Collagen and elastin synthesis by desmoid tumor in vitro

In order to characterize human desmoid tumors in vitro, the production of collagen and elastin and the expression of collagen types alpha1(I), alpha1(III) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 mRNA were investigated in six desmoid tumors; five derived from familial adenomatous polyposis patients and one from a sporadic case. The proportion of collagen production to total protein production was determined by 3H-imino acid incorporation, an indicator of collagen synthesis, using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The proportion of collagen production to total protein production was much higher in all six desmoid tumors compared with human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Quantitatively, the rate of elastin synthesis in desmoid tumor cells monitored by valine-proline peptide was also significantly higher than in HSF. Pro-alpha1(I) collagen mRNA was highly expressed in both desmoid tumors and HSF at approximately the same level, whereas pro-alpha1(III) collagen mRNA was more abundant in some of the desmoid tumors than the normal skin fibroblastic cell lines. Tumor growth factor-beta1 mRNA, which is believed to stimulate collagen synthesis, was expressed in both desmoid tumors and HSF to the same extent. These results demonstrate the increased formation of collagen and elastin in desmoid tumors in vitro and suggest that the increased synthesis of elastin rather than of collagen and TGF-beta1 may be involved in increased fibrogenesis by desmoid tumors.     

Direct electron microscopic observation of transcrystalline layers in microfibrillar reinforced polymer-polymer composites

Microfibrillar reinforced composites (MFC) comprising an isotropic matrix from a lower melting polymer, i.e., low density polyethylene (LDPE), reinforced by microfibrils of a higher melting polymer, recycled from bottles, i.e., poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), were processed under industrially relevant conditions via injection molding in a weight ratio of PET/LDPE = 50/50. Dog bone samples with MFC structure were characterized by means of scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. SEM observations on cryogenic fracture surfaces show an isotropic LDPE matrix reinforced by more or less randomly distributed PET microfibrils. By means of TEM on stained ultrathin slices one observes the formation of transcrystalline layers of LDPE matrix on the surface of the PET microfibrils. In these layers the crystalline lamellae are aligned parallel to each other and are placed perpendicularly to the fibril surfaces. This is in contrast to the bulk matrix where the lamellae are quasi-randomly arranged.     

Exposure and risk assessment of zinc in Japanese surface waters

In recent years, due to concerns on the potential effects of zinc on aquatic biota, zinc is receiving particular attention from regulatory agencies. A comprehensive exposure and risk assessment of zinc in Japanese surface waters was conducted to provide a scientific basis for developing realistic risk reduction measures for zinc. Emissions from corrosion contribute approximately 37% of the total zinc emissions to surface water in Japan. The zinc concentration distributions estimated using 12 years of monitoring data from 2075 sites by a maximum likelihood method indicated that the mean concentrations have gradually declined. The threshold concentrations (HC5 and PHC5) derived from organism- and population-level species sensitivity distributions were estimated to be 27 and 107 μg/L for total zinc, respectively. The risk characterization identified that during 1991-2002, 14.5-26.8% of the monitoring sites likely exceeded the HC5, whereas only 0.7-3.5% likely exceeded the PHC5. Evaluation of the effect of stormwater runoff to zinc concentrations in a river showed that zinc concentrations in river water increased significantly from roadway drainage flowing into the river. The cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrated that enforcement of the zinc national effluent standard may be effective at a certain level for public water areas in Japan; however, the degree of the effectiveness is highly dependent on the characteristics (e.g., sources and background) of the watersheds. An emissions and exposure assessment along with cost-effectiveness analysis is crucial for developing realistic and appropriate ecological risk management of zinc. The zinc RAD in Japan illustrated that in any “state-of-the science” method used, some degree of ecological risk from zinc can be observed in some Japanese water environments. On the other hand, zinc is a beneficial material for human industrial activities. Because zinc is an element, its role in industrial activities would be difficult to be substituted by other metals with less toxicity. In addition to improving science-based risk assessment methodologies which often focus on the toxicological perspectives, it is important to develop a more robust framework considering a trade-off between a damage in ecosystem and a benefit in human activities. Zinc can be a role model for it.     

Oligomer Deposition on the Surface of PET Fiber in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid

Summary: Spin‐drawing yarn (SDY) and high‐speed spun (HSS) fibers were produced from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) pellets, and the oligomer deposition on the surface of fiber in supercritical carbon dioxide fluid was compared. The oligomer deposition was obvious for SDY, which corresponded to the fact that the amount of imperfect small crystallites generated in amorphous regions through s‐CO₂ treatment was much smaller for SDY as compared to that with HSS. The imperfect small crystallites generated in amorphous regions will work as a barrier to the oligomer migration. In order to suppress the deposition of oligomer for SDY, the combination of a heatset treatment and an alkaline etching was useful. At a heatset process, the oligomer migration to the surface layer tends to occur, and the layer becomes rich in oligomer. The following topochemical hydrolysis reaction at alkaline etching removes such layer. Accordingly, the total content of oligomer in etched fiber is reduced. As a result, the oligomer deposition in s‐CO₂ treatment becomes not so serious. In addition, the heatset treatment gives the shrinkproof property to SDY, and the property is still retained after the alkaline etching.

     

Evaluation of changes in power wheelchair maneuver induced by a downhill turning prevention control on cross sloped surfaces

In order to improve direction stability of a power wheelchair on a cross‐sloped surface, a downhill turning prevention control (DTPC) has been developed by some researchers and wheelchair suppliers. The DTPC‐induced effect on wheelchair maneuver, however, has not been well clarified. In this study, we quantitatively assessed DTPC‐induced changes in joystick control strategies during a driving task on a cross‐sloped test course. Among several evaluation measures calculated from the joystick inputs during the test trials, the x‐axis joystick displacement amount was found to be significantly decreased by the DTPC. This result suggests that the DTPC can save wheelchair users from the burden of compensation control on cross‐sloped surfaces. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Rational use of urban underground space for surface and subsurface activities in Japan

This paper, based on research by the Japan National Land Policy Institute (NaLPI), describes various forms of urban underground space use and the proper use of underground space. The paper discusses images that people working above-ground and below-ground hold about underground space, as measured by their responses to a questionnaire survey; and suggests ways to alleviate concerns people have about underground spaces (e.g., related to health, fear of being underground, and safety).     

An Efficient Algorithm for the Evaluate of the Electromagnetic Field near Several Radio Base Stations

This paper is motivated by the increased presence of the radio base stations, and the need to calculate the electromagnet ic field near them. The debate on the effects of the electromagnetic field exposure, in line with the increased success and presence of the mobile telephony, has attracted the public interest and it has become a concern for the community. The standard procedures in place for estimation of the electromagnetic field require prior knowledge of the criteria for the field evaluation, be it near field, far field, presence of one or several base stations, the operating frequencies bands and their combinations. Aiming to have a practical method for the evaluation, the authors will try to do develop a theoretic model, on which base the authors will simulate the antenna of the base station and prepare the numeric method that will provide the baseline for the application. They will than compare the calculations for real situations for which all know the geometrical features, with the ones calculated based on a known theoretical method also knows as method of the moments MoM, simulated with NEC-2 （numerical electromagnetic code）, and further more with the values measured in the field under the same conditions as the ones for the simulated environments. The results are interpreted in order to define the efficiency of the proposed method as well as to have an idea on the simplicity, accuracy and computing capacities.