Enzymatic synthesis of dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucose using GerB (dTDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-glucose aminotransferase).

Over-expressed GerB (dTDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-d-glucose aminotransferase) of Streptomyces sp. GERI-155 was used in the enzymatic synthesis of dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-D-glucose (2) from dTDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-glucose (1). [Carbohydrate structure: see text].

Longitudinal-transverse separations of deep-inelastic structure functions at low Q2 for hydrogen and deuterium.

We report on a study of the longitudinal to transverse cross section ratio, R=sigmaL/sigmaT, at low values of x and Q2, as determined from inclusive inelastic electron-hydrogen and electron-deuterium scattering data from Jefferson Laboratory Hall C spanning the four-momentum transfer range 0.06 View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Silver(I) mediated folding of a molecular basket.

We have investigated Ag(I) mediated folding of a tridentate compound, containing three pyridine flaps tethered to a semirigid scaffold, into a molecular basket, using both experimental and theoretical methods. The basket formation has been shown to be highly favorable in organic media (Delta G degrees = -7.2 kcal/mol), with the assembly process allowing for another ligand to bind preferentially on the outer side.

Insertion of group II intron retroelements after intrinsic transcriptional terminators.

Mobile DNAs use many mechanisms to minimize damage to their hosts. Here we show that a subclass of group II introns avoids host damage by inserting directly after transcriptional terminator motifs in bacterial genomes (stem-loops followed by Ts). This property contrasts with the site-specific behavior of most group II introns, which insert into homing site sequences.

Thick transparent rutile TiO2 films crystallized in solution.

We report a novel process for the preparation of dense, transparent TiO2 films of 2.5 mum thickness on a F-doped SnO2-covered glass substrate. The starting solution contained peroxotitanate complex ions, which are relatively stable under the experimental conditions, permitting the deposition of highly textured rutile nanocrystalline films.

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis following ingestion of Chlorella tablets.

Here, we report on a boy with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN), who developed it following ingestion of Chlorella tablets as a food supplement. He was incidentally detected to have glucosuria, proteinuria, and leukocyturia during school mass screening. He had had a history of ingestion of Chlorella tablets for 3 months.

Alterations in fluid, electrolytes and other serum chemistry values and their relations with enteral tube feeding in acute brain infarction patients.

Aims And Objectives: This study was performed to examine whether fluid and electrolyte levels are significantly altered after enteral tube feeding in acute brain infarction patients.

Background: Results on the water and electrolyte complications associated with enteral tube feeding are inconsistent and this is partly because of uncontrolled disease-related variables.

Design: Non-experimental design (retrospective study).

[Comprehensive predictors of fatigue for cancer patients].

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify comprehensive predictors of fatigue in cancer patients.

Methods: One hundred ten cancer patients visiting in-patient or out-patient clinics of a university hospital located in Incheon participated in this study.

Results: The hematologic indicators (WBC and Hemoglobin) were significant for explaining fatigue.

Meta-analysis of the effects of respiratory rehabilitation programmes on exercise capacity in accordance with programme characteristics.

Aims And Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of respiratory rehabilitation programmes on exercise capacity in terms of the programme type, the protocol used and other programme characteristics.

Background: As the suitable rehabilitation programmes have not been specified, diverse programmes are provided in clinics.

Design: Meta-analysis of the primary study results.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Chamaecyparis obtusa leaf essential oil.

The essential oil obtained from the leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. alpha-Terpinyl acetate, sabinene, isobornyl acetate and limonene were found to be the major components. The oil showed relatively strong antibacterial activities against Gram (+) bacteria and some fungi.

FeCo/graphitic-shell nanocrystals as advanced magnetic-resonance-imaging and near-infrared agents.

Nanocrystals with advanced magnetic or optical properties have been actively pursued for potential biological applications, including integrated imaging, diagnosis and therapy. Among various magnetic nanocrystals, FeCo has superior magnetic properties, but it has yet to be explored owing to the problems of easy oxidation and potential toxicity. Previously, FeCo nanocrystals with multilayered graphitic carbon, pyrolytic carbon or inert metals have been obtained, but not in the single-shelled, discrete, chemically functionalized and water-soluble forms desired for biological applications.

Spectral line-shape measurement of an extremely weak amplitude-fluctuating light source by photon-counting-based second-order correlation spectroscopy.

We demonstrate line-shape measurement of an extremely weak amplitude-fluctuating light source by using photon-counting-based second-order correlation spectroscopy combined with the heterodyne technique. The amplitude fluctuation of a finite bandwidth introduces a low-lying spectral structure in the line shape, and thus its effect can be isolated from that of the phase fluctuation. Our technique provides extreme sensitivity suited for single-atom-level applications.

Exfoliation of layers in NaxCoO2.

We proposed and developed an exfoliation process for layer-structured NaxCoO2 to prepare CoO nanosheets. Na+ ion exchange by acid treatment was utilized to expand the spacing between the two CoO2 layers in NaxCoO2. Ethylamine was then effectively utilized for the exfoliation of cobalt oxide sheets having nanometer-order thickness and high aspect ratio.

Inhibitory effects of Orostachys japonicus extracts on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine.

In Korea, Orostachys japonicus has been used traditionally as a drug and health food. The aim of this study was to investigate possible inhibitory effects of O. japonicus extracts on the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamines (NDMA).

Comparisons of the prognostic predictors of traumatic brain injury according to admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores-based on 1- and 6-month assessments.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical variables that predict functional and cognitive recovery at 1- and 6-month in both severe and moderate/mild traumatic brain injury patients.

Methods: The subjects of this study were 82 traumatically brain-injured patients who were admitted to a Neurological Intensive Care Unit at a university hospital. Potential prognostic factors included were age, motor and pupillary response, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the presence of intracranial hematoma at admission.

Age differences in fluid balance and serum Na+ and K+ levels after nasogastric tube feeding in stroke patients: elderly vs nonelderly.

Background: Enteral nutrition support has been commonly used to improve nutrition status in acute stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to examine whether significant alterations in fluid and serum Na+ and K+ levels due to nasogastric tube feeding depended on patient age.

Methods: This study was conducted by retrospective review of the medical records of tube-fed patients with acute brain infarction who had been hospitalized in a university hospital.

Highly diastereoselective epimerization: stereodivergent synthesis of alpha-hydroxy-beta-amino isopentanoic acid.

The high diastereoselectivity of the base-catalyzed epimerization of oxazolidin-2-ones 7 and 8 is shown to depend on the nature of the N-substituent (R group); when R = Bn, the 4,5-trans-product (4S,5R)-9 is formed, whereas when R = H the 4,5-cis-product (4S,5S)-10 is formed, both with >99:1 dr. The successful hydrolysis of the oxazolidin-2-one group in both cis- and trans-derivatives show this to be a stereodivergent route to enantiopure alpha-hydroxy-beta-amino isopentanoic acids (2R,3S)-1 and (2S,3S)-2.

Outbreak of late-onset group B streptococcal infections in healthy newborn infants after discharge from a maternity hospital: a case report.

During a four-week period, four healthy term newborn infants born at a regional maternity hospital in Korea developed late-onset neonatal group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections, after being discharged from the same nursery. More than 10 days after their discharge, all of the infants developed fever, lethargy, and poor feeding behavior, and were subsequently admitted to the Korea University Medical Center, Ansan Hospital. GBS was isolated from the blood cultures of three babies; furthermore, GBS was isolated from 2 cerebral spinal fluid cultures.

Surface precipitation of highly porous hydrotalcite-like film on Al from a zinc aqueous solution.

A hydrotalcite-like film has been successfully deposited on an Al-bearing glass substrate based on an interface reaction between an Al layer and a zinc aqueous solution. The film selectively grew on the Al surface but not on the glass surface. The film on Al was composed of layered nanosheets of a hydrotalcite-like compound containing Al and Zn.

Template-guided organization of chromonic liquid crystals into micropatterned anisotropic organic solids.

We have developed an approach to generate micropatterns of anisotropic organic materials which exploits the self-organization, driven by pi-stacking and hydrophobic interactions, of an ionic perylenebis(dicarboximide) in aqueous solutions.

Effectiveness of a behavioral intervention program for urinary incontinence in a community setting.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention program combining pelvic floor muscle exercise with bladder training for urinary incontinence and also to conduct follow-up assessment after self-training.

Methods: This study was conducted using a non-equivalent control group, pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 60 middle-aged women (control group, n=30; intervention group, n=30) who experienced an episode of urinary incontinence at least once a week.

Production of vanillin by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli.

E. coli was metabolically engineered to produce vanillin by expression of the fcs and ech genes from Amycolatopsis sp. encoding feruloyl-CoA synthetase and enoyl-CoA hydratase/aldolase, respectively.

Sulfonamide chalcone as a new class of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.

Chalcones 1-20, a new class of glycosidase inhibitors, were synthesized, and their glycosidase inhibitory activities were investigated. Non-aminochalcones 1-12 had no inhibitory activity, however, aminochalcones 13-20 had strong glycosidase (alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and beta-amylase) inhibitory activities. In particular, sulfonamide chalcones 17-20 had more potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity than aminated chalcone 13-16.

Identification of characteristic aroma-active compounds from water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica DC.).

Characteristic aroma components of water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica DC.) were evaluated by aroma extract dilution analysis and solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-olfactometry. Alpha-Terpinolene (plastic/cucumber-like) was the most intense aroma-active compound in water dropwort.