Spatiotemporal estimation of nutrient data from the northwest pacific and east asian seas.

Nutrient data obtained from field observations have the potential to enhance our understanding of oceanic biogeochemical cycling and productivity changes. In particular, long-term nutrient data can provide valuable information on the links between climate change and biogeochemical changes. However, unlike other observational variables such as sea surface temperature, nutrient data are limited in terms of their broad-scale observations and automated sensor-based measurements.

Synthesis and Characterization of Spirocyclic Mid-Block Containing Triblock Copolymer.

Polymers containing cyclic derivatives are a new class of macromolecular topologies with unique properties. Herein, we report the synthesis of a triblock copolymer containing a spirocyclic mid-block. To achieve this, a spirocyclic polystyrene (cPS) mid-block was first synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using a tetra-functional initiator, followed by end-group azidation and a copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction.

Molecular Weight Distribution of Two Types of Living Chains Formed during Nitroxide-Mediated Polymerization of Styrene.

Different types of polymer chains generated during the nitroxide-mediated polymerization of styrene are separated for the first time, and their molecular weight distribution (MWD) is investigated. Living and dead chains are monitored during the reaction; specifically, two types of living chains derived from the initiation of the alkoxyamine (RT) and the self-initiation of styrene and dead chains present in the as-prepared polystyrene (PS). To distinguish between each polymer species, different numbers of hydroxyl groups are introduced onto the T and R groups of the alkoxyamine (one and two groups, respectively).

Redox-Initiated Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Miniemulsion Polymerization of Styrene using PPEGMA-Based Macro-RAFT Agent.

Redox-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion polymerizations are successfully conducted with an employment of trithiocarbonate-based macro-RAFT agents and surfactant. Two macro-RAFT agents-hydrophilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (PPEGMA ) and amphiphilic poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-b-polystyrene (PPEGMA -b-PS )- are examined for the miniemulsion polymerization of styrene. The use of PPEGMA (in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)) results in a slow polymerization rate with a broad particle size.

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization in the Solid-State.

Poly(2-vinylnaphthalene) was synthesized in the solid-state by ball milling a mixture of the corresponding monomer, a Cu-based catalyst, and an activated haloalkane as the polymerization initiator. Various reaction conditions, including milling time, milling frequency and added reductant to accelerate the polymerization were optimized. Monomer conversion and the evolution of polymer molecular weight were monitored over time using H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography, respectively, and linear correlations were observed.

Hepatoprotective effects of lactic acid-fermented garlic extract against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of fermented garlic extract by lactic acid bacteria (LAFGE) against acetaminophen (AAP)-induced acute liver injury in rats. Here we demonstrated that rats treated with LAFGE exhibit resistance to AAP-induced liver injury accompanied by lowered plasma alanine amino transferase levels and decreased proinflammatory responses. This function of LAFGE is linked to its capacity of suppressing AAP-induced apoptosis in the liver, partly via the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation as well as down-regulation of p53.

Germinated waxy black rice extract inhibits lipid accumulation with regulation of multiple gene expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effects of germinated waxy black rice (GWBR) extract in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The inhibitory effect of GWBR extract against adipocyte differentiation was evaluated using Oil Red O staining and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) assay. GWBR extract inhibited adipocyte differentiation, but was not found to elicit any cytotoxicity.

Improved Sensing Behaviors in Reduced Graphene Oxide Functionalized with Ni(OH)2 Nanoparticles.

In this paper, we detail improvements in the sensing properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which were achieved through functionalization. The functionalization process utilizes graphene oxide suspensions, generating nanoparticles on the RGO surface mainly comprised of Ni(OH)2 phase. Raman spectra indicate that functionalization increases the degree of disorder in RGOs.

Improvement of Gas Sensing Characteristics by Adding Pt Nanoparticles on ZnO-Branched SnO2 Nanowires.

We coated zinc-oxide (ZnO)-branched tin oxide (SnO2) nanowires with a Pt shell layer via a sputtering method and subsequently annealed the composite to generate Pt nanoparticles. The spillover effect of Pt nanoparticles was expected to play a significant role in enhancing the response. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nanoparticles were comprised of a cubic Pt phase.

Fabrication and characteristics of hexagonal Zn nanowires prepared by heating a mixture of Zn and graphite powders.

We report the fabrication of thin (< 100 nm) hexagonal Zn nanowires in a conventional reactor, by heating a mixture of Zn and graphite powders. By material characterization, the products were identified as one-dimensional nanowires of serpent-like morphology with a hexagonal Zn phase. The main growth mechanism of the Zn nanowires was proposed to be a vapor-solid process, which was corroborated by the absence of any tip catalyst.

Attachment of metal nanoparticles to SnO2 nanowires for enhancement of gas sensing properties.

We fabricated SnO2/cobalt (Co) core-shell nanowires by means of a two-step process, for their application as chemical sensors. For Co-functionalization, we synthesized SnO2-Co core-shell nanowires by the sputtering deposition of Co layers on the surface of networked SnO2 nanowires, subsequently transforming the continuous Co-shell layers into crystalline islands by thermal heating. While scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of annealed core-shell nanowires exhibited a rough surface, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the roughness is related to the agglomeration of the sputtered Co layer.

Freeze-drying-induced changes in the properties of graphene oxides.

We have characterized and evaluated changes in graphene oxide (GO) induced by means of freeze-drying. In order to evaluate these changes, we investigated the effects of freeze-drying and chemical reduction processes on the structure, morphology, chemical composition, and Raman properties of GO and reduced GO. The freeze-dried GO had a pore structure, maintaining a pored morphology even after thermal annealing.

Cationic nanostructured polymers for siRNA delivery in murine calvarial pre-osteoblasts.

The endogenous RNA interference (RNAi) pathway enables control of pathologies caused by the dysregulation of proteins. Several biological molecules are active in RNAi including short interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA). The effective utilization of siRNA as a therapeutic agent has been marked with distinct challenges, namely in intracellular delivery and achieving a sufficient dosage to affect protein expression.

Star polymers with a cationic core prepared by ATRP for cellular nucleic acids delivery.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based star polymers with a cationic core were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for in vitro nucleic acid (NA) delivery. The star polymers were synthesized by ATRP of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Star polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering.

Preparation of cationic nanogels for nucleic acid delivery.

Cationic nanogels with site-selected functionality were designed for the delivery of nucleic acid payloads targeting numerous therapeutic applications. Functional cationic nanogels containing quaternized 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and a cross-linker with reducible disulfide moieties (qNG) were prepared by activators generated by electron transfer (AGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in an inverse miniemulsion. Polyplex formation between the qNG and nucleic acid exemplified by plasmid DNA (pDNA) and short interfering RNA (siRNA duplexes) were evaluated.

Synthesis of biocompatible PEG-Based star polymers with cationic and degradable core for siRNA delivery.

Star polymers with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) arms and a degradable cationic core were synthesized by the atom transfer radical copolymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate macromonomer (PEGMA), 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and a disulfide dimethacrylate (cross-linker, SS) via an "arm-first" approach. The star polymers had a diameter ~15 nm and were degraded under redox conditions by glutathione treatment into individual polymeric chains due to cleavage of the disulfide cross-linker, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering. The star polymers were cultured with mouse calvarial preosteoblast-like cells, embryonic day 1, subclone 4 (MC3T3-E1.

Punica granatum protects against oxidative stress in PC12 cells and oxidative stress-induced Alzheimer's symptoms in mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive degenerative brain disorder that is characterized by neuronal loss, neurofibrillary tangles, and the abnormal deposition of senile plaque and amyloid β peptide (Aβ). The brains of AD patients are under intense oxidative stress. The overproduction of Aβ leads to Aβ-associated free radical oxidative stress.

Inhibitory effects of Terminalia chebula extract on glycation and endothelial cell adhesion.

Terminalia chebula Retz. has been used in India for a long time to treat many diseases, and its extract was reported to have antidiabetic activity in vivo. In this study, T.

Ipomoea batatas attenuates amyloid β peptide-induced neurotoxicity in ICR mice.

In this study, the protective effects of 17 Korean native plants against amyloid β peptide (Aβ)-induced oxidative stress were screened using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Ipomoea batatas exerted the highest protective effects against oxidative stress and was selected for further investigation. To confirm the protective activity of this extract, the I.

Photo-cross-linkable thermoresponsive star polymers designed for control of cell-surface interactions.

Star polymers with thermoresponsive arms, consisting of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO₂MA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate with ~4 ethylene oxide units (OEOMA₃₀₀, M(n) = 300), were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). 25% of the arms contained benzophenone chain-end functionality at the star periphery. A mixture of linear poly(MEO₂MA-co-OEOMA₃₀₀)-Br macroinitiators without and with benzophenone end-group macroinitiators were (MI and Bzp-MI, respectively) cross-linked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate to form star polymers.

Rapid cellular internalization of multifunctional star polymers prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) star polymers containing GRGDS (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) peptide sequences on the star periphery were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA), GRGDS modified poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate (GRGDS-PEG-Acryl), fluorescein o-methacrylate (FMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) via an "arm-first" method. Star polymers were approximately 20 nm in diameter, as measured by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. Conjugation of FMA to the stars was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, and successful attachment of GRGDS segments to the star periphery was confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.

Protective effects of kaempferol (3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) against amyloid beta peptide (Abeta)-induced neurotoxicity in ICR mice.

To determine the effects of kaempferol, rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were utilized as neuronal models. Using in vitro assays, kaempferol was shown to have protective effects against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Administration of kaempferol also significantly reversed amyloid beta peptide (Abeta)-induced impaired performance in a Y-maze test.

Differential effects of 5-fluorouracil on glucose transport and expressions of glucose transporter proteins in gastric cancer cells.

Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of gastric cancer, the underlying mechanism for 5-FU resistant phenotype, has yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized that the sensitivity of gastric cancer to 5-FU treatment might be related to the rate of glucose transport (GLUT), and investigated the expressions of GLUT1, 2, 3, and 4 in two different gastric cancer cells (SNU-216, moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma; and SNU-668, signet ring cell gastric carcinoma). Immunohistochemistry of GLUT1 and GLUT4 and immunoblot analysis of glycogen synthase kinase 3 were also performed.

Epidermal growth factor increases prostaglandin E2 production via ERK1/2 MAPK and NF-kappaB pathway in fibroblast like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

High concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) is found in the synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that might imply the involvement of EGF in the pathogenesis of arthritic diseases. In order to investigate if EGF is involved in the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with RA. The levels of COX-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) were evaluated using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.

Melatonin inhibits human fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/P21(CIP1)/P27(KIP1) pathways.

The excessive proliferation and migration of synoviocytes are well-characterized phenomena that play key roles in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Melatonin has been shown to have potent anti-proliferative effect in various cancer cells such as breast and prostate cancer cells. In this study, we examined the role of melatonin on synoviocyte proliferation in primary cultured human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) by analyzing protein expression of P21(CIP1) (P21) and P27(KIP1) (P27), the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors that are important in cell cycle control, and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs).