Toward a universal theory of consciousness.

While falsifiability has been broadly discussed as a desirable property of a theory of consciousness, in this paper, we introduce the meta-theoretic concept of "Universality" as an additional desirable property for a theory of consciousness. The concept of universality, often assumed in physics, posits that the fundamental laws of nature are consistent and apply equally everywhere in the universe and remain constant over time. This assumption is crucial in science, acting as a guiding principle for developing and testing theories.

Synthesis of cinchona urea polymers using Yamamoto coupling and their application to asymmetric reaction.

Cinchona urea compounds having 3,5-diiodophenyl moieties were subjected to Yamamoto coupling polymerization to afford the chiral urea polymers. These polymers showed high activities as heterogeneous catalysts in asymmetric Michael reactions comparable with those of the corresponding monomeric catalyst in solution systems. Furthermore, the polymeric catalysts are easily recovered from their reaction mixtures due to their insolubility and can be reused several times without loss of catalytic activity.

Highly enantioselective synthesis of norcaradiene derivatives from naphthyl diazoacetamides using a Ru(II)-Pheox complex.

The highly regio- and enantioselective intramolecular cyclopropanation reactions of naphthyl diazoacetamides have been reported herein. In the presence of a Ru(II)-Pheox catalyst, chiral and stable norcaradiene derivatives were obtained from the corresponding diazoacetamides carbene transfer reactions in high yields (up to 99%) and with high enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

Simple production of resilin-like protein hydrogels using the Brevibacillus secretory expression system and column-free purification.

Resilin, an insect structural protein, has excellent flexibility, photocrosslinking properties, and temperature responsiveness. Recombinant resilin-like proteins (RLPs) can be fabricated into three-dimensional (3D) structures for use as cell culture substrates and highly elastic materials. A simplified, high-yielding production process for RLPs is required for their widespread application.

Wound-Healing and Skin-Moisturizing Effects of Extract.

() is a traditional herb derived from the bamboo genus, which is collectively called Kumazasa. Although Kumazasa extract is believed to have various effects on the skin, there is little scientific evidence for these effects. In this study, we aimed to obtain scientific evidence regarding the wound-healing and skin-moisturizing effects of Kumazasa extract.