Roles of Lys191 and Lys179 in regulating thermodynamic binding forces of ligands to determine their binding affinity for human histamine H receptors.

Docking simulations based on the crystal structure of human histamine H receptors have predicted crucial roles of Lys191 and Lys179, which exist at the entrance of the ligand-binding pocket, in increasing the H-receptor selectivity for carboxylated second-generation antihistamines via electrostatic interaction. In this study, we evaluated the roles of Lys191 and Lys179 in regulating the thermodynamic binding forces of non-carboxylated and carboxylated antihistamines that determine their binding affinity for human H receptors. The binding enthalpy and entropy of the 3 sets of non-carboxylated and corresponding carboxylated antihistamines (doxepin and olopatadine, desloratadine and loratadine, and terfenadine and fexofenadine, respectively) were estimated using the van't Hoff equation with the dissociation constants obtained from the displacement curves of the non-carboxylated and carboxylated antihistamines against the binding of [H]mepyramine to the membrane preparations of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human H receptors at various temperatures, ranging from 4 °C to 37 °C.

Organic dicarboxylate negative electrode materials with remarkably small strain for high-voltage bipolar batteries.

As advanced negative electrodes for powerful and useful high-voltage bipolar batteries, an intercalated metal-organic framework (iMOF), 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate dilithium, is described which has an organic-inorganic layered structure of π-stacked naphthalene and tetrahedral LiO4 units. The material shows a reversible two-electron-transfer Li intercalation at a flat potential of 0.8 V with a small polarization.

Reformation of organic dicarboxylate electrode materials for rechargeable batteries by molecular self-assembly.

We have found that the specific capacity of a Li-intercalated metal-organic framework (iMOF) electrode material, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate dilithium, can be increased by narrowing the distance between naphthalene layers via ordering. The increase in specific capacity can be attributed to formation of more efficient electron and ion pathways in the framework.

Comparison of the characteristics of small commercial NDIR CO2 sensor models and development of a portable CO2 measurement device.

Many sensors have to be used simultaneously for multipoint carbon dioxide (CO(2)) observation. All the sensors should be calibrated in advance, but this is a time-consuming process. To seek a simplified calibration method, we used four commercial CO(2) sensor models and characterized their output tendencies against ambient temperature and length of use, in addition to offset characteristics.

Expression of an RSV-gag virus-like particle in insect cell lines and silkworm larvae.

Rous sarcoma virus group antigen protein-based virus-like particles (VLPs) are well known for their structural integrity and ease of handling. VLPs play an important role in drug delivery systems because they can be manipulated with ease. In this study, a new method was established for expressing Rous sarcoma virus group antigen protein based VLPs in silkworm larvae and establishing stably expressing insect cell lines.

Identification of hydroxyl radicals after UV irradiation of aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke and evaluation of urinary 8-OHdG in smokers.

The role of oxidative stress in tobacco smoke damage was examined using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches. Aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke were irradiated with UV and hydroxyl radical generation was evaluated by electron spin resonance (ESR). The spectra obtained revealed spin adducts of the hydroxyl radical (*OH) to increase with the volume of the aqueous extract of cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke collection flow, and UV irradiation time.