Oxidation characteristics of the graphite micro-coils, and growth mechanism of the carbon coils

The oxidation characteristics of the graphite coils obtained by high-temperature heat treatment of the vapor grown carbon micro-coils were examined, and the growth mechanism of the carbon micro-coils is discussed. The ruptured cross section of the graphite coils with a circular cross section (circular graphite coils) exposed in air or an Ar atmosphere at 800–1400°C have generally negative or positive trigonal cone-forms. On the other hand, that of the graphite coils with flat or rectangular cross sections (flat graphite coils) have negative or positive rectangular cone or roof-like forms. The edge between two graphite layers was preferentially oxidized to form three deep striations that extended in the direction of the fiber axis, and then formed six coils from the double circular graphite coils. It is reasonably considered that eight thin coils are formed from the double flat graphite coils. These observations strongly supported the growth mechanism based on the catalytic anisotropy between the catalyst crystal faces.     

Strain-induced crystallization of peroxide-crosslinked natural rubber

Effect of network-chain density (ν) on the strain-induced crystallization of peroxide-crosslinked natural rubber was studied by fast time-resolved synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction. It was observed that the elongation ratio at the onset of strain-induced crystallization (α_c) became smaller with the increase of ν. The difference of the entropy between the undeformed and deformed states at each α_c was nearly equal in spite of the variation of ν. The calculated melting temperature at α_c of the samples was also almost the same regardless of their ν. These observations mean that the strain-induced crystallization occurred when the deformation brought about a definite entropic state for peroxide-crosslinked natural rubber. They agreed with the prediction by Flory and were consistent with the classical theory of rubber elasticity.     

Preparation and properties of fluoroalkyl end-capped oligomer/fluoresceins nanocomposites

Self-assembled fluorinated oligomeric aggregates formed by fluoroalkyl end-capped N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomers, N,N-dimethylacrylamide oligomers, and acrylic acid oligomers in methanol could recognize selectively fluoresceins as guest molecules to form a new class of fluorinated aggregates/fluoresceins nanocomposites. These fluorinated fluoresceins nanocomposites were found to exhibit an extraordinarily enhanced light absorption (λ_max: ca. 440 nm) compared to that (λ_maxs: 452 and 480 nm) of the parent fluorescein in the absence of fluorinated aggregates. On the other hand, fluoroalkyl end-capped 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers, which possess no aggregate characteristic in methanol solutions, could not afford such an enhanced light absorption peak under similar conditions. Not only fluorescein but also fluorescein derivatives such fluoresceinamine, carboxyfluorescein, and fluorescein isothiocyanate afforded similar enhanced narrow absorption peaks under similar conditions. Naphthofluorescein was also encapsulated into these fluorinated oligomeric aggregate cores to afford fluorinated aggregates/naphthofluorescein composites, and these fluorinated naphthofluorescein composites afforded an extremely enhanced narrow absorption peak around 520 nm.     

Development of Oil-Type Make-up Remover Prepared with Polyglycerol Fatty Acid Esters

For understanding the clinical significance of sunscreen, representative photodermatoses including xeroderma pigmentosa, polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis and porphyria were explained. In addition, several topics concerning strategy of sunscreen use were reviewed. Finally, new strategies of sun-protection with metallothionein protein and NF-κB decoy were introduced.     

A reflective tri-layered guest-host color TFT-LCD

Abstract— We have developed a new reflective tri-layer color TFT-LCD with CMY guest-host LC materials. Optical improvements and optimization have resulted in high reflectance and good color image. We have shown that the tri-layer structure has high feasibility for bright color LCDs.     

Glycosphingolipids with Very Long-Chain Fatty Acids Accumulate in Fibroblasts from Adrenoleukodystrophy Patients

Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is an X-linked genetic disorder caused by mutation of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily D member 1 gene, which encodes the peroxisomal membrane protein, adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP). ALDP is associated with the transport of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs; carbon chain length ≥ 24) into peroxisomes. Defective ALDP leads to the accumulation of saturated VLCFAs in plasma and tissues, which results in damage to myelin and the adrenal glands. Here, we profiled the glycosphingolipid (GSL) species in fibroblasts from X-ALD patients. Quantitative analysis was performed using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry with a chiral column in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. MRM transitions were designed to scan for precursor ions of long-chain bases to detect GSLs, neutral loss of hexose to detect hexosylceramide (HexCer), and precursor ions of phosphorylcholine to detect sphingomyelin (SM). Our results reveal that levels of C25 and C26-containing HexCer, Hex2Cer, NeuAc-Hex2Cer, NeuAc-HexNAc-Hex2Cer, Hex3Cer, HexNAc-Hex3Cer, and SM were elevated in fibroblasts from X-ALD patients. In conclusion, we precisely quantified SM and various GSLs in fibroblasts from X-ALD patients and determined structural information of the elevated VLCFA-containing GSLs.     

Comparative analysis of a CFo ATP synthase subunit II homologue derived from marine and fresh-water algae

Comparative analysis was performed with a CFo ATP synthase subunit II homologue (CFo-II) derived from marine or fresh-water algae. The marine algae-derived CFo-II-transformed Escherichia coli grew and accumulated ATP more vigorously in NaCl or Cadmium containing medium, suggesting that this gene was useful for the development of stress-tolerant plant.     

Production of anti-prion scFv-Fc fusion proteins by recombinant animal cells

We constructed a replication-defective retroviral vector plasmid for the expression of a single-chain antibody fragment (scFv), derived from a chicken anti-human prion protein monoclonal antibody, fused with the Fc region of human IgG1. CHO-K1 and NS-1 cells were transformed with the viral vector pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV-G), and scFv-Fc producer clones were established. Among the established clones, CHO-2A9 cells produced a large amount of the product with an antibody-like dimerized structure in serum-free culture that facilitated the purification of scFv-Fc. The scFv-Fc specifically recognized the epitope sequence of prion protein in solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. The injection test into quails revealed that the scFv became more stable in vivo by fusion with the Fc region. The scFv-Fc will be a useful tool for the detection of mammalian prion proteins.     

Microbial analyses by fluorescence in situ hybridization of well-settled granular sludge in brewery wastewater treatment plants

The characteristics of granular sludge from full-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors used for the treatment of brewery wastewater were investigated. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of settled granules from a reactor that had been treating brewery wastewater stably at COD removal rates of over 90% for more than 6 months showed that a methanogen of the genus Methanosaeta was predominant near the granule surface and that Bacteria were not abundant. The center of the granules was composed of dead or resting cells, or both, which were used as a support for active archaeal and bacterial cells near the surface. Periodic analysis of granules from full-scale plants showed that granules containing methanogens deep within them tended to float. Granules with a Bacteria layer on the surface also tended to float. On the basis of these findings, well-settled granules are considered to have methanogens that develop near the granule surface so that the gases generated during methane fermentation are readily released.     

Effect of soy protein isolate on gel properties of Alaska pollock and common carp surimi at different setting conditions

The effects of soy protein isolate (SPI) on the gel properties of different grade Alaska pollock and common carp surimi at different setting conditions were evaluated and compared. Breaking force and distance of gels decreased with increasing SPI concentrations in direct cook (85 °C for 30 min) and in cook after setting at 30 °C for 60 min conditions. The effect of SPI on gel strength of common carp surimi was less than in Alaska pollock surimi. The breaking force obtained for addition of 10% SPI to Alaska pollock surimi was higher than for surimi alone when cooked after incubation at 50 °C for 60 min. Addition of SPI decreased the whiteness and increased the yellowness of the gel. The gel structure showed that the addition of SPI modified the microstructure of the fish protein gel, thus resulting in surimi with different gelling properties. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry