Production of macrocyclic ellagitannin oligomers by Oenothera laciniata callus cultures

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) has been reported to enhance the experimental metastatic behaviour of melanoma cells in the mouse model. alpha-MSH production and MSH receptor (melanocortin 1 receptor gene) expression have been detected in cultured normal human melanocytes and metastasized melanomas. The exact role of MSH in the metastatic behaviour of human melanoma cells is, however, not yet known. To clarify a possible role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, including alpha-MSH, in melanoma development and progression, we analysed immunohistochemically the localization of alpha-MSH adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and beta-endorphin in various kinds of benign pigmented naevocytic lesions and malignant melanomas. Three of 21 samples of common and dysplastic naevi showed detectable alpha-MSH staining in naevus cells, and five and six of 15 samples were weakly positive for ACTH and beta-endorphin staining, respectively. In melanoma samples, 24 of 45, 23 of 39 and 30 of 42 samples showed positive staining with alpha-MSH, ACTH and beta-endorphin antibodies, respectively. Furthermore, staining for all three antibodies was noted to be more intense and diffuse in samples of nodular melanoma, vertically growing acral lentiginous melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma as well as metastatic lesions compared with those of naevi. Although it is yet to be determined whether or not this strong staining for POMC-derived peptides in advanced melanoma cells indicates a role of autocrine or paracrine regulation, our results suggest a possible involvement of POMC gene products in melanoma progression.     

Saturation measurements on electron spin resonance signals in amorphous silicon films

The dependence of the electron spin resonance signal intensity on the microwave magnetic field was investigated for amorphous silicon prepared by r.f. sputtering. The spin-lattice and the spin relaxation times T₁ and T₂ were determined by a new saturation method. As a result it is suggested that the electron spin resonance linewidth is determined by g-factor anisotropy, that T₂ is 10–100 times longer than the T¹₂ determined from the linewidth, that T₁ for samples annealed at below about 250°C is proportional to T^-1.9 and that most of the spins for samples annealed at above 400°C are probably due to dangling bonds in amorphous regions surrounding crystallites newly produced in the process of crystallization.     

Nonlinear magnetic levitation control by four-point attraction

Rubber components of production equipment are a significant source of contamination in the fabrication of VLSI devices and other semiconductor products. One approach to solving this problem is to use a magnetic levitation system for noncontact transfer. The force nonlinearity of magnetic circuits presents a problem, particularly when the gap between the magnets and the levitated vehicle is small. Linearization methods that allow effective control do exist, but in this paper an alternative method not based on linearization is proposed. The design involves magnetic levitation control by 4-point attraction. The experimental results indicate that the idea is an effective one.     

ON THE SPECIFIC RESISTANCE OF CAKES OF MICROORGANISMS

The mean specific resistance of the cakes of various microorganisms was evaluated by measurement of either a change in the amount of permeate with time or of steady-state flux under constant pressure. The mean specific resistance was different with different shapes and sizes of microorganisms. The large differences arose from different packing structures of the cake. The effect of a filter aid on the filtration rate and cake structure was studied experimentally and theoretically. The effects of a filter aid were best explained by a series model, in which a cake layer composed of microbial cells and a layer of randomly distributed microbial cells and filter aid are packed on the membrane surface in series with respect to the directions of permeation.     

Classification of Geothermal Energy Resources in Japan Applying Exergy Concept

Higher demand for energy consumption and importance of environmental issues has encouraged researchers and policy makers to consider renewable energies more seriously. Geothermal resources are a green energy source that can make a considerable contribution in some countries. Japan has the third ranking geothermal energy potential, and its geothermal electricity production is currently eighth in the world. Since the nature of geothermal resources dictates its method of utilization, it is important to categorize available resources. There is no consensus on classification of geothermal resources. Most scientists, from geologist to engineers, agree on the term temperature. However, temperature or enthalpy alone cannot describe the nature of fluids; they can have same temperature with different phases, such as saturated water or saturated steam. Using exergy for resource classification benefits their comparison, according to their ability to do work. In this paper, exergetic classification of geothermal resources was applied to 18 under‐operating geothermal power plants in Japan. Six geothermal fields have high exergy resources according to their SExI values in excess of 0.5. The remaining geothermal fields in Japan are classified in the medium resources zone. Classification results can be used by decision makers as a reference for future geothermal development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.