Perfectness of Conelike *–Semigroups in ℚk

Let S be an abelian *–semigroup in ℚ^k. We give a sufficient condition for every positive definite function on S to have a unique representing measure on the dual semigroup of S (i.e. S is perfect). To characterize perfectness for any abelian *–semigroupis a challenging, but not yet generally solved problem. In this paper, we characterize the structure of involutions on an abelian *–semigroup which is a subset of ℚ^k, and show that any conelike *–semigroups in ℚ^k are perfect.     

Gel-sol transition in gellan aqueous solutions

Gel-sol transition of sodium type gellan solutions with and without salts is studied by dynamic viscoelastic measurements and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical spectra show that gellan aqueous solutions behave as an entangled polymer solution in the concentration range around 2 wt.-% at temperatures >15°C and as a weak gel below this temperature. Concentrated solutions (> 3 wt.-%) show a true gel behavior below 30°C. The two step transition is observed for 2∼3 wt.-% gellan aqueous solutions in thermal scanning rheological (TSR) measurements; the transition at a higher temperature is attributed to a coil-helix transition whilst the transition at a lower temperature is attributed to sol-gel transition. The transition observed in dilute solutions of gellan is attributed to the coil-helix transition whilst the sol-gel transition occurs simultaneously with coil-helix transition in more concentrated solutions (>3 wt.-%). The sol-gel transition temperature shifts to higher temperatures with increasing concentration of the added salts. Junction zones formed in the presence of divalent cations are far more heat resistant than those with monovalent cations judging from both DSC and TSR, however, the possibility of the formation of junction zones by covalent bonds or by ionic bonds is excluded.     

Social Network Moderates the Association between Frequency of Social Participation and Physical Function among Community-dwelling Older Adults

Objective: Social participation is an essential component of active aging. Physical dysfunction is restriction of social participation, but it is inconclusive that improvement of physical function contributes to promote social participation. Therefore, understanding the other factor that moderates the association between physical dysfunction and social participation is important, and social network (i.e., ties with family and friends) may be a key factor. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between physical function and frequency of social participation, with social network as a moderator, and to examine the gender differences on the relationships. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 287 community-dwelling older adults. We asked how often they participated in social groups in a week to measure frequency of social participation. Physical function and social network were measured by using the modified version of Short Physical Performance Battery for community-dwelling older adults and the abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. To investigate the association, we performed a linear regression analysis. Results: After adjustment, a linear regression analysis showed interactions between physical function and social network on frequent social participation (β: −0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.40 to −0.01). Furthermore, the same association was observed only in women (adjusted β: −0.33, 95% CI: −0.65 to −0.02). Conclusion: Our results suggested that social network moderates the association between physical function and social participation, and observed gender differences on the relationships. The findings of this study indicated the importance of multidimensional assessment and measures for improving social participation, not only physical function but also social network.     

The effect of the linear charge density of carrageenan on the ion binding investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, dc conductivity, and kHz dielectric relaxation

The effect of the linear charge density of natural polyelectrolyte, carrageenan, on the ion binding to carrageenan molecules in relation to the gelation was investigated by using the dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, dc conductivity, optical rotation, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Although carrageenan is an anionic polysaccharide, carrageenan molecules in the helix state at low temperatures can bind not only cation, such as potassium and cesium, but also anion, such as iodide. The dc conductivity steeply decreases just below the coil–helix transition temperature, which indicates the binding of ion to the carrageenan molecules in the helix state due to the increase of the linear charge density compared with that in the coil state. The addition of NaI promotes the helix formation, and prevents from aggregation of helices, which was suggested by the results of the dynamic shear modulus and the DSC, and resulted in an increase of the relaxation amplitude of the lowest frequency relaxation (kHz) attributed to the fluctuation of the tightly bound counter ions along the high charge density region (helix). It is concluded that binding of iodide induces (1) the increase in the amount of tightly bound counterions to carrageenan molecules and (2) the formation of non-aggregated helix.     

野菊花挥发油化学成分的气相色谱-质谱联用分析

野菊花(Flos chrysanthemum indici)为菊科植物野菊((7hrysanthemum indicum L．)的头状花序,临床应用广泛。它主要含挥发油、黄酮、倍半萜及其他成分,其中挥发油对肺炎双球菌、流感杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌等均有较强的抑制作用。关于野菊花挥发油的化学成分已有报道。由于生长环境的差异,不同产地的野菊花药效差异较大,挥发油中各组分含量也有较大差异。我们采集江西产野菊花药材,采用气相色谱-质谱联用(GC—MS)技术,     

Optical antenna for photofunctional molecular systems

Optical antennas can enhance the efficiency of photon-molecule interactions. To design efficient antenna structures, it is essential to consider physicochemical aspects in addition to electromagnetic considerations. Specifically, chemical interactions between optical antennas and molecules have to be controlled to enhance the overall efficiency. For this purpose, sphere-plane nanostructures are suitable optical antennas for molecular-modified functional electrode systems when a well-defined electrode is utilized as a platform.     

Respiratory variation of the extrahepatic bile duct: evaluation with deep inspiratory and expiratory MRCP

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the respiratory variation of the extrahepatic bile duct in morphology including shape, length and duct diameter on the breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) obtained during deep inspiration and deep expiration in patients with or without biliary diseases.

Materials and Methods

This study included 102 patients with or without biliary diseases. Breath-hold MRCP was obtained twice during the end-inspiration and the end-expiration. MRCP images were evaluated for the length, maximal diameter and “bowing” of the extrahepatic bile duct.

Results

In the normal group, the mean maximal diameter of the extrahepatic bile duct was significantly larger on the end-inspiratory MRCP (8.0±2.0 mm) than on the end-expiratory MRCP (7.3±1.8 mm) (P<.0001), while it was not significantly different in the dilated group. In the normal group, 25 (39%) of 65 patients had an increase in the mean maximal diameter of more than 1 mm at the end-inspiration, whereas 4 (11%) of 37 patients in the dilated group had it. The bowing of the extrahepatic bile duct on the end-inspiratory MRCP was observed in 60 (92%) of 65 normal patients, while it was seen in 22 (60%) of 37 patients with biliary dilatation (P<.0001).

Conclusion

Deep inspiratory and expiratory MRCP demonstrated the respiratory variations of the extrahepatic bile duct in the shape (bowing), length and maximal duct diameter in patients with nondilated bile ducts. Awareness of this normal phenomenon will be important for the correct interpretation of MRCP in patients with or without biliary diseases.     

Theoretical molecular double-core-hole spectroscopy of nucleobases

Double-core-hole (DCH) spectra have been investigated for pyrimidine, purine, the RNA/DNA nucleobases, and formamide, using the density functional theory (DFT) method. DCH spectra of formamide were also examined by the complete-active-space self-consistent-field (CASSCF) method. All possible single- and two-site DCH (ssDCH and tsDCH) states of the nucleobases were calculated. The generalized relaxation energy and interatomic generalized relaxation energy were evaluated from the energy differences between ssDCH and single-core-hole (SCH) states and between tsDCH and SCH states, respectively. The generalized relaxation energy is correlated to natural bond orbital charge, whereas the interatomic generalized relaxation energy is correlated to the interatomic distance between the core holes at two sites. The present analysis using DCH spectroscopy demonstrates that the method is useful for the chemical analysis of large molecular systems.     

Fabrication of mesoporous polymer monolith: a template-free approach

Mesoporous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) monolith has been fabricated by a template-free approach using the unique affinity of PAN towards a water/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixture. A newly developed Thermally Induced Phase Separation Technique (TIPS) has been used to obtain the polymer monoliths and their microstructures have been controlled by optimizing the concentration and cooling temperature.