We compared three groups of pregnant women: placebo with normotensive women, group A which included preeclamptics, and group which comprised preeclamptics who were supplemented their diets with vitamins C and . MDA increased from . ± 2. (placebo) to .48 ± .2 (A) and .02 ± . nmol/gHb (). NO concentrations were enhanced from 19.3 ± 4.2 (P) to 23. ± .4 (A) and 24. ± 5.4 μmol/L (). GSH contents were decreased from 10.42 ± 2.81 (P) to .02 ± 2. (A) and 9.39 ± .02 μmol/g Hb (), whereas GSSG concentrations increased from .98 ± .28 (P) to .24 ± .29 (A) and .08 ± .12 μmol/g Hb (). SOD activity decreased 23% in A and 14% in ; GRx decreased 27% in A and 5.5% in ; GPx decreased 12% in A and 9.% in . Catalase activity, however, increased 27% in A and 29% in as compared to control. Thus, we conclude that the use of vitamins C and should be considered for the control of certain important biochemical indices during the development of preeclampsia; however, further studies are needed to develop methods for the prevention of preeclampsia in women at high risk.

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The gamma-ray spectrum and the conversion-electron spectrum are measured in the decay of the ^116mIn activity. Directional correlations are also measured for 818–1293 and 1097–1293 keV cascades. The M-2 mixing ratio δ, and the -2 mixing ratio μ_k are obtained for 818.7 keV +→2₁⁺ transition to be δ=−+, and μ_k≤.×10⁻⁴ respectively. The 2 branching ratio (2; +→+): (2; +→2₁⁺): (2; +→0₁⁺) is determined to be .0158:.:5.86.

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Effect of an antirheumatic gold compound, Auranofin (

), have been revealed.  -10 µM of inhibited prostaglandin (PGE₂) production and nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages treated with some stimulatory compounds.  We found that reduced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels, but not affected their enzyme activities.  We then revealed that partly inhibited the nuclear-translocation of NF-κB while PGE₂ production was almost completely inhibited.

  In the review on manuscripts,

is reported to down-regulate the mRNA levels of , , , ABCG2, , PIK3CA, and up-regulate the mRNA levels of ABCC3, , , ABCC2, SLC31A2, CLTD, CLTB.  PGs are known to be transported by 4 transporters, OATP-PG (SLCA), SLC21A2 (OATP2A, SLCO2), SLC21A11 (OATP3A), and ABCC4, though I could not identify whether reduced PGE₂ concentration in cellular cultured medium as described above via these transporters by downregulation for export of PGE₂.

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The gamma-ray spectrum and the conversion-electron spectrum are measured in the decay of the Tb¹⁵² activity. The L-subshell electron lines of the 586.7 keV +→2₁⁺ transition are separated by the ion-free beta-ray spectrometer. The M-2 mixing ratio, δ², and the dimensionless ratio X of -2 mixing of the 586.7 keV transition are obtained to be δ²≤.16 and .034≤X≤.038, respectively. The 2 branching ratio (2; +→+): (2; +→2₁⁺): (2; +→0₁⁺) is determined to be .023 : . : 5..

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The phase diagrams of the Ni-Mo- and Ni-W- ternary systems in the region of less than 50mol% were constructed by thermodynamic calculation, based on the data obtained by thermodynamic measurement of the related materials. We found three ternary eutectic points and three or two ternary peritecto-eutectic points as follows:
:L (1365K, 71.5mol%Ni-.mol%Mo-.5mol%)=(Ni)++
:L (1355K, 62.5mol%Ni-2.5mol%Mo-30.5mol%)=++
:L (1445K, 42.mol%Ni-30.mol%Mo-10.3mol%)=(Ni)+NiMo+
:L (1812K, 34.9mol%Ni-42.3mol%Mo-.mol%)+MoB=+
P₂:L (1633K, 42.3mol%Ni-40.4mol%Mo-17.3mol%)+Mo=+
P₃:L (1812K, 53.5mol%Ni-33.7mol%Mo-12.mol%)+Mo=NiMo+
:L (1622K, 51.mol%Ni-31.mol%W-17.4mol%)=(Ni)+W+
:L (1260K, 71.mol%Ni-7.mol%W-.mol%)=(Ni)++
:L (1291K, 65.4mol%Ni-4.mol%W-29.mol%)=++
:L (2115K, 23.mol%Ni-43.mol%W-33.mol%)+WB=+
P₂:L (1657K, 48.9mol%Ni-33.mol%W-18.mol%)+=W+
The calculated phase diagrams are expected to be useful for the development of new Ni-based heat-, corrosion- or wear-resistance alloys.

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, an ets-oncogene family transcription factor, has been shown to upregulate transcription from matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes, which confers the invasive phenotype on cancer cells. On the other hand, we have demonstrated by luciferase assay that positively regulates transcription from the / promoter. Ca9. cells were transfected with a metallothionein-inducible expression vector (Ca9.MTF) to investigate the relationship between invasive ability and cell cycle modulation caused by . MMP-9 and / protein were synergistically increased in the ZnCl₂ stimulated CA9.MTF cells, and both proteins were identified in the same cells when was induced. These results imply that invasive growth of tumor cells occurs in the static state of the cell cycle and that plays a key role in this phenomenon.

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We screened the differentiation-inducing activities of 39 mushroom extracts from Akita prefecture, Japan, on the mouse osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-. Sixteen phosphate buffered saline (PBS), boiled PBS, 14 ethanol and 12 methanol extracts induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, an indicator of MC3T3- cell differentiation. The enzyme activities were markedly induced by extracts of Tricholoma auratum, and we isolated the active compound from methanol extracts of this mushroom. Physical data for the isolated active compound were identical to those for (,24R)-ergosta-7,-diene-3β,5α,-triol (). induced ALP activities of MC3T3- cells and promoted cell proliferation. To investigate the relationships between the chemical structure and differentiation-inducing activity of the compound, ALP-inducing activities of MC3T3- cells by , ergosterol (2), ergocalciferol (3), cholesta-3β,5α,-triol (4), 7-dehydrocholesterol (5) and cholecalciferol () were tested. The enzyme activities of MC3T3- cells were increased 3.-fold by 10 μM and 2.4-fold by 10 μM 4. However, 2, 3, 5 and did not induce MC3T3- cell ALP activity at .—10 μM. These results suggested that the OH groups at C-5 and/or C- of and 4 played an important role in their differentiation-inducing activities on MC3T3- cells. Furthermore, suppressed induction of MC3T3- cell apoptosis by serum starvation.

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Backgrounds: It has been reported that somatic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is related with aging, or development of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that mtDNA4977 deletion mutation (4977-) detected from human blood contributes to atrial dysfunction in patients with . Methods: We studied for mtDNA4977- in 183 patients with non-valvular , (127 PAF, 56 PeAF) and 69 patients with healthy control. The detection of mtDNA4977- was determined by Gene Scan. Results: . The mtDNA4977- in patients were older than those without mutation (61.4±9.2 vs. 51.±9.9, p<.0001). 2. Frequency of mtDNA4977- mutation in patients with ≤45 years old was not different to age matched control (7.3% vs. 11.%, p=.2371). 3. The mtDNA4977- had higher /, (11.3±4. vs. 9.±3., p=.0005), plasma levels of TIMP- (.51±.77 vs. .28±.57 ng/mL, p=.0210) and ANP (3.11±2.67 vs. .91±2.01 nmole/L, p=.0010), and were more frequently taking statin (27.2% vs. .4%, p=.0055) than those without mutation. 4. 82.3% with mtDNA4977- and 85.5% without mtDNA4977- remain in sinus rhythm 12.7±5.9 months after RFCA (p=.3008). Conclusion: mtDNA4977- was related with aging, diastolic dysfunction, serologic markers related with atrial remodeling or pressure overloading. Its frequency was not different to age matched patients with control, and did not affect the clinical outcome after RFCA.

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Backgrounds: We evaluated that electrophysiological characteristics and clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation () with sinus node dysfunction (SND) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Methods: Among 428 patients (male, 77.3%; 56.±11. years old; paroxysmal , 69.4%) who underwent RFCA for , 50 patients (11.7%) who had ECG documented symptomatic SND (28 Tachybrady (T-Bs) and sick sinus syndrome; SSS) were compared with 378 patients without SND. Results: . The patients with SND were older (60.3±61617; 9.7 vs. 55.4±61617; 11. years, p=.003) and had higher /′ (12.4±61617; 5. vs. 9.9±61617; 4., p=.002) than those without SND. 2. Effective refractory period (ERP) at high right atrium (RA) was longer (ERP; 244.±61617; 26. vs. 232.2±61617; 28.2 ms, p=.033) and endocardial voltage at posterior left atrium (LA) was higher (.2±61617; . vs. .9±61617; . mV, p=.041) in patients with SND than those without it. 3. The recurrence rate was not different significantly between groups (28.% vs. 20.%, p=.623) during 12.7±5.9 months. A patient with SSS (4.5%) and a patient with T-Bs (3.%) were implanted pacemaker because of recurrent symptomatic bradycardia after RFCA. Conclusion: is associated with SND more often in patients with old age, diastolic dysfunction, and high RA ERP. RFCA results in comparable clinical outcome in those patients, but 4% of them required pacemaker implantation due to recurrence and symptomatic bradycardia.

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This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fecal carriage of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and/or plasmidic AmpC β-lactamase (pAmpC) producing Escherichia coli among dogs (n=428) in Turkey. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used to characterize genes encoding β-lactamase and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCRs for virulence genes and phylogenetic groups were also performed. Cefotaxime resistant

. coli isolates were detected in 95 (.2%) of the swab samples. Sequencing analysis results showed occurrence of various β-lactamase genes: bla_CTX-M-15 (62), blaTEM-

1b

(42), bla_CMY-2 (

22

), bla_CTX-M-3 (16), blaCTX-M-

1

(15), blaOXA-

1

(9) and bla_SHV-12 (3) alone or in combination. The most frequently encountered phylogenetic group was group

A₁

(35.

8

%), followed by group D₂ (

22

.

1

%),

B

1

(15.

8

%),

D₁

(9.5%),

A₀

(7.4%),

B2₂

(5.3%) and

B2₃

(4.2%), respectively. PMQR genes, aac(

6

’)-Ib-cr,

qnrS1

and qnrB10 were detected in 25.3, 10.5 and

1

.

1

% of the isolates, respectively. While all isolates were susceptible to imipenem and amikacin, resistance rates to non-β-lactam antibiotics ranged from 20.

0

% for tobramycin to 56.

8

% for tetracycline. The virulence genes were only detected in 34 (36.2%) of the isolates and this isolates carried single or various combination of virulence genes of iucD, papC, papE, f17a-A and eaeA. Four isolates were identified as human virulent pandemic CTX-M-15 producing

E

. coli clone O25

b

:ST131/

B

2. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show fecal carriage of ESBL/pAmpC type β-lactamase producing

E

. coli isolates among dogs in Turkey.

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Background: Although new-onset atrial fibrillation (

) increases with ageing, the prediction of new-onset is complicated. We previously reported that pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (ePCWP) estimated by the combination of left atrial volume index (LAVI) and active left atrial emptying function (aLAEF) had a strong relationship with PCWP on catheterization (r=.): ePCWP=10.−12.4×log (aLAEF/minimum LAVI). We sought to determine the usefulness of ePCWP to predict new-onset .

Methods and Results: We measured LAVI, aLAEF and ePCWP on speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in 566 consecutive elderly patients (72±

years) without a history of . A total of 63 patients (73± years) developed electrocardiographically confirmed during a mean follow-up period of 50 months. Baseline aLAEF was significantly lower in patients with than without new-onset (17.9±.5 vs. 28.2±7.5%), whereas ePCWP was significantly higher (14.±3.7 vs. 10.3±3. mmHg). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ePCWP and aLAEF were strong independent predictors of . Using ePCWP >13 mmHg or aLAEF ≤% on univariate Cox regression analysis, the HR for new-onset were 3.53 (95% CI: .68–7.44, P<.001) and 4.06 (95% CI: .90–.65, P<.001), respectively. By combining these 2 criteria (>13 mmHg and ≤%), the HR increased to 11.84 (95% CI: .85–20.5, P<.001).

Conclusions: ePCWP and aLAEF measured on STE are useful predictors of new-onset

. ePCWP provides added value for risk stratification of new-onset .

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Distribution of bacteria which produce enzyme capable of lysing Str. mutans 49 strain in human dental plaques was investigated on adults of age 20 to . The activity of the enzyme (MLE) produced by an isolated strain (FDC-63) was also investigated. The results obtained are summarized as follows. . MLE producing bacteria were detected in 43 samples (37.%) out of 116 samples of dental plaques obtained from adults of age 20 to . 2. Twenty four samples had MLE producing bacteria at the rate of over 5% of total number of bacteria in each sample. 3. The 40 strains isolated were composed of .5% of Gram positive cocci, 2.5% of Gram negative cocci and 5% of Gram positive rods. 4. Most of the isolates (84.%) showed lytic activity against living cells of 49 on GAM agar plates. 5. The MLE produced by FDC-63 had lytic activity against both living and heat killed cells of 49 under aerobic or anaerobic condition. . The activity of the MLE was rather weak against purified cell walls of 49. 7. Optimal pH in the activity of the MLE was . and optimal temperature 37℃. The activity of the MLE was lost by heating at 60℃ for 60 min. . FDC-63 was identified as Streptococcus milleri.

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In the first part of the present work the interaction of glycophorin with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) is studied by freeze fracture electron microscopy, densitometry, calorimetry, and 90° static light scattering. An exothermic lipid/protein interaction energy of W_P=190 kJ•mol-

1

was found by application of the well known Van Laar relation for the displacement of the freezing point and the Gibbs-Duhem relationship. Secondly, the effects of Ca²⁺ on the lipid/protein interaction were studied. Following Ca²⁺ addition a remarkable decoupling of the interaction of the glycophorin head group with the bilayer surface was revealed by densitometry and gold-labeling electron microscopy. It is estimated that about 80% of lipid once disturbed by the adsorption of glycophorin head groups is decoupled after addition of Ca²⁺. Thirdly, the selective interaction of glycophorin with binary lipid mixtures was studied, including the mixtures of DMPC with dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS) and dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), and the mixture of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) with DLPC.

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Background:The relationship between outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation () and the severity of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains unknown.Methods and Results:Twenty-two HCM patients (12 female, aged 65±11 years) with paroxysmal (n=5; 23%) or persistent (n=17; 77%) were enrolled. LV diastolic function was evaluated according to the ratio of the mitral inflow early filling velocity to the velocity of the early medial mitral annular ascent (/’) measured on pulsed wave and tissue Doppler assessments in all patients. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all patients. A second procedure was performed in 3 patients. During a follow-up of 21±12 months, sinus rhythm was maintained in 13 of patients (59%). /’ was significantly higher in the patients with recurrence than in those without (18±7 vs. 11±3; P<.01). On Kaplan-Meier analysis the prevalence of recurrence was significantly higher in patients with /’ ≥15 (n=) than in those with /’ <15 (n=16; P<.01). On multivariate Cox regression analysis the only significant and independent predictor for recurrence was /’ (hazard ratio, .16; 95% confidence interval: .01–.37, P=.03).Conclusions:LV diastolic dysfunction evaluated using /’ was associated with difficulty of rhythm control after RFCA in patients with HCM and . (Circ J 2015; 79: 419–424)

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This study set out to assess the respirable mass, surface area, and number concentrations of the α-quartz content particles (C_r-m, C_r-s and C_r-n) to which workers were exposed in six different exposure groups, the raw material handling (n=10), crushing (n=12), mixing (n=12), forming (n=10), furnace (n=10), and packaging (n=10), in a refractory material manufacturing plant. For C_r-m, the exposure values in sequence were found as: mixing (68. μg/m³)>packaging (55.9 μg/m³)>raw material handling (53.3 μg/m³)>furnace (31. μg/m³)>crushing (29. μg/m³)>forming (.4 μg/m³). We also found that ~21.2-68.2% of the above Cr-m exceeded the current TLV-TWA for the α-quartz content (50 μg/m³) suggesting a need for initiating control strategies immediately. We further conducted particle size-segregating samplings in four workplaces: crushing (n=3), mixing (n=3), forming (n=3), and furnace (n=3). We found that all resultant particle size distributions shared a quite similar geometric standard deviation (σ_g; =2.24-2.), but the process area, associated with higher mechanical energy (i.., crushing process), contained finer α-quartz content particles (mass median aerodynamic diameter; MMAD=3. μm) than those areas associated with lower mechanical energy (i.., mixing, forming, and furnace; MMAD=.17, 5.95, and . μm, respectively). These results gave a ratio of C_r-m in the above four exposure groups (i.., crushing: mixing: forming: furnace=.00: 2.30: .753: .04) which was quite different from those of C_r-s (.00: .74: .654: .530) and C_r-n (.00: .27: .572: .202). Our results clearly indicate the importance of measuring particle size distributions for assessing workers' free silica exposures.

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Chemical synthesis of (, 24R)- and (, 24S)-, 24-dihydroxy--vitamin D₃ has been achieved starting with the commercially available dinorcholenic acid acetate. Synthesis involved introduction of the -hydroxy group by a reduction of the , 2-epoxide generated by epoxidation of the , 4, -trien-3-one. The side chain on the steroid was then constructed by means of a Wittig reaction followed by introduction of the Δ⁷ bond by standard methods and its protection with -phenyl-, 2, 4-triazoline-3, 5-dione. Subsequent reduction of the hydroxy groups in the steroid side chain followed by reduction of the Diels-Alder addition products yielded the both 24-isomers. The 5, 7-dienes were irradiated and the corresponding vitamin D compounds isolated. Nuclear magnetic resonance was used to identify individual isomers. The (, 24S)-, 24-hydroxyvitamin D₃ compound bound equally well to the chick intestinal cytosol receptor as , 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, while the 24R-isomer was approximately ten times less active. In vivo, both isomers were less active than , 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ ; however, the 24S-isomer was considerably more active than the 24R-isomer approaching the activity of , 25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃.

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Our studies on the constituents of so far above forty species of Solanum genera plants have resulted in the isolation of steroidal glycosides potent cytotoxity, antifeedant, anti HSV- activities and of the key intermediate on the biosynthesis of solasodine. On the way of these Solanum plants investigation, unusual peculiar steroidal saponins with opened -ring type, -1024, which corresponds to the precursor of the spirostanol and furostanol, 16,-dicarbonyl type steroids, -a- and -2, and a 20--seco-type steroid, SNI-14, have been obtained together with many usual furostanol and spirostanol type glycosides from some Solanum genera, three formers of which were from the fruits of Solanum anguivi, and the latter from the aerial parts of Solanum nigrum, respectively. The structure of -1024 was characterized as 3-O-chacotriosyl 3,16,,26-tetrahydroxycholest-5-ene 26-O- -D-glucopyranoside. The configurations at C-16 and - were not defined, however, this compound is regarded as an important precursor which would produce furostanol and spirostanol showing a variety of bio-activities. -a- and -2 were assumed to be isomers at C-23. The structure of -a- was characterized as 3-O- -chacotriosyl (23S,26)-23,26-epoxy-3,26-dihydroxycholest-5-ene-16,-dione. On alkaline treatment, both afforded the identical product. This compound was shown to be 3-O- -chacotriosyl 20-caboxypregna-5-ene 16-one. The occurrence of -a- and -2 are regarded as genuine constituents probably produced directly from -1024 on the biogenetic route. The structure of SNI-14 was characterized as 3-O- -lycotetraosyl 3,16,20(S)-trihydroxy-5 -pregnane 16-O-(5-O- -D-glucopyranosyl-4(S)-methyl-5-hydroxypentanoic acid)-ester. This compound was supposed that it would be produced via furostanol glycoside as if Marker degradation took place in plant body. Representative these unusual novel compounds obtained in this time would provide additional important new pathways, route-A and route-, for steroidal biogenesis.

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This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the numerical methods related to geotechnical problems, most of which were reported in papers appearing in Soils and Foundations. The reason why most of the reviewed papers are concentrated in Soils and Foundations is that if we were to include papers appearing in other journals in the field of geotechnical engineering, closely related to numerical methods, .g., Computers and Geotechnics, Int. J. Numer. Anal. Meth. Geomech., etc., we would have to deal with almost all the papers in those journals. Firstly, we present a description of the current status of the numerical methods, and then give a brief review of the literature covering several topics in geotechnical applications. The scope of the review is limited, and thus, the authors do not profess to cover the entire range of literature.

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