Two Approaches to the Synthesis of Redox-Switchable 5,10,20-Triaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrinoids.

Despite the significant development and extensive application of phthalocyanine and related azaporphyrins, little attention has been paid to meso-N-substituted azaporphyrinoids. Here, we report new derivatives of 5,10,20-triaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrinoids (ArDAP), which are reversibly redox-switchable between the 18π- and 19π-electron state. Four kinds of metal(II) complexes and free bases of ArDAP were prepared by metal-templated cyclization of metal(II) complexes of 5,10,15-triaryl-10-azabiladiene-ac with sodium azide or copper-catalyzed N-phenylation of 10,20-diaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrins (ArDAP) with diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate.

Dynamics of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Monolayers at Solution/Graphite Interfaces.

We have studied the dynamics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) monolayers at the interfaces between highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and P3HT solutions in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Real-time STM observation at room temperature reveals that P3HT molecules adsorbed on graphite are substantially mobile even in densely packed conditions, causing significant fluctuations of the self-organized monolayer of P3HT. We find that in the monolayers, the orientational order is limited to a short range comparable to the polymer chain length.

Selective Attention Measurement of Experienced Simultaneous Interpreters Using EEG Phase-Locked Response.

We quantified the electroencephalogram signals associated with the selective attention processing of experienced simultaneous interpreters and calculated the phase-locked responses evoked by a 40-Hz auditory steady-state response (40-Hz ASSR) and the values of robust inter-trial coherence (ITC) for environmental changes. Since we assumed that an interpreter's attention ability improves with an increase in the number of years of experience of simultaneous interpretation, we divided the participants into two groups based on their simultaneous interpretation experience: experts with more than 15 years of experience (E group; = 7) and beginners with <1 year (B group; = 15). We also compared two conditions: simultaneous interpretation (SI) and shadowing (SH).

Impact of the Air Atmosphere on Photoinduced Chain Polymerization in Self-Assembled Monolayers of Diacetylene on Graphite.

We have studied the effect of the reaction environment on the photoinduced chain polymerization in self-assembled monolayers of a diacetylene compound 10,12-pentacosadiyn-1-ol on graphite, using scanning tunneling microscopy. Comparing the polymerization behaviors in air and in vacuum, we show that the polymer generation efficiency is considerably enhanced under vacuum because of suppressed collisional quenching of the photoexcited radicals by oxygen molecules. We also find that the polymer chain length tends to increase in vacuum as a result of the inhibition of deactivation of reactive species for the polymer chain growth due to oxidation.

Analysis of selective attention processing on experienced simultaneous interpreters using EEG phase synchronization.

This study analyzed the selective attention processing related to cognitive load on simultaneous interpretation (SI). We tested simultaneous interpreter's brain function using EEG signals and calculated inter-trial coherence (ITC) extracted by the 40-Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR). In this experiment, we set two conditions as Japanese-English translation and Japanese shadowing cognition.

Mechanism of Chain Polymerization in Self-Assembled Monolayers of Diacetylene on the Graphite Surface.

We have studied the mechanism of photoinduced chain polymerization in the self-assembled monolayer of a diacetylene compound, 10,12-pentacosadiyn-1-ol, on the graphite surface. We statistically analyze the polymerization degree of the polydiacetylene chains formed at different temperatures using scanning tunneling microscopy. The distributions of the polymerization degree agree well with the prediction from a simple probabilistic model, allowing for addition reaction and deactivation at both the ends of the chain as stochastic events.

Effects of saffron and its constituents, crocin-1, crocin-2, and crocetin on α-synuclein fibrils.

Saffron, the stigma of Crocus sativus Linné (Iridaceae family), has been known to inhibit aggregation of β-amyloid, a nerve tissue protein. α-Synuclein (αS) is a 140-amino acid protein found abundantly in various regions of the brain. Its abnormal aggregation and accumulation in nerve tissue are said to cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple-system atrophy.

Syntheses, Properties, and Catalytic Activities of Metal(II) Complexes and Free Bases of Redox-Switchable 20π, 19π, and 18π 5,10,15,20-Tetraaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrinoids.

In spite of significant advances in redox-active porphyrin-based materials and catalysts, little attention has been paid to 20π and 19π porphyrins because of their instability in air. Here we report the meso-modification of 5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrin with two nitrogen atoms, which led to redox-switchable 20π, 19π, and 18π 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-5,15-diazaporphyrinoids (TADAPs). Three kinds of metal(II) complexes and free bases of TADAP were prepared by the metal-templated annulation of the corresponding metal-bis(dipyrrin) complexes.

Isoamyl alcohol odor promotes longevity and stress tolerance via DAF-16 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The possibility that odor plays a role in lifespan regulation through effects on the nervous system is indicated by research on Caenorhabditis elegans. In fact, ablation of AWA and AWC, which are suggested as olfactory neurons, has been shown to extend lifespan via DAF-16, a homolog of FoxO. However, the effects of odor stimuli on the lifespan still remain unclear.

Preparation of Peapod Polymer via the Supramolecular Chain Formation by Tris(spiroborate) Twin Bowl.

Successive guest-containing tubular polymer was prepared by the olefin metathesis polymerization of tris(spiroborate) twin bowl after the formation of supramolecular polymer. The cationic iridium(III) complexes were topologically fixed inside the polymer to form a peapod-like structure. The polymer was evaluated by SEC, ICP-AES, and DLS analyses, and string-like structures were found in the AFM observation of the peapod polymer.

Agarwood Inhibits Histamine Release from Rat Mast Cells and Reduces Scratching Behavior in Mice: Effect of Agarwood on Histamine Release and Scratching Behavior.

Objectives: This study was conducted to clarify the effects of agarwood on histamine release from mast cells in rats and on the scratching behaviors in mice.

Methods: Histamine release from rat mast cells induced by compound 48/80 or concanavalin A (Con A) and compound 48/80-induced scratching behavior in mice were examined to investigate the effects of agarwood. The hyaluronidase activity and the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in mast cells were examined to investigate the mechanisms for the inhibition of histamine release.

Estimation of gastric pH in cynomolgus monkeys, rats, and dogs using [(13)C]-calcium carbonate breath test.

Background: The determination of gastric pH is important for the confirmation of efficacy of anti-secretory drugs. However, current methods for measurement of gastric pH provide significant stress to animals and humans.

Aim: The objective of this study is to establish an easy and reliable gastric pH measurement method by determining (13)CO2 concentration in expired air of monkeys, dogs, and rats after oral administration of Ca(13)CO3.

Analgesic Effects of Toad Cake and Toad-cake-containing Herbal Drugs: Analgesic effects of toad cake.

Objectives: This study was conducted to clarify the analgesic effect of toad cake and toad-cake-containing herbal drugs.

Methods: We counted the writhing response of mice after the intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid as a nociceptive pain model and the withdrawal response after the plantar surface stimulation of the hind paw induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation of the mice as a neuropathic pain model to investigate the analgesic effect of toad cake and toad-cake-containing herbal drugs. A co-treatment study with serotonin biosynthesis inhibitory drug 4-chloro- DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride (PCPA), the catecholamine biosynthesis inhibitory drug α-methyl- DL-tyrosine methyl ester hydrochloride (AMPT) or the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone hydrochloride was also conducted.

Two-dimensional solid-state topochemical reactions of 10,12-pentacosadiyn-1-ol adsorbed on graphite.

The photoinduced topochemical reaction of the diacetylene (DA) compound 10,12-pentacosadiyn-1-ol in the two-dimensional (2D) crystal phase adsorbed on graphite was examined by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The reaction efficiency and the structure of the generated polydiacetylene depend on its polymorphic forms, i.e.

In vitro and in vivo effects of endothelin-1 and YM598, a selective endothelin ET A receptor antagonist, on the lower urinary tract.

We investigated the contractile response of the lower urinary tract to endothelin-1 in vitro (rabbits) and in vivo (dogs). We also assessed the effects of a selective endothelin ET A receptor antagonist, (E)-N-[6-methoxy-5-(2-methoxyphenoxy)[2, 2'-bipyrimidin]-4-yl]-2-phenylethenesulfonamide monopotassium salt (YM598), on endothelin-1-induced contractile responses. In the in vitro study, endothelin-1 induced contractile responses in isolated rabbit bladder base, urethra, and prostate tissues.

Vasopressin receptor antagonists: potential indications and clinical results.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder with the potential to cause serious neurological complications. Conventional therapies for hyponatremia have been found to be inconsistently effective. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is etiologically critical for hyponatremia, and it has been proven that AVP receptor (AVP-R) antagonists normalize serum sodium levels in hyponatremic patients.

A novel vasopressin dual V1A/V2 receptor antagonist, conivaptan hydrochloride, improves hyponatremia in rats with syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

We investigated the effects of intravenous administration of conivaptan hydrochloride, a dual vasopressin V1A and V2 receptor antagonist, on blood electrolytes and plasma osmolality in rats with an experimental syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The experimental SIADH rat model was developed by means of continuous administration of arginine vasopressin (AVP) via a subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini pump, and hyponatremia was induced by additional water loading. This model possesses similar characteristics to those observed in patients with SIADH, specifically decreases in blood sodium concentration and plasma osmolality.

The effects of estrogen on material and mechanical properties of the intra- and extra-articular knee structures.

Background: Female athletes have a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries than do male athletes in similar sports. Hormones, particularly estrogen, have been indicated by some studies to be correlated with the disproportionate number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes.

Hypothesis: Estrogen does not affect the mechanical or material properties of primate anterior cruciate ligaments or patellar tendons.

Molecular fluorescence from H2TBP porphyrin film on Ag substrate excited by tunneling electrons.

Molecular fluorescence from H(2)TBP porphyrin (H(2)TBPP) films on Ag substrate is excited by a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) at ambient conditions. The molecular films are prepared by spin-casting method. The thickness of films can be controlled by the times of dropping H(2)TBPP solution.

[A case of adult onset subacute sclerosing panencephalitis; sequential clinico-radiological findings over two years].

We present a very rare case of adult onset subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), and explain the characteristic sequential clinico-radiological findings. The patient, a twenty three-year-old man, had noticed unsteadiness in walking about two months previously. Although inosine pranobex and intrathecal interferon were administered, symptoms worsened insidiously and he became bedridden after four months.

A novel and selective endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist YM598 prevents the development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats.

The preventive effects of the novel and selective endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist YM598 on the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) were investigated in chronic hypoxia-induced PH rats. Oral administration of YM598 at a dose of 1 mg/kg was started on the first day of chronic hypoxia exposure for 2 and 3 weeks to investigate the effects of this compound on hemodynamic and arterial blood gas variables, respectively. Cardiopulmonary organ weights were measured at the end of the 2-week administration period.

Telmisartan has the strongest binding affinity to angiotensin II type 1 receptor: comparison with other angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers.

There is a growing body of evidence that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, large clinical trials have demonstrated a substantial benefit of the blockade of this system for cardiovascular-organ protection. Although several types of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers (ARBs) are commercially available for the treatment of patients with hypertension, comparisons of the binding affinity to AT1 receptor among them remain to be elucidated.

Inhibitory effects of a selective endothelin-A receptor antagonist YM598 on endothelin-1-induced potentiation of nociception in formalin-induced and prostate cancer-induced pain models in mice.

In some diseases in which endothelin-1 (ET-1) production increases (e.g. prostate cancer), ET-1 is considered to be involved in the generation of pain.