Determination of thermodynamic and microscopic origins of the Soret effect in sodium silicate melts: Prediction of sign change of the Soret coefficient.

The Soret effect in silicate melts has attracted attention in earth and material sciences, particularly in glass science and engineering, because a compositional change caused by the Soret effect modifies the material properties of silicate melts. We investigated the Soret effect in an NaO-SiO system, which is the most common representative of silicate melts. Our theoretical approach based on the modified Kempers model and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation was validated for 30NaO-70SiO(mol.

Pax2a is expressed in oocytes and is responsible for early development and oogenesis in zebrafish.

Eleven genes, including pax2a, were selected as candidate ovulation-inducing genes on the basis of microarray analysis and RNA sequencing in our previous study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the pax2a gene in the ovulation-inducing process. F2 pax2a homozygous mutant zebrafish possessing a deletion of 6 nucleotides were established in this study.

Candidate gene identification of ovulation-inducing genes by RNA sequencing with an in vivo assay in zebrafish.

We previously reported the microarray-based selection of three ovulation-related genes in zebrafish. We used a different selection method in this study, RNA sequencing analysis. An additional eight up-regulated candidates were found as specifically up-regulated genes in ovulation-induced samples.

Effective NaCl and dye rejection of hybrid graphene oxide/graphene layered membranes.

Carbon nanomaterials are robust and possess fascinating properties useful for separation technology applications, but their scalability and high salt rejection when in a strong cross flow for long periods of time remain challenging. Here, we present a graphene-based membrane that is prepared using a simple and environmentally friendly method by spray coating an aqueous dispersion of graphene oxide/few-layered graphene/deoxycholate. The membranes were robust enough to withstand strong cross-flow shear for a prolonged period (120 h) while maintaining NaCl rejection near 85% and 96% for an anionic dye.

Novel, high-definition 3-D endoscopy system with real-time compression communication system to aid diagnoses and treatment between hospitals in Thailand.

Introduction: Traditionally, laparoscopy has been based on 2-D imaging, which represents a considerable challenge. As a result, 3-D visualization technology has been proposed as a way to better facilitate laparoscopy. We compared the latest 3-D systems with high-end 2-D monitors to validate the usefulness of new systems for endoscopic diagnoses and treatment in Thailand.

Ultrahigh sensitivity endoscopic camera using a new CMOS image sensor: providing with clear images under low illumination in addition to fluorescent images.

Background: We developed a new ultrahigh-sensitive CMOS camera using a specific sensor that has a wide range of spectral sensitivity characteristics. The objective of this study is to present our updated endoscopic technology that has successfully integrated two innovative functions; ultrasensitive imaging as well as advanced fluorescent viewing.

Methods: Two different experiments were conducted.

3-D endoscope using a single CCD camera and pneumatic vibration mechanism.

Background: During endoscopic surgical procedures, surgeons must manipulate an endoscope inside the body cavity to observe a surgical area while estimating the distance between that area and the surgical instruments by reference to a monitor on which the movement and size of the surgical instruments are displayed in 2-D endoscopic images. Therefore, there is a risk of the endoscope or instruments physically damaging body tissues. To overcome this problem, we developed a Ø5-mm, 3-D endoscope using a single 1/10-inch CCD camera and pneumatic vibration mechanism.

A high-resolution, three-dimensional thin endoscope for fetal surgery.

Background: Fetal surgery is receiving considerable attention. However, surgeons must have great skill to perform this surgery. For assisting with the operation, the three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is very useful because it allows the surgeon depth perception.

ICG fluorescence endoscope for visualization of the placental vascular network.

Intrauterine laser photocoagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) needs accurate in-situ recognition of placental vascular anastomosis. Because the conventional procedure is highly dependent upon the operators' skill and experience, we developed a new way to visualize the placental vascular network by a rigid-type fluorescence endoscope coupled with intravenous administration of Indocyanine green (ICG). The feasibility of the fluorescence endoscope was examined with monkey placentas and pregnant rats.

[The development of three dimensional video microscope system for clinical application in neurosurgery].

Objective: The employment of surgical microscopy in the field of neurosurgery has significantly contributed not only to the advancement of surgical technique, but also the operative outcome as well. This technology has allowed surgeons to meet the demands for increasingly difficult levels of surgery, which usually require a long operative time. However, the surgeon and the assistant are restricted in their posture for a long time, leading to excessive muscular and ocular stress.

Ojigi tying spatula: a newly developed movable spatula for laparoscopic ligation.

We developed a new type of movable tying spatula for ligation of the cystic duct and artery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This spatula can be used to ligate any vascular or ductal structure before laparoscopic resection. This instrument should give strong support to surgeons performing laparoscopic procedures and eventually will replace the expensive clips and Endoloops.

Acidic lens-protein-degrading activity in aqueous humour.

Lens-protein-degrading activity in human aqueous humor was determined biochemically. Proteolytic activity was found in the pellet of aqueous humor from patients with Morgagnian cataract, traumatic cataract, after cataract, traumatic lens luxation, and phacolytic glaucoma. The activity was found at pH 3.

Acidic lens-protein degrading activity in bovine ciliary body. III. Lens crystallin degradation by fractions A and B.

We studied the in vitro digestion of lens crystallin by two fractions (Fractions A and B) of acidic lens-protein degrading activity from the bovine ciliary body. With whole lens crystallin as substrate, Fraction A degraded beta L-crystallin most significantly, and beta H-, gamma-, and alpha-crystallins moderately. Fraction B degraded alpha-crystallin most significantly, beta H- and beta L-crystallins moderately, and gamma-crystallin slightly.

Lipaemia retinalis in a 29-day-old infant with type 1 hyperlipoproteinaemia.

A 29-day-old infant born of consanguineous parents had type 1 hyperlipoproteinaemia associated with lipaemia retinalis. Biochemical analyses disclosed hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperchylomicronaemia, and lipoprotein lipase deficiency. Ophthalmoscopically all retinal vessels had the creamy appearance of lipaemia retinalis.

Acidic lens protein degrading activity in bovine ciliary body.

Biochemical studies of acidic lens protein degrading activity in the bovine ciliary body were performed. The activity showed two peaks, Fractions A and B, on Sephadex G-75 column chromatography. Fraction A contained cathepsin D and thiol proteinase activities and was inhibited by pepstatin and leupeptin.

In vitro effect of hyaluronate on lysosomal enzyme activities in the bovine ciliary body and iris.

The effect of hyaluronate on lysosomal enzyme activities in bovine ciliary body and iris was studied in vitro. Hyaluronates from both the human umbilical cord and bovine vitreous inhibited the activities of cathepsin B and acid phosphatase. Cathepsin D, beta-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, beta-D-glucuronidase and alpha-L-fucosidase activities were not affected by the hyaluronate.

AB interno iridectomy combined with pars plicata lensectomy.

We applied a pressure cuff onto the soft bag to increase the infusion pressure of the Peyman's miniphage, so that with it the pars plicata lensectomy and membranectomy became safer. We also developed ab interno iridectomy combined with pars plicata cataract surgery using the miniphage or wide-angle cutter vitrophage. By this new technique, angle closure glaucoma was prevented without excessive vitrectomy.

Acidic lens-protein degrading activity: I. Distribution in bovine ocular tissues.

Bovine lens-protein degradation by ocular tissue homogenates was studied biochemically. Acidic lens-protein degrading activity was widespread in ocular tissues. The ciliary body enzyme, which showed the highest activity at pH 3.

Partial purification of cathepsin B in the bovine ciliary body and iris.

Cathepsin B in the bovine ciliary body and iris was studied biochemically using alpha-N-benzoyl-D,L-arginine-2-naphthylamide as substrate. The enzyme was purified to 210-fold from the autolyzed extract. The partially purified enzyme had a pH optimum at 6.