Interaction between alpha-linolenic acid-enriched oil and ACE inhibitor concerning the decrease in blood pressure in SHR

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been reported to exhibit an antihypertensive effect. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is also an antihypertensive agent. We evaluated the interaction between ALA-enriched oil (test oil) and ACEI concerning the decrease in blood pressure by administering test oil, ACEI, or test oil + ACEI to 7-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). After administration, the systolic pressure decreased significantly in all groups compared with the level before administration, but the diastolic pressure decreased significantly only in the test oil + ACEI group. No significant difference was noted in systolic or diastolic pressure among the 3 groups. These results suggest that the interaction between ALA-enriched oil and ACEI is limited. Our study suggested the safety of consuming foods containing a large amount of ALA in combination with hypotensive agents.     

Implementation of the CIP algorithm to magnetohydrodynamic simulations

An implementation of the Constrained Interpolation Profile (CIP) algorithm to magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations is presented. First we transform the original momentum and magnetic induction equations to unfamiliar forms by introducing Elsässer variables [W.M. Elsässer, The hydromagnetic equations, Phys. Rev. (1950)]. In this formulation, while the compressional and pressure gradient terms remain as non-advective terms, the advective and magnetic stress terms are expressed in the form of an advection equation, which enables us to use the CIP algorithm. We have examined some 1D test problems using the code based on this formula. Linear Alfvén wave propagation tests reveal that the developed code is capable of solving any Alfvén wave propagation with only small numerical diffusion and phase errors up to k?h=2.5 (where ?h is the grid spacing). A shock tube test shows good agreement with a previous result with less numerical oscillation at the shock front and the contact discontinuity which are captured within a few grid points. Extension of the 1D code to the multi-dimensional case is straightforward. We have calculated the 3D nonlinear evolution of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI) and compared the result with our previous study. We find that our new MHD code is capable of following the 3D turbulence excited by the KHI while retaining the solenoidal property of the magnetic field.     

Inhibitory action of conjugated C18-fatty acids on DNA polymerases and DNA topoisomerases

We reported previously that unsaturated linear-chain FA of the cis-configuration with a C18-hydrocarbon chain such as linoleic acid (18:2delta9c,12c) could potently inhibit the activities of mammalian DNA polymerases and DNA topoisomerases, but their saturated forms could not. There are chemically two classes of unsaturated FA, normal and conjugated, but only the conjugated forms show potent antitumor activity. In this report, we study the inhibitory effects of chemically synthesized conjugated C18-FA on mammalian DNA polymerases and DNA topoisomerases as compared with normal unsaturated FA. The conjugated alpha-eleostearic acid (18:3delta9c,11t, 13t) was the strongest of all the FA tested. For the inhibition, the conjugated form is crucially important. The energy-minimized 3-D structures of the FA were calculated, and both a length of less than 20 A and a width of 8.13-9.24 A in the C18-FA structure were found to be important for enzyme inhibition. The 3-D structure of the active site of both DNA polymerases and topoisomerases must have had a pocket to join alpha-eleostearic acid, and this pocket was 12.03 A long and 9.24 A wide.     

FORCE ANALYSIS OF ORTHOGONAL CUTTING OF BOVINE CORTICAL BONE

In orthopedic operations, no sound solutions exist to avoid conditions like tool breakage, bone fracture/cracks and thermal necrosis for lacking understanding of the mechanics of the bone cutting process. In this work, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were performed to investigate effects of cutting conditions on cutting and thrust forces based on a full factorial design. Then applicability of Merchant's analysis for calculating cutting force with respect to rake angle and feed was evaluated by comparison with experiments. Finally, the friction coefficient was evaluated by calculation. ANOVA shows that forces are much more sensitive to feed, cutting direction and rake angle than to cutting speed. Regression equations including all four factors were obtained by introduction of dummy variables. Cutting forces from experiments and from Merchant's analysis are partially comparable (maximum relative error = 34%) when feed and rake angle are changed. Friction coefficient was affected by rake angle and cutting direction. Cutting speed had little effect on the coefficient. These results can deepen the understanding of the mechanics of the bone-cutting process and assist the development of innovative cutting devices and selection of favorable cutting conditions for the procedure.     

Molecular dynamics study for dissociation phenomena of a gas molecule on a metal surface

The dissociation phenomena of a gas molecule on a metal surface were analyzed by the molecular dynamics method. A platinum (111) surface and hydrogen were chosen as the metal surface and the gas molecule, respectively. The embedded atom method was used as the interaction between atoms in order to express the dependence of electron density. The parameters were determined so that the results such as the electron density, adsorption energy of an H atom on a Pt(111) surface, and the interaction between H atoms of an H₂ molecule obtained by the EAM method were consistent with those obtained by the density functional theory or empirical function. Collisions between a hydrogen molecule and the platinum surface were simulated by the molecular dynamics method, and the dissociation probability was obtained. Using these results, the effect of the motion of the surface atoms or the hydrogen molecule on the dissociation probability was analyzed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/htj.20222     

Identification of a Putative β-Arrestin Superagonist of the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR)

Ghrelin is a pleiotropic feeding hormone which also has a pivotal role in the central nervous system. Upon the activation of its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the Gα_q/11-mediated and the β-arrestin-mediated signaling pathways are activated. As the β-arrestin pathway is a potential drug target, there is a strong need for β-arrestin-biased GHSR modulators. Activation of the β-arrestin pathway should inhibit the Gα_q/11-mediated calcium flux through internalization of the receptor. Hence, we used the antagonistic activity in the calcium assay as the first screening for the β-arrestin activation. By conducting the second screening assay for the β-arrestin activation based on extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation, we discovered a putative β-arrestin-biased superagonist. The activity of the compound was not completely blocked with the competitive antagonist, which implies that the effect is mediated, at least partly, by allosteric binding of the compound.     

Assessment of energy efficiency performance measures in industry and their application for policy

Energy efficiency improvement is a basic yet significant way of addressing both energy security and environment concerns. There are various measures of industrial energy efficiency performance, with different purposes and applications. This paper explores different ways to measure energy efficiency performance (MEEP): absolute energy consumption, energy intensity, diffusion of specific energy-saving technology and thermal efficiency. It discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and roles within policy frameworks. Policy makers should consider the suitability of MEEP based on criteria such as reliability, feasibility and verifiability. The limitations of both energy intensity and necessity of broader all-inclusive indicators and technology diffusion indicators are also discussed. A case study on Japan's iron and steel industry illustrates the critical role of proper boundary definitions for a meaningful assessment of energy efficiency in industry. Depending on the boundaries set for the analysis, the energy consumption per ton of crude steel ranges from 16 to 21 GJ. This paper stresses the importance of a proper understanding of various methods to assess energy efficiency, and the linkage with policy objectives and frameworks. Possible next steps for improvement of MEEP, such as database development, were also discussed.     

Solutions to the two-dimensional boundary value problem for microwave breast tumor detection

This letter presents a noninvasive microwave application method for breast tumor detection. Forward equations are developed using the signals' scattering effect at the presence of an object inside the breast model. It is shown how the complex backscattered signals which characterize the internal material properties are analyzed using cylindrical coordinates to obtain required information. The algorithm developed to solve the inverse problem can compute the unknown tumor size and its location inside the breast model.     

Anesthetic management of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using propofol, fentanyl and ketamine

A 59-year-old male with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was scheduled for resection of a maxillary cyst. Metoprolol was discontinued the day before surgery. Thirty min before anesthesia, meperidine 35 mg was administered intramuscularly. After intravenous administration of midazolam 3 mg, a pulmonary catheter was inserted for monitoring hemodynamic parameters. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 75 mg, fentanyl 0.15 mg and ketamine 75 mg. Anesthesia was maintained with continuous infusion of propofol 5 mg.kg-1.h-1 and ketamine 1 mg.kg-1.h-1. Moreover, fentanyl was added as necessary during surgery. Blood pressure (BP), pulmonary arterial pressure (PA), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) were measured using a pulmonary catheter during anesthesia. Since BP decreased after intubation, dopamine 3 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 was administered for 20 min. The hemodynamic state was stable during surgery. However, BP, PA, SVRI and PVRI increased temporally at extubation. His postoperative course was uneventful. In conclusion, total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, fentanyl and ketamine may be useful for anesthetic management of a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.     

The minimal sequence needed to define a functional DNA terminator in Bacillus subtilis

BACKGROUND: We wished to determine whether transcutaneous oximetry or laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) could identify patients at risk for wound failure after conservative, limb-sparing surgery for extremity sarcomas. METHODS: Studies were performed on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 4/5, 7, and 9. Measurements of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) were taken at breathing room air (BL) and 100% oxygen (rate tcPO2). LDF measurements were taken at multiple sites along the wound, and a perfusion index was calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were studied. Four (17%) had nonhealing wounds. There was no difference in tcPO2 (BL) values between healed and nonhealing wounds. Measurement of rate tcPO2 on POD 1 was significantly lower in the nonhealing wounds than in those with normal healing (28.5 +/- 12.1 mm Hg vs 14.3 +/- 16.2 mm Hg, mean +/- SD, p = 0.03). Rate tcPO2 values increased significantly in healing wounds from POD 1 to PODs 7 and 9 (p = 0.006, p = 0.009). This increase was absent in nonhealing wounds. A clear separation was noted in rate tcPO2 values between groups, with a minimum rate tcPO2 value recorded in a healed wound of 9 mm Hg/min, compared with the maximum value in a nonhealing wound of 7 mm Hg/min. The LDF perfusion index failed to predict wound healing at any of the measured time points. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that measurement of tcPO2 during oxygen inhalation can accurately predict wound healing in patients after excision of an extremity sarcoma.