Search

The decolorization of 11 dyes by granular sludge from an anaerobic expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor was evaluated. Biological decolorization of Reactive Red 21, 23, and 180, and Reactive Yellow 15, 17, and 23 in model textile wastewater was observed for the first time after a 7-day incubation (over 94% decolorization). According to the sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons from EGSB granular sludge, the operational taxonomic unit related to Paludibacter propionicigenes showed the highest increase in relative abundance ratios in the presence of dyes (7.12 times on average over 11 dyes) compared to those without dyes.

A synthetic study of pactamycin is described. Enantioselective construction of the aminocyclopentitol core of pactamycin bearing five contiguous stereocenters was achieved based on an organocatalytic asymmetric aziridination of 2-cyclopentene-1-one, a regio- and diastereoselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and a rhodium-catalyzed C-H amination reaction.

Gephyrotoxin 287C, a bioactive alkaloid bearing a perhydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoline skeleton with five stereocenters, is an attractive target for synthetic organic chemistry. We achieved an enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-gephyrotoxin 287C, for which the key steps were palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination using a chiral diaminophosphine oxide (DIAPHOX) preligand, diastereoselective intramolecular Mannich reaction, and tin tetrachloride-catalyzed diastereoselective conjugate addition/protonation.

A simple method was invented to achieve a high yield of cellulosic biomass-derived alkyl levulinates, which have the potential to be alternative fuel additives. Alkyl levulinates, such as butyl-, pentyl-, and hexyl levulinates, were produced using single-step acid-catalyzed solvolysis of cellulosic biomass without the use of elevated pressure. Reactions were performed by refluxing alcohols such as 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, and 1-hexanol at their boiling points of 117, 138, and 157 °C, respectively, with sulfuric acid at ambient pressure. After 1 hour of the reaction, the cellulosic biomass was converted into an alcohol-soluble compound, and a high yield of alkyl levulinates was achieved. Although the process involved simple treatment under atmospheric pressure, the alkyl levulinate yield was quite high: 60 to 80% based on the hexose content of the cellulosic biomass. The factors influencing the reaction, such as the accessibility to cellulose and acidity of the reaction media, could be controlled appropriately in this solvolysis system.

A highly selective hydrogen (H2) sensor has been successfully developed by using an yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-based mixed-potential-type sensor utilizing SnO2 (+30 wt.% YSZ) sensing electrode (SE) with an intermediate Al2O3 barrier layer which was coated with a catalyst layer of Cr2O3. The sensor utilizing SnO2 (+30 wt.% YSZ)-SE was found to be capable of detecting H2 and propene (C3H6) sensitively at 550 °C. In order to enhance the selectivity towards H2, a selective C3H6 oxidation catalyst was employed to minimize unwanted responses caused by interfering gases. Among the examined metal oxides, Cr2O3 facilitated the selective oxidation of C3H6. However, the addition or lamination of Cr2O3 to SnO2 (+30 wt.% YSZ)-SE was found to diminish the sensing responses to all examined gases. Therefore, an intermediate layer of Al2O3 was sandwiched between the SE layer and the catalyst layer to prevent the penetration of Cr2O3 particles into the SE layer. The sensor using SnO2 (+30 wt.% YSZ)-SE coated with a catalyst layer of Cr2O3 as well as an intermediate layer of Al2O3 exhibited a sensitive response toward H2, with only minor responses toward other examined gases at 550 °C under humid conditions (21 vol.% O2 and 1.35 vol.% H2O in N2 balance). A linear relationship was observed between sensitivity and H2 concentration in the range of 20–800 ppm on a logarithmic scale. The results of sensing performance evaluation and polarization curve measurements indicate that the sensing mechanism is based on the mixed-potential model.

A selective and sensitive hydrogen (H 2 ) sensor capable of working at a high operating temperature was developed by using a pair of metal-oxide-based SEs formed on a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) tube, operating as a mixed-potential type sensor. The utilization of SnO 2 (+30 wt.% YSZ) electrode together with NiO-TiO 2 electrode configured as a combined-type sensor, successfully diminished the response of the examined interfering gases (especially propene), while maintaining high response toward H 2 at an operating temperature of 600 °C under humid operating conditions. The developed sensor exhibited quick response to 100 ppm H 2 , as the 90% response time was observed to be 9 s. The sensing performance of the combined-type sensor was barely affected by changes in water vapor concentration within the range of 1–4 vol.%, suggesting the resilience of the sensor to function in realistic working conditions. This sensor exhibited a linear relationship between sensitivity and H 2 concentration on a logarithmic scale.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by persistent and severe pain after trauma or surgery; however, its molecular mechanisms in the peripheral nervous system are poorly understood. Using proteomics, we investigated whether injured peripheral nerves of CRPS patients have altered protein profiles compared with control nerves. We obtained nerve samples from 3 patients with CRPS-2 who underwent resection of part of an injured peripheral nerve. Sural nerves from fresh cadavers with no history of trauma or neuropathic pain served as controls. Proteomic analysis showed that the number and functional distribution of proteins expressed in CRPS and control nerves was similar. Interestingly, metallothionein was absent in the injured nerves of CRPS-2, although it was readily detected in control nerves. Western blotting further confirmed the absence of metallothionein in CRPS-2 nerves, and immunohistochemistry corroborated the deficiency of metallothionein expression in injured nerves from 5 of 5 CRPS patients and 2 of 2 patients with painful neuromas. In contrast, all control nerves, including 5 sural nerves from fresh cadavers and 41 nerves obtained from surgically resected tumors, expressed MT. Furthermore, expression of S100 as a marker for Schwann cells, and neurofilament M as a marker of axons was comparable in both CRPS-2 and controls. Metallothioneins are zinc-binding proteins that are probably involved in protection against injury and subsequent regeneration after CNS damage. Their absence from the injured peripheral nerves of patients with CRPS-2 suggests a potential pathogenic role in generating pain in the damaged peripheral nerves.

沖縄県沿岸域の6地点から採水した表層海水中の溶存微量金属を，キレートディスク濃縮法を併用した誘導結合プラズマ質量分析法（ICP-MS）で定量し，10 μg L－1から0.001 μg L－1の濃度レベルの7～10元素の定量値を得た．各海域の微量金属の特徴を考察するために多元素プロファイリングアナリシスを行った結果，沖縄県の市街域沿岸海水では，Zn，Cu，Mn，Pbの定量値が外洋表層海水文献値に比べて10倍以上高濃度を示し，Cdの定量値も比較的高かった．この傾向は本州沿岸域の文献値とよく類似していた．一方，郊外域沿岸海水については，ほとんどの元素の定量値が外洋表層海水に比べて0.5倍から5倍の範囲内であった．また，海洋化学的分類における栄養塩型元素に着目すると，サンゴ礁海域では，Zn，Cdの外洋表層海水文献値による規格化濃度が，Ni，Cuよりも高い傾向にあることが示唆された．

Data from 326 children taught consecutively in a physical education clinic were reviewed. Only 63 children (39 males, 24 females) (19%) met the diagnostic criteria for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) specified by the American Psychiatric Association (2000). The other children were diagnosed with neuromuscular disorders and medical conditions. After an average intervention period of 12 weeks, the mean performance percentile of children with DCD significantly improved beyond the cutoff of the diagnostic criteria. Student teachers’ knowledge of the constraint-based approach, in addition to knowledge of the more traditional information-processing approach, made no difference to the intervention outcome. Results showed that children with DCD benefited from either the constraint-based approach or the information-processing approach to individual physical education programs. This review also highlighted the need for direct services in the treatment of developmental and physical disabilities. In addition to treatment programs affiliated with universities, family focused or community based intervention may be realistic and potential solutions under the financial constraints on the educational and medical systems.

A novel oxazine ring formation method was established using the reaction of 2-acetyl-( E )-3-styrylcarbonylaminobenzo[ b ]furans ( 4 ) with Vilsmeier–Haack–Arnold reagent to afford ( E and Z )-(( E )-2-styrylbenzo[ b ]furo[3,2- d ][1,3]oxazin-4-ylideno)acetaldehydes ( 5 ). ( Z )-4-(8-Bromo-( E )-2-styrylbenzo[ b ]furo[3,2- d ][1,3]oxazin-4-ylideno)but-( E )-2-enoic acid ethyl ester ( 6b ), derived from ( Z )- 5a , showed significantly potent anti-osteoclastic bone resorption activity comparable to 17 β -estradiol (E 2 ).

Laboratory scale submerged membrane activated sludge process (SMASP) units were operated at various sludge retention times (SRTs) (9.6–498 d) and BOD loadings (0.25–1.3 kg/(m3·d)). Under these conditions, the quantity of excess sludge production and the process stability was studied, using synthetic wastewater. The stabilized MLSS was increased with an increase of SRT and BOD loading. The excess sludge production was decreased with an increase of SRT and decrease of BOD loading. The excess sludge production in SMASP at long SRT and low BOD loading was significantly smaller than the conventional activated sludge process. Various test conditions proved that the long SRT and low BOD loading were suitable operational conditions for long stable operation of SMASP.

An equipment of a submerged membrane activated sludge process without sludge withdrawal was operated at three BOD loadings (0.25, 0.5 and 0.6 kg-BOD/(m3·d)) to find out its stable operational condition. The stabilized and final values of MLSS were increased with BOD loadings and the conversion ratios (0.04–0.15 kg-MLSS/kg-BOD) of substrate to biomass were much smaller than the conventional activated sludge process. The supernatant TOC in the bioreactor was low in all runs and then organic matters were not accumulated. At low BOD loadings (0.25, 0.5 kg-BOD/(m3·d)), suction pressure was constant or increased very slowly, but at the highest BOD loading (0.6 kg-BOD/(m3·d)) the pressure and total filtration resistance were increased abruptly and failed the operation rather soon. The good stable operational condition without sludge withdrawal was obtained at BOD loading below 0.5 kg-BOD/(m3·d).

Numerous studies have documented subtle but consistent sex differences in self-reports and observer-ratings of five-factor personality traits, and such effects were found to show welldefined developmental trajectories and remarkable similarity across nations. In contrast, very little is known about perceived gender differences in five-factor traits in spite of their potential implications for gender biases at the interpersonal and societal level. In particular, it is not clear how perceived gender differences in five-factor personality vary across age groups and national contexts and to what extent they accurately reflect assessed sex differences in personality. To address these questions, we analyzed responses from 3,323 individuals across 26 nations (mean age = 22.3 years, 31% male) who were asked to rate the five-factor personality traits of typical men or women in three age groups (adolescent, adult, and older adult) in their respective nations. Raters perceived women as slightly higher in openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness as well as some aspects of extraversion and neuroticism. Perceived gender differences were fairly consistent across nations and target age groups and mapped closely onto assessed sex differences in self- and observer-rated personality. Associations between the average size of perceived gender differences and national variations in sociodemographic characteristics, value systems, or gender equality did not reach statistical significance. Findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gender stereotypes of personality and suggest that perceptions of actual sex differences may play a more important role than culturally based gender roles and socialization processes. Fil: Löckenhoff, Corinna E.. Cornell University.; Estados Unidos Fil: Chan, Wayne. Rutgers University; Estados Unidos Fil: McCrae, Robert R.. No especifíca; Fil: De Fruyt, Filip. University of Ghent; Bélgica Fil: Jussim, Lee. Rutgers University; Estados Unidos Fil: De Bolle, Marleen. University of Ghent; Bélgica Fil: Costa Jr, Paul T.. University of Duke; Estados Unidos Fil: Sutin, Angelina R.. Florida State University; Estados Unidos Fil: Realo, Anu. University Of Tartu.; Estonia Fil: Allik, Jüri. University Of Tartu.; Estonia. Estonian Academy of Sciences; Estonia Fil: Nakazato, Katsuharu. Tokyo University of Social Welfare; Japón Fil: Shimonaka, Yoshiko. Bunkyo Gakuin University; Japón Fil: Hřebíčková, Martina. Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; República Checa Fil: Graf, Sylvie. Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; República Checa Fil: Yik, Michelle. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; China Fil: Ficková, Emília. Slovak Academy of Sciences; Eslovaquia Fil: Brunner Sciarra, Marina. Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Perú Fil: Leibovich, Nora Blanca. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Investigaciones; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Schmidt, Vanina Ines. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Investigaciones; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Ahn, Chang Kyu. Pusan National University; Corea del Sur Fil: Ahn, Hyun Nie. Ewha Womans University; Corea del Sur Fil: Aguilar Vafaie, María E.. Tarbiat Modares University; Irán Fil: Siuta, Jerzy. Jagiellonian University; Polonia Fil: Szmigielska, Barbara. Hampshire College; Estados Unidos Fil: Cain, Thomas R.. Hampshire College; Estados Unidos Fil: Crawford, Jarret T.. The College of New Jersey; Estados Unidos Fil: Anwar Mastor, Khairul. Universiti Kebangsaan; Malasia Fil: Rolland, Jean Pierre. Universite Paris Ouest Nanterre la Defense; Francia Fil: Nansubuga, Florence. Makerere University; Uganda Fil: Miramontez, Daniel R.. San Diego Community College District; Estados Unidos Fil: Benet Martínez, Veronica. Universitat Pompeu Fabra; España Fil: Rossier, Jérôme. Universite de Lausanne; Suiza Fil: Bratko, Denis. University of Zagreb; Croacia Fil: Marušić, Iris. Institute for Social Research in Zagreb; Croacia Fil: Halberstadt, Jamin. University of Otago; Nueva Zelanda Fil: Yamaguchi, Mami. University of Otago; Nueva Zelanda Fil: Knežević, Goran. Belgrade University; Serbia Fil: Martin, Thomas A.. Susquehanna University; Estados Unidos Fil: Gheorghiu, Mirona. The Queen's University Belfast; Irlanda Fil: Smith, Peter B.. University of Sussex; Reino Unido Fil: Barbaranelli, Claudio. Università degli studi di Roma "La Sapienza"; Italia Fil: Wang, Lei. Peking University; China Fil: Shakespeare Finch, Jane. Queensland University of Technology; Australia Fil: Lima, Margarida P.. Universidad de Coimbra; Portugal Fil: Klinkosz, Waldemar. The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; Polonia Fil: Sekowski, Andrzej. The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; Polonia Fil: Alcalay, Lidia. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Simonetti, Franco Lucio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Avdeyeva, Tatyana V.. University of St. Thomas; Estados Unidos Fil: Pramila, V. S.. No especifíca; Fil: Terracciano, Antonio. Florida State University; Estados Unidos

Consensual stereotypes of some groups are relatively accurate, whereas others are not. Previous work suggesting that national character stereotypes are inaccurate has been criticized on several grounds. In this article we (a) provide arguments for the validity of assessed national mean trait levels as criteria for evaluating stereotype accuracy and (b) report new data on national character in 26 cultures from descriptions (N = 3323) of the typical male or female adolescent, adult, or old person in each. The average ratings were internally consistent and converged with independent stereotypes of the typical culture member, but were weakly related to objective assessments of personality. We argue that this conclusion is consistent with the broader literature on the inaccuracy of national character stereotypes. Fil: McCrae, Robert R.. No especifica; Fil: Chan, Wayne. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Jussim, Lee. Rutgers University; Estados Unidos Fil: De Fruyt, Filip. University of Ghent; Bélgica Fil: Löckenhoff, Corinna E.. Cornell University; Estados Unidos Fil: Leibovich, Nora Blanca. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Schmidt, Vanina Ines. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Miramontez, Daniel R.. San Diego Community College District. Office of Institutional Research and Planning; Estados Unidos Fil: Benet Martínez, Veronica. Universitat Pompeu Fabra; España. Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats; España Fil: Rossier, Jérôme. Universite de Lausanne; Suiza Fil: Bratko, Denis. University of Zagreb; Croacia Fil: Marušić, Iris. Institute for Social Research in Zagreb; Croacia Fil: Halberstadt, Jamin. University of Otago; Nueva Zelanda Fil: Yamaguchi, Mami. University of Otago; Nueva Zelanda Fil: Knežević, Goran. Belgrade University; Serbia Fil: Purić, Danka. Belgrade University; Serbia Fil: Martin, Thomas A.. Susquehanna University; Estados Unidos Fil: Gheorghiu, Mirona. Queens University; Reino Unido Fil: Smith, Peter B.. University Of Sussex; Reino Unido Fil: Barbaranelli, Claudio. La Sapienza University; Italia Fil: Wang, Lei. Peking University; China Fil: Shakespeare Finch, Jane. Queensland University of Technology; Australia Fil: Lima, Margarida P.. Universidad de Coimbra; Portugal Fil: Klinkosz, Waldemar. John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; Polonia Fil: Sekowskil, Andrzej. John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin; Polonia Fil: Alcalay, Lidia. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Simonetti, Franco. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Chile Fil: Avdeyeva, Tatyana V.. University of St. Thomas; Estados Unidos Fil: Pramila, V. S.. Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam; India Fil: Terracciano, Antonio. Florida State University College of Medicine; Estados Unidos

Phospholipase C is a key enzyme in phosphoinositide turnover. Although its functions have been extensively studied at the cellular level, many questions remain concerning its functions at the organ and individual animal levels. Here we demonstrate that mice lacking phospholipase Cδ1 develop granulocytosis associated with elevated serum levels of the granulopoietic cytokine interleukin-17. Re-introduction of phospholipase Cδ1 into keratinocytes of phospholipase Cδ1-deficient mice reverses this phenotype, whereas conditional ablation of phospholipase Cδ1 in keratinocytes recreates it. Interleukin-17 and its key upstream regulator interleukin-23 are also upregulated in epidermis. Loss of phospholipase Cδ1 from keratinocytes causes features of interleukin-17-associated inflammatory skin diseases. Phospholipase Cδ1 protein is downregulated in the epidermis of human psoriatic skin and in a mouse model of psoriasis. These results demonstrate that phosphoinositide turnover in keratinocytes regulates not only local inflammatory responses but also serum cytokine levels and systemic leukocyte counts, and affects distant haematopoietic organs. Phospholipase C is a signalling molecule with many cellular functions, but its physiological role at the organismal level is largely unknown. Kanemaruet al.show that phospholipase Cδ1 in the mouse epidermis influences interleukin and leukocyte concentrations in the blood.

We characterize the emission spectra of a potassium plasma and its temporal behavior at 39 nm. To understanding the potassium spectral behavior without contamination effect, we use a laser-produced plasma to control the plasma parameters by changing the laser intensity and wavelength. Potassium ions produced strong broadband emission around 40 nm ranging from K 3+ to K 5+ ions at a time-averaged electron temperature of about 12 eV. Emission at 39 nm is caused during the recombining phase and it was reproduced by hydrodynamic simulation, which accounted for atomic processes. As the emission spectral behavior of the laser-produced potassium plasma XUV source is similar to that of the hollow cathode-mode discharge-produced plasma spectrum, it indicates that the emission from the discharge-produced plasma occurs in a region of high electron density close to 10 20 cm -3 .

Past research has shown that not all life goals are beneficial to well-being. In particular, the pursuits of extrinsic goals – goals such as wealth and fame, whose achievements are quantified by external criteria – have been associated with negative indices of well-being. Although some explanations for the link between extrinsic goal pursuit and detrimental well-being have been suggested, past research is scarce on the cognitive mechanism(s) involved. Here, we review the relation between goals and well-being and propose a possible mediating factor, self-focused attention, as a mechanism of impaired, goal-driven affect. In particular, we argue that unlike intrinsic goals, which require awareness of the external environment and close others, the pursuit of extrinsic goals require a self-focused orientation, which in turn can produce negative affect by highlighting discrepancies with one’s ideals. The results of a preliminary study showed that extrinsic goal priming indeed increased participants’ self-focused attention, as measured by a novel, implicit task involving speeded detection of their own initials in letter arrays. Discussion focuses on the difference between adaptive and maladaptive self-focus and, particularly, self-absorption, an inability to shift one’s attention away from the self, which might moderate the link between these attentional effects and well-being.

Hitoshi Sohma1,2, Mami Yamaguchi1, Michitoshi Kimura1, Shin-ichi Imai1, Kayo Matsumoto1, Norio Takei1 and Yasuo Kokai1 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Japan 2Department of Educational Development, Sapporo Medical University Center for Medical Education, Japan Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diff ers from other forms of dementia in its relation to amyloid beta peptide (Abeta42). Abeta42, a proteolytic product of amyloid precursor proteins (APP), has a toxic eff ect on neuronal cells. Th is eff ect implies that protein expression is changed in neuronal cells by Abeta42, which provides a molecular marker for this disease. In the present study, we used the mice primary culture neurons and investigated the proteins in the supernatant aft er incubation with or without Abeta42. Methods: In view of the appearance of an acidic phospholipid (phosphatidylserine (PS)) on the outer plasma membrane of an apoptotic cell, we used PS as a probe and proteins bound to PS-coated magnetic nano-beads in a Ca2+-dependent manner were identifi ed using a proteomic approach.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) differs from other forms of dementia in its relation to amyloid β peptide (Aβ). Aβ, a proteolytic product of amyloid precursor proteins (APP), has a toxic effect on neuronal cells, which involves perturbation of their Ca2+ homeostasis. This effect implies that changes of protein expression in neuronal cells with calcium stress should provide a molecular marker for this disease. In the present study, we used the supernatant from a neuronal cell culture after incubation with or without Aβ and isolated a Ca2+-dependent acidic phospholipid binding fraction to perform a proteomic study. Several unique proteins were identified after incubation with Aβ. We focused on annexin A5, among these proteins, because it binds both Ca2+ and lipids likely to be involved in calcium homeostasis. Tg2576 transgenic mice (AD model) overexpressing mutant human APP showed a significant increase of annexin A5 in the brain cortex but not in other organs, including liver, kidney, lung, and intestine. In human plasma samples, the level of annexin A5 was significantly increased in a proportion of AD patients compared with a control group (P < 0.0001 in the logistic regression analysis). From the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with plasma annexin A5 concentrations, the mean area under the curve (AUC 0.898) suggests that annexin A5 is a favorable marker for AD. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Combination therapy with the oral fluoropyrimidine anticancer drug S1 and interferon is reportedly effective for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but selection criteria for this therapy have not been clarified. In this study, we attempted to identify factors predicting the effectiveness of this combination therapy. Pathological specimens of HCC were collected before treatment from 31 patients with advanced HCC who underwent S1+ pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) α-2b therapy between January 2007 and January 2009. In these pathological specimens, the expression levels of CD133, thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), and interferon-receptor 2 (IFNR2) proteins were determined by Western blot assay. The presence or absence of p53 gene mutations was determined by direct sequencing. The relationships between these protein expression levels and the response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The CD133 protein expression level was significantly lower in the responder group than in the nonresponder group. Comparing the PFS and OS between high- and low-level CD133 expression groups (n = 13 and 18, respectively) revealed that both parameters were significantly prolonged in the latter group. The expression levels of TS, DPD, and IFNR2 protein and the presence of p53 gene mutations did not correlate with the RR. CD133 was identified as a predictor of the therapeutic effect of S1+ PEG-IFN α-2b therapy against advanced HCC.

Medermycin has been first synthesized from D -rhamnose derivatives and comfirmed to be identical with lactoquinomycin.

Emission spectra from multiply charged potassium ions ranging from K(3+) to K(5+) have been obtained in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectral region. A strong emission feature peaking around 38 nm, corresponding to a photon energy of 32.6 eV, is the dominant spectral feature at time-averaged electron temperatures in the range of 8-12 eV. The variation of this emission with laser intensity and the effects of pre-pulses on the relative conversion efficiency (CE) have been explored experimentally and indicate that an enhancement of about 30% in EUV CE is readily attainable.

We have characterized a discharge-produced potassium plasma extreme ultraviolet (XUV) source. Potassium ions produced strong broadband emission around 40 nm with a bandwidth of 8 nm (full width at half-maximum). By comparison with atomic structure calculations, the broadband emission is found to be primarily due to 3d–3p transitions in potassium ions ranging from K2+ to K4+. The current-voltage characteristics of the microdischarge suggest that the source operates in a hollow cathode mode and consequently the emitting ions may be localized on the potassium electrode surface at the hole into the capillary. To understand the spectral behavior from the potassium plasmas we compared the spectra from the discharge-produced plasma with that from a laser-produced plasma. The spectra from the different (electric and laser) plasmas at the same electron temperature (12 eV) were almost the same. This compact capillary XUV source with a photon energy of 30 eV is a useful XUV emission source for surface morphology app...

A series of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)benzo[b]furan derivatives 6-10 were prepared and their leukotriene B(4) inhibitory activity was evaluated. We found that several compounds showed strong inhibition of calcium mobilization in CHO cells overexpressing human BLT(1) and BLT(2) receptors. Among them, 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-[5-formyl-2-[(dimethylamino)methyleneamino]thiazol-4-yl]-5-methoxybenzo[b]furan 9b showed the most potent and selective inhibition for the human BLT(2) receptor, and its IC(50) value was smaller than that of the selected positive control compound, ZK-158252.

To study the effect of Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) on hypertension, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed a diet containing 5% mushroom powder and 0.5% NaCl solution as drinking water for 9 weeks. The dietary mushrooms decreased the blood pressure. The plasma free cholesterol level decreased in Shiitake-fed animals, whereas in Maitake-fed animals the total cholesterol level decreased. There was no difference in the plasma triglyceride and phospholipid levels among the experimental groups. Shiitake feeding resulted in a decrease in VLDL- and HDL-cholesterol whereas Maitake feeding caused a decrease in VLDL-cholesterol only. Plasma LDL-cholesterol was not affected by dietary mushrooms. The results suggest that dietary mushrooms prevent blood pressure increase in hypertension.

In the past two decades, China has experienced rapid industrial and economic growth. This fascinating book explores the unique Chinese business strategy of vigorous market entry and low prices, which has been the key feature of this accelerated industrial growth.