Multiple hepatic cysts along the intrahepatic bile duct--case report

A case of multiple hepatic cysts of the periductal gland located along the left intrahepatic bile duct is described. Ultrasonography and computed tomography disclosed many cystic lesions along the left portal vein in the left lateral segment of the liver. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography showed many compressed lesions. The resected specimen revealed multiple cysts of 2-7mm in diameter along the intrahepatic bile duct. Microscopically, cysts within the large Glisson's capsule were intermixed with lobuli of the periductal glands, thus suggesting periductal gland origin. Histopathological features of these cysts were similar to those of "multiple hilar cysts" reported by Nakanuma, but lack of portal hypertension and underlying chronic liver disease is the significant characteristics in this case which is different from "multiple hilar cysts".     

Synthesis and conformational studies of polymers and copolymers of O,O′-dimethyl-l-β-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-α-alanine with γ-benzyl-l-glutamate

Eight different copolymers of $\text{O,O′-}\text{dimethyl-}\text{l}\text{-β-3,4-}\text{dihydroxyphenyl}\text{-α-}\text{alanine}$ ($\text{O,O′-}\text{dimethyl-}\text{l}\text{-}\text{Dopa}$) and γ-benzyl-l-glutamate with degrees of polymerization of 320-80 have been synthesized by the N-carboxyanhydride method. From the results obtained by a study of the optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism for the copolymer series, the conformation of $\text{poly}\text{(O,O′-}\text{dimethyl-}\text{l}\text{-Dopa}\text{)}$ is a right-handed helix in helicogenic solvents such as chloroform, dioxane or 2-chloroethanol. Copolymers containing less than 50 mol % glutamate show a circular dichroism peak at 285 nm suggesting stacking of aromatic groups in the side chain. $\text{Poly}\text{(O,O′-}\text{dimethyl-}\text{l}\text{-Dopa}\text{)}$ is in the random coil structure in trifluoroacetic acid or hexafluoroacetone. The results were compared with those of $\text{poly}\text{(O,O′-}\text{dicarbobenzoxy-}\text{l}\text{-Dopa}\text{)}$ and poly(l-Dopa).     

Absorption of NO in aqueous solutions of KMnO4

The absorption of NO in aqueous solutions of KMnO₄ and aqueous mixed solutions of KMnO₄ and NaOH was carried out using a batch stirred vessel w     

Improved synthetic method and conformation studies of polymers and copolymers of l-β-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-α-alanine with l-glutamic acid

Eight different copolymers of l-β-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-α-alanine (l-Dopa) and l-glutamic acid with high degrees of polymerization have been synthesized by the treatment of a series of $\text{copoly}\text{(O,O′-}\text{dimethyl-}\text{l}\text{-Dopa}$, γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) with boron tribromide in chloroform. The conformation of poly(l-Dopa) has been established to be a right-handed helix in trimethyl phosphate on the basis of the following observations. The [θ]₂₂₂ and b₀ values of the copolymers were almost linear with composition in trimethyl phosphate. The linear relationship between the rotation properties and composition indicates that poly(l-Dopa) has the same helical sense as that of poly(l-glutamic acid) which is a right-handed α-helix.     

Introduction feasibility of DHC with CGS in commercial and residential sectors viewed from energy saving effect in whole energy system in japan

District Heating and Cooling (DHC) combined with a Cogeneration System (CGS) is one of the most efficient ways to supply energy to the commercial and residential sectors. This paper discusses the feasibility of introducting DHC from the viewpoint of the overall energy saving effect in Japan's energy system as a whole. Although DHC is efficient for congested areas such as urban business centers, these areas are limited in capacity and number. In our evaluation of the feasibility of introducing DHC, we consider the energy demand density profiles of Japan's commercial and residential sectors in order to determine the installed DHC capacity that is optimal for meeting the growth of energy demand. This paper also discusses operating patterns of CGS and of boilers in DHC. In order to improve the efficiency of individual DHC facilities, CGS should be operated so as to satisfy heating demand, resulting in a low annual load factor. On the other hand, the overall efficiency of the energy system requires an improvement of the overall load factor of CGS, which is achievable by combined use of CGS and boilers. Operation of CGS in this manner improves the feasibility of the introduction of DHC. © 2000 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 133(2): 31–42, 2000     

Economic evaluation of independent power producers viewed from total generating costs of electric power systems

In Japan, electric power utilities purchase electricity from independent power producers (IPPs) through competitive bidding; the IPP evaluation is based on the avoided costs of corresponding generators of utilities. In this evaluation, however, nonpricing factors such as power flow constraints in the electric power system cannot be considered. In this paper, we propose a new approach to evaluate economic impacts of IPPs, the IPP electricity being priced on the basis of total generating costs of the electric power utilities. Such a price to purchase the electricity of IPPs is referred to as the “break‐even cost.” The main results are summarized as follows: 1) Break‐even cost depends on not only the power flow constraints in the system, but also various IPP factors such as generating pattern, location, and capacity, 2) Break‐even cost for the base‐type IPP is higher than the avoided cost of corresponding utility generators, because IPPs located on demand sides can reduce the transmission power loss in the electric power system, 3) Break‐even cost is affected by available capacity of utility generators, especially for the peak‐type IPP generating only during peak demand periods. © 2000 Scripta Technica, Electr Eng Jpn, 133(2): 20–30, 2000     

Structure of the insect cytokine peptide plasmatocyte-spreading peptide 1 from Pseudoplusia includens

The structure of the recently identified plasmatocyte spreading peptide from the moth Pseudoplusia includens (PSP1) has been determined by NMR spectroscopy. This novel insect cytokine consists of 23 amino acid residues and a single disulfide bond. Torsion angle dynamics calculations utilizing a total of 337 distance constraints yielded an ensemble of 30 structures with an average backbone root mean square deviation for residues 7-22 of 0.18 A from the mean structure. The structure consists of a disordered N-terminal region and a well defined core that is stabilized by numerous hydrophobic interactions and a short beta-hairpin. Structural comparisons confirm that PSP1 adopts an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like fold with close similarity to the C-terminal subdomain of EGF-like module 5 of human thrombomodulin. The combination of the three-dimensional structure of PSP1 and the extensive literature on EGF-receptor interactions should accelerate the process of identifying the specific residues responsible for receptor binding activity of this family of immunoregulatory peptides.     

Evaluation of Lipophilic Antioxidant Efficacy in Vivo by the Biomarkers Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acid and Isoprostane

The evaluation of antioxidant activity in vivo is difficult. In this study, the effects of dietary natural and synthetic antioxidants on the lipid peroxidation in mice were assessed using a biomarker, total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (tHODE). Biological samples such as plasma, erythrocytes, and tissues were first reduced and then saponified to convert various oxidation products of linoleates to tHODE. Subsequently, the absolute concentration of tHODE and its stereoisomer ratio, [9- and 13-(Z,E)-HODE)/[9- and 13-(E,E)-HODE], which is a measure of the hydrogen donor capacity of antioxidants, were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. These were then compared with total 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (t8-iso-PGF_2α) which was also assessed after reduction and saponification. Remarkable increases in tHODE and t8-iso-PGF_2α levels were observed in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain of mice that were fed an α-tocopherol (αT)-stripped (E-free) diet for 1 month when compared with those of mice that were fed a standard diet (αT = 0.002 wt%). When mice were fed for 1 month on an E-free diet supplemented with a lipophilic antioxidant (0.04 wt%), namely, αT, α-tocotrienol (αT3), γ-tocopherol (γT), or 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-4,6-di-tert-butyl-2,2-dipentylbenzofuran (BO-653), a potent synthetic antioxidant, the increases of tHODE and t8-iso-PGF_2α in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, and brain were suppressed to the levels lower than those of mice fed a standard diet. The (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio was decreased in the plasma and erythrocytes of mice fed the E-free diet when compared with that in mice fed the standard diet. This stereo-isomeric ratio was significantly recovered by the addition of αT and BO-653. These results show that the tHODE level and the (Z,E/E,E) HODE ratio are useful biomarkers for the assessment of antioxidant capacity in vivo and that the antioxidant capacity decreased in the order: BO-653 > αT3 ≧ αT, γT, as assessed by tHODE levels from blood, liver, and brain.     

Development of in-vessel components of the microfission chamber for ITER

Microfission chambers (MFCs) will measure the total neutron source strength in ITER. The MFCs will be installed behind blanket modules in the vacuum vessel (VV). Triaxial mineral insulated (MI) cables will carry signals from the MFCs. The joint connecting triaxial MI cables in the VV must be considered because the MFCs and the MI cables will be installed separately at different times. Vacuum tight triaxial connector of the MI cable has been designed and a prototype has been constructed. Performance tests indicate that the connector can be applied to the ITER environment. A small bending-radius test of the MI cable indicates no observed damage at a curvature radius of 100 mm.