF1/MOD1) developed for predicting transient thermal and hydraulic integral nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) response was benchmarked. Post-small break loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) data from a scaled, experimental facility, designated the One-Through Integral System (OTIS), were obtained for the Babcock and Wilcox NSSS and compared to TRAC predictions. The OTIS tests provided a challenging small break LOCA data set for TRAC verification. The major phases of a small break LOCA observed in the OTIS tests included pressurizer draining and loop saturation, intermittent reactor coolant system circulation, boiler-condenser mode, and the initial stages of refill. The TRAC code was successful in predicting OTIS loop conditions (system pressures and temperatures) after modification of the steam generator model. In particular, the code predicted both pool and auxiliary-feedwater initiated boiler-condenser mode heat transfer

Overproduction, purification and crystallization of a chondroitin sulfate A-binding DBL domain from a Plasmodium falciparum var2csa-encoded PfEMP1 protein

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Higgins, Matthew K.

2008-01-01

A chondroitin sulfate A-binding DBL important in placental malaria has been overproduced, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to 1.9 Å resolution. The PfEMP1 proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum are inserted into the membrane of infected red blood cells, where they mediate adhesion to a variety of human receptors. The DBL domains of the var2csa-encoded PfEMP1 protein play a critical role in malaria of pregnancy, tethering infected cells to the surface of the placenta through interactions with the glycosaminoglycan carbohydrate chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). A CSA-binding DBL domain has been overproduced in a bacterial expression system, purified and crystallized. Native data sets extending to 1.9 Å resolution have been collected and phasing is under way

Overproduction, purification and crystallization of a chondroitin sulfate A-binding DBL domain from a Plasmodium falciparum var2csa-encoded PfEMP1 protein

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Higgins, Matthew K., E-mail: mkh20@cam.ac.uk [Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA (United Kingdom)

2008-03-01

A chondroitin sulfate A-binding DBL important in placental malaria has been overproduced, purified and crystallized. Diffraction data were collected to 1.9 Å resolution. The PfEMP1 proteins of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum are inserted into the membrane of infected red blood cells, where they mediate adhesion to a variety of human receptors. The DBL domains of the var2csa-encoded PfEMP1 protein play a critical role in malaria of pregnancy, tethering infected cells to the surface of the placenta through interactions with the glycosaminoglycan carbohydrate chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). A CSA-binding DBL domain has been overproduced in a bacterial expression system, purified and crystallized. Native data sets extending to 1.9 Å resolution have been collected and phasing is under way.

Tetramethyldithiadiselenafulvalene (TMDTDSF): Properties of its hexafluorophosphate salt and alloys with tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wedl, F.; Walsh, W.M. Jr.; Hauser, J.J.

1983-01-01

Preparation and some properties of tetramethyldithiadiselenafulvalene (TMDTDSF) are described. It forms the expected (donor) 2 X salts. Properties of the PF -6 salt are described as well as properties of alloys of the title compound with tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene (TMTSF). (TMDTDSF) 2 PF 6 is a relatively poor conductor even though it is isomorphous with the high-pressure superconductor (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 . The profound difference in properties between these two solids is ascribed to disorder in the arrangement of sulfur and selenium atoms along the donor stacks in (TMDTDSF) 2 PF 6 . Alloying very small amounts of TMDTDSF into (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 causes the metal-to-insulator transition temperature (T/sub MI/) to move up smoothly from 11 K for pure (TMTSF) 2 PF 6 to approx.200 K for pure (TMDTDSF) 2 PF 6 due to increasing disorder as TMDTDSF is incorporated

Investigation of the biological properties of Cinnulin PF in the context of diabetes: mechanistic insights by genome-wide mRNA-Seq analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Katherine Ververis

2012-02-01

Full Text Available The accumulating evidence of the beneficial effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni in type-2 diabetes, a chronic age-associated disease, has prompted the commercialisation of various supplemental forms of the spice. One such supplement, Cinnulin PF®, represents the water soluble fraction containing relatively high levels of the double-linked procyanidin type-A polymers of flavanoids. The overall aim of this study was to utilize genome-wide mRNA-Seq analysis to characterise the changes in gene expression caused by Cinnulin PF in immortalised human keratinocytes and microvascular endothelial cells, which are relevant with respect to diabetic complications. In summary, our findings provide insights into the mechanisms of action of Cinnulin PF in diabetes and diabetic complications. More generally, we identify relevant candidate genes which could provide the basis for further investigation. To access the supplementary material to this article: ‘Supplementary tables 1–3’ please see Supplementary files under Reading Tools online.

Formation of gold decorated porphyrin nanoparticles and evaluation of their photothermal and photodynamic activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Ruey-Juen; Chen, Po-Chung [Division of Family Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC (China); Prasannan, Adhimoorthy; Vinayagam, Jayaraman; Huang, Chun-Chiang; Chou, Peng-Yi; Weng, Cheng-Chih [Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC (China); Tsai, Hsieh Chih, E-mail: h.c.tsai@mail.ntust.edu.tw [Graduate Institute of Applied Science and Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC (China); Lin, Shuian-Yin [National Applied Research Laboratories, Instrument Technology Research Center, Hsinchu 300 (China)

2016-06-01

A core-shell gold (Au) nanoparticle with improved photosensitization have been successfully fabricated using Au nanoparticles and 5,10,15,20 tetrakis pentafluorophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (PF6) dye, forming a dyad through molecular self-assembly. Au nanoparticles were decorated on the shell and PF6 was placed in the core of the nanoparticles. Highly stable Au nanoparticles were achieved using PF6 with poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylimidazole)-g-poly(D,L-lactide) graft copolymer hybridization. This was compared with hybridization using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and polyethylene glycol-b-poly(D,L-lactide) for shell formation with PF6–Au. The resulting PF6-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylimidazole)-g-poly(D,L-lactide)-Au core–shell nanoparticle were utilized for photothermal and photodynamic activities. The spectroscopic analysis and zeta potential values of micelles revealed the presence of a thin Au layer coated on the PF6 nanoparticle surface, which generally enhanced the thermal stability of the gold nanoparticles and the photothermal effect of the shell. The core–shell PF6–Au nanoparticles were avidly taken up by cells and demonstrated cellular phototoxicity upon irradiation with 300 W halogen lamps. The structural arrangement of PF6 dyes in the core–shell particles assures the effectiveness of singlet oxygen production. The study verifies that PF6 particles when companied with Au nanoparticles as PF6–Au have possible combinational applications in photodynamic and photothermal therapies for cancer cells because of their high production of singlet oxygen and heat. - Highlights: • Core-shell PF6-Au nanoparticles were prepared through a graft-copolymer-based micelle with photosensitization and photothermic behavior. • PF6 was placed in the core of the nanoparticles through molecular self-assembly. Au nanoparticles were decorated on this 60-nm-diameter shell. • Core-shell PF6-Au nanoparticles demonstrated effective singlet oxygen production

Formation of gold decorated porphyrin nanoparticles and evaluation of their photothermal and photodynamic activity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Ruey-Juen; Chen, Po-Chung; Prasannan, Adhimoorthy; Vinayagam, Jayaraman; Huang, Chun-Chiang; Chou, Peng-Yi; Weng, Cheng-Chih; Tsai, Hsieh Chih; Lin, Shuian-Yin

2016-01-01

A core-shell gold (Au) nanoparticle with improved photosensitization have been successfully fabricated using Au nanoparticles and 5,10,15,20 tetrakis pentafluorophenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (PF6) dye, forming a dyad through molecular self-assembly. Au nanoparticles were decorated on the shell and PF6 was placed in the core of the nanoparticles. Highly stable Au nanoparticles were achieved using PF6 with poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylimidazole)-g-poly(D,L-lactide) graft copolymer hybridization. This was compared with hybridization using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and polyethylene glycol-b-poly(D,L-lactide) for shell formation with PF6–Au. The resulting PF6-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylimidazole)-g-poly(D,L-lactide)-Au core–shell nanoparticle were utilized for photothermal and photodynamic activities. The spectroscopic analysis and zeta potential values of micelles revealed the presence of a thin Au layer coated on the PF6 nanoparticle surface, which generally enhanced the thermal stability of the gold nanoparticles and the photothermal effect of the shell. The core–shell PF6–Au nanoparticles were avidly taken up by cells and demonstrated cellular phototoxicity upon irradiation with 300 W halogen lamps. The structural arrangement of PF6 dyes in the core–shell particles assures the effectiveness of singlet oxygen production. The study verifies that PF6 particles when companied with Au nanoparticles as PF6–Au have possible combinational applications in photodynamic and photothermal therapies for cancer cells because of their high production of singlet oxygen and heat. - Highlights: • Core-shell PF6-Au nanoparticles were prepared through a graft-copolymer-based micelle with photosensitization and photothermic behavior. • PF6 was placed in the core of the nanoparticles through molecular self-assembly. Au nanoparticles were decorated on this 60-nm-diameter shell. • Core-shell PF6-Au nanoparticles demonstrated effective singlet oxygen production

Antibodies against PfEMP1, RIFIN, MSP3 and GLURP are acquired during controlled Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in naïve volunteers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Turner, Louise; Wang, Christian W; Lavstsen, Thomas

2011-01-01

Antibodies to polymorphic antigens expressed during the parasites erythrocytic stages are important mediators of protective immunity against P. falciparum malaria. Therefore, polymorphic blood stage antigens like MSP3, EBA-175 and GLURP and variant surface antigens PfEMP1 and RIFIN are considered...

Structural Studies on Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) Malaria Antigens Using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Christoffersen, Stig

Chemistry (App I) [1]. VAR2CSA binds specifically to CSA in the placental tissue of pregnant women hereby causing severe malaria symptoms endangering both mother and child. The minimal VAR2CSA region required to effectively bind CSA was determined to be the N-terminal DBL domain, DBL2X which we locate......Infection with the pathogenic Plasmodium falciparum parasite causes the potentially deadly Malaria disease which leads to over 1 million fatalities each year according to the WHO (World Health Organization). Individuals subjected to multiple infections gradually become immune to the disease...... symptoms and vaccine research is focused on trying to mimic or advance this immune acquisition. Immunity is primarily caused by acquisition of antibodies directed against a family of Plasmodium protein antigens called PfEMP1s located on the surface of infected erythrocytes. The PfEMP1 proteins are adhesive...

Characterisation and expression of a PP1 serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PfPP1 from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum: demonstration of its essential role using RNA interference

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Musiyenko Alla

2002-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Reversible protein phosphorylation is relatively unexplored in the intracellular protozoa of the Apicomplexa family that includes the genus Plasmodium, to which belong the causative agents of malaria. Members of the PP1 family represent the most highly conserved protein phosphatase sequences in phylogeny and play essential regulatory roles in various cellular pathways. Previous evidence suggested a PP1-like activity in Plasmodium falciparum, not yet identified at the molecular level. Results We have identified a PP1 catalytic subunit from P. falciparum and named it PfPP1. The predicted primary structure of the 304-amino acid long protein was highly similar to PP1 sequences of other species, and showed conservation of all the signature motifs. The purified recombinant protein exhibited potent phosphatase activity in vitro. Its sensitivity to specific phosphatase inhibitors was characteristic of the PP1 class. The authenticity of the PfPP1 cDNA was further confirmed by mutational analysis of strategic amino acid residues important in catalysis. The protein was expressed in all erythrocytic stages of the parasite. Abrogation of PP1 expression by synthetic short interfering RNA (siRNA led to inhibition of parasite DNA synthesis. Conclusions The high sequence similarity of PfPP1 with other PP1 members suggests conservation of function. Phenotypic gene knockdown studies using siRNA confirmed its essential role in the parasite. Detailed studies of PfPP1 and its regulation may unravel the role of reversible protein phosphorylation in the signalling pathways of the parasite, including glucose metabolism and parasitic cell division. The use of siRNA could be an important tool in the functional analysis of Apicomplexan genes.

AP600 large-break loss-of-collant-accident developmental assessment plan for TRAC-PF1/MOD2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knight, T.D.

1996-07-01

The Westinghouse AP600 reactor is an advanced pressurized water reactor with passive safety systems to protect the plant against possible accidents and transients. The design has been submitted to the U.S. NRC for design certification. The NRC has selected the Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC)-PF1/MOD2 for performing large break loss-of coolant-accident (LBLOCA) analysis to support the certification effort. This document defines the tests to be used in the current phase of developmental assessment related to AP600 LBLOCA

Geographic structuring of the Plasmodium falciparum sarco(endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (PfSERCA gene diversity.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ronan Jambou

Full Text Available Artemisinin, a thapsigargin-like sesquiterpene has been shown to inhibit the Plasmodium falciparum sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPase PfSERCA. To collect baseline pfserca sequence information before field deployment of Artemisinin-based Combination therapies that may select mutant parasites, we conducted a sequence analysis of 100 isolates from multiple sites in Africa, Asia and South America. Coding sequence diversity was large, with 29 mutated codons, including 32 SNPs (average of one SNP/115 bp, of which 19 were novel mutations. Most SNP detected in this study were clustered within a region in the cytosolic head of the protein. The PfSERCA functional domains were very well conserved, with non synonymous mutations located outside the functional domains, except for the S769N mutation associated in French Guiana with elevated IC(50 for artemether. The S769N mutation is located close to the hinge of the headpiece, which in other species modulates calcium affinity and in consequence efficacy of inhibitors, possibly linking calcium homeostasis to drug resistance. Genetic diversity was highest in Senegal, Brazil and French Guiana, and few mutations were identified in Asia. Population genetic analysis was conducted for a partial fragment of the gene encompassing nucleotide coordinates 87-2862 (unambiguous sequence available for 96 isolates. This supported a geographic clustering, with a separation between Old and New World samples and one dominant ancestral haplotype. Genetic drift alone cannot explain the observed polymorphism, suggesting that other evolutionary mechanisms are operating. One possible contributor could be the frequency of haemoglobinopathies that are associated with calcium dysregulation in the erythrocyte.

A series of structurally simple chloroquine chemosensitizing dibemethin derivatives that inhibit chloroquine transport by PfCRT.

Science.gov (United States)

Zishiri, Vincent K; Hunter, Roger; Smith, Peter J; Taylor, Dale; Summers, Robert; Kirk, Kiaran; Martin, Rowena E; Egan, Timothy J

2011-05-01

A series of 12 new dibemethin (N-benzyl-N-methyl-1-phenylmethanamine) derivatives bearing an N-aminomethyl group attached to the one phenyl ring and an H, Cl, OCH3 or N(CH3)2 group on the other have been synthesized. These compounds all showed strong chloroquine chemosensitizing activity, comparable to verapamil, when present at 1 μM in an in vitro culture of the chloroquine-resistant W2 strain of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Their N-formylated derivatives also exhibited resistance-reversing activity, but only at substantially higher IC10 concentrations. A number of the dibemethin derivatives were shown to inhibit chloroquine transport via the parasite's 'chloroquine resistance transporter' (PfCRT) in a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. The reduced resistance-reversing activity of the formylated compounds relative to their free amine counterparts can probably be ascribed to two factors: decreased accumulation of the formylated dibemethins within the parasite's internal digestive vacuole (believed to be the site of action of chloroquine), and a reduced ability to inhibit PfCRT. The resistance-reversing activity of the compounds described here demonstrates that the amino group need not be attached to the two aromatic rings via a three or four carbon chain as has been suggested by previous QSAR studies. These compounds may be useful as potential side chains for attaching to a 4,7-dichloroquinoline group in order to generate new resistance-reversing chloroquine analogues with inherent antimalarial activity. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

UF{sub 6} tiedowns for truck transport - right way/wrong way

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stout, F.W. Jr. [Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

1991-12-31

Tiedown systems for truck transport of UF{sub 6} must be defined and controlled to assure the least risk for hauling the material over the highways. This paper and an associated poster display will present the current status of regulatory criteria for tiedowns, analyze the structural stresses involved in tiedowns for two major UF{sub 6} packaging systems, the 21PF series of overpacks and the 48 in. diameter shipping cylinders, and will present photographs showing some {open_quote}right ways{close_quotes} and some {open_quotes}wrong (or risky) ways{close_quotes} currently used for tiedown systems. Risky tiedown methods must be replaced with safer less risky methods to insure the safe transport of UF{sub 6}.

Uncertainties in modelling and scaling of critical flows and pump model in TRAC-PF1/MOD1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rohatgi, U.S.; Yu, Wen-Shi.

1987-01-01

The USNRC has established a Code Scalability, Applicability and Uncertainty (CSAU) evaluation methodology to quantify the uncertainty in the prediction of safety parameters by the best estimate codes. These codes can then be applied to evaluate the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS). The TRAC-PF1/MOD1 version was selected as the first code to undergo the CSAU analysis for LBLOCA applications. It was established through this methodology that break flow and pump models are among the top ranked models in the code affecting the peak clad temperature (PCT) prediction for LBLOCA. The break flow model bias or discrepancy and the uncertainty were determined by modelling the test section near the break for 12 Marviken tests. It was observed that the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 code consistently underpredicts the break flow rate and that the prediction improved with increasing pipe length (larger L/D). This is true for both subcooled and two-phase critical flows. A pump model was developed from Westinghouse (1/3 scale) data. The data represent the largest available test pump relevant to Westinghouse PWRs. It was then shown through the analysis of CE and CREARE pump data that larger pumps degrade less and also that pumps degrade less at higher pressures. Since the model developed here is based on the 1/3 scale pump and on low pressure data, it is conservative and will overpredict the degradation when applied to PWRs

Ex post and ex ante willingness to pay (WTP) for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit in Myanmar.

Science.gov (United States)

Cho-Min-Naing; Lertmaharit, S; Kamol-Ratanakul, P; Saul, A J

2000-03-01

Willingness to pay (WTP) for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit was assessed by the contingent valuation method using a bidding game approach in two villages in Myanmar. Kankone (KK) village has a rural health center (RHC) and Yae-Aye-Sann (YAS) is serviced by community health worker (CHW). The objectives were to assess WTP for the ICT Malaria Pf/Pv test kit and to determine factors affecting the WTP. In both villages WTP was assessed in two different conditions, ex post and ex ante. The ex post WTP was assessed at an RHC in the KK village and at the residence of a CHW in the YAS village on patients immediately following diagnosis of malaria. The ex ante WTP was assessed by household interviews in both villages on people with a prior history of malaria. Ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis was used to analyze factors affecting WTP. The WTP was higher in ex post conditions than ex ante in both villages. WTP was significantly positively associated with the average monthly income of the respondents and severity of illness in both ex post and ex ante conditions (p WTP (p < 0.05) in the ex post condition in the RHC survey in KK village.

A Variant PfCRT Isoform Can Contribute to Plasmodium falciparum Resistance to the First-Line Partner Drug Piperaquine

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Satish K. Dhingra

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Current efforts to reduce the global burden of malaria are threatened by the rapid spread throughout Asia of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies, which includes increasing rates of clinical failure with dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine (PPQ in Cambodia. Using zinc finger nuclease-based gene editing, we report that addition of the C101F mutation to the chloroquine (CQ resistance-conferring PfCRT Dd2 isoform common to Asia can confer PPQ resistance to cultured parasites. Resistance was demonstrated as significantly higher PPQ concentrations causing 90% inhibition of parasite growth (IC90 or 50% parasite killing (50% lethal dose [LD50]. This mutation also reversed Dd2-mediated CQ resistance, sensitized parasites to amodiaquine, quinine, and artemisinin, and conferred amantadine and blasticidin resistance. Using heme fractionation assays, we demonstrate that PPQ causes a buildup of reactive free heme and inhibits the formation of chemically inert hemozoin crystals. Our data evoke inhibition of heme detoxification in the parasite’s acidic digestive vacuole as the primary mode of both the bis-aminoquinoline PPQ and the related 4-aminoquinoline CQ. Both drugs also inhibit hemoglobin proteolysis at elevated concentrations, suggesting an additional mode of action. Isogenic lines differing in their pfmdr1 copy number showed equivalent PPQ susceptibilities. We propose that mutations in PfCRT could contribute to a multifactorial basis of PPQ resistance in field isolates.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Self-Assembly of Aqueous Solutions of Poly[9,9-bis(4-Sulfonylbutoxyphenylphenyl Fluorene-2,7-diyl-2,2’-Bithiophene] (PBS-PF2T in the Presence of Pentaethylene Glycol Monododecyl Ether (C12E5

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Beverly Stewart

2016-05-01

Full Text Available Results are presented using molecular dynamics (MD of the self-assembly of the conjugated polyelectrolyte poly[9,9-bis(4-sulfonylbutoxyphenylphenyl fluorene-2,7-diyl-2,2’-bithiophene] (PBS-PF2T with 680 mM pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E5 in water. Simulations are used to examine the interaction between PBS-PF2T and C12E5 and suggest a break-up of PBS-PF2T aggregates in solution. These systems are dominated by the formation of cylindrical phases at temperatures between 0 °C and 20 °C and also between 45 °C and 90 °C. More diffuse phases are seen to occur between 20 °C and 45 °C and also above 90 °C. Simulations are related to previous computational and experimental studies on PBS-PF2T aggregation in the presence of tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4 in bulk and thin films.

TRAC-PF1/MOD2 best-estimate analysis of a large-break LOCA in a 15 x 15 generic four-loop Westinghouse nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Spore, J.W.; Lin, J.C.; Schnurr, N.M.; White, J.R.; Cappiello, M.C.

1992-01-01

Calculations of a large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in a 15 x 15 generic four-loop Westinghouse nuclear power plant with both the TRAC-PF1/MOD1 and TRAC-PF1/MOD2 computer codes will be presented. The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) has been developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory to provide advanced best-estimate simulations of real postulated transients in pressurized light-water reactors (LWRs) and for many related thermal-hydraulic facilities. The latest released version of TRAC is TRAC-PF1/MOD2. Significant improvements and enhancements over the MOD1 version were implemented in the MOD2 heat-transfer and constitutive models. One of the most significant improvements in the MOD2 code has been the implementation of the two-step numerics method in the three-dimensional components, which can significantly reduce run times for long, slow transients. A very important area of improvement has been in the reflood heat-transfer models. Developmental assessment results (i.e., code comparisons with experimental data) will be discussed for several separate-effects and integral test, including analysis of the Upper Plenum Test Facility (UPTF), the Cylindrical Core Test Facility (CCTF), and the Loss-of-Fluid Test Facility (LOFT). The assessment results provide information on the anticipated accuracy for the best-estimate models in the MOD2 computer code. The MOD1 to MOD2 comparison will provide an estimate for the effect of improved heat-transfer models on predicted peak cladding temperatures

Status of PF-ring commissioning after the reconstruction for the straight-sections upgrade

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanimoto, Yasunori; Miyauchi, Hiroshi; Honda, Tohru; Kobayashi, Yukinori

2006-01-01

The upgrade project of the straight sections at the PF-ring enables the reinforcement of insertion devices and their beamlines. As a main part of this project, a large-scale reconstruction of the storage ring was carried out from March to September in 2005. The lattice configuration was modified to create short straight sections of 1.4 m and to extend the existing straight sections. Optical functions of the short sections were optimized for short-gap mini-pole undulators as X-ray sources. The first mini-pole undulator SGU no.17 has been operated for a protein crystallography. A recommissioning of the ring was conducted for about one month, and user experiments were restarted on 18th October 2005 according to schedule. The recovery of the beam lifetime due to the process of the vacuum scrubbing has been favorably progressed. (author)

Dissipation pattern, safety evaluation, and generation of processing factor (PF) for pyraclostrobin and metiram residues in grapes during raisin preparation.

Science.gov (United States)

Shabeer T P, Ahammed; Girame, Rushali; Hingmire, Sandip; Banerjee, Kaushik; Sharma, Ajay Kumar; Oulkar, Dasharath; Utture, Sagar; Jadhav, Manjusha

2015-02-01

A residue analysis method was validated for trace level estimation of pyraclostrobin by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and metiram (analyzed as CS2) by gas chromatography mass spectrometry in grapes and raisin matrix. Dissipation of their residues and processing factors (PFs) during raisin making were evaluated through field studies with applications at single dose (SD) and double dose (DD). Residue data during drying process were best fitted to first + first-order kinetics model giving half-life ranging between 6 and 7 days for pyroclostrobin and 4 days for metiram. PFs for metiram and pyraclostrobin related to washing and oil dipping were 0.47 and 0.41, and 0.78 and 0.63 at single dose (SD) and double dose (DD), respectively. PF value of >1 for drying (1.01 and 1.31 for metiram and 1.34 and 1.10 for pyraclostrobin) indicates concentration of the residues during the drying process. The dietary exposure corresponding to average daily consumption of 0.0043 kg raisin per day on each sampling day was less than the respective maximum permissible intake at both the doses.

Identification of a Signal That Mediates the Crosstalk Between Biosynthetic Gene Clusters for the Antibiotics 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and Pyoluteorin in Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 produces a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites with anti-microbial activity. The production of two of these metabolites, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) and pyoluteorin, is coordinately regulated. Our previous study indicated that phloroglucinol, an intermediate in t...

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf-CL145A) spray dried powder for controlling zebra mussels adhering to test substrates

Science.gov (United States)

Luoma, James A.; Severson, Todd J.; Weber, Kerry L.; Mayer, Denise A.

2015-01-01

A mobile bioassay trailer was used to assess the efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf-CL145A) spray dried powder (SDP) formulation for controlling zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) from two midwestern lakes: Lake Carlos (Alexandria, Minnesota) and Shawano Lake (Shawano, Wisconsin). The effects of SDP exposure concentration and exposure duration on zebra mussel survival were evaluated along with the evaluation of a benthic injection application technique to reduce the amount of SDP required to induce zebra mortality.

Evaluation of inductive heating energy of a PF insert coil conductor by the calorimetric method (Contract research)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsui, Kunihiro; Nabara, Yoshihiro; Nunoya, Yoshihiko; Koizumi, Norikiyo; Okuno, Kiyoshi

2009-02-01

The PF Insert Coil is a single layer solenoid coil using a superconducting conductor designed for ITER, housed in a Poloidal field coil and installed in the bore of the CS Model Coil. A stability test of the conductor will be performed in a magnetic field generated by the CS Model Coil. In this test, the inductive heat of an inductive heater attached to the conductor will be applied to initiate a normal zone in the conductor. Since the conductor for the PF Insert Coil is a cable-in-conduit conductor, it is quite difficult to estimate inductive heating energy theoretically. Thus, the inductive heating energy is measured experimentally by the calorimetric method. The heating energy is in proportion to a constant multiplied by the integrated square of an applied sinusoidal current wave over the heating period. Experimental results show that the proportional constants of the conductor, cable, conduit and dummy conductor are 0.138 [J/A 2 s], 0.028 [J/A 2 s], 0.118 [J/A 2 s] and 0.009 [J/A 2 s], respectively. The first three denote not only the inductive heating but also the joule heating of the inductive heater. The final value denotes joule heating only. Therefore, subtracting the first three constants by the last one, the proportional constants of inductive heating generated in the conductor, cable and conduit are estimated to be 0.129 [J/A 2 s], 0.019 [J/A 2 s] and 0.109 [J/A 2 s], respectively. (author)

Addition compounds between same phosphinoxides and hexafluorophosphates of rare earths (III)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, A.M. da; Melo, S.M.; Souza, E.F. de; Almeida, M.A. de

1984-01-01

Coordination compounds were prepared from salts of lanthanide hexafluorophosphates and three different phosphine oxides: methyldiphenylphosphine oxide (MDPPO), diphenylcyclohexylphosphine oxide (DPcHPO) and phosphoric acid trimethylester (TMxPO). The analytical results indicated the following general formulae : Ln(PF 6 ) 3 .5DPChPO where Ln = La, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy; Ln(PF 6 ) 3 6MDPPO, where Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Gd, and Tm; Ln(PF 6 ) 3 .7TMxPO, where Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb. The vibrational studies in the infrared region showed that all the phosphine oxides coordination are through the oxygen of the phosphoryl group and confirmed the non-coordination character of the PF - 6 ion. Fluorescence spectra in the visible region for the Eu (III) compounds, at the liquid nitrogen temperature indicated the microsymmetry C sub(3v) as the most probable for the Eu (III) in the compounds Eu (PF 6 ) 3 .5DPChPO and Eu (PF 6 ) 3 .7TMxPO. The symmetry site of the Eu (PF 6 ) 3 .6MDPPO compound is octahedral with tetragonal distortion. (Author) [pt

Mass- and energy-analysis of fast ion beams in PF-1000 by means of a Thomson spectrometer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Czaus, K.; Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Malinowski, K.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Zebrowski, J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies - IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Sadowski, M.J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies - IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland)] [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion - IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Zebrowski, J.; Karpinski, L.; Paduch, M.; Scholz, M.; Zielinska, E. [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion - IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Garkusha, I.E. [Institute of Plasma Physics, NSC KIPT, 61-108 Kharkov (Ukraine)

2011-07-01

The paper describes measurements of energy spectra of ions emitted along the z-axis of the PF-1000 facility, which have been for the first time performed by means a miniature Thomson spectrometer during 480-kJ discharges with the deuterium filling. The recorded Thomson parabolas showed that the escaping deuterons have energies in the range of 25-1000 keV, while protons (originated from hydrogen remnants) have the population of about 2 orders smaller and energies within the range of 35-300 keV. This document is composed of a paper followed by a poster. (authors)

Electronic communication in phosphine substituted bridged dirhenium complexes - clarifying ambiguities raised by the redox non-innocence of the C4H2- and C4-bridges.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yan; Blacque, Olivier; Fox, Thomas; Luber, Sandra; Polit, Walther; Winter, Rainer F; Venkatesan, Koushik; Berke, Heinz

2016-04-07

The mononuclear rhenium carbyne complex trans-[Re(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3)([triple bond, length as m-dash]C-Me)(PMe3)4][PF6] (2) was prepared in 90% yield by heating a mixture of the dinitrogen complex trans-[ReCl(N2)(PMe3)4] (1), TlPF6, and an excess of HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3. 2 could be deprotonated with KOtBu to the vinylidene complex trans-[Re(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3)([double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2)(PMe3)4] (3) in 98% yield. Oxidation of 3 with 1.2 equiv. of [Cp2Fe][PF6] at -78 °C gave the Cβ-C'β coupled dinuclear rhenium biscarbyne complex trans-[(Me3SiC[triple bond, length as m-dash]C)(PMe3)4Re[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-CH2-CH2-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Re(PMe3)4(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3)][PF6]2 (5) in 92% yield. Deprotonation of 5 with an excess of KOtBu in THF produced the diamagnetic trans-[(Me3SiC[triple bond, length as m-dash]C)(PMe3)4Re[double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-CH[double bond, length as m-dash]C[double bond, length as m-dash]Re(PMe3)4(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3)] complex (E-6(S)) in 87% yield with an E-butadienediylidene bridge. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of E-6(S) confirmed its singlet ground state. The Z-form of 6 (Z-6(S)) could not be observed, which is in accord with its DFT calculated 17.8 kJ mol(-1) higher energy. Oxidation of E-6 with 2 equiv. of [Cp2Fe][PF6] resulted in the stable diamagnetic dicationic trans-[(Me3SiC[triple bond, length as m-dash]C)(PMe3)4Re[triple bond, length as m-dash]C-CH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH-C[triple bond, length as m-dash]Re(PMe3)4(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CSiMe3)][PF6]2 complex (E-6[PF6]2) with an ethylenylidene dicarbyne structure of the bridge. The paramagnetic mixed-valence (MV) complex E-6[PF6] was obtained by comproportionation of E-6(S) and E-6[PF6]2 or by oxidation of E-6(S) with 1 equiv. of [Cp2Fe][PF6]. The

Epithelial tissue hyperplasia induced by the RAF inhibitor PF-04880594 is attenuated by a clinically well-tolerated dose of the MEK inhibitor PD-0325901.

Science.gov (United States)

Torti, Vince R; Wojciechowicz, Donald; Hu, Wenyue; John-Baptiste, Annette; Evering, Winston; Troche, Gabriel; Marroquin, Lisa D; Smeal, Tod; Yamazaki, Shinji; Palmer, Cynthia L; Burns-Naas, Leigh Ann; Bagrodia, Shubha

2012-10-01

Clinical trials of selective RAF inhibitors in patients with melanoma tumors harboring activated BRAFV600E have produced very promising results, and a RAF inhibitor has been approved for treatment of advanced melanoma. However, about a third of patients developed resectable skin tumors during the course of trials. This is likely related to observations that RAF inhibitors activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, stimulate proliferation, and induce epithelial hyperplasia in preclinical models. Because these findings raise safety concerns about RAF inhibitor development, we further investigated the underlying mechanisms. We showed that the RAF inhibitor PF-04880594 induces ERK phosphorylation and RAF dimerization in those epithelial tissues that undergo hyperplasia. Hyperplasia and ERK hyperphosphorylation are prevented by treatment with the mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD-0325901 at exposures that extrapolate to clinically well-tolerated doses. To facilitate mechanistic and toxicologic studies, we developed a three-dimensional cell culture model of epithelial layering that recapitulated the RAF inhibitor-induced hyperplasia and reversal by MEK inhibitor in vitro. We also showed that PF-04880594 stimulates production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 8 in HL-60 cells, suggesting a possible mechanism for the skin flushing observed in dogs. The complete inhibition of hyperplasia by MEK inhibitor in epithelial tissues does not seem to reduce RAF inhibitor efficacy and, in fact, allows doubling of the PF-04880594 dose without toxicity usually associated with such doses. These findings indicated that combination treatment with MEK inhibitors might greatly increase the safety and therapeutic index of RAF inhibitors for the treatment of melanoma and other cancers. ©2012 AACR.

Electrochemical Properties of the LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Cathode Material Modified by Lithium Tungstate under High Voltage.

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Jiale; Mu, Daobin; Wu, Borong; Bi, Jiaying; Cui, Hui; Yang, Hao; Wu, Hanfeng; Wu, Feng

2018-05-31

An amount (5 wt %) of lithium tungstate (Li 2 WO 4 ) as an additive significantly improves the cycle and rate performances of the LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 electrode at the cutoff voltage of 4.6 V. The 5 wt % Li 2 WO 4 -mixed LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 199.2 mA h g -1 and keeps 73.1% capacity for 200 cycles at 1 C. It retains 67.4% capacity after 200 cycles at 2 C and delivers a discharge capacity of 167.3 mA h g -1 at 10 C, while those of the pristine electrode are only 44.7% and 87.5 mA h g -1 , respectively. It is shown that the structure of the LiNi 0.6 Co 0.2 Mn 0.2 O 2 cathode material is not affected by mixing Li 2 WO 4 . The introduced Li 2 WO 4 effectively restrains the LiPF 6 and carbonate solvent decomposition by consuming PF 5 at high cutoff voltage, forming a stable cathode/electrolyte interface film with low resistance.

Design and Fabrication of the KSTAR Poloidal Field Coil Structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, H. K.; Choi, C. H.; Sa, J. W.

2005-01-01

The KSTAR magnet system consists of 16 toroidal field(TF) coils. 4 pairs of central solenoid(CS) coils, and 3 pairs of outer poloidal field(PF) coils. The TF coils are encased in a structure to enhance mechanical stability. The CS coil structure is supported on top of the TF coil structure and supplies a vertical compression of 15 MN to prevent lateral movement due to a repulsive force between the CS coils. The PF coil system is vertically symmetry to the machine mid-plane and consists of 6 coils and 80 support structures(i.e, 16 for PF5, 32 for PF6 and 32 fort PF7). All PF coil structures should absorb the thermal contraction difference between TF coil structure and PF coils due to cool down and endure the vertical and radial magnetic forces due to current charging. In order to satisfy these structural requirements. the PF5 coil structure is designed base on hinges and both of PF6 and PF7 coil structures based on flexible plates. The PF coil structures are assembled on the TF coil structure with an individual basement that is welded on the TF coil structure

Valence shell photoionization energies and cross-sections of NF sub 3 and PF sub 3

CERN Document Server

Jürgensen, A

2003-01-01

Relative outer valence shell ionization potentials and cross-sections were determined for the isostructural, Group 15, trifluorides NF sub 3 and PF sub 3 in the gas phase using synchrotron radiation. Excitation photon energies ranged from 70 to 160 eV. The experimental spectra were assigned and cross-sections analyzed with the aid of both MS-X alpha and ab initio calculations. Spectral differences in peak energies and relative intensities are related to structural and electronic differences between these two fluoride molecules. Valence shell ionization potentials were compared to calculated values obtained by several different methods. The partial photoionization cross-sections for each orbital were obtained as a function of excitation energy and compared to theoretical results obtained with the X alpha method.

The characterization of obese polycystic ovary syndrome rat model suitable for exercise intervention.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chuyan Wu

Full Text Available To develop a new polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS rat model suitable for exercise intervention.Thirty six rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups: PCOS rats with high-fat diet (PF, n = 24, PCOS rats with ordinary diet (PO, n = 6, and control rats with ordinary diet (CO, n = 6. Two kinds of PCOS rat model were made by adjustment diet structure and testosterone injection for 28 days. After a successful animal model, PF model rats were randomly assigned to three groups: exercise with a continuation of high-fat diet (PF-EF, n = 6, sedentary with a continuation of high-fat diet (PF-SF, n = 6, exercise with an ordinary diet (PF-EO, n = 6. Fasting blood glucose (FBG and insulin (FINS, estrogen (E2, progesterone (P, and testosterone (T in serum were determined by RIA, and ovarian morphology was evaluated by Image-Pro plus 6.0.Body weight, Lee index, FINS increased significantly in PF rat model. Serum levels of E2 and T were significantly higher in PF and PO than in CO. Ovary organ index and ovarian areas were significant lower in PF than in CO. After intervention for 2 weeks, the levels of 1 h postprandial blood glucose (PBG1, 2 h postprandial blood glucose (PBG2, FINS and the serum levels of T decreased significantly in PF-EF rats and PF-EO rats. The ratio of FBG/FINS was significant higher in PF-EO rats than in PF-SF rats. Ovarian morphology showed that the numbers of preantral follicles and atretic follicles decreased significantly, and the numbers of antral follicles and corpora lutea increased significantly in the rats of PF-EF and PF-EO.By combination of high-fat diet and testosterone injection, the obese PCOS rat model is conformable with the lifestyle habits of fatty foods and insufficient exercise, and has metabolic and reproductive characteristics of human PCOS. This model can be applied to study exercise intervention.

Curing behaviour of epoxy resin/graphite composites containing ionic liquid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guo Baochun; Wan Jingjing; Lei Yanda; Jia Demin

2009-01-01

By adopting the isoconversional method, subtle changes in the curing activation energy (E α ) among epoxy resin/graphite composites by the inclusion of expanded graphite (EG), ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIm]PF 6 ) or their combination are shown in the whole conversion range. At lower concentrations (1 phr) of EG, compared with the E α of the neat epoxy resin, the composite with EG has a lower E α before the gelation, and a higher E α after the gelation. At higher concentrations of EG, however, in the whole conversion range, the composite with EG shows a higher E α compared with the neat epoxy resin. As the curing proceeded, a peculiar increase in E α is found in systems containing [BMIm]PF 6 . Due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between [BMIm]PF 6 and the hardener (Jeffamine), the reactivity of Jeffamine is considerably decreased, leading to a much higher E α in [BMIm]PF 6 -containing systems, especially at higher conversion. In systems containing a combination of [BMIm]PF 6 and EG, due to the interactions between EG and [BMIm]PF 6 , the shielding effect provided by the well-dispersed EG sheets constrains the formation of the hydrogen bonding between [BMIm]PF 6 and Jeffamine, leading to lowered E α compared with that for the system containing [BMIm]PF 6 only.

Synthesis, characterisation and antibacterial activity of [(p-cym)RuX(L)](+/2+) (X = Cl, H2O; L = bpmo, bpms) complexes.

Science.gov (United States)

Tripathy, Suman Kumar; Taviti, Ashoka Chary; Dehury, Niranjan; Sahoo, Anupam; Pal, Satyanaryan; Beuria, Tushar Kant; Patra, Srikanta

2015-03-21

Mononuclear half-sandwiched complexes [(p-cym)RuCl(bpmo)](ClO4) {[1](ClO4)} and [(p-cym)RuCl(bpms)](PF6) {[2](PF6)} have been prepared by reacting heteroscorpionate ligands bpmo = 2-methoxyphenyl-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane and bpms = 2-methylthiophenyl-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane, respectively, with a dimeric precursor complex [(p-cym)RuCl(μ-Cl)]2 (p-cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene) in methanol. The corresponding aqua derivatives [(p-cym)Ru(H2O)(bpmo)](ClO4)2 {[3](ClO4)2} and [(p-cym)Ru(H2O)(bpms)](PF6)2 {[4](PF6)2} are obtained from {[1](ClO4)} and {[2](PF6)}, respectively, via Cl(-)/H2O exchange process in the presence of appropriate equivalents of AgClO4/AgNO3 + KPF6 in a methanol-water mixture. The molecular structures of the complexes {[1]Cl, [3](ClO4)2 and [4](PF6)(NO3)} are authenticated by their single crystal X-ray structures. The complexes show the expected piano-stool geometry with p-cym in the η(6) binding mode. The aqua complexes [3](ClO4)2 and [4](PF6)2 show significantly good antibacterial activity towards E. coli (gram negative) and B. subtilis (gram positive) strains, while chloro derivatives ({[1](ClO4)} and {[2](PF6)} are found to be virtually inactive. The order of antibacterial activity of the complexes according to their MIC values is [1](ClO4) (both 1000 μg mL(-1)) < [2](PF6) (580 μg mL(-1) and 750 μg mL(-1)) < [3](ClO4)2 (both 100 μg mL(-1)) < [4](PF6)2 (30 μg mL(-1) and 60 μg mL(-1)) for E. coli and B. subtilis strains, respectively. Further, the aqua complexes [3](ClO4)2 and [4](PF6)2 show clear zones of inhibition against kanamycin, ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistant E. coli strains. The detailed mechanistic aspects of the aforesaid active aqua complexes [3](ClO4)2 and [4](PF6)2 have been explored, and it reveals that both the complexes inhibit the number of nucleoids per cell in vivo and bind to DNA in vitro. The results indeed demonstrate that both [3](ClO4)2 and [4](PF6)2 facilitate the inhibition of

TRAC-PF1: an advanced best-estimate computer program for pressurized water reactor analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liles, D.R.; Mahaffy, J.H.

1984-02-01

The Transient Reactor Analysis Code (TRAC) is being developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory to provide advanced best-estimate predictions of postulated accidents in light water reactors. The TRAC-PF1 program provides this capability for pressurized water reactors and for many thermal-hydraulic experimental facilities. The code features either a one-dimensional or a three-dimensional treatment of the pressure vessel and its associated internals; a two-phase, two-fluid nonequilibrium hydrodynamics model with a noncondensable gas field; flow-regime-dependent constitutive equation treatment; optional reflood tracking capability for both bottom flood and falling-film quench fronts; and consistent treatment of entire accident sequences including the generation of consistent initial conditions. This report describes the thermal-hydraulic models and the numerical solution methods used in the code. Detailed programming and user information also are provided

pltM is important in the phloroglucinol-mediated crosstalk between biosynthetic gene clusters for the antibiotics 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol and pyoluteorin in Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5

Science.gov (United States)

Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a well-characterized rhizosphere bacterium known for its production of a diverse spectrum of antimicrobial secondary metabolites. The production of two of these metabolites, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG) and pyoluteorin, is coordinately regulated. Each of...

A Direct Quantitative Agar-Plate Based Assay for Analysis of Pseudomonas protegens PF-5 Degradation of Polyurethane Films (Postprint)

Science.gov (United States)

2014-10-02

was dissolved in methanol ; Irogran (1 g) was dissolved in 25 mL THF; and AS-P108 was prepared by adding 0.3 g of catalyst to 10 g of resin and then... Selected results are in Supple- mental Information. 3. Results 3.1. General growth characteristics of Pf-5 on M9/citrate agar plates Dilutions of P...minimal. An IR map with the color scale corresponding to the in- tensity of the 1735 cm1 carbonyl absorbance from the urethane and ester components is

A Novel Domain Cassette Identifies Plasmodium falciparum PfEMP1 Proteins Binding ICAM-1 and Is a Target of Cross-Reactive, Adhesion-Inhibitory Antibodies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bengtsson, Anja; Jørgensen, Louise; Rask, Thomas Salhøj

2013-01-01

Cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria is characterized by adhesion of infected erythrocytes (IEs) to the cerebral microvasculature. This has been linked to parasites expressing the structurally related group A subset of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of IE...... to ICAM-1. The ICAM-1-binding capacity of DC4 was mapped to the C-terminal third of its Duffy-binding-like beta 3 domain. DC4 was the target of broadly cross-reactive and adhesion-inhibitory IgG Abs, and levels of DC4-specific and adhesion-inhibitory IgG increased with age among P. falciparum......-exposed children. Our study challenges earlier conclusions that group A PfEMP1 proteins are not central to ICAM-1-specific IE adhesion and support the feasibility of developing a vaccine preventing cerebral malaria by inhibiting cerebral IE sequestration. The Journal of Immunology, 2013, 190: 240-249....

Antibodies to ICAM1-binding PfEMP1-DBLβ are biomarkers of protective immunity to malaria in a cohort of young children from Papua New Guinea

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tessema, Sofonias K; Utama, Digjaya; Chesnokov, Olga

2018-01-01

Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) mediates parasite sequestration to the cerebral microvasculature via binding of DBLβ domains to Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) and is associated with severe cerebral malaria. In a cohort of 187 young children from Papua New ...

Preparation and characterization of novel nanocomposites of inorganic/polysaccharide type =

Science.gov (United States)

Oliveira, Fabiane Costa

O uso de polimeros naturais no ambito da preparacao de nanocompositos nao tem sido tao amplamente estudado quando comparado com os polimeros sinteticos. Assim, esta tese tem como objectivo estudar metodologias para a preparacao de novos materiais nanocompositos sob a forma de dispersoes e filmes utilizando polissacarideos como matriz. A tese esta dividida em cinco capitulos sendo o ultimo capitulo dedicado as conclusoes gerais e a sugestoes para trabalhos futuros. Inicialmente e apresentada uma breve revisao bibliografica sobre os principais temas colocando esta tese em contexto. Consideracoes sobre o uso de polimeros naturais e a sua combinacao com a utilizacao de nanoparticulas inorganicas para a fabricacao de novos bionanocomposites sao descritas e os objectivos e outline da tese sao tambem apresentados. No segundo capitulo, a preparacao de particulas de silica puras ou modificadas bem como a sua caracterizacao por FTIR, SEM, TEM, TGA, DLS (tamanho e potencial zeta) e medicoes de angulo de contacto sao discutidas. De modo a melhorar a compatibilidade da silica com os polissacarideos, as particulas SiO2 foram modificados com dois compostos do tipo organosilano: 3- metacril-oxipropil-trimetoxissilano (MPS) e 3-aminopropil-trimetoxissilano (APS). As particulas SiO2 MPS foram posteriormente encapsuladas com de poli(metacrilato de glicidilo) utilizando a tecnica de polimerizacao em emulsao. A utilizacao dos nanocompositos resultantes na preparacao de dispersoes de bionanocompositos nao foi bem sucedida e por esse motivo nao os estudos nao foram prosseguidos. O uso de SiO2 APS na preparacao de dispersoes bionanocomposite foi eficiente. No terceiro capitulo e apresentada uma revisao sobre dispersoes bionanocompositas e respectiva caracterizacao destacando aspectos fundamentais sobre reologia e microestrutura. Em seguida, e discutido o estudo sistematico realizado sobre o comportamento reologico de dispersoes de SiO2 utilizando tres polissacarideos distintos no que

PfEMP1 – A Parasite Protein Family of Key Importance in Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Immunity and Pathogenesis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hviid, Lars; Jensen, Anja T R

2015-01-01

to be a central element in the pathogenesis of the disease. It is mediated by the interaction of parasite ligands on the erythrocyte surface and a range of host receptor molecules in many organs and tissues. Among several proteins and protein families implicated in this process, the P. falciparum erythrocyte...... membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family of high-molecular weight and highly variable antigens appears to be the most prominent. In this chapter, we aim to provide a systematic overview of the current knowledge about these proteins, their structure, their function, how they are presented on the erythrocyte...

Charge ordered insulating phases of DODHT salts with octahedral anions and a new radical salt, {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}TaF{sub 6}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishikawa, H; Oshio, H; Yasuzuka, S [Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8571 (Japan); Higa, M; Kondo, R; Kagoshima, S [Department of Basic Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902 (Japan); Nakao, A; Sawa, H [Photon Factory, Institute of Material Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801 (Japan); Murata, K [Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585 (Japan)], E-mail: nishikaw@chem.tsukuba.ac.jp

2008-10-15

Physical properties of isostructural {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}X [DODHT = (l,4-dioxane-2,3-diyldithio)dihydrotetrathiafulvalene; X = PF{sub 6}, AsF{sub 6}, and SbF{sub 6}] at ambient pressure have been compared. The insulating phase of {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}PF{sub 6} salt has already been revealed to be a charge ordering (CO) state by X-ray diffraction study and magnetic behavior. CO in this salt was also confirmed by the observation of satellite reflections in oscillation photograph using synchrotron radiation. Transport property of {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}SbF{sub 6} salt was reinvestigated up to the pressure of 3.7 GPa applied by a cubic anvil apparatus. Although the SbF{sub 6} salt turned to be metallic above 2.0 GPa, no superconductivity was observed. In order to examine the anion size dependence of DODHT salts with octahedral anions, we prepared a new DODHT salt, {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}TaF{sub 6}, which has the larger counter anion compared with the previous salts. Crystal structure of this salt was isostructural to the other DODHT salts. The electrical and magnetic properties of this salt were similar to those of {beta}''-(DODHT){sub 2}SbF{sub 6} salt.

Discovery of PF-04620110, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Inhibitor of DGAT-1.

Science.gov (United States)

Dow, Robert L; Li, Jian-Cheng; Pence, Michael P; Gibbs, E Michael; LaPerle, Jennifer L; Litchfield, John; Piotrowski, David W; Munchhof, Michael J; Manion, Tara B; Zavadoski, William J; Walker, Gregory S; McPherson, R Kirk; Tapley, Susan; Sugarman, Eliot; Guzman-Perez, Angel; DaSilva-Jardine, Paul

2011-05-12

Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT-1) catalyzes the final committed step in the biosynthesis of triglycerides. DGAT-1 knockout mice have been shown to be resistant to diet-induced obesity and have increased insulin sensitivity. Thus, inhibition of DGAT-1 may represent an attractive target for the treatment of obesity or type II diabetes. Herein, we report the discovery and characterization of a potent and selective DGAT-1 inhibitor PF-04620110 (3). Compound 3 inhibits DGAT-1 with an IC50 of 19 nM and shows high selectivity versus a broad panel of off-target pharmacologic end points. In vivo DGAT-1 inhibition has been demonstrated through reduction of plasma triglyceride levels in rodents at doses of ≥0.1 mg/kg following a lipid challenge. On the basis of this pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic profile, compound 3 has been advanced to human clinical studies.

Synthesis, spectral and structural studies of water soluble arene ruthenium (II) complexes containing 2,2′-dipyridyl-N-alkylimine ligand

Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

Singh, K.S.; Kaminsky, W.

of the complexes. A similar downfield of chemical shifts was also observed for the alkyl protons attached to the nitrogen. For instant, the methyl proton of dpNmei was observed as a singlet at around δ 4.05 in the complexes [1]PF 6 , [3]PF 6 and [5]PF 6 as 9...

Serum 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane marker of oxidative damage and cognition deficits in children with konzo.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bumoko G Makila-Mabe

Full Text Available We sought to determine whether motor and cognitive deficits associated with cassava (food cyanogenic poisoning were associated with high concentrations of F2-isoprostanes, well-established indicators of oxidative damage. Concentrations of serum F2-isoprostanes were quantified by LC-MS/MS and anchored to measures of motor proficiency and cognitive performance, which were respectively assessed through BOT-2 (Bruininks/Oseretsky Test, 2nd Edition and KABC-II (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition testing of 40 Congolese children (21 with konzo and 19 presumably healthy controls, overall mean age (SD: 9.3 (3.2 years. Exposure to cyanide was ascertained by concentrations of its main metabolite thiocyanate (SCN in plasma and urine. Overall, SCN concentrations ranged from 91 to 325 and 172 to 1032 µmol/l in plasma and urine, respectively. Serum isoprostanes ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 (Isoprostane-III, 0.8 to 8.3 (total Isoprostane-III, 0.1 to 1.5 (Isoprostane-VI, 2.0 to 9.0 (total Isoprostane-VI, or 0.2 to 1.3 ng/ml (8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane. Children with konzo poorly performed at the BOT-2 and KABC-II testing relative to presumably healthy children (p<0.01. Within regression models adjusting for age, gender, motor proficiency, and other biochemical variables, 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane was significantly associated with the overall cognitive performance (β = -32.36 (95% CI: -51.59 to -13.03; P<0.001. This model explained over 85% of variation of the KABC-II score in children with konzo, but was not significant in explaining the motor proficiency impairment. These findings suggest that cognitive deficits and, possibly, brain injury associated with cassava poisoning is mediated in part by oxidative damage in children with konzo. 8,12-iso-iPF2α-VI isoprostane appears to be a good marker of the neuropathogenic mechanisms of konzo and may be used to monitor the impact of interventional trials to prevent the neurotoxic effects of

The Enhanced Intramolecular Energy Transfer and Strengthened ff Luminescence of a Stable Helical Eu Complex in Ionic Liquids

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuki Hasegawa

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The luminescence of a Eu complex (EuL is enhanced by stabilization of the coordination structure in highly viscous ionic liquids. The EuL was found to maintain a stable single helical structure both in organic solvents and in the ionic liquids [BMIM][PF6] and [EMIM][PF6]. A colorless solution of EuL dissolved in [BMIM][PF6] exhibits bright red luminescence with a quantum yield of 32.3%, a value that is much higher than that in acetonitrile (12%. Estimated rate constants for the energy relaxation pathway indicate that the energy transfer efficiency is enhanced in [BMIM][PF6] as a result of the suppression of molecular fluctuations in the ligands. Additionally, a highly luminescent helical structure is preserved in [EMIM][PF6] up to 120 °C.

S6Ks isoforms contribute to viability, migration, docetaxel resistance and tumor formation of prostate cancer cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amaral, Camila L.; Freitas, Lidia B.; Tamura, Rodrigo E.; Tavares, Mariana R.; Pavan, Isadora C. B.; Bajgelman, Marcio C.; Simabuco, Fernando M.

2016-01-01

The S6 Kinase (S6K) proteins are some of the main downstream effectors of the mammalian Target Of Rapamycin (mTOR) and act as key regulators of protein synthesis and cell growth. S6K is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors and is correlated to poor prognosis in prostate cancer. Due to the current urgency to identify factors involved in prostate cancer progression, we aimed to reveal the cellular functions of three S6K isoforms–p70-S6K1, p85-S6K1 and p54-S6K2–in prostate cancer, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets. In this study we performed S6K knockdown and overexpression and investigated its role in prostate cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, viability, migration and resistance to docetaxel treatment. In addition, we measured tumor growth in Nude mice injected with PC3 cells overexpressing S6K isoforms and tested the efficacy of a new available S6K1 inhibitor in vitro. S6Ks overexpression enhanced PC3-luc cell line viability, migration, resistance to docetaxel and tumor formation in Nude mice. Only S6K2 knockdown rendered prostate cancer cells more sensitive to docetaxel. S6K1 inhibitor PF-4708671 was particularly effective for reducing migration and proliferation of PC3 cell line. These findings demonstrate that S6Ks play an important role in prostate cancer progression, enhancing cell viability, migration and chemotherapy resistance, and place both S6K1 and S6K2 as a potential targets in advanced prostate cancer. We also provide evidence that S6K1 inhibitor PF-4708671 may be considered as a potential drug for prostate cancer treatment. The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2629-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

PfGBP: una proteína de unión al telómero de Plasmodium falciparum

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Eliana Calvo

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Los telómeros son estructuras complejas de ADN y proteína localizadas en el extremo de los cromosomas eucariotes. Su principal función es proteger el extremo cromosomal de ser reconocido y procesado como ADNs fracturado, evitando así eventos de recombinación y fusión que conducen a inestabilidad cromosomal. El ADN telomérico consta de secuencias cortas, repetidas una tras otra, ricas en guanina; la cadena rica en guanina se extiende formando una región de cadena sencilla denominada extremo 3´ protuberante. Las proteínas por su parte, se pueden clasificar en: dsBPs, o proteínas de unión a la cadena doble, GBPs aquellas que reconocen específicamente el extremo protuberante y, proteínas que las interconectan mediante interacciones proteína-proteína. El gen PF3D7_1006800 de Plasmodium falciparum codifica para una proteína putativa similar a una GBP de Criptosporidium parvum, con el fin de establecer si esta proteína de P. falciparum presenta la capacidad de unión al ADN telomérico del parásito, se produjo una proteína recombinante a partir de la región codificante del gen, se purificó y se utilizó en ensayos de unión a ADN, y en la generación de anticuerpos policlonales específicos contra PfGBP. Nuestros resultados indican que la proteína de P. falciparum es una proteína nuclear con capacidad de unión al ADN telomérico in vitro, por lo que podría ser parte del complejo proteico encargado de proteger y/o mantener el telómero in vivo.

Status of the 6.5-GeV Photon Factory Advanced Ring

Science.gov (United States)

Miyajima, T.; Adachi, S.; Cheng, W. X.; Haga, K.; Harada, K.; Hori, Y.; Hyodo, K.; Ieiri, T.; Isagawa, S.; Kageyama, T.; Kasuga, T.; Kawata, H.; Kikuchi, M.; Kobayashi, Y.; Kudo, K.; Mitsuhashi, T.; Nagahashi, S.; Nakamura, T. T.; Nakanishi, H.; Nogami, T.; Obina, T.; Ohsawa, Y.; Ono, M.; Ozaki, T.; Sakai, H.; Sakamoto, Y.; Sakanaka, S.; Sato, M.; Satoh, M.; Shioya, T.; Sugahara, R.; Tadano, M.; Takahashi, T.; Takasaki, S.; Tanimoto, Y.; Tejima, M.; Tsuchiya, K.; Uchiyama, T.; Ueda, A.; Umemori, K.; Yamamoto, S.; Yoshimoto, S.

2007-01-01

The Photon Factory Advanced Ring (PF-AR) is a 6.5-GeV synchrotron light source at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK). It can provide high-flux hard X-rays for such research as the materials science, structural biology and medical applications. The PF-AR has five insertion devices including four in-vacuum undulators. It is operated with a single bunch which fits for time-resolved experiments. A special 5-GeV operation is partly provided for a clinical application. An initial beam current and a beam lifetime are 60 mA and approximately 14 hours, respectively. Recent developments include an installation of a new in-vacuum undulator (U♯NW14-36) to the west rf section, which was accompanied by transferring two rf cavities to other section. The undulator has been successfully operated at a minimum magnetic gap of 10 mm. We also carried out such accelerator studies as a successful test of beam injection using a pulsed quadrupole magnet, a study of low emittance optics, an establishment of two-bunch operation for the clinical application, a successful operation of a multi-bunch feedback system, and an installation of a test undulator which enables us to control polarization using a new arrangement of magnets.

Synthesis and characterization of barium titanate, doped with europium and neodymium; Sintese e caracterizacao de titanato de bario, dopados com europio e neodimio

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sousa, Fernanda L.C.; Cabral, Alciney M.; Silva, Ademir O.; Oliveiro, Joao B.L., E-mail: nanda_louise@yahoo.com.br [Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal (Brazil). Instituto de Quimica

2013-07-01

This work aims at synthesize and characterize mixed oxides in Barium Titanium matrix in doping with Neodymium and Europium analyzing thermogravimetric curves, characteristic bands at infrared region of the polymer complex, which are intermediates to mixed oxides, and identify the formation thereof, and the crystallinity using XRD analysis.

Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite powders of calcium phosphate/silica-gel; Sintese e caracterizacao de pos nanoestruturados de fosfato de calcio/silica-gel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Muller, D.T.; Delima, S.A. [Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Joinville, SC (Brazil). Dept. de Engenharia Mecanica; Santos, R.B.M.; Camargo, N.H.A., E-mail: dem2nhac@joinville.udesc.b [Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Joinville, SC (Brazil). Programa de Pos Graduacao em Ciencia e Engenharia de Materiais

2009-07-01

In the recent years ceramics of calcium phosphate are pointed out as an outstanding material in substitution and regeneration in defects from osseous tissue, in reason of their similar mineralogical characteristics of apatite of bone structure. However, the challenge with phosphate calcium ceramics find out about the mechanical properties and the development of biomaterials similar of the bone structure, what sometimes is not so easy, about fragile materials. The aim of this work focused in synthesis and characterization nanocomposites powders of calcium phosphate/silica-gel with percentages 1, 2, 3 e 5% of nanometric silica. The method synthesis used for the compositions elaboration was dissolution-precipitation. The presented results are related with the optimization to method elaboration of nanostructured powders, the mineralogical characterization with X-ray diffraction, thermal behavior with thermal differential analysis, differential scanning calorimetry here is ADT and dilatometer. The scanning electronic microscopy was used to help of morphological characterization the nanostructured powders and the surfaces from body test recovered from the mechanical test. (author)

Synthesis and characterization of semi-IPNs based on PVP and PLLA; Sintese e caracterizacao de semi-IPNs envolvendo os homopolimeros PVP e PLLA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Camilo, A.P.R.; Mano, V., E-mail: mano@ufsj.edu.b [Universidade Federal de Sao Joao del Rei (UFSJ), MG (Brazil). Dept. de Ciencias Naturais; Felisberti, M.I. [Universidade Estadual de Campinas (IQ/UNICAMP), SP (Brazil). Inst. de Quimica

2010-07-01

The specific interest in the synthesis of semi-IPNs based on PLLA and PVP homopolymers due to the fact these are biodegradable and biocompatible, which allows us to infer applications in the medical field as sutures, implants, matrices for controlled release of drugs etc. The objective was to prepare a multicomponent material amphiphile in the form of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, based on poly (L-lactide), PLLA, hydrophobic homopolymer, and poly (vinylpyrrolidone), PVP, hydrophilic component. The preparation of semi-IPN combined the polymerization and crosslinking of N-vinylpyrrolidone in the presence of poly (L-lactide). The products were characterized by spectroscopic and thermal methods. (author)

Synthesis and characterization photocatalyst of titanium oxide obtained by the Pechini; Sintese e caracterizacao fotocatalitica do oxido de titanio obtido pelo Metodo Pechini

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ribeiro, P.C.; Costa, A.C.F.M.; Lira, H.L. [Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), PB (Brazil). Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais; Sasaki, J.M. [Universidade Federal do Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE (Brazil). Departamento de Fisica; Santos, S.K., E-mail: pollyanacae@yahoo.com.br [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), RJ (Brazil). Departamento de Engenharia Quimica

2011-07-01

The photocatalysis using TiO{sub 2} semiconductor has shown great efficiency in the treatment of toxic pollutants and non-biodegradable materials, commonly present in air and domestic and industrial effluents. Thus, the aim of this work is to study the evaluation of photocatalytic activity of TiO{sub 2} samples synthesized by the Pechini method at a ratio of citric acid / metal cation of 2:1 and 4:1. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, quantification of phases using the Rietveld method of refinement of the structure and after analyzed in photocatalytic bench tests using methyl red dye. The results showed that in a 2:1 ratio, the sample resulted in the formation of 100% of anatase phase, while in the 4:1 ratio sample showed 73.51% of anatase phase and 10.5% of rutile phase. The 4:1 sample showed the best performance discoloring over 70% of the dye for a period close to 24h. (author)

The role of platelet factor 4 in local and remote tissue damage in a mouse model of mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peter H Lapchak

Full Text Available The robust inflammatory response that occurs during ischemia reperfusion (IR injury recruits factors from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. However the contribution of platelets and their products such as Platelet Factor 4 (PF4; CXCL4, during the pathogenesis of IR injury has not been thoroughly investigated. We show that a deficiency in PF4 protects mice from local and remote tissue damage after 30 minutes of mesenteric ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion in PF4-/- mice compared to control B6 mice. This protection was independent from Ig or complement deposition in the tissues. However, neutrophil and monocyte infiltration were decreased in the lungs of PF4-/- mice compared with B6 control mice. Platelet-depleted B6 mice transfused with platelets from PF4-/- mice displayed reduced tissue damage compared with controls. In contrast, transfusion of B6 platelets into platelet depleted PF4-/- mice reconstituted damage in both intestine and lung tissues. We also show that PF4 may modulate the release of IgA. Interestingly, we show that PF4 expression on intestinal epithelial cells is increased after IR at both the mRNA and protein levels. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that may PF4 represent an important mediator of local and remote tissue damage.

Antimalarial naphthoquinones. Synthesis via click chemistry, in vitro activity, docking to PfDHODH and SAR of lapachol-based compounds.

Science.gov (United States)

Brandão, Geraldo Célio; Rocha Missias, Franciele C; Arantes, Lucas Miquéias; Soares, Luciana Ferreira; Roy, Kuldeep K; Doerksen, Robert J; Braga de Oliveira, Alaide; Pereira, Guilherme Rocha

2018-02-10

Lapachol is an abundant prenyl naphthoquinone occurring in Brazilian Bignoniaceae that was clinically used, in former times, as an antimalarial drug, despite its moderate effect. Aiming to search for potentially better antimalarials, a series of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives was synthesized by chemical modification of lapachol. Alkylation of the hydroxyl group gave its propargyl ether which, via copper-catalyzed cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry with different organic azides, afforded 17 naphthoquinonolyl triazole derivatives. All the synthetic compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum (W2) and for cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells. Compounds containing the naphthoquinolyl triazole moieties showed higher antimalarial activity than lapachol (IC 50 123.5 μM) and selectivity index (SI) values in the range of 4.5-197.7. Molecular docking simulations of lapachol, atovaquone and all the newly synthesized compounds were carried out for interactions with PfDHODH, a mitochondrial enzyme of the parasite respiratory chain that is essential for de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Docking of the naphthoquinonolyl triazole derivatives to PfDHODH yielded scores between -9.375 and -14.55 units, compared to -9.137 for lapachol and -12.95 for atovaquone and disclosed the derivative 17 as a lead compound. Therefore, the study results show the enhancement of DHODH binding affinity correlated with improvement of SI values and in vitro activities of the lapachol derivatives. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A low frequency infrared study of ruthenium(II) complexes with 1,8-naphthyridines and 2,2'-bipyridine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Staniewicz, R.J.; Hendricker, D.G.; Griffiths, P.R.

1977-01-01

A report is presented on the synthesis and characterization of [Ru(napy) 4 ](PF 6 ) 2 , [Ru(2-mnapy) 4 ] (PF 6 ) 2 , [Ru(2,7-dmnapy) 3 ] (PF 6 ) 2 and [Ru(bipy) 3 ] (PF 6 ) 2 ; where (napy) = 1,8-naphthyridine; (2,7-dmnapy) = 2,7-dimethyl-1, 8-naphthyridine; (2-mnapy) = 2-methyl-1, 8-naphthyridine, and (bipy) = bipyridine. The complexes were prepared as previously reported (Staniewicz et al., (J.Am.Chem.Soc., in the press)). Low frequency infrared spectra were measured using a Digilab FTS-14 Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The results are discussed. Molecular structures are proposed. (U.K.)

Combined gating and trafficking defect in Kv11.1 manifests as a malignant long QT syndrome phenotype in a large Danish p.F29L founder family

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kanters, Jørgen K.; Skibsbye, Lasse; Hedley, Paula L.

2015-01-01

Background: Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a hereditary cardiac channelopathy characterized by delayedventricular repolarization, syncope, torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Thirty-three members of fi ve apparently‘ unrelated ’Danish families carry the KCNH2:c.87C A; p.F29L...

Comparison of TRAC-PF1/MOD1 to a no-failure UPI test in the Cylindrical Core Test Facility

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cappiello, M.; Spore, J.

1986-01-01

TRAC-PF1/MOD1 is compared to a no-failure upper plenum injection reflood test in the Cylindrical Core Test Facility. The results show that TRAC can accurately predict the asymmetric channeling of fluid from upper plenum into the core and that a multidimensional modeling capability is required to do so. The rod temperature behavior is accurately predicted for both the peak cladding temperature and the quench time in the high- and low-power zones. Excessive downflow of liquid at the tie plate is predicted as a result of the interfacial drag model used in TRAC. 10 figs

Dependency of the hydrogen bonding capacity of the solvent anion on the thermal stability of feruloyl esterases in ionic liquid systems

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zeuner, Birgitte; Ståhlberg, Tim; Nguyen van Buu, Olivier

2011-01-01

acid with glycerol in four ionic liquid (IL) systems. The IL systems were systematically composed of two selected pairs of cations and anions, respectively: [BMIm][PF6], [C2OHMIm][PF6], [BMIm][BF4], and [C2OHMIm][BF4]. AnFaeA had activity in [PF6]--based ILs, whereas the AndFaeC and the FAE in Ultraflo...

Plasmodium falciparum associated with severe childhood malaria preferentially expresses PfEMP1 encoded by group A var genes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jensen, Anja T R; Magistrado, Pamela; Sharp, Sarah

2004-01-01

Parasite-encoded variant surface antigens (VSAs) like the var gene-encoded Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family are responsible for antigenic variation and infected red blood cell (RBC) cytoadhesion in P. falciparum malaria. Parasites causing severe malaria in noni...... genes, such as PFD1235w/MAL7P1.1, appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of severe disease and are thus attractive candidates for a vaccine against life-threatening P. falciparum malaria....

Redox-switched complexation/decomplexation of K(+) and Cs(+) by molecular cyanometalate boxes.

Science.gov (United States)

Boyer, Julie L; Ramesh, Maya; Yao, Haijun; Rauchfuss, Thomas B; Wilson, Scott R

2007-02-21

The reaction of [N(PPh(3))(2)][CpCo(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) (Cb* = C(4)Me(4)) in the presence of K(+) afforded {K subset[CpCo(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6), [KCo(8)]PF(6). IR, NMR, ESI-MS indicate that [KCo(8)]PF(6) is a high-symmetry molecular box containing a potassium ion at its interior. The analogous heterometallic cage {K subset[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)](4)[Cb*Co](4)}PF(6) ([KRh(4)Co(4)]PF(6)) was prepared similarly via the condensation of K[Cp*Rh(CN)(3)] and [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6). Crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure of [KCo(8)]PF(6). The cyanide ligands are ordered, implying that no Co-CN bonds are broken upon cage formation and ion complexation. Eight Co-CN-Co edges of the box bow inward toward the encapsulated K(+), and the remaining four mu-CN ligands bow outward. MeCN solutions of [KCo(8)](+) and [KRh(4)Co(4)](+) were found to undergo ion exchange with Cs(+) to give [CsCo(8)](+) and [CsRh(4)Co(4)](+), both in quantitative yields. Labeling experiments involving [(MeC5H4)Co(CN)(3)]- demonstrated that Cs(+)-for-K(+) ion exchange is accompanied by significant fragmentation. Ion exchange of NH(4+) with [KCo(8)](+) proceeds to completion in THF solution, but in MeCN solution, the exclusive products were [Cb*Co(NCMe)(3)]PF(6) and the poorly soluble salt NH(4)CpCo(CN)(3). The lability of the NH(4+)-containing cage was also indicated by the rapid exchange of the acidic protons in [NH(4)Co(8)](+). Oxidation of [MCo(8)](+) with 4 equiv of FcPF(6) produced paramagnetic (S = 4/2) [Co(8)](4+), releasing Cs(+) or K(+). The oxidation-induced dissociation of M(+) from the cages is chemically reversed by treatment of [Co(8)](4+) and CsOTf with 4 equiv of Cp(2)Co. Cation recognition by [Co(8)] and [Rh(4)Co(4)] cages was investigated. Electrochemical measurements indicated that E(1/2)(Cs(+))--E(1/2)(K(+)) approximately 0.08 V for [MCo(8)](+).

Desenvolvimento de membranas de poli(éter imida) sultonada para a permeacão de gases

OpenAIRE

Michelle Silva Vila Chã

2009-01-01

A busca por membranas com propriedades adequadas a separação de gases em escala industrial tem levado a modificação e sIntese de polImeros de engenharia, com objetivo de obter membranas com propriedades adequadas. Uma das modificaçoes que tem se apresentado promissora é a inserção de grupos sulfônicos em polImeros comerciais. Espera-se que o polImero sulfonado apresente um aumento na permeação de gases polares, em relação a gases apolares, devido a sua estrutura mais polar...

[Study on method of tracking the active cells in image sequences based on EKF-PF].

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Chunming; Liu, Ying

2013-02-01

In cell image sequences, due to the nonlinear and nonGaussian motion characteristics of active cells, the accurate prediction and tracking is still an unsolved problem. We applied extended Kalman particle filter (EKF-PF) here in our study, attempting to solve the problem. Firstly we confirmed the existence and positions of the active cells. Then we established a motion model and improved it via adding motion angle estimation. Next we predicted motion parameters, such as displacement, velocity, accelerated velocity and motion angle, in region centers of the cells being tracked. Finally we obtained the motion traces of active cells. There were fourteen active cells in three image sequences which have been tracked. The errors were less than 2.5 pixels when the prediction values were compared with actual values. It showed that the presented algorithm may basically reach the solution of accurate predition and tracking of the active cells.

Anomalous transmission through heavily doped conducting polymer films with periodic subwavelength hole array

Science.gov (United States)

Matsui, Tatsunosuke; Vardeny, Z. Valy; Agrawal, Amit; Nahata, Ajay; Menon, Reghu

2006-08-01

We observed resonantly enhanced (or anomalous transmission) terahertz transmission through two-dimensional (2D) periodic arrays of subwavelength apertures with various periodicities fabricated on metallic organic conducting polymer films of polypyrrole heavily doped with PF 6 molecules [PPy(PF6)]. The anomalous transmission spectra are in good agreement with a model involving surface plasmon polariton excitations on the film surfaces. We also found that the resonantly enhanced transmission peaks are broader in the exotic metallic PPy(PF6) films compared to those formed in 2D aperture array in regular metallic films such as silver, indicating that the surface plasmon polaritons on the PPy(PF6) film surfaces have higher attenuation.

Resonantly-enhanced transmission through a periodic array of subwavelength apertures in heavily-doped conducting polymer films

Science.gov (United States)

Matsui, Tatsunosuke; Vardeny, Z. Valy; Agrawal, Amit; Nahata, Ajay; Menon, Reghu

2006-02-01

We observed resonantly-enhanced terahertz transmission through two-dimensional (2D) periodic arrays of subwavelength apertures with various periodicities fabricated on metallic organic conducting polymer films of polypyrrole heavily doped with PF6 molecules [PPy(PF6)]. The "anomalous transmission" spectra are in good agreement with a model involving surface plasmon polariton excitations on the film surfaces. We also found that the `anomalous transmission' peaks are broader in the exotic metallic PPy (PF6) films compared to those formed in 2D aperture array in regular metallic films such as silver, showing that the surface plasmon polaritons on the PPy (PF6) film surfaces have higher attenuation.

Asymmetric Ruthenium(II and Osmium(II Complexes with New Bidentate Polyquinoline Ligands. Synthesis and NMR Characterization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antonino Mamo

2010-03-01

Full Text Available A series of Ru(II and Os(II tris-chelate complexes with new bidentate 2-pyridylquinoline ligands have been synthesized and fully characterized by EA,1H-NMR and FAB-MS techniques. The new ligands are: L1 = 4-p-methoxyphenyl-6-bromo-2-(2′- pyridylquinoline (mphbr-pq and L2 = 4-p-hydroxyphenyl-6-bromo-2-(2′-pyridyl-quinoline (hphbr-pq. The complexes studied are: [Ru(bpy2L1](PF62 (C1, [Ru(bpy2L2](PF62 (C2, [Os(bpy2L1](PF62 (C3, [Os(bpy2L2](PF62 (C4 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, [Ru(dmbpy2L1](PF62 (C5, [Ru(dmbpy2L2](PF62 (C6, [Os(dmbpy2L1](PF62 (C7, and [Os(dmbpy2L2](PF62 (C8 (dmbpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine. Moreover, new functionalized complexes C9-C12 were obtained by the basecatalyzed direct alkylation of C2, C4, C6, and C8 with 6-bromo-1-hexene. The complete assignment of the 1H-NMR spectra for the two new ligands (L1 and L2, and their Ru(II or Os(II complexes has been accomplished using a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. The JH,H values have been determined for the majority of the resonances.

Novel Fluorometric Method for the Determination of Production Rate and Steady-State Concentration of Photochemically Generated Superoxide Radical in Seawater Using 3',6'-(Diphenylphosphinyl)fluorescein.

Science.gov (United States)

Anifowose, Adebanjo Jacob; Takeda, Kazuhiko; Sakugawa, Hiroshi

2015-12-15

Superoxide radical (O2(•-)) is an important reactive oxygen species in seawater. Measurements of its production rates and steady-state concentrations generated by photochemical processes have been a Herculean task over the years. In this study, a probe - 3'6'-(diphenylphosphinyl)fluorescein (PF-1) - was used to trap photochemically generated O2(•-) in seawater, thereby yielding fluorescein. The fluorescein produced was measured by an isocratic fluorescence HPLC at excitation/emission wavelengths of 490/513 nm, respectively. The reaction rate constant of PF-1 with O2(•-) (kPF-1) was pH-dependent: (3.2-23.5) × 10(7) M(-1) s(-1) at pHTOT 7.65-8.50. By applying appropriate equations, both the production rate and the steady-state concentration of O2(•-) generated by photochemical reactions in the seawater were quantified. Under the optimized experimental conditions, fluorescein standards (3-50 nM) exhibited linearity in the seawater by HPLC. The photoformation of fluorescein, due to the reaction of PF-1 with the O2(•-) photochemically produced in the seawater, was linear within the 20 min irradiation. The detection limit of the fluorescein photoformation rate was 0.03 pM s(-1), defined as 3σ of the lowest standard fluorescein concentration per 20 min irradiation. Using this value, the yield of fluorescein, and the fraction of O2(•-) that reacted with PF-1 in the seawater, the detection limit of the O2(•-) photoformation rate was 1.78 pM s(-1). Superoxide measurements using the proposed method were relatively unaffected by the potential interfering species in seawater. Application of the proposed method to ten (10) seawater samples from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, resulted in measured O2(•-) photoformation rates of 3.1-8.5 nM s(-1), with steady-state concentrations ranging (0.06-0.3) × 10(-10) M. The method is simple, requires no technical sample preparation, and can be used to analyze a large number of samples.

Assessment of TRAC-PF1/MOD1 against a loss-of-grid transient in Ringhals 4 power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sjoberg, A.; Almberger, J.; Sandervag, O.

1989-07-01

A loss of grid transient in a three loop Westinghouse PWR has been simulated with the frozen version of TRAC-PF1/MOD1 computer code. The results reveal the capability of the code to qualitatively predict the different pertinent phenomena and the data comparison was quite encouraging. Accurate predictions of the system response required careful determination of the boundary conditions simulating the turbine governor valves and steam dump valves behaviour. An explicit modeling of the steam generator internals was also found to be important for the results. It was also revealed that the pressurizer system including spray and heaters and their operation should be modeled in some detail for proper response. 4 refs., 18 figs

Investigation of the microstructures of ion beams emitted from PF-1000 at different angles to the Z-axis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Czaus, K.; Malinowski, K.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Zebrowski, J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Sadowski, M.J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, IPJ, 0R-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland)] [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion, IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Paduch, M.; Scholz, M. [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion, IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Kubes, P. [Czech Technical University, CVUT, 166-27 Prague (Czech Republic); Garkusha, I.E. [Institute of Plasma Physics, NSC KIPT, 61-108 Kharkov (Ukraine); Talebitaher, A. [Plasma Radiation Sources Laboratory, NIE NTU, 637616 Singapore (Singapore)

2011-07-01

The paper describes diagnostics of fast ion beams emitted from the large PF-1000 facility operated at 21-27 kV, 290-480 kJ. The use was made of pinhole cameras equipped with PM-355 nuclear track detectors and placed at different angles to the discharge axis. The ion measurements performed at 0 degree angle, as well as those at 60 degrees angle showed a complex spatial structure of the fast ion beams. The ion measurements, which were for the first time performed in the upstream direction (at 180 degrees angle), have proved that some fast deuteron beams are emitted also in the upstream direction. This document is composed of a paper and a poster. (authors)

Posttest analysis of MIST Test 330302 using TRAC-PF1/MOD1

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyack, B.E.

1992-09-01

This report discusses a posttest analysis of Multi-Loop Integral System Test (MIST) 330302 which has been performed using TRAC-PF1/MOD1. This test was one of group performed in the MIST facility to investigate high-pressure injection (HPI)-power-operated relief valve (PORV) cooling, also known as feed-and-bleed cooling. In Test 330302, HPI cooling was delayed 20 min after opening and locking the PORV open to induce extensive system voiding. We have concluded that the TRAC-calculated results are in reasonable overall agreement with the data for Test 330302. All major trends and phenomena were correctly predicted. Differences observed between the measured and calculated results have been traced and related, in part, to deficiencies in our knowledge of the facility configuration and operation. We have identified two models forwhich additional review is appropriate. However, in general, the TRAC closure models and correlations appear to be adequate for the prediction of the phenomena expected to occur during feed-and-bleed transientsin the MIST facility. We believe that the correct conclusions about trends and phenomena will be reached if the code is used in similar applications. Conclusions reached regarding use of the code to calculate similar phenomena in full-size plants (scaling implications) and regulatory implications of this work are also presented

Advancing nutritional therapy: A novel polymeric formulation attenuates intestinal inflammation in a murine colitis model and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production in ex-vivo cultured inflamed colonic biopsies.

Science.gov (United States)

Alhagamhmad, Moftah H; Lemberg, Daniel A; Day, Andrew S; Tan, Li-Zsa; Ooi, Chee Y; Krishnan, Usha; Gupta, Nitin; Munday, John S; Leach, Steven T

2017-04-01

Nutritional therapy is a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of Crohn disease (CD). Therefore improving nutritional therapy would greatly benefit CD patients. The aim of this study was to define the anti-inflammatory properties of a novel nutritional polymeric formula (PF) in comparison to a currently available standard PF. Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was utilized to induce colitis in C57BL/6 mice with mice randomized to receive either standard PF or novel PF in addition to control groups. Changes in body weight were recorded and colonic damage was assessed histologically and biochemically. Additional experiments were also included where the cytokine response of colonic biopsies from pediatric CD patients was measured following exposure to standard PF or novel PF. DSS induced significant body weight loss, morphological changes in the colon, increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and up-regulated colonic mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, as well as associated histological changes. Other than histological damage, these inflammatory changes were reversed by both novel and standard PF. However, the novel PF, but not standard PF, completely suppressed TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 levels from cultured biopsies. Newly developed nutritional formula reproducibly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in a murine model, although this response was not measurably different to standard PF. However, the novel PF was significantly superior in suppressing inflammatory cytokine release from cultured colonic biopsies. Collectively, these findings support a possible role for novel PF in advancing nutritional therapy for CD patients. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anti-Obesity and Hypoglycemic Effects of Poncirus trifoliata L. Extracts in High-Fat Diet C57BL/6 Mice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sheng Jia

2016-04-01

Full Text Available The present study investigated the possible anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects of Poncirus trifoliata L. extracts. Mature fruit were divided into flavedo (PF and juice sacs (PJ, and extracts from them were tested on C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD for thirteen weeks. Both fruit extracts (40 mg/kg body weight, respectively showed anti-obesity and hypoglycemic effects. Consumption of PF and PJ extracts reduced body weight by 9.21% and 20.27%, respectively. Liver and adipose weights, fasting glucose, serum triglyceride (TG, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c levels decreased significantly, while serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and oral glucose tolerance levels increased significantly in response to two fruit extracts. These effects were due in part to the modulation of serum insulin, leptin, and adiponectin. Furthermore, transcript levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1 were reduced while those of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α (CPT1α and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2 were increased in the liver of C57BL/6 mice, which might be an important mechanism affecting lipid and glucose metabolism. Taken together, P. trifoliata fruit can be potentially used to prevent or treat obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Toward the Elucidation of the Competing Role of Evaporation and Thermal Decomposition in Ionic Liquids: A Multitechnique Study of the Vaporization Behavior of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate under Effusion Conditions.

Science.gov (United States)

Volpe, V; Brunetti, B; Gigli, G; Lapi, A; Vecchio Ciprioti, S; Ciccioli, A

2017-11-16

The evaporation/decomposition behavior of the imidazolium ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMImPF 6 ) was investigated in the overall temperature range 425-551 K by means of the molecular-effusion-based techniques Knudsen effusion mass loss (KEML) and Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry (KEMS), using effusion orifices of different size (from 0.2 to 3 mm in diameter). Specific effusion fluxes measured by KEML were found to depend markedly on the orifice size, suggesting the occurrence of a kinetically delayed evaporation/decomposition process. KEMS experiments revealed that other species are present in the vapor phase besides the intact ion pair BMImPF 6 (g) produced by the simple evaporation BMImPF 6 (l) = BMImPF 6 (g), with relative abundances depending on the orifice size-the larger the orifice, the larger the contribution of the BMImPF 6 (g) species. By combining KEML and KEMS results, the conclusion is drawn that in the investigated temperature range, when small effusion orifices are used, a significant part of the mass loss/volatility of BMImPF 6 is due to molecular products formed by decomposition/dissociation processes rather than to evaporated intact ion pairs. Additional experiments performed by nonisothermal thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) further support the evidence of simultaneous evaporation/decomposition, although the conventional decomposition temperature derived from TG curves is much higher than the temperatures covered in effusion experiments. Partial pressures of the BMImPF 6 (g) species were derived from KEMS spectra and analyzed by second- and third-law methods giving a value of Δ evap H 298K ° = 145.3 ± 2.9 kJ·mol -1 for the standard evaporation enthalpy of BMImPF 6 . A comparison is done with the behavior of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimide (BMImNTf 2 ) ionic liquid.

Polyelectrolyte Complexes of a Cationic All Conjugated Fluorene Thiophene Diblock Copolymer with Aqueous DNA

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Knaapila, Matti; Costa, Telma; Garamus, Vasil M.

2015-01-01

TMAHT repeat units; x = 0.5 equals the nominal charge neutralization. PF2/6-P3TMAHT forms 20–40 nm sized particles with PF2/6 core and hydrated P3TMAHT exterior. The polymer particles form loose one-dimensional chains giving micrometer long branched chains (0.19 ≤ x ≤ 0.76) and subsequently randomly......We report on the structural and colorimetric effects of interaction of aqueous ∼0.06–1% poly[9,9-bis(2-ethylhexyl)fluorene]-b-poly[3-6-trimethylammoniumhexyl)thiophene] bromide (PF2/6-P3TMAHT) with double-stranded DNA to form PF2/6-P3TMAHT(DNA)x where x is the molar ratio of DNA base pairs to P3...

Study of the Plasma Evolution in the PF-1000 Device by Means of Optical Diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kasperczuk, A.; Kumar, R.; Miklaszewski, R.; Paduch, M.; Pisarczyk, T.; Scholz, M.; Tomaszewski, K.

2002-01-01

Investigation of a plasma evolution was carried out in a PF-1000 device with the following parameters: diameter of the inner electrode -24.4 cm, diameter of the outer one -36.8 cm, charging voltage in the range of 30-40 kV and deuterium pressure in the range of 1-5 1 To study the evolution of the plasma, an optical frame camera and YAGlaser shadowgraphy, both with exposure times of about 1 ns, were employed. Among the cases analyzed of plasma focus discharges, two types of plasma sheath disturbance can be distinguished: type I - classical MHD m = 0 instability (a wave with four maxima in the main), type 11 - singular great scale disturbance. On the basis of the plasma images, the dynamics of the plasma sheath, characteristic periods of the plasma evolution and plasma dimensions were determined. In order to reconstruct the spatial distribution of the electron density a special method was prepared

Syntheses, structures and redox properties of some complexes containing the Os(dppe)Cp* fragment, including [{Os(dppe)Cp*}2(mu-C triple bondCC triple bond C)].

Science.gov (United States)

Bruce, Michael I; Costuas, Karine; Davin, Thomas; Halet, Jean-François; Kramarczuk, Kathy A; Low, Paul J; Nicholson, Brian K; Perkins, Gary J; Roberts, Rachel L; Skelton, Brian W; Smith, Mark E; White, Allan H

2007-12-14

The sequential conversion of [OsBr(cod)Cp*] (9) to [OsBr(dppe)Cp*] (10), [Os([=C=CH2)(dppe)Cp*]PF6 ([11]PF6), [Os(C triple bond CH)(dppe)Cp*] (12), [{Os(dppe)Cp*}2{mu-(=C=CH-CH=C=)}][PF6]2 ([13](PF6)2) and finally [{Os(dppe)Cp*}(2)(mu-C triple bond CC triple bond C)] (14) has been used to make the third member of the triad [{M(dppe)Cp*}2(mu-C triple bond CC triple bond C)] (M = Fe, Ru, Os). The molecular structures of []PF6, 12 and 14, together with those of the related osmium complexes [Os(NCMe)(dppe)Cp*]PF6 ([15]PF6) and [Os(C triple bond CPh)(dppe)Cp*] (16), have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Comparison of the redox properties of 14 with those of its iron and ruthenium congeners shows that the first oxidation potential E1 varies as: Fe approximately Os < Ru. Whereas the Fe complex has been shown to undergo three sequential 1-electron oxidation processes within conventional electrochemical solvent windows, the Ru and Os compounds undergo no fewer than four sequential oxidation events giving rise to a five-membered series of redox related complexes [{M(dppe)Cp*}2(mu-C4)]n+ (n = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4), the osmium derivatives being obtained at considerably lower potentials than the ruthenium analogues. These results are complimented by DFT and DT DFT calculations.

Trinuclear ruthenium dioxolene complexes based on the bridging ligand hexahydroxytriphenylene: electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and near-infrared electrochromic behaviour associated with a reversible seven-membered redox chain.

Science.gov (United States)

Grange, Christopher S; Meijer, Anthony J H M; Ward, Michael D

2010-01-07

The trinuclear complexes [{(R2bipy)2Ru}3(mu3-HHTP)](PF6)3 [1(PF6)3, R = H; 2(PF6)3, R = 4-tBu] contain three {Ru(R2bipy)2}2+ fragments connected to the triangular tris-chelating ligand hexahydroxytriphenylene (H6HHTP). This bridging ligand contains three dioxolene-type binding sites, each of which can reversibly convert between dianionic catecholate (cat), monoanionic semiquinone (sq) or neutral quinone (q) redox states. The bridging ligand as a whole can therefore exist in seven different redox states from fully reduced [cat,cat,cat]6- through to fully oxidised, neutral [q,q,q]. Cyclic voltammetry of 1(PF6)3 in MeCN reveals six redox processes of which the three at more positive potentials (the sq/q couples) are reversible but the three at more negative potentials (the sq/cat couples) are irreversible with distorted wave shapes due to the insolubility of the reduced forms of the complex. In contrast, the more soluble complex 2(PF6)3 displays six reversible one-electron redox processes making all components of a seven-membered redox chain accessible. UV/Vis/NIR spectro-electrochemical studies reveal rich spectroscopic behaviour, with--in particular--very intense transitions in the near-IR region in many of the oxidation states associated with Ru(II)-->(dioxolene) MLCT and bridging ligand centred pi-pi* transitions. TDDFT calculations were used to analyse the electronic spectra in all seven oxidation states; the calculated spectra generally show very good agreement with experiment, which has allowed a fairly complete assignment of the low-energy transitions. The strong electrochromism of the complexes in the near-IR region has formed the basis of an optical window in which a thin film of 1(PF6)3 or 2(PF6)3 on a conductive glass surface can be reversibly and rapidly switched between redox states that alternate between strongly absorbing or near-transparent at 1100 nm, with--for 2(PF6)3--the switching being stable and reversible in water over thousands of cycles.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Pueraria Flavones by a Novel Solid Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS) Dropping Pills.

Science.gov (United States)

Guan, Qingxiang; Zhang, Guangyuan; Sun, Shilin; Fan, Hongbo; Sun, Cheng; Zhang, Shaoyuan

2016-05-01

To improve bioavailability of pueraria flavones (PF), a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) dropping pills composed of PF, Crodamol GTCC, Maisine 35-1, Cremophor RH 40, 1,2-propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) was developed. Particle size, zeta potential, morphology and in vitro drug release were investigated, respectively. Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills and commercial Yufengningxin dropping pills were also evaluated and compared in rats. Puerarin treated as the representative component of PF was analyzed. Dynamic light scattering showed the ability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills to form a nanoemulsion droplet size in aqueous media. The type of media showed no significant effects on the release rate of PF. PF-SMEDDS dropping pills were able to improve the in vitro release rate of PF, and the in vitro release of these dropping pills was significantly faster than that of Yufengningxin dropping pills. There was a dramatic difference between the mean value of t1/2, peak concentration (Cmax), the area of concentration-time curve from 0 to 6 h (AUC0-6 h) of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills and that of commercial Yufengningxin dropping pills. A pharmacokinetic study showed that the bioavailability of PF was greatly enhanced by PF-SMEDDS dropping pills. The value of Cmax and relative bioavailability of PF-SMEDDS dropping pills were dramatically improved by an average of 1.69- and 2.36-fold compared with that of Yufengningxin dropping pills after gavage administration, respectively. It was concluded that bioavailability of PF was greatly improved and that PF-SMEDDS dropping pills might be an encouraging strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of PF.

Insect cells are superior to Escherichia coli in producing malaria proteins inducing IgG targeting PfEMP1 on infected erythrocytes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Victor, Michala E; Bengtsson, Anja; Andersen, Gorm

2010-01-01

-exposed epitopes are unknown. An insect cell and Escherichia coli based system was used to express single and double domains encoded by the pfd1235w var gene. The resulting recombinant proteins have been evaluated for yield and purity and their ability to induce rat antibodies, which react with the native PFD1235w...... PfEMP1 antigen expressed on 3D7PFD1235w-IE. Their recognition by human anti-malaria antibodies from previously infected Tanzanian donors was also analysed....

Development of fisetin-loaded folate functionalized pluronic micelles for breast cancer targeting.

Science.gov (United States)

Pawar, Atmaram; Singh, Srishti; Rajalakshmi, S; Shaikh, Karimunnisa; Bothiraja, C

2018-01-15

The natural flavonoid fisetin (FS) has shown anticancer properties but its in-vivo administration remains challenging due to its poor aqueous solubility. The aim of the study was to develop FS loaded pluronic127 (PF)-folic acid (FA) conjugated micelles (FS-PF-FA) by the way of increasing solubility, bioavailability and active targetability of FS shall increase its therapeutic efficacy. FA-conjugated PF was prepared by carbodiimide crosslinker chemistry. FS-PF-FA micelles were prepared by thin-film hydration method and evaluated in comparison with free FS and FS loaded PF micelles (FS-PF). The smooth surfaces with spherical in shape of FS-PF-PF micelles displayed smaller in size (103.2 ± 6.1 nm), good encapsulation efficiency (82.50 ± 1.78%), zeta potential (-26.7 ± 0.44 mV) and sustained FS release. Bioavailability of FS from FS-PF-PF micelles was increased by 6-fold with long circulation time, slower plasma elimination and no sign of tissue toxicity as compared to free FS. Further, the FS-PF-FA micelles demonstrated active targeting effect on folate overexpressed human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The concentration of the drug needed for growth inhibition of 50% of cells in a designed time period (GI50) was 14.3 ± 1.2 µg/ml for FS while it was greatly decreased to 9.8 ± 0.78 µg/ml, i.e. a 31.46% decrease for the FS-PF. Furthermore, the GI50 value for FS-PF-FA was 4.9 ± 0.4 µg/ml, i.e. a 65.737% decrease compared to FS and 50% decrease compare to FS-PF. The results indicate that the FS-PF-FA micelles have the potential to be applied for targeting anticancer drug delivery.

Hydrophobic ionic liquids based on the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation for lithium/seawater batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Yancheng; Urquidi-Macdonald, Mirna

Two hydrophobic ionic liquids (room temperature molten salts) based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation (BMI +), BMI +PF 6- and BMI +Tf 2N -, were used in developing a highly efficient lithium anode system for lithium/seawater batteries. The lithium anode system was composed of lithium metal/ionic liquid/Celgard membrane. Both BMI +PF 6-and BMI +Tf 2N - maintained high apparent anodic efficiency (up to 100%) under potentiostatic polarization (at +0.5 V versus open-circuit potential (OCP)) in a 3% NaCl solution. Eventually, traces of water contaminated the ionic liquid and a bilayer film (LiH and LiOH) on the lithium surface was formed, decreasing the rate of lithium anodic reaction and hence the discharge current density. BMI +Tf 2N - prevented traces of water from reaching the lithium metal surface longer than BMI +PF 6- (60 h versus 7 h). However, BMI +PF 6- was better than BMI +Tf 2N - in keeping a constant current density (˜0.2 mA cm -2) before the traces of water contaminated the lithium surface due to the non-reactivity of BMI +PF 6- with the lithium metal that kept the bare lithium surface. During the discharge process, BMI +PF 6- and BMI +Tf 2N - acted as ion transport media of Li +, Cl -, OH - and H 2O, but did not react with them because of the excellent chemical stability, high conductivity, and high hydrophobicity of these two ionic liquids. Both BMI +PF 6- and BMI +Tf 2N - gels were tentative approaches used to delay the traces of water coming in contact with the lithium surface.

A guide to using the BL-6A2 synchrotron facilities at the photon factory, Tsukuba, Japan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-08-01

The Photon Factory (PF) consists of a 2.5 GeV electron/positron linear accelerator, a 2.5 GeV storage ring as a dedicated synchrotron light source, beam lines and experimental stations, to serve users synchrotron radiation (SR) for experiment. The 2.5 GeV linear accelerator is used as an injector for both PF ring and the accumulating ring (AR). It is currently capable of injecting positrons or electrons. The AR has been partly used as a high energy synchrotron radiation source from its bending magnets, and partly augmented with a new insertion device to produce elliptically polarized radiation. It has been operated for the users of synchrotron radiation at the energy from 5.8 to 6.5 GeV. With the electron beam in the storage ring for SR research, the instability of the beam is inevitable arising from ions or charged dust trapped by the beam. Therefore, positrons are used instead of electrons in order to completely overcome the difficulty. The wiggler produces vertically polarized radiation in the range of photon energy. The superconducting NbTi is well suitable to obtain high magnetic field. (K.I.)

Implementation of an implicit method into heat conduction calculation of TRAC-PF1/MOD2 code

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Akimoto, Hajime; Abe, Yutaka; Ohnuki, Akira; Murao, Yoshio

1990-08-01

A two-dimensional unsteady heat conduction equation is solved in the TRAC-PF/MOD2 code to calculate temperature transients in fuel rod. A large CPU time is often required to get stable solution of temperature transients in the TRAC calculation with a small axial node size (less than 1.0 mm), because the heat conduction equation is discretized explicitly. To eliminate the restriction of the maximum time step size by the heat conduction calculation, an implicit method for solving the heat condition equation was developed and implemented into the TRAC code. Several assessment calculations were performed with the original and modified TRAC codes. It is confirmed that the implicit method is reliable and is successfully implemented into the TRAC code through comparison with theoretical solutions and assessment calculation results. It is demonstrated that the implicit method makes the heat conduction calculation practical even for the analyses of temperature transients with the axial node size less than 0.1 mm. (author)

Hyperbranched polyester: single route synthesis, characterization and evaluation as impact modifier of an epoxy resin; Poliester hiperramificado: sintese por uma rota simples, caracterizacao e avaliacao como modificador de impacto de uma resina epoxi

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miranda, B.H.S.; Sousa, A.R., E-mail: rangel@deii.cefetmg.br [Centro Federal de Educacao Tecnologica de Minas Gerais (DEMAT/CEFET-MG), Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais; Alves, A.P.P.; Silva, G.G. [Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte (Brazil). Departamento de Quimica. Lab. de Materiais Polimericos Multicomponentes

2015-07-01

Two hyperbranched polyesters were obtained using glycerol and adipic acid as monomers, they were characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 13}C NMR) to branching degree determination, size exclusion chromatography to molar mass obtention and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate the thermal stability. The polyesters synthesized were added to epoxy resin, at 10% by weight, to evaluate the implication on mechanical properties, impact and stress strain, and thermal (glassy transition temperature - Tg). We observed that rising the synthesis time from 6 to 15,5 hours the degree of branching, molar mass and thermal stability of the polyester increased. The addition of hyperbranched polyesters did not change the mechanical properties of epoxy resin significantly, but the Tg was reduced. (author)

Self-assembled thin film of imidazolium ionic liquid on a silicon surface: Low friction and remarkable wear-resistivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gusain, Rashi; Kokufu, Sho; Bakshi, Paramjeet S.; Utsunomiya, Toru; Ichii, Takashi; Sugimura, Hiroyuki; Khatri, Om P.

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ionic liquid thin film is deposited on a silicon surface via covalent interaction. • Chemical and morphological features of ionic liquid thin film are probed by XPS and AFM. • Ionic liquid thin film exhibited low and steady friction along with remarkable wear-resistivity. - Abstract: Imidazolium-hexafluorophosphate (ImPF_6) ionic liquid thin film is prepared on a silicon surface using 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane as a bifunctional chemical linker. XPS result revealed the covalent grafting of ImPF_6 thin film on a silicon surface. The atomic force microscopic images demonstrated that the ImPF_6 thin film is composed of nanoscopic pads/clusters with height of 3–7 nm. Microtribological properties in terms of coefficient of friction and wear-resistivity are probed at the mean Hertzian contact pressure of 0.35–0.6 GPa under the rotational sliding contact. The ImPF_6 thin film exhibited low and steady coefficient of friction (μ = 0.11) along with remarkable wear-resistivity to protect the underlying silicon substrate. The low shear strength of ImPF_6 thin film, the covalent interaction between ImPF_6 ionic liquid thin film and underlying silicon substrate, and its regular grafting collectively reduced the friction and improved the anti-wear property. The covalently grafted ionic liquid thin film further shows immense potential to expand the durability and lifetime of M/NEMS based devices with significant reduction of the friction.

Self-assembled thin film of imidazolium ionic liquid on a silicon surface: Low friction and remarkable wear-resistivity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gusain, Rashi [CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Mohkampur, Dehardun 248005 (India); Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi 110025 (India); Kokufu, Sho [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501 (Japan); Bakshi, Paramjeet S. [CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Mohkampur, Dehardun 248005 (India); Utsunomiya, Toru; Ichii, Takashi; Sugimura, Hiroyuki [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501 (Japan); Khatri, Om P., E-mail: opkhatri@iip.res.in [CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum, Mohkampur, Dehardun 248005 (India); Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, New Delhi 110025 (India)

2016-02-28

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Ionic liquid thin film is deposited on a silicon surface via covalent interaction. • Chemical and morphological features of ionic liquid thin film are probed by XPS and AFM. • Ionic liquid thin film exhibited low and steady friction along with remarkable wear-resistivity. - Abstract: Imidazolium-hexafluorophosphate (ImPF{sub 6}) ionic liquid thin film is prepared on a silicon surface using 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane as a bifunctional chemical linker. XPS result revealed the covalent grafting of ImPF{sub 6} thin film on a silicon surface. The atomic force microscopic images demonstrated that the ImPF{sub 6} thin film is composed of nanoscopic pads/clusters with height of 3–7 nm. Microtribological properties in terms of coefficient of friction and wear-resistivity are probed at the mean Hertzian contact pressure of 0.35–0.6 GPa under the rotational sliding contact. The ImPF{sub 6} thin film exhibited low and steady coefficient of friction (μ = 0.11) along with remarkable wear-resistivity to protect the underlying silicon substrate. The low shear strength of ImPF{sub 6} thin film, the covalent interaction between ImPF{sub 6} ionic liquid thin film and underlying silicon substrate, and its regular grafting collectively reduced the friction and improved the anti-wear property. The covalently grafted ionic liquid thin film further shows immense potential to expand the durability and lifetime of M/NEMS based devices with significant reduction of the friction.

Pharmacologic inhibition of S1P attenuates ATF6 expression, causes ER stress and contributes to apoptotic cell death.

Science.gov (United States)

Lebeau, Paul; Byun, Jae Hyun; Yousof, Tamana; Austin, Richard C

2018-04-22

Mammalian cells express unique transcription factors embedded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, such as the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), that promote de novo lipogenesis. Upon their release from the ER, the SREBPs require proteolytic activation in the Golgi by site-1-protease (S1P). As such, inhibition of S1P, using compounds such as PF-429242 (PF), reduces cholesterol synthesis and may represent a new strategy for the management of dyslipidemia. In addition to the SREBPs, the unfolded protein response (UPR) transducer, known as the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), is another ER membrane-bound transcription factor that requires S1P-mediated activation. ATF6 regulates ER protein folding capacity by promoting the expression of ER chaperones such as the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78). ER-resident chaperones like GRP78 prevent and/or resolve ER polypeptide accumulation and subsequent ER stress-induced UPR activation by folding nascent polypeptides. Here we report that pharmacological inhibition of S1P reduced the expression of ATF6 and GRP78 and induced the activation of UPR transducers inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (IRE1α) and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK). As a consequence, S1P inhibition also increased the susceptibility of cells to ER stress-induced cell death. Our findings suggest that S1P plays a crucial role in the regulation of ER folding capacity and also identifies a compensatory cross-talk between UPR transducers in order to maintain adequate ER chaperone expression and activity. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Los Alamos County Fire Department LAFD: TA-55 PF-4 Facility Familiarization Tour, OJT 55260

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rutherford, Victor Stephen [Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

2017-07-13

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) will conduct familiarization tours for Los Alamos County Fire Department (LAFD) personnel at the Plutonium Facility (PF-4) at Technical Area (TA)-55. These familiarization tours are official LANL business; the purpose of these tours is to orient the firefighters to the facility so that they can respond efficiently and quickly to a variety of emergency situations. This orientation includes the ingress and egress of the area and buildings, layout and organization of the facility, evacuation procedures and assembly points, and areas of concern within the various buildings at the facility. LAFD firefighters have the skills and abilities to perform firefighting operations and other emergency response tasks that cannot be provided by other LANL personnel who have the required clearance level. This handout provides details of the information, along with maps and diagrams, to be presented during the familiarization tours. The handout will be distributed to the trainees at the time of the tour. A corresponding checklist will also be used as guidance during the familiarization tours to ensure that all required information is presented to LAFD personnel.

Measurements of fusion-protons anisotropy around the pinch axis within high-current PF-1000 experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sadowski, M.J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies - IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland)] [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion - IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland); Malinowska, A.; Malinowski, K.; Czaus, K.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Skladnik-Sadowska, E.; Zebrowski, J. [The Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies - IPJ, 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Karpinski, L.; Paduch, M.; Scholz, M.; Stepniewski, W. [Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion - IPPLM, 01-497 Warsaw (Poland)

2011-07-01

The paper describes measurements of fast protons produced by D-D fusion reactions during high-current discharges within the PF-1000 facility operated with the deuterium filling at 27 kV, 480 kJ. The measurements were performed by means of a set of pinhole-cameras equipped with PM-355 track detectors shielded by 80-{mu}m-thick Al-filters, which eliminated fast primary deuterons and protons of lower energy (< 3 MeV). Those cameras were placed at different angles around the pinch axis. The obtained proton images showed a distinct angular anisotropy, which was explained by an influence of local magnetic fields connected with a filamentary structure of the plasma column during the fast proton (and neutron) emission. The paper shows that in addition to measurements of a fusion neutron anisotropy it is reasonable to study also an anisotropy of fusion protons (originated from the second branch of the D-D reactions), as well as other charged fusion products. This document is composed of a paper followed by a poster

Evidence for anomalous nuclei among relativistic projectile fragments at Bevalac energies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heckman, H.H.

1981-01-01

Two independent emulsion experiments using beams of 16 O and 56 Fe at approximately 2 GeV/nucleon find that the reaction mean free paths of projectile fragments (PF) with Z between 3 and 26 are shorter for a few centimeters after their emission than at larger distances, or than predicted from experiments on beam nuclei. Under the assumption that there are two populations of PF, a best fit to the data is obtained when approximately 6% of the PF have an anomalously short mean free path. The anomalous property of PF persists in subsequent fragmentation reactions. 6 figures

A.C. impedance, XRD, DSC, SEM and charge/discharge studies on Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2 dispersoid LiPF6/PVC/PVdF-co-HFP composite polymer electrolytes by phase inversion

Science.gov (United States)

Vickraman, P.; Gopukumar, S.

2017-07-01

The PVC/PVdF-co-HFP composite polymer electrolyte membranes (CPEMs) by varying blend ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 with fixed content of Al2O3, TiO2 and SiO2 having soaked in 0.5 M LiPF6 in EC/DEC (1:1) v/v) have been prepared by phase inversion. CPEMs of higher ionic conductivity (not dependent on electrolyte uptake as observed in our study) ASA4 (3.61×10-4 Scm-1), TSA3 (1.53×10-4 Scm-1), and SSA3 (4.81×10-4 Scm-1) have been only chosen for XRD, DSC, SEM and electrochemical studies. In XRD, crystalline peaks (phases) of PVdF have been noted with/without change in intensity as well as FWHM which correspond to type of filler interaction with host matrix. In DSC, it is observed that shifts in baseline, melting endotherms, and area under the endotherms indicating the thermal hist ory of PVC (Tg = 82 ° C) and melting of VdF crystallites varied with nature of the filler dispersoid. In SEM, the coagulated fibrils of the polymer coiled with the sponge like structure has been mapped. The charge/discharge studies are carried out on these CPEMs at C/10 rate in the voltage range 2.8 V - 4.2 V, and it is noted that the TSA3 showed better cycling performance with good capacity retention i.e., 50 cycles with 66% capacity retention than ASA4 of 28 cycles with 65% and SSA3 of 5 cycles with 56%. In the present study Coulombic efficiency is concerned only for first cycle and it is noted that the TSA3 showed 71% than 66% and 62% respectively for SSA3 and ASA4.

High frequency titration in non-aqueous solvents. Application to HF and UF6

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Neveu, Claude

1965-01-01

In this research thesis, the author first presents the main theoretical notions regarding high frequency titration, notably by studying characteristic curves, i.e. the titration meter indication with respect to conductibility. He reports the use of this method for the study of various reactions in non-aqueous medium: reaction of AlCl 3 with pyridine in acetonitrile, of AlCl 3 with HCl in tetrachloroethane and in nitromethane. He also reports the attempt of application of this method to the titration of HF in presence of UF 6 in CCl 4 as solvent, or by using F acceptors like BF 3 , PF 5 or ClF 3 as reactants [fr

Baking loss of bread with special emphasis on increasing water holding capacity.

Science.gov (United States)

Kotoki, D; Deka, S C

2010-01-01

Potato flour (PF), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and honey were used as baking agents and their effects on baking loss and sensory quality were studied. PF at 1, 2 and 4% levels decreased baking loss followed by HPMC and honey. Water absorption was substantially high with the HPMC (70.8-80.8%) and PF (61.7-71.7%) compared to honey and normal standard bread. PF incorporation increased shelf-life (6-7 days) as compared to HPMC and honey. HPMC incorporated bread had higher moisture content (36.8-38.0%) followed by PF (34.5-35.8%) and honey (34.7%). The ash content was in the order of PF (1%) > honey (4%) > PF (2%) > normal bread > HPMC (0.5 g) > PF (4%) > HPMC (1 g) > HPMC (1.5 g). PF incorporated bread had sensorily highest acceptance followed by HPMC and honey.

Antitumor Efficacy of the Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor PF-04691502 in a Human Xenograft Tumor Model Derived from Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells Harboring a PIK3CA Mutation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Douglas D Fang

Full Text Available PIK3CA (phosphoinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide mutations can help predict the antitumor activity of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR pathway inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical settings. In light of the recent discovery of tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs in various tumor types, we developed an in vitro CSC model from xenograft tumors established in mice from a colorectal cancer patient tumor in which the CD133+/EpCAM+ population represented tumor-initiating cells. CD133+/EpCAM+ CSCs were enriched under stem cell culture conditions and formed 3-dimensional tumor spheroids. Tumor spheroid cells exhibited CSC properties, including the capability for differentiation and self-renewal, higher tumorigenic potential and chemo-resistance. Genetic analysis using an OncoCarta™ panel revealed a PIK3CA (H1047R mutation in these cells. Using a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, PF-04691502, we then showed that blockage of the PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibited the in vitro proliferation of CSCs and in vivo xenograft tumor growth with manageable toxicity. Tumor growth inhibition in mice was accompanied by a significant reduction of phosphorylated Akt (pAKT (S473, a well-established surrogate biomarker of PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway inhibition. Collectively, our data suggest that PF-04691502 exhibits potent anticancer activity in colorectal cancer by targeting both PIK3CA (H1047R mutant CSCs and their derivatives. These results may assist in the clinical development of PF-04691502 for the treatment of a subpopulation of colorectal cancer patients with poor outcomes.

Full Scale Deposition Trials at 150 MWe PF-boiler Co-firing COal and Straw: Summary of Results

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Karin Hedebo; Frandsen, Flemming; Hansen, Peter Farkas Binderup

1999-01-01

A conventional PF-fired boiler at the Danish energy company I/S Midtkraft has been converted to coal-straw co-combustion and a two-year demonstration programme was initiated in January 1996 addressing several aspects of coal-straw co-combustion. Deposition trials were performed as part...... during co-combustion with straw. In addition, where Fe dominated upstream deposits are found in the hottest positions during pure coal combustion, Ca, and to some degree Si, are playing the major role during co-combustion. The addition of straw to the fuel is also seen to lead to a change in the texture...... of the upstream deposits, from an ordered dendritic structure of the larger particles with small particles in between during pure coal combustion, to a more random deposition of the larger particles among the small during co-combustion. No deposition of chlorine species was observed in the SEM-EDX analysis...

Hydrophobic task-specific ionic liquids: synthesis, properties and application for the capture of SO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Shidong; Hou, Yucui; Wu, Weize; Ren, Shuhang; Qian, Jianguo

2014-08-15

The capture of SO2 by ionic liquids (ILs) has drawn much attention all over the world. However, ILs can absorb not only SO2 but also water from flue gas. The removal of water from ILs is necessary for reusing the absorbent. In order to reduce the energy costs of removing water, it would be helpful to weaken the interactions between ILs and water. In this work, two kinds of hydrophobic task-specific ILs, 1-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Et2NEmim] [PF6]) and 1-(2-diethyl-aminoethyl)-1-methylpyrrolidinium hexafluorophosphate ([Et2NEmpyr][PF6]), were designed and synthesized. Thermal stability and physical properties of the ILs were studied. Furthermore, the application of the ILs for the capture of SO2 and the absorption mechanism were systematically investigated. It has been found that both of the ILs are immiscible with water, and [Et2NEmim][PF6] has much lower viscosity, much higher thermal stability and much higher SO2 absorption rate than [Et2NEmpyr][PF6]. [Et2NEmim][PF6] shows high SO2 absorption capacities up to 2.11 mol SO2 per mole IL (pure SO2) and 0.94 mol SO2 per mole IL (3% SO2) under hydrous conditions at 30 °C. The result suggests that [Et2NEmim][PF6] is a promising recyclable absorbent for the capture of SO2. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.