Search

In the pharmaceutical industry, a nondestructive and real-time monitoring method is a promising analytical technology to guarantee the quality of the manufactured products. This study develops a novel nondestructive monitoring method based on the terahertz time-domain attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (THz–ATR) system, which can be used for measuring the optical constants of liquids circulating over the surface of the ATR prism. We focused on controlling moisture content in ethanol, which is used as a solvent in the chemical reactions. In the pharmaceutical industry, even a small amount of water in the solvent may cause problems in chemical reactions during research for purposes such as drug discovery. A continuous and nondestructive monitoring method for the moisture content in the solvent is essential because general moisture measurements are destructively. Our results demonstrate that the moisture content of ethanol can be determined by monitoring the refractive index of the liquid in the THz range. In other words, a simple method that only monitors the THz absorption is sometimes inadequate for ethanol. The proposed system can successfully evaluate the ethanol concentration or moisture content continuously and nondestructively. This method is a promising solution for the real-time measurements of chemical reactions for quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report the production of C[C] with the highest specific radioactivity to date by improving of previously reported method. To avoid the loss of C, the porous carbon after adsorbing C labeled furan resin was sintered by 'Baking' method instead of heating at 1,000 °C in the electric furnace. As a result of this improvement, the specific radioactivity of the produced C[C] was found to be 0.958 MBq/mg (18.7 mCi/mmol). This is the highest specific radioactivity among those reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecules that are highly expressed in tumour endothelial cells (TECs) may be candidates for specifically targeting TECs. Using DNA microarray analysis, we found that the lysyl oxidase (LOX) gene was upregulated in TECs compared with its expression in normal endothelial cells (NECs). LOX is an enzyme that enhances invasion and metastasis of tumour cells. However, there are no reports on the function of LOX in isolated TECs.Methods: TECs and NECs were isolated to investigate LOX function in TECs. LOX inhibition of in vivo tumour growth was also assessed using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN).Results: LOX expression was higher in TECs than in NECs. LOX knockdown inhibited cell migration and tube formation by TECs, which was associated with decreased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (Tyr 397). Immunostaining showed high LOX expression in human tumour vessels in vivo. Tumour angiogenesis and micrometastasis were inhibited by BAPN in an in vivo tumour model.Conclusion: LOX may be a TEC marker and a possible therapeutic target for novel antiangiogenic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:We isolated tumour endothelial cells (TECs), demonstrated their abnormalities, compared gene expression profiles of TECs and normal endothelial cells (NECs) by microarray analysis and identified several genes upregulated in TECs. We focused on the gene encoding biglycan, a small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan. No report is available on biglycan expression or function in TECs.Methods:The NEC and TEC were isolated. We investigated the biglycan expression and function in TECs. Western blotting analysis of biglycan was performed on sera from cancer patients.Results:Biglycan expression levels were higher in TECs than in NECs. Biglycan knockdown inhibited cell migration and caused morphological changes in TECs. Furthermore, immunostaining revealed strong biglycan expression in vivo in human tumour vessels, as in mouse TECs. Biglycan was detected in the sera of cancer patients but was hardly detected in those of healthy volunteers.Conclusion:These findings suggested that biglycan is a novel TEC marker and a target for anti-angiogenic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumour stromal cells differ from its normal counterpart. We have shown that tumour endothelial cells (TECs) isolated from tumour tissues are also abnormal. Furthermore, we found that mRNAs of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were upregulated in TECs. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and COX-2 are angiogenic factors and their mRNAs contain an AU-rich element (ARE). AU-rich element-containing mRNAs are reportedly stabilised by Hu antigen R (HuR), which is exported to the cytoplasm.Methods: Normal endothelial cell (NEC) and two types of TECs were isolated. We evaluated the correlation of HuR and accumulation of VEGF-A and COX-2 mRNAs in TECs and effects of HuR on biological phenotypes of TECs.Results: The HuR protein was accumulated in the cytoplasm of TECs, but not in NECs. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and COX-2 mRNA levels decreased due to HuR knockdown and it was shown that these ARE-mRNA were bound to HuR in TECs. Furthermore, HuR knockdown inhibited cell survival, random motility, tube formation, and Akt phosphorylation in TECs.Conclusion: Hu antigen R is associated with the upregulation of VEGF-A and COX-2 mRNA in TECs, and has an important role in keeping an angiogenic switch on, through activating angiogenic phenotype in tumour endothelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anion-exchange behavior of the group-5 elements, Nb and Ta, and their pseudo homologue Pa in HF and HF/HNO3 solutions was investigated by a batch method to find suitable conditions for the anion-exchange experiment of element 105 (Dubnium, Db). We determined the distribution coefficients of those elements on the anion-exchange resin as a function of the F− and NO concentrations. Clearly different anion-exchange behavior was observed among these elements. Based on the results, we discuss the fluoro-complex formation of each element and suggest experimental conditions for the study of fluoride complexation of Db. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection are major causes of gastric mucosal lesions. In Japan, histamine-2 receptor antagonists are frequently prescribed, but the literature regarding their efficacy is limited. In this study, we compare the effects of famotidine and rebamipide on NSAID-associated gastric mucosal lesions using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods: This study examined 112 patients taking NSAIDs for either gastric hemorrhage or erosion. Before treatment, the patients were assessed by endoscopy. Using blind randomization, patients were divided into two groups: group F (famotidine, 20 mg/day) and group R (rebamipide, 300 mg/day). Efficacy was examined 4 weeks later using endoscopy.Results: After treatment, the Lanza score decreased significantly in group F (P < 0.001) but not in group R (P = 0.478). The change in the Lanza score in group F was significantly greater (P = 0.002) than that in group R.Conclusions: Famotidine was superior to rebamipide in treating NSAID-associated mucosal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and reliable sampling system for 3H and 14C in airborne release from nuclear facilities was designed. The sampling system can collect 3H and 14C simultaneously with a condensation technique using a commercially available cold trap equipment and a CO2 absorption technique using an organic alkali monoethanolamine solution, respectively. In situ performance tests for the effluent from a reprocessing plant showed that the system has high and stable efficiencies for collecting 3H and 14C for a one-week batch sampling at a sampling flow rate of 0.4 l . min-1. These collection techniques also provided a simple procedure of following sample preparation for activity measurements by liquid scintillation counting. The detectable concentrations of the proposed monitoring method were 3.0 Bq . m-3 for 3H and 1.6 Bq . m-3 for 14C, respectively. The sensitivity would be on an acceptable level for routine monitoring of airborne release at nuclear facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish a practical method for monitoring 129I concentration in airborne release from the Tokai reprocessing plant, the 129I collecting performance of sampling media used was tested by in situ experiments. The results indicated that the combined use of an activated charcoal-impregnated filter paper and an activated charcoal cartridge gives a collection efficiency of more than 90% for a one-week sampling of real airborne effluent, at sampling flow rates of 40.6-75.0 l. min-1. The sampling and measurement conditions suitable for a routine-base monitoring are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermodynamic properties of a layered perovskite oxide Gd2SrCo2O7 have been studied. Powder X-ray diffraction, electric resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements were carried out. The crystal structure was determined as I4/ mmm. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted to the Curie-Weiss behavior with antiferromagnetic interaction. Spin state of Co3+ ion was derived to be intermediate spin state configuration (t2g5eg1). The spin ordering was observed as a broad anomaly in the heat capacity curve with a peak at 2 K. The measured entropy was 35.47 J K-1mol-1, which was 65% of expected value. Thus the spin ordering should not be completed at the lowest temperature 0.2 K covered in the present experiments and/or some short range ordering remains at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermodynamic properties of a layered perovskite oxide Gd2SrCo2O7 have been studied. Powder X-ray diffraction, electric resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and heat capacity measurements were carried out. The crystal structure was determined as I4/ mmm. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was fitted to the Curie-Weiss behavior with antiferromagnetic interaction. Spin state of Co3+ ion was derived to be intermediate spin state configuration (t2g5eg1). The spin ordering was observed as a broad anomaly in the heat capacity curve with a peak at 2 K. The measured entropy was 35.47 J K-1mol-1, which was 65% of expected value. Thus the spin ordering should not be completed at the lowest temperature 0.2 K covered in the present experiments and/or some short range ordering remains at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method using a system with two sampling units was proposed to determine the chemical forms of tritium (3H) released into the atmosphere from the Tokai Reprocessing Plant (TRP). The main advantage of the method is that no carrier gas is required for sampling in the case when air to be sampled has high specific activity with tritiated hydrogen (HT). Investigations using this method showed that 19.1-28.3% of total airborne 3H was released as HT from the TRP during reprocessing operation. No clear relation was found between the ratios of HT release and the types of spent fuel reprocessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of incorporating tritiated water into a 14C-sampling system in sample preparation and 14C activity measurement by liquid scintillation counting were investigated. Experiments derived the limit of water content in the prepared sample, and also demonstrated that 14C activity can be determined without any interference from 3H contamination for a clear-sample solution. The results enabled us to estimate the permissible relative humidity of air required for accomplishing sample preparation and 14C activity measurement. These showed that for sampling of air with less than the permissible relative humidity, total 14C activity in airborne effluent can be evaluated accurately without dehumidification of air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemically induced dynamic electron polarization spectra generated by the laser photolysis of several donor-acceptor systems have been studied to verify the solvent effects on the exchange interaction in solvent-separated radical ion pairs. It has been shown that the sign of the exchange interaction depends on the polarity of solvents. The individual reorganization energies have been determined for several solvent-separated radical ion pair systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present status of heavy element nuclear chemistry research at JAERI (Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute) is reviewed. Production of the transactinide nuclei [SUP261]Rf and [SUP262]Db via the reactions of [SUP248]Cm(([SUP18]O,[SUP5]n) and [SUP248Cm]([SUP19]F, 5n), respectively, at the JAERI tandem accelerator is reported. Study of the aqueous chemistry of Rf is being carried out with a newly developed rapid ion-exchange separation apparatus. Anion-exchange behavior of Rf in acidic solution is briefly discussed. Recent experimental results on decay studies of neutron-deficient actinide nuclei using the gas-jet coupled JAERI-ISOL are given. We also discuss characteristics of nuclear deformation properties at scission in symmetric and asymmetric fission of actinides. Prospects for studies in the near future are briefly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have, previously, reported on the HPLC elution behavior of the Th, Pa, U, Np, and Am metallofullerenes and the UV/vis/NIR absorption spectra of the Th@C84 and U@C82 species. In this paper, the followings are reported: (1) Pu metallofullerenes were produced and their HPLC elution behavior was investigated using a radiotracer technique. The HPLC chromatogram of this metallofullerene was found to be almost the same as that of the Np and Am metallofullerenes. (2) The oxidation states of Th@C84 and U@C82 produced in macroscopic quantities were examined by XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) measurements. The oxidation state of the U atom in the C82 fullerene cage was estimated to be 3+ with the formal charge of the ionic molecule being U3+@C823-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We made systematic studies of lanthanoid metallofullerenes on the following three properties using the radiochemical method: (1) the relative production yields of metallofullerene species, (2) variation of the HPLC retention time among M(III)@C82 species, and (3) the effects of the reactor irradiation on the survival yields of each metallofullerene species. The production yields of M@C82 relative to La@C82 were found to decrease as the atomic number of M became larger and as the number of atom ratio, M/C, in the carbon rod became larger. On the other hand, the production yields of M1M2@C82, relative to that of LuM@C82 were found to increase for the larger atomic number. The retention time for the M(III)@C82 species in the Buckyprep column was found to become slightly longer for the larger atomic number but it becomes abruptly larger for Gd, and Tb by about 5%. The overall effects of the reactor irradiation on the survival yields (or retention yields) of M@C82 species were found to be (19.7±2.1)%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angle-selection experiments of a spin soliton in randomly oriented ladder polydiacetylene were carried out by pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) at W-band. EPR measurement using 94 GHz microwaves increased the difference in the resonance field due to g anisotropy of the spin soliton to allow the orientation dependence of transient nutation, electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and spin relaxations to be investigated. The shape of the g anisotropy-resolved nutation spectrum was discussed on the basis of the EPR transition moments and the differences between spin relaxation times. Reliable assignments of hyperfine couplings to the β protons (Hβ) of the alkyl side chains were achieved with the support of W-band ENDOR measurements. No significant orientational dependence in the T 1 and T 2 processes was found in terms of isotropy of the Hβ-hyperfine interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinduced effects on the electron spin polarization (ESP) in the lowest excited triplet (T1) states of porphyrins (PORs) and phthalocyanines (PCs) have been observed with a two-color time-resolved (TR) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique in a glassy matrix at low temperatures. On single-color excitation with the wavelengths of the ground state absorptions of PORs and PCs, polarized EPR spectra due to the corresponding T1 state were observed. The polarization patterns match well with interpretation as anisotropic intersystem crossing (ISC) induced by the spinorbit coupling between the singlet excited (S1) and the triplet states. In contrast, two-color excitation led to a change of the phase of the T1 state polarization pattern to the opposite. The observed ESP in the T1 state resulting from the excitation to the upper triplet state (T n ) was interpreted in terms of anisotropic ISC between the T n and S1 states. From the analysis of the ESP, changes in the quantum yields of the reverse ISC processes were determined at different temperatures. The results could be best interpreted by the existence of thermal pathways with small activation energy in the relaxation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes an investigation of the hot corrosion resistance of Cr2O3-Al2O3 ceramics in V2O5-Na2SO4 molten salt. Adding Cr2O3 to Al2O3 improves the hot corrosion resistance of Al2O3 ceramics, and thickness of the damage zone depends on the sintering temperature and the Cr2O3 content. Corrosion of the Cr2O3-Al2O3 ceramics is caused by the formation of a liquid of the dissolved Na2O-V2O5-(Al,Cr)2O3 system and by dissolution of the Cr2O3-Al2O3 ceramics into this liquid. The corrosion rate of the Cr2O3-Al2O3 ceramics becomes smaller than that of the Al2O3 ceramics because dissolution rate of grains into the liquid phase occurring in grain boundaries decreases, compared with the Al2O3 ceramics. If the sintering temperature is elevated, grain growth would occur to enhance the corrosion resistance of the ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiochemical techniques have been applied in various ways to the study of fullerenes and metallofullerenes for the past several years, and they have provided invaluable information pertaining to the stability, structures, and formation of the novel carbon material. This paper reviews those experimental results that have fully shown the usefulness and uniqueness of radionuclides demonstrated in the field of fullerene science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel synthetic polypeptide designed as a DNA bindingmolecule for liver-specific, receptor-mediated, gene transfer was used to selectively introduce reporter genes into liver cells in the form of plasmid DNA–ligand complexes. The polypeptide was a D-lysine/D-serine copolymer (Lys/Ser = 33/36 or 53/60) modified with a polyethylene glycol 5000 at the carboxyl-terminus (PLSP). In addition, the lysine ε-amino groups were covalently bound to galactose (galactosyl-PLSP), a ligand for the asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes. Solutions of DNA–ligand complex were prepared by adding solutions of DNA and galactosyl-PLSP in a mixing ratio of DNA:galactosyl-PLSP = 1:3 (w/w). Following injection of the DNA–ligand complex into mice via the tail vein, high levels of luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein, which were encoded by the reporter genes, were observed in liver. In contrast, luciferase activity in kidney, spleen, lung and heart was negligible. The high levels of gene expression obtained with DNA/galactosyl-PLSP complexes were achieved without partial hepatectomy or administration of lysosomotrophic agents. Thus, the synthetic Lys/Ser copolymer used in the present study appears to be a promising new tool which enhances the efficacy of receptor-mediated gene transfer into hepatocytes and which may provide another step toward the clinical practice of organ-specific gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serratia marcescens mutants, which excrete Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (APase) encoded by the plasmid-bearing phoA gene, were isolated after mutagenesis by N-methyl-Ń-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. These mutants produced two to four times as much APase as did the parent strain under a phosphate-limiting condition, and more than 70% of the enzyme was released into the culture medium. In addition, overproduction and excretion of beta-lactamase was observed in these mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background: Since Brockhurst reported the connection between uveal effusion in nanophthalmic eyes and their scleral alterations and treated them with vortex vein decompression or sclerectomy, many observers have found abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) in nanophthalmic sclera. These GAG abnormalities were thought to effect the collagen changes, though it was not clear which GAGs were changed. • Methods: GAGs were isolated and their contents were determined in scleral specimens from three nanophthalmic patients and five age-matched controls, using electrophoresis and the cetylpyridinium method. • Results: Hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate were the major GAGs in both nanophthalmic and control samples. Nanophthalmic sclera showed 2.4-fold, 10-fold and 5.5-fold increases in hyaluronic acid, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, respectively, compared with the controls. • Conclusion: The results suggest that increased levels of GAGS, particularly of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may contribute to the abnormalities of collagen fibrillogenesis and be closely involved with the pathogenesis of nanophthalmos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify clinical roles of σ receptor binding affinity of neuroleptics, neck dystonia induced by microinjection of σ receptor ligands and neuroleptics into rat red nucleus was investigated. DTG and (+)-3-PPP, putative σ receptor agonists, induced neck dystonia in dose-dependent and reversible manner. Haloperidol and perphenazine induced dystonia in the same way as σ receptor agonists, whereas zotepine and (−)-sulpiride did not. The rank order of potency in induction of dystonia and σ receptor affinity of these compounds showed positive correlation. Although BMY-14802 has a high affinity for σ receptors, it never produced dystonia by itself. On the other hand, combined injection of BMY-14802 with DTG attenuated DTG-induced dystonia. Therefore, it is suggested that typical neuroleptics such as haloperidol act agonistic and atypical neuroleptics such as BMY-14802 act antagonistic at rubral σ receptors in the induction of neck dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of β−-decay on the stability of metallofullerenes was investigated for three decay chains of155Sm-155Eu,161Gd-161Tb and177Yb-177Lu. For the former two cases, the metallofullerenes were found stable even after the β−-decay while in the case of177Yb, the metallofullerene became unstable after β−-decay. The present results point to the fact that metallofullerenes are stable against ordinary β−-decay unstable after β−-decay. The present results point to the fact that metallofullerenes are stable against ordinary β−-decay recoil energies, but they become unstable if the oxidation state of the metal atom is changed by nuclear transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In diabetic nephropathy leukocytes, mainly composed of monocytes/macrophages, which accumulate in the glomeruli and the interstitium, play an important part in the progression of glomerulosclerosis. The infiltration of leukocytes into inflammatory tissues or atherosclerotic lesions is mediated by adhesion molecules, which are expressed on the vascular endothelial cells, although little is known about the mechanism of leukocyte infiltration into diabetic renal tissues. P- and E-selectin are leukocyte adhesion molecules, which are expressed on the vascular endothelial cells and promote the adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium. We investigated the expression of P- and E-selectin in the kidney tissue of patients with diabetic nephropathy and compared it with that of patients with other glomerular diseases (minimal change nephrotic syndrome, membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis). Expression of P- and E-selectin were both significantly increased in the glomeruli and the interstitium of patients with diabetic nephropathy as compared with those with other glomerular diseases. P- and E-selectin were both expressed along the glomerular capillaries and the peritubular capillaries in the interstitium. Neither P- nor E-selectin were correlated with the number of infiltrated leukocytes in the glomeruli, however, interestingly the E-selectin expression on peritubular capillaries was correlated with the number of infiltrated CD14 positive cells in the interstitium. These results suggest that E-selectin may play a key role in leukocyte infiltration into the renal interstitium in patients with diabetic nephropathy. [Diabetologia (1998) 41: 185–192] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic polymorphism of C6 in the Japanese population has been described using polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing electrophoresis followed by the electrophoretic blotting technique, and haplotype analysis between C6 and C7 has also been investigated. In 565 plasma samples five different common patterns and three rare variant patterns were observed, and these were controlled by autosomal codominance at a single locus with three common and one rare alleles. These alleles were designated C6B, C6A, C6B2, and C6M, and gene frequencies were estimated to be 0.50265, 0.43186, 0.06018, and 0.00531 for C6B, C6A, C6B2, and C6M, respectively. It is noteworthy that C6B2 has a polymorphic frequency in the Japanese population. The distribution of phenotypes fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Two combinations between C6 and C7 alleles, namely C6B-C7B and C6M-C7B, were shown to be in significant positive linkage disequilibrium. The presence of allelic combinations showing linkage disequilibrium suggests the close proximity between the C6 and C7 loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraperitoneal injection of (+)-3-[3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3PPP), a sigma receptor agonist, significantly reduced the striatal levels of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) measured by in vivo microdialysis. These reductions were significantly greater at (+)-3PPP doses of 12 and 24 mg/kg than at 1 mg/ kg. The levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) were increased by the injection of (+)-3PPP in dose of 24 mg/kg, but were not affected at lower doses. BMY-14802, a sigma antagonist, alone at doses of 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg did not affect the levels of DA, DOPAC, HVA and 5HIAA. Pretreatment with 30 mg/kg BMY-14802 reversed the reduction of the levels of DA induced by 12 mg/kg (+)-3PPP. Although neither 30 mg/kg BMY-14802 nor 12 mg/kg (+)-3PPP affected the levels of striatal 5HIAA, combined treatment with both produced a significant elevation. These findings clearly demonstrate that sigma receptors may regulate DA release from the striatal presynapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of intraperitoneally administered baclofen on behavior and electrocorticograms (ECoG) were studied in freely moving and paralyzed rats. In the freely moving rats, 10 mg/kg of baclofen suppressed ECoGs with behavioral sedation, and 20 mg/kg caused whole body twitching accompanied with spike discharges in low voltage slow waves background. In the freely moving rats, baclofen acted as depressant in low dose and convulsant in high dose. In the paralyzed rat, 10 mg/kg of baclofen first suppressed ECoGs. Though fast waves components recovered with slow waves background in the ECoGs of rats paralyzed with gallamine (50 mg/kg) 3 hours after the baclofen injection, fast waves activities were not observed in the ECoG of rats paralyzed with succinylcholine (50 mg/kg), d-tubocurarine (3 mg/kg) or pancuronium (1mg/ kg). Under paralysis with d-tubocurarine, baclofen suppressed ECoG first, and then spike discharges started 90 min after the injection. These results suggest that the effects of baclofen on ECoG were different depending on the muscle relaxant used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous wave time-resolved EPR (CW-TREPR) and pulsed Fourier transform EPR (FT-EPR) experiments with a resolution of ≈10 ns were carried out to investigate the Type I photocleavage. A two-pulse echo detection method was used to eliminate the dead-time problem in the FID measurements. An analysis of the buildup kinetics of the FT-EPR signal intensity due to t-butyl radicals provided the rates of the α-cleavage of t-butylphenyl ketone at various temperatures. We obtained two kinetic parameters at low and high temperatures which correspond to the non-radiative decay rate of the excited triplet state of the ketone and the rate of the Type I photocleavage, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CIDEP study of the radical adducts formed by addition of phosphonyl radicals to several unsaturated organic compounds is described. The complicated time-resolved ESR spectra obtained for these adducts were interpreted on the basis of competing chemical and physical processes involved in polarization transfer to the secondary radicals produced. This is a novel example illustrating for the first time radical pair polarization transfer in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which discusses autoimmunity and mutation of RAS genes among patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Laboratory and clinical data of six patients in Japan who have not undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were followed-up for three years. Results show that 14-22% of the patients have demonstrated autoimmunity while 65% have exhibited hyper-γ-globulinemia.

The properties of a metallofullerene that encapsulates 225Ac were studied by radio-chromatographic methods. The results of chromatography on a Buckyclutcher column suggest that there are some metallofullerene isomers of AcC82. The identical HPLC retention time of the major AcC82 peak with that of La@C82 indicates that the structure of one of the AcC82 isomers is the same as La@C82. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ascertain the metastable phase relation in the Cr2O3-Fe2O3 system, the existing phases were investigated by X-ray analysis using samples obtained by heating the coprecipitated powders for 1 h at 600–1000°C. There was a metastable two-phase region of Cr2O3-rich (CC) and Fe2O3-rich (FC) phases below about 940°C. Equilibrium state of 1:1 composition at 600–900°C was considered to be a single phase of the corundum solid solution. The metastable two-phase CC + FC region was suggested to appear probably due to the compositional inhomogeneity in the coprecipitated powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anion exchange behavior of 255No produced by the 248Cm(12C,5n) reaction has been investigated in 11.5M HCl, 4M HCl and 8M HNO3 to deduce the behavior of 'primordial 257No' produced via 248Cm(18O,5n)261Rf →α 257No before anion exchange separation in the 261Rf experiment. It was found that 255No is mostly eluted from the anion exchange column with these solutions. The contribution of 'primordial 257No' to the α-decay events of 261Rf in the 261Rf experiment was evaluated based on the present results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new neutron-deficient berkelium isotope241Bk produced in the239Pu(6Li, 4 n) reaction has been identified using a gas-jet coupled on-line isotope separator. Cm K and L X-rays associated with the EC decay of241Bk were observed in the mass-241 fraction, and three γ transitions were attributed to the EC decay of241Bk through X-γ coincidences. The half-life of241Bk was determined to be 4.6±0.4 min which is 1/2-1/4 of that of theoretical predictions. The half-life value and the observed γ transitions can be consistently explained as a consequence of the allowed EC transition of π7/2+[633] → ν7/2+[624]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method has been developed for quantitative determination of aromatic compounds in diesel fuels by capillary multi-dimensional gas chromatography with flame-ionization detection. After testing of a variety of liquid phases polydimethylsiloxane was selected for the liquid phase of the pre-column and SP2380 for the liquid phase of the main column. We found that aromatic hydrocarbons could be separated from paraffin hydrocarbons, and separated according to ring number, by use of this method. The concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons measured by this method correlated well with values obtained by use of fluorescence indicator analysis (FIA) or supercritical-fluid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a very rare case of anomalous origin of anterior choroidal artery. In our case anterior choroidal artery arises from internal carotid artery proximal to the posterior communicating artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]