PC Control Research Articles

The efficacy of rooibos Aspalathus linearis as an ergogenic aid during exercise

This study investigated whether rooibos herbal tea Aspalathus linearis has an ergogenic effect during a fatiguing arm strength test to exhaustion. Thirty-two male participants were randomised in a single blinded, cross-over placebo controlled study in which they ingested standardised rooibos or placebo capsules for four weeks prior to a fatiguing elbow flexion/extension exercise test entailing five sets/bouts of 15 repetitions of maximum voluntary contractions separated by 10-second rest intervals on a Biodex System 3 at a speed of 60° per second. Peak torque flexion (Nm) was consistently higher in the rooibos experimental (Re) compared to the placebo control (Pc) across the five exercise bouts, and this performance trend during flexion was also seen in the total work (joules) completed, although not significant (P > 0.05). It appears that the antioxidant properties of rooibos, may have contributed to an improvement in physical performance during a maximal isokinetic arm exercise protocol to induce fatigue.

The efficacy of rooibos Aspalathus linearis as an ergogenic aid during exercise

This study investigated whether rooibos herbal tea Aspalathus linearis has an ergogenic effect during a fatiguing arm strength test to exhaustion. Thirty-two male participants were randomised in a single blinded, cross-over placebo controlled study in which they ingested standardised rooibos or placebo capsules for four weeks prior to a fatiguing elbow flexion/extension exercise test entailing five sets/bouts of 15 repetitions of maximum voluntary contractions separated by 10-second rest intervals on a Biodex System 3 at a speed of 60° per second. Peak torque flexion (Nm) was consistently higher in the rooibos experimental (Re) compared to the placebo control (Pc) across the five exercise bouts, and this performance trend during flexion was also seen in the total work (joules) completed, although not significant (P > 0.05). It appears that the antioxidant properties of rooibos, may have contributed to an improvement in physical performance during a maximal isokinetic arm exercise protocol to induce fatigue.

Reshaping the Response Characteristic of Industrial Robot Using External PC Controller

Reshaping the Response Characteristic of Industrial Robot Using External PC Controller

Robot SLAM with Ad hoc wireless network adapted to search and rescue environments

An innovative multi-robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is proposed based on a mobile Ad hoc local wireless sensor network (Ad-WSN). Multiple followed-robots equipped with the wireless link RS232/485 module act as mobile nodes, with various on-board sensors, Tp-link wireless local area network cards, and Tp-link wireless routers. The master robot with embedded industrial PC and a complete robot control system autonomously performs the SLAM task by exchanging information with multiple followed-robots by using this self-organizing mobile wireless network. The PC on the remote console can monitor multi-robot SLAM on-site and provide direct motion control of the robots. This mobile Ad-WSN complements an environment devoid of usual GPS signals for the robots performing SLAM task in search and rescue environments. In post-disaster areas, the network is usually absent or variable and the site scene is cluttered with obstacles. To adapt to such harsh situations, the proposed self-organizing mobile Ad-WSN enables robots to complete the SLAM process while improving the performances of object of interest identification and exploration area coverage. The information of localization and mapping can communicate freely among multiple robots and remote PC control center via this mobile Ad-WSN. Therefore, the autonomous master robot runs SLAM algorithms while exchanging information with multiple followed-robots and with the remote PC control center via this local WSN environment. Simulations and experiments validate the improved performances of the exploration area coverage, object marked, and loop closure, which are adapted to search and rescue post-disaster cluttered environments.

Cofilin-1 Activation in Stored Platelets

BackgroundPlatelets, harvested for transfusion, have a relatively short “shelf life” of 5 days. With increasing storage, platelets develop structural and functional changes called “platelet storage lesions”. These changes result not only in reduced hemostatic response to agonists but also in an accelerated clearance from the circulation in vivo. The precise mechanisms of clearance of platelets aged in vitro (or vivo) are not known. There is an increased exposure of the anionic phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface of stored platelets. PS is a well-known tag for clearance of cells from the circulation by the macrophage PS receptors. PS-expressing stored platelets are also rapidly cleared from the circulation, presumably through the similar mechanism. Targeting this pathway could improve the recovery of stored platelets following transfusion by inhibiting storage-induced PS exposureResults and DiscussionActin is a major PS binding proteins in platelets. In resting platelets, actin filaments are at the periphery and in close proximity to the membrane. We hypothesize that the interaction with actin filaments constrains the mobility of PS in the inner leaflet. We generated artificial bilamellar liposomes mimicking the intra (PS) or extra (PC) cellular phospholipid composition of the membrane bilayer. When these liposomes were incubated with platelet lysate, the most striking enrichment was seen in actin, which was increased 5-fold in PS-containing liposome compared to control PC liposomes. These data suggest that actin and actin-associated proteins may, in fact, be the major inner leaflet PS-binding proteins in resting platelets.Cortical actin retracts from the membrane with PS exposure in senescent platelets: We examined the morphological changes in resting fresh platelets, five-day-old platelets and ABT-737 (10 μM) treated platelets by immunofluorescence microscopy. Platelets immobilized on polylysine-coated plates were immunostained with FITC-lactadherin and Alexa- 647-phalloidin. As shown in Figure 1, resting platelets do not express PS (no or minimal FITC-lactadherin staining). Actin filaments (Alexa-647-phalloidin) are distributed in the subcortical region as a thin submembranous network. In 6-day old stored platelets, there is significant increase in platelet surface FITC-lactadherin staining. In addition, in most platelets actin filaments have retracted from the subcortical region towards the center of the platelet (compare figure 1 panels A and BBad phosphorylation is significantly diminished in stored platelets. Phosphorylated Bad is sequestered in the cytosol by binding to the scaffolding protein 14-3-3. Furthermore, phosphorylation of S118 inhibits apoptosis by preventing its association with Bcl-xL. Dephosphorylation of Bad may initiate intrinsic apoptosis by associating with Bcl-xL. We determined the phosphorylation status of Bad in stored platelets by Phosphoproteomic and WB analyses of stored and fresh human platelets ( Figure-2) Both methods showed a drastic decrease in Bad is phosphorylation at serine residues 99 and 118 in stored platelets.Activation of cofilin-1 by dephosphorylation in stored platelets. Like Bad, phosphorylation of cofilin-1 is also markedly decrease in stored platelets as shown by WB analyses (Figure-3). It is unclear how the apoptotic pathways lead to cofilin-1 activation (dephosphorylation). Caspases are known to activate slingshot phosphatase which could then activate cofilina1 by its dephosphorylation. LIM- kinases phosphorylate and, thus, inactivate cofilin-1 whereas slingshot phosphatases dephosphorylate and activate cofilin-1. Our data show that the Lim kinase inhibitor, as expected increased ABT-737-induced PS exposure on platelets (Figure 4A), whereas slingshot phosphatase inhibitor inhibited ABT-737-induced PS exposure at a 1-μM concentration (Figure 4B)ConclusionOur data show that activation of apoptotic pathways is responsible for activation of cofilin and subsequent PS exposure by actin reorganization in stored platelets. Targeting this pathway could improve the recovery of stored platelets following transfusion by inhibiting storage-induced PS exposure. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Optically transparent and flame-retarded polycarbonate nanocomposite based on diphenylphosphine oxide-containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

Series of phosphorus-containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (DPOP-POSSs) have been synthesized through hydrolytic condensation reactions. FTIR, NMR, and MALDI-TOF-MS were used to identify the structures of the DPOP-POSSs, which including T8, T9, and T10 cage structures. Excellent optically transparent polycarbonate PC/DPOP-POSSs nanocomposites can be achieved through simple twin-screw extrusion. The % transmittance of the PC control (83%) was decreased by 3–5% in the PC/DPOP-POSSs nanocomposites. The pyrolysis and fire behavior of PC/DPOP-POSSs nanocomposites have been investigated by TGA-FTIR, cone calorimetry, LOI and UL-94. PC/DPOP-POSSs-6 nanocomposites showed LOI values of 30.1% and V-0 rating. The flame-retardant performance and mechanisms of DPOP-POSSs have been assessed based on TGA-FTIR, XPS, and FTIR results and are discussed in detail. The main flame-retardant activity of DPOP-POSSs is due to formation of a framework of silicon and phosphorus in the condensed phase, which can improve the thermal stability, strength, and integrity of the char layer.

СТВОРЕННЯ «SMART» КАБІНЕТУ ФІЗИКИ У ТЕХНІЧНОМУ КОЛЕДЖІ

The article highlights the issues related with the creation of "Smart" cabinet of physics based on microelectronics at a technical college. In fact, the "Smart" cabinet of physics is a creative space created by the students and tutors of the educational institution. Such "Smart" cabinet of physics is a "smart" educational environment that is fully automated and can be operated in three modes: "standard", "automatic", "automatic energy saving". The control of the cabinet devices is realized from a smartphone, PC and remote control. The cabinet is equipped with variety of sensors, indicators, electronic components based on Arduino UNO, MEGA, WiFi module ESP8266-12E.The indexes taken from the built-in sensors and indicators of the "Smart" cabinet are used for supplying information about the microclimate of the cabinet, for demonstrations at lectures and laboratory works in physics. The developed "Smart" cabinet of physics consists of three modules: "informational", "executive" and "demonstrational". The microcontroller ATMEL controls each module. The informational module is located in the stand "Physical basics of robotics", and the demonstrational module can be removed and used for demonstrations from the following sections: mechanics, molecular physics, electrodynamics, optics. Various sensors and components of the open-source programming platform Arduino conveniently and quickly connect to the demonstrational module (with the help of a flexible mounting board). Sensors of the "Smart" cabinet of physics give an opportunity to monitor the environment of the cabinet and outside it (temperature, humidity, pressure, illumination, level of carbon dioxide and other gases in the air),as well as to realize remote control of peripheral devices: TV, projector, lamps, sockets, curtains. All three modules connect to the wireless local area network by the topology of the "star" by means of radio communication based on the corresponding modules. The main module in it is the executive one, which has access to the INTERNET. The acquirement of the instrumental, technical, and software tools should become the main part of the system of training in a technical educational institution. The research deals with the issue of creating "Smart" cabinet of physics in a technical college.

Influence of curing on pore properties and strength of alkali activated mortars

The paper investigates the effect of wet/dry, wet and dry curing on the pore properties and strength of an alkali activated cementitious (AACM) mortar. The pore characteristics were determined from the cumulative and differential pore volume curves obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry. AACM mortars possess a bimodal pore size distribution while the control PC mortar is unimodal. AACM mortars have a lower porosity, higher capillary pore volume, lower gel pore volume and lower critical and threshold pore diameters than the PC mortar which indicate greater durability potential of AACMs. Wet/dry curing is optimum for AACM mortars while wet curing is optimum for the PC mortar. Shrinkage and retarding admixtures improve the strength and pore structure of the AACMs.

Abstract 1102: IL-6/STAT3 activation in hepatocytes drives pro-metastatic niche formation in the liver

Abstract The liver is the most common site of metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This metastatic tropism is dependent, at least in part, on the formation of a “pro-metastatic” niche that supports tumor cell seeding and colonization in the liver. However, mechanisms that direct the formation of this niche remain poorly understood. We show using the LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-Trp53R172H/+;Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) model of PDAC that pancreatic tumor development enhances the susceptibility of the liver to metastatic seeding by inducing recruitment of F4/80+ and Ly6G+ myeloid cells and fibrosis within the liver. 3' mRNA sequencing (QuantSeq) on RNA isolated from the liver of KPC mice versus control PC mice revealed that the liver produces a specific set of myeloid chemoattractants, particularly serum amyloid A1 and A2 (SAA1/2), early during PDAC development. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on genes upregulated in the liver of KPC mice demonstrated a significant enrichment of the interleukin 6 (IL-6)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. Consistent with this finding, phosphorylation of STAT3 was detected in 20-30% of F4/80+ myeloid cells and 80-90% of hepatocytes. A requirement for IL-6/STAT3 signaling in the formation of a pro-metastatic niche was determined by comparing the metastatic potential of wild type mice, Il-6 knockout (Il-6-/-) mice, and mice treated with anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody after orthotopic implantation of KPC-derived PDAC cells. Compared to wild type mice, the liver of Il-6-/- mice and mice treated with anti-IL-6R antibody was less susceptible to metastatic seeding and showed significantly less accumulation of myeloid cells, fibrosis, and production of SAA1/2 in the liver. We obtained similar results with mice that lack Stat3 specifically in hepatocytes (Stat3flox/flox Alb-Cre), demonstrating that IL-6/STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes is necessary for the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver. Further, using Saa1/2 double knockout (Saa-/-) mice, we found that SAA1/2 production by hepatocytes was required for formation of the pro-metastatic niche in the liver and increased susceptibility to metastatic seeding. Patients with a history of liver metastasis also showed higher levels of SAA1/2 in the plasma compared to normal donors, and SAA overexpression was detected in hepatocytes in liver biopsy samples collected from PDAC patients. Collectively, our study reveals a novel role for hepatocytes in directing the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver during PDAC development and identifies IL-6/STAT3/SAA1/2 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for prevention of metastasis in PDAC. Citation Format: Jae W. Lee, Stacy K. Thomas, Chad A. Komar, Whitney L. Gladney, Xia Hua, Dong Xin, Abraham Shaked, Mitesh J. Borad, Ramesh K. Ramanathan, Ailing Ji, Nancy R. Webb, Maria C. de Beer, Frederick C. de Beer, Paige M. Porrett, Gregory L. Beatty. IL-6/STAT3 activation in hepatocytes drives pro-metastatic niche formation in the liver [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1102.

Access Control Android Application to Remotely Control PC

International Journal of Computer Sciences and Engineering (A UGC Approved and indexed with DOI, ICI and Approved, DPI Digital Library) is one of the leading and growing open access, peer-reviewed, monthly, and scientific research journal for scientists, engineers, research scholars, and academicians, which gains a foothold in Asia and opens to the world, aims to publish original, theoretical and practical advances in Computer Science,Information Technology, Engineering (Software, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics & Electrical), and all interdisciplinary streams of Computing Sciences. It intends to disseminate original, scientific, theoretical or applied research in the field of Computer Sciences and allied fields. It provides a platform for publishing results and research with a strong empirical component. It aims to bridge the significant gap between research and practice by promoting the publication of original, novel, industry-relevant research.

Elastyczny układ sterowania CNC maszyn bazujący na PC

In the article a PC-based CNC machine control system is presented which communicates with servo drives and auxiliary input/output devices via EtherCAT bus. LinuxRTAI real-time operating system and LinuxCNC control software were implemented in the PC controller. A software module implementing EtherCAT communication with the servo drives was developed and integrated with LinuxCNC. Experimental results were presented which show the trajectory smoothing capabilities of the control system. Experimental results were also presented that show following errors obtained by running an example trajectory on a linear motion module. Basic parameters that show the control systems capabilities obtained during the experimental tests have been presented. The CNC control system presented in this article was implemented on a 3-axis machine.

Development and Characterization of a white Led-Based Spectrophotometer for UV/VIS Gaseous Pollutants Detection Employing Michelson Interferometer and an Optical Filtering System

Aim of this paper is the design of an absorption spectrophotometer based on LED technology presenting several advantages such as high luminous efficiency, reliability, long operating duration, low maintenance and low power consumption besides the reduction of analyte temperature variations which occur if Xenon light source is used. An optical filtering system was realized to detect analyte absorption for each wavelength range selected by proper optical filters; also to characterize filtered light beam in terms of its coherence length, thus correlating measured absorption spectrum with light source characteristics, the Michelson interferometer was used. Realized white LED-based spectrophotometer can be used to monitor air quality in hospital rooms or to detect atmospheric pollution deriving from vehicular traffic and different typology of pollutants (e.g., heavy metals deriving by industrial activities). A PC-interfaced control unit acquires and processes raw data provided by sensors (pressure, temperature, humidity, luminosity) and manages the optical filtering system motion by actuating a stepper motor. Whole system operation was tested and obtained results confirm the proper functioning and correct interaction, through PC terminal, between user and control unit.

Take control of your PC with UEFI secure boot

UEFI secure boot is often regarded as a nuisance for Linux users, but you can use it to protect your system by taking control of it. Learn how to do this, sign your own bootloader, and protect your whole system with full disk encryption (including the kernel).

A new PC control software for ZLS-Burris gravity meters

The previous operation of the ZLS-Burris gravity meter using a PDA already provides a significant improvement of the operation of a metal spring gravity meter. But in the practical field work the observer usually wishes more information about the measurement and the collected data. This situation suggested an improvement of the software and computer hardware.The goal was to develop a small useful PC tool that eliminates these deficits. However, it resulted in a very extensive application software, which was developed during 2011–2015. Along the way, some unwanted effects of the original control circuit were detected. Therefore as a last step a complete new control circuit for the feedback system was developed. This new circuit is fast and smooth and without resonance effects to the system. The algorithm parameters can be specifically adapted to the specific gravity meter.The software has a security system that ensures the user, depending on his level of knowledge, a limited access to the software options.Furthermore, a customer project management system is integrated. The observer, the gravity meters, the projects and maps can be assigned. Several ZLS Burris gravity meters can be managed.A large station data management is integrated. Every station has up to more than twenty parameters, such as the mandatory coordinates or supplementary pictures of the station. External storage and documentation of the measurements are possible with extra modules.In addition the maintenance of the gravity meter system is significantly improved. The motor control of the early ZLS Burris gravity meter is also improved. The complete rotation is displayed on the screen.Finally, two survey examples show the advantages of the software related to the accuracy and the time needed for a measurement.

Implementation and Performance Analysis of Small Scale Integrated Circuit Test System Based On PMU

A design method of small integrated circuit test system based on precise measurement unit is presented in this paper, and the small power range is verified in detail. The test system the voltage/current clamp technique, comparison of technology, power expansion constant current source and voltage source and four quadrant drive technology, the combination of technology, to the device under test (DUT) applied to precisely and accurately measure the DUT value of the incentive, incentive in the response of the system at the same time. With high power capacity expansion to meet the various needs of the test circuit. The four channel system with integrated instrument amplifier circuit, combining extension circuit and PC control interface to accomplish the design of embedded controller, power, solve the nA current cannot be accurately measured, by optimizing the compensation circuit design, improve the testing speed of circuit. The analysis results show that the performance of the system, integrated circuit test system in the design of high precision, stable and reliable excitation and fast response speed, cost saving compared to 2/3 hardware design of similar products, to meet the integrated circuit DC parameter test requirements.

Abstract 1159: Targeting novel mucin synthesis pathway for pancreatic cancer treatment

Abstract Pancreatic cancer (PC) is most fatal and is the fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths in USA with a least five year survival of <7%. Although several overexpressed mucin subtypes (MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC16) that impede drug delivery to PC have been targeted with limited results, core enzymes involved in mucin biosynthesis have yet to be evaluated as potential targets. The core 2 β 1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GCNT3/C2GNT) plays a significant role in mucin glycan biosynthesis. We analyzed GCNT3 expression on 180 specimens from individuals with PC (90) or matched controls (90). Patients with low GCNT3 expression survived longer than patients with high GCNT3 expression (median survival: 17.5 vs. 10.5 months, p=0.036). We observed a significant increase in GCNT3 mRNA expression (103.16 folds; p<0.0001) in correlation with increased mucins subtypes (p<0.05) in the pancreatic tumors from genetically engineered mouse (GEM) compared with pancreata from wild-type mice, as determined by Next-generation Sequencing/RNAseq analysis. In in silico studies, blind docking simulations revealed that a novel drug talniflumate binds to GCNT3 with a better docking affinity of -8.3 kcal/mol. We synthesized talniflumate and determined quality/purity using NMR, HRMS, and HPLC for in vitro and in vivo studies. Pancreata from 6-week-old Kras GEM (N=6/group) treated with talniflumate showed a significant decrease in GCNT3 and mucin expression in PanIN lesions. In human PC MiaPaCa cell line, talniflumate reduced GCNT3 expression and the number of mucin-positive cells (38% p<0.0001). Further, PC cells (BxPc3 and Panc1) were treated with talniflumate for 24 hrs for mucin disruption followed by radioactive 3H gemcitabine treatment for 2 hrs. The cells treated with talniflumate showed 40% (p<0.03) and 50% (p<0.025) increased 3H gemcitabine uptake in BxPc3 and Panc1 cells compared to respective controls. GCNT3 CRISPR knock out PC cells and talniflumate treated PC cells showed a reduction in cell proliferation and significantly reduced spheroid formation (p<0.05). In in vivo, we did not observe any overt toxicity upon talniflumate treatment as determined by liver enzyme toxicity and body weight gain (N=5 mice/group). BxPC3 cells implanted nude mice (N=5 mice/group) treated with talniflumate or GCNT3 siRNA showed a marked reduction in xenograft tumors compared with untreated controls. Both talniflumate and GCNT3 siRNA significantly inhibited xenograft tumor weight (48% p<0.002 with siRNA, 63% p<0.0001 with talniflumate) and tumor volume (75% p<0.0001 with both siRNA and talniflumate) and GCNT3 enzyme activity (28% p<0.03). Transcriptome analysis of xenograft tumors (N=3/group) treated with GCNT3 SiRNA or talniflumate showed reduced GCNT3 and top hits related to mucin expression. These results justify the use of talniflumate for mucin synthesis disruption, thereby enhancing the uptake of gemcitabine and thereby efficacy for PC treatment. Citation Format: Altaf Mohammed, Naveena B. Janakiram, Venkateshwar Madka, Gaurav Kumar, Scott Edgar, Gopal Pathuri, Taylor Bryant, Yuting Zhang, Hariprasad Gali, Yan Daniel Zhao, Stan Lightfoot, Chinthalapally V. Rao. Targeting novel mucin synthesis pathway for pancreatic cancer treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1159. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1159

Abstract 2682: IL-6/STAT3 activation in hepatocytes drives the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver during pancreatic tumorigenesis

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States with metastasis to the liver as the major cause of mortality. While the propensity of PDAC to spread to the liver may reflect mechanical trapping of tumor cells that enter the portal circulation, primary tumor cells have also been suggested to secrete factors that may promote recruitment of myeloid cells to establish a pro-metastatic niche. In this study, we used the LSL-KrasG12D/+;LSL-Trp53R127H/+;Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) mouse model of PDAC to investigate the impact of PDAC development on the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver. We found that KPC mice (compared to age- and gender-matched control mice) demonstrated an increased susceptibility to tumor seeding in the liver even prior to development of invasive PDAC. Examination of the liver of KPC mice revealed diffuse activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, particularly in hepatocytes. Although hepatocytes are recognized as important regulators of inflammation, their role in establishing a pro-metastatic niche is unknown. To define changes in the liver associated with development of a pro-metastatic niche, we performed QuantSeq analysis on RNA isolated from the liver of KPC versus control PC mice. Our results showed increased transcriptional levels of myeloid chemoattractants, particularly serum amyloid A proteins that are predominantly produced by hepatocytes. Consistent with this finding, we observed an accumulation of F4/80+ and Ly6G+ myeloid cells in the liver of KPC mice by immunofluorescence microscopy. We next determined the role of tumor cells in driving cellular activation seen in the liver by establishing intraperitoneal and orthotopic models of PDAC. Using these models, we found that implantation of pancreatic tumor cells induced STAT3 activation in hepatocytes and stimulated F4/80+ and Ly6G+ myeloid cell recruitment to the liver. To determine whether cellular activation in the liver was associated with systemic release of soluble factors, we performed parabiotic joining of tumor-implanted mice and control wild type mice, and we found evidence of STAT3 activation and myeloid recruitment to the liver in parabiotic pairs. As interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key inflammatory cytokine that can activate STAT3 signaling, we hypothesized a role for IL-6 directed STAT3 activation in hepatocytes for development of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that IL-6 receptor blocking antibodies administered after tumor implantation reduced STAT3 activation in hepatocytes and decreased transcriptional levels of hepatocyte-derived chemoattractants. Together, our findings support a role for IL-6/STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes in driving a pro-metastatic niche in the liver during PDAC development. Citation Format: Jae W. Lee, Paige M. Porrett, Chad A. Komar, Whitney L. Gladney, Gregory L. Beatty. IL-6/STAT3 activation in hepatocytes drives the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the liver during pancreatic tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2682. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2682

Microstructure, compressive strength, and permeability of Portland-condensed silica fume cement

This paper investigates at the effects of condensed silica fume (CSF), as a cement replacement material, on the properties of cement-based pastes and mortars. The compressive strength, microstructure, and electrical resistivity of Portland-CSF cement were determined. In this research, CSF was used to replace cement at 0–8 wt% to produce Portland-CSF cement pastes and mortars with water to binder ratio of 0.5 for all mixes. Experimental results showed that the compressive strength of the mix with CSF was significantly increased with added CSF content, especially for the mix with 8 wt% of CSF, which was found to have the highest compressive strength (114% higher than that of PC control mix). Moreover, the microstructure of the Portland-CSF paste revealed a good reaction, as evident from the covered phases on the CSF particles. In addition, the durability of the concrete, which was primarily determined by bulk resistivity analysis, showed that CSF incorporated with PC could be used to enhance the properties of plain concrete.

Experimental study on the model-based control of a 2-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel robot camera stabilizer based on multi-thread programming concept

This article aims at proposing a real-time controller for a camera stabilizer using a 2-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel robot with simultaneous display of the control results using multi-threading programming concept. The main contribution of this article can be regarded as employing (a) a 2-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel robot as a camera stabilizer, (b) introducing approximated model and Jacobian model, and (c) using multi-thread programming in order to create equal conditions for comparing accuracy of designed controllers and simultaneous controlling and running of graphical user interface. The experimental setup consists of a 2-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel robot in which a camera is attached to its end-effector plus a 3-degree-of-freedom passive rotational platform, which provide the possibility to apply random perturbations on the base of the foregoing 2-degree-of-freedom spherical parallel robot. At the end-effector of the robot, a 6-degree-of-freedom sensor is installed which sends rotational data to a micro controller, wirelessly. To this end, transceiver boards are constructed to create connection between PC controller and micro-controller. A PC controller is designed in order to ensure that the installed cameras orientation will remain fixed for a prescribed orientation. In this regard, a controller without encoder and a Jacobian-based controller are employed for the under study spherical 2-degree-of-freedom parallel robot. Then, multi-thread programming is used to eliminate complexities of controller structures. Based on the experimental results obtained by implementing both controller, outputs are compared and mean error of each control method and the related RMSE are reported for the sake of proposing the most promising controller.

Motion Control System of NC Turret Punch Feeding Mechanism Based on Motion Control Card

According to the characteristics and requirements of NC turret punch feeding mechanism, the open NC system architecture is constructed based on the mode of PC and motion control card. The structure of hardware system is built with DMC1410 motion control card. The movement pattern of trapezoidal velocity curve and S velocity curve are analyzed. The flow chart and the software module of motion control system of NC turret punch feeding mechanism are presented. Under the support of MFC provided by VS2015 and movement function library provided by DMC1410 motion control card, the software of motion control system is developed.