Slowing the translocation of single-stranded DNA by using nano-cylindrical passage self-assembled by amphiphilic block copolymers.

We report a novel approach to slow the translocation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) by employing polyethylene oxide (PEO) filled nano-cylindrical domains as transportation channels. DNA strands were demonstrated to electrophoretically translocate through PEO filled cylindrical domains with diameters of 2 and 9 nm, which were self-assembled by amphiphilic liquid crystalline block copolymers. The average translocation rate of ssDNA strands was effectively reduced to an order of 10 μs per nucleotide, which was 1-2 orders slower than that attained by utilizing conventional solid-state nanopore devices.

Preventive effects of black tea theaflavins against mouse type IV allergy.

Background: Tea (Camellia sinensis L.), one of the most popular beverages, contains various beneficial constituents. We investigated the preventive effects of black tea theaflavins, theaflavin-3-gallate (3-TF) and theaflavin-3,3'-digallate (TFDG), on oxazolone-induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice.

Bifurcation analysis of the Nowak-Bangham model in CTL dynamics.

This paper investigates the local bifurcations of a CTL response model published by Nowak and Bangham [M.A. Nowak, C.

Preventive effects of edible mushroom (Hypsizigus marmoreus) on mouse type IV allergy: fluctuations of cytokine levels and antioxidant activities in mouse sera.

We investigated the mechanisms for the antiallergic effects of Hypsizigus marmoreus mushrooms on an oxazolone-induced type IV allergy in male ICR mice. Serum levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) were significantly increased in mice, which showed a severe ear edema induced by the type IV allergy in comparison with those of normal mice. The oral administration of an ethanol extract of H.