We investigated the expression and deletion of DLC-1 (frequently deleted in liver cancer gene), first reported in 1998 and having a high homology with rat p122RhoGAP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Six (20%) of 30 human HCC samples and 2 (40%) of 5 HCC cell lines were found to have no detectable DLC-1 expression by reverse transcription-PCR. Homozygous DLC-1 deletion was detected by Southern...

NMDA receptors interact directly with postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), a scaffold protein that organizes a cytoskeletal- signaling complex at the postsynaptic membrane. The molecular mechanism by which the PSD-95-based protein complex is trafficked to the postsynaptic site is unknown but presumably involves specific motor proteins. Here we demonstrate a direct interaction between the PSD-95-as...

BACKGROUND Antibacterial coatings of medical devices have been introduced as a promising approach to reduce the risk of infection. In this context, diamond-like carbon coated polyethylene (DLC-PE) can be enriched with bactericidal ions and gain antimicrobial potency. So far, influence of different deposition methods and ions on antimicrobial effects of DLC-PE is unclear. METHODS We quantitati...

There are numerous types of surface coatings available to engineers in order to improve the friction and wear resistance of components. In order to successfully use these coatings in practice, it is important to understand the different types of coatings available, and the factors that control their mechanical and tribological properties. This paper will focus on the application of diamond-like...

The aim of this thesis is to propose new control strategies of building energy storage systems and analyze their effects on operations of power grids and electricity markets. Specifically, novel control schemes of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and variable speed heat pumps (VSHPs) are proposed to improve grid frequency regulation (GFR) and day-ahead (DA) electricity market clearing. The feas...

This paper evaluated the internal stresses of different diamond and diamondlike carbon DLC coatings. For the diamond coatings, the stresses were determined using micro-Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction XRD , while the stresses of DLC films were determined with bent plate method. The internal stress was related to the structural properties of the coatings. Direct current plasma jet, combu...

Small amplitude (50 μm) reciprocating wear of hydrogen-containing diamond-like carbon (DLC) films of different compositions has been examined against silicon nitride and polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) counter-surfaces, and compared with the performance of an uncoated steel substrate. Three films were studied: a DLC film of conventional composition, a fluorine-containing DLC film (F-DLC), and si...