The operating

The operating check details surgeon also filled in the form blindly at the same postoperative period. The differences between pre and postoperative satisfaction scores for each group were also evaluated. Preoperatively, all cases were evaluated with uroflowmetry and compared with postoperative results measured at 6th week of surgery. P < 0.05 was considered as significant.\n\nResults Mean

follow-up was 24 months (4-28). Complications were encountered in 18 and 20% of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complications were urethrocutaneous fistula, meatal stenosis, retrusive/proximal meatus and residual curvature. Success rates were 82 and 80%, respectively. SC79 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor No differences were seen in overall

satisfaction between the two groups (P = 0.07).\n\nConclusion Outcome of hypospadias repair in circumcised adults for cosmetic reasons is similar to uncircumcised hypospadics previously mentioned in the literature. Both dorsal and ventral flaps can be used in previously circumcised hypospadic adults with comparable satisfaction and complication rates and uroflow findings.”
“Photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium strains possess the unusual ability to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on a specific group of legumes in the absence of Nod factors. To obtain insight into the bacterial genes involved in this Nod-independent symbiosis, we screened 15,648 Tn5 mutants of Bradyrhizobium sp. strain ORS278 for clones affected in root symbiosis with Aeschynomene indica. From the 268 isolated mutants, 120 mutants were altered in nodule development (Ndv(-)) and 148 mutants were found to be deficient in nitrogen fixation (Fix(-)). More than 50% of the Ndv(-) mutants were found to be altered in purine biosynthesis, strengthening the previous hypothesis of a symbiotic role of a bacterial purine derivative during the Nod-independent MX69 clinical trial symbiosis. The other Ndv(-) mutants were auxotrophic for pyrimidines and amino acids (leucine,

glutamate, and lysine) or impaired in genes encoding proteins of unknown function. The Fix(-) mutants were found to be affected in a wide variety of cellular processes, including both novel (n = 56) and previously identified (n = 31) genes important in symbiosis. Among the novel genes identified, several were involved in the Calvin cycle, suggesting that CO(2) fixation could play an important role during this symbiosis.”
“This article reports our study on asymmetric epoxidation of unfunctionalized alkenes and asymmetric oxidation of sulfides catalyzed by a new triply immobilized (salen)Mn(III) system, when commercial sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide were loaded as terminal oxidant, respectively.

Moreover the method is

Moreover the method is selleck kinase inhibitor suitable for detecting pharmaceutical compounds containing beta-blockers, isoflavones and flavonoids in urine after administration to humans. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Aim: To determine whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from chronic periodontitis patients differ from PBMCs from matched control patients in their capacity to form osteoclast-like cells.\n\nMaterial and Methods: PBMCs from 10 subjects with severe chronic periodontitis and their matched controls were cultured on plastic or on bone slices without or with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). The number of tartrate-resistant

acid phosphatase-positive (TRACP(+)) multinucleated cells (MNCs) and bone resorption were assessed.\n\nResults: TRACP(+) MNCs were formed under all culture conditions, in patient and control cultures. In periodontitis patients, the formation of TRACP(+) MNC was similar for all three culture conditions; thus supplementation of the cytokines was not needed to induce MNC formation. In control cultures, however, M-CSF or M-CSF/RANKL resulted in higher HIF inhibitor numbers compared with cultures without cytokines. Upregulations of osteoclast marker mRNA cathepsin K and carbonic anhydrase

II confirmed the osteoclastic character. Bone resorption was only observed when PBMCs were cultured in the presence of M-CSF and RANKL.\n\nConclusion: Our data indicate that PBMCs from periodontitis patients do not selleck chemicals llc need priming by M-CSF to become osteoclast-like cells, suggesting that PBMCs from periodontitis patients are present in the circulation in a different state of activity.”
“Background: Phytochemicals and antioxidants from plant sources are of increasing interest to consumers because of their roles in the maintenance of human health. Most of the secondary metabolites of herbs are used in a number of pharmaceutical products.\n\nMethods: Secondary metabolites composition and content of five flavonoids and three phenolic acids were evaluated and determined in Pandanus amaryllifolius extracts from

three different locations of Malaysia by RP-HPLC; Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride colorimetric assay; The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) Assay was employed to screen anticancer activity of extracts against MCF-7 cancer cell line.\n\nResults: Highest value of total flavonoids (TF) and total phenolics (TP) was observed in pandan extract from Bachok locattion (1.87 mg/g DW and 6.72 mg/g DW) followed by Klang (1.32 mg/g DW; 5.07 mg/g DW) and Pontian (1.12 mg/g DW; 4.88 mg/g DW). Rutin just detected from Bachok location with value of 0.

These results demonstrate that energetic stress is the probable c

These results demonstrate that energetic stress is the probable cause of the shortened life span observed in infected bees. We argue that energetic stress can lead to the precocious and risky foraging observed in Nosema infected bees and discuss its relevance to colony collapse syndrome. the significance of energetic stress as a general mechanism by which infectious diseases influence host behavior and physiology is discussed. Dorsomorphin datasheet (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Below ground biomass is a major determinant of soil carbon (C)

storage in semi-arid ecosystem. An extended laboratory incubation study for a period of 323 days was carried out to ascertain the decomposition ERK inhibitor kinetics of fine roots of major trees (Jatropha curcas, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica and Prosopis juliflora) and a grass species (Cenchrus ciliaris) in the semi-arid region of India with the hypothesis

that species with a slower decomposition rate will increase stability of soil organic carbon and will have higher potential to rehabilitate degraded sites in terms of soil quality. The results were confirmed by analyzing biochemically stabilized carbon pool of soils under different species. Decay constant (k) for fine roots carbon ranged from 0.14 to 0.21 year(-1) under different tree species and followed the order; Acacia bigger than Jatropha bigger than Grass- C. ciliaris bigger than Leucaena bigger than Azadirachta

bigger than Prosopis. Acid non-hydrolysable C (biochemically stabilized C pool) of soil was maximum in P. juliflora (1.84 g kg(-1)) followed by Azadirachta (1.79 g kg(-1)). Results emanating from the present investigation suggest that fine roots of A. indica have greater carbon stabilization potential than AG-881 mouse other species of the region.”
“Purpose\n\nThe use of cytochrome P450 2D6-inhibiting drugs (CYP2D6 inhibitors) during tamoxifen treatment leads to a decrease in plasma concentration of endoxifen, the major active tamoxifen metabolite. Concomitant use of CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, as well as low tamoxifen adherence may negatively impact tamoxifen efficacy in patients with breast cancer. The objectives of this study were to relate concomitant CYP2D6 inhibitor use and tamoxifen adherence to breast cancer event-free time (EFT).\n\nPatients and Methods\n\nData were from PHARMO and included a community pharmacy dispensing database; PALGA, a nationwide pathology database; and the Dutch Medical Register in the Netherlands. Patients with breast cancer treated with adjuvant tamoxifen between 1994 and 2006 were included. A Cox proportional hazards model with a time-dependent definition for concomitant CYP2D6 inhibitor exposure was used.

Molecular classification of the individual tumors and identificat

Molecular classification of the individual tumors and identification of molecular escape mechanisms for primary (intrinsic) and secondary resistances to KI treatment is critical to select the patients’ most likely to benefit. Appropriate drug combinations based on those mechanisms of resistance have to be tested in selected patient populations to ensure progress and efficacy with the goal to lead

to a clinically meaningful prolongation of patients’ lives.”
“This paper reports on an investigation of interface state densities, low frequency noise and electron mobility in surface channel In0.53Ga0.47As n-MOSFETs with a ZrO2 gate dielectric. Interface state density values of D-it similar to 5 x 10(12) cm(-2) eV(-1) Compound C inhibitor were extracted using sub-threshold slope analysis and charge pumping technique. The same order of magnitude of trap density was found from low frequency noise measurements. A peak effective electron mobility of 1 200 cm(2)/Vs has

been achieved. For these surface channel In0.53Ga0.47As n-MOSFETs, it was found that eta parameter, an empirical parameter used to calculate the effective electric field, was similar to 0.5 5, and is to be comparable to the standard value found in Si device. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction\n\nBecause foods fortified with calcium are increasingly available, the calcium content of calcium-fortified foods may not be adequately captured in traditional assessments of dietary intake, such as dietary records analyzed with commercially available software. The primary objective of our study was to design and https://www.selleckchem.com/products/azd5363.html test a calcium-focused food frequency questionnaire (CFFFQ) including foods naturally rich in calcium and calcium-fortified foods. Secondary objectives were to review calcium sources and adequacy of intake in black and in white postmenopausal women.\n\nMethods\n\nWe studied a convenience

sample of 46 black and 139 white postmenopausal women (mean [SD] age 69.4 [5.8] years). Participants completed a multiple-pass interview for 24-hour recall of foods eaten and the 46-item CFFFQ.\n\nResults\n\nThe correlation between measures for total daily calcium intake was moderately strong (r = 0.53, P < .001). The CFFFQ estimated greater total daily calcium intake than did the 24-hour recall (mean [SD], 1,021 [624] LDK378 nmr mg/d vs 800 [433] mg/d, P < .001). As daily calcium intake increased, the 24-hour recall increasingly underreported calcium (r = 0.41, P < .001) compared with the CFFFQ. Cross-tabulation and X-2 analyses found that the CFFFQ had greater specificity for lower calcium intakes. For calcium classified by food groups, there was moderate correlation for dairy (r = 0.56, P < .001) and fruits (r = 0.43, P < .001). The CFFFQ overestimated mean total calcium compared with the 24-hour recall by 221 mg/d (P < .001), including within racial groups (195 mg/d for black women, P = .04, and 229 mg/d for white women, P < .

1 M NaCl The genes disrupted in these mutants due to insertion o

1 M NaCl. The genes disrupted in these mutants due to insertion of the transposon were identified by sequencing of Tn5 flanking sequences after inverse PCR. One of the mutants had a disruption in diguanylate cyclase gene which is involved in bacterial biofilm

formation and persistence. SN-38 concentration The second mutant had a disruption in an ABC transporter membrane protein gene, which is involved in the uptake of nutrients and cellular osmoprotection. The third mutant had a disruption in a gene showing homology with rhamnulose 1-phosphate aldolase which has an important role in the central metabolism of L-rhamnulose. The fourth mutant had a disruption in a capsule synthesis gene and the fifth mutant had an insertion in an oxidoreductase gene. When these mutants were inoculated into the host chickpea plant under normal non-saline conditions, they formed symbiotic nodules but with severely reduced nitrogenase activity.

Hence, it appears that bacterial ability to adapt to hyper-osmotic salt stress conditions is also important for its nitrogen fixing ability in the chickpea root nodules. Allele mining for variant forms of the identified genes in the germplasm resources of M. ciceri may help in the development of highly adaptive and efficient nitrogen fixing strains of the chickpea rhizobium.”
“Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly disease characterized by chronic inflammation and excessive collagen accumulation in the lung. Myofibroblasts are the primary collagen-producing cells in pulmonary fibrosis.

Histone deacetylase learn more inhibitor (HDACi) can affect gene expression, and some, such as suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), are US FDA approved for cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated SAHA’s effects on the expression of collagen III alpha 1 (COL3A1) in primary human IPF fibroblasts and in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. We observed that increased COL3A1 expression in IPF fibroblasts can be substantially reduced by SAHA treatment at the level of transcription as detected by RT-PCR; collagen III protein level was also reduced, as detected by Western blots and immunofluorescence. The deacetylation inhibitor effect find more of SAHA was verified by observing higher acetylation levels of both histone H3 and H4 in treated IPF cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments demonstrated that the reduced expression of COL3A1 by SAHA is with increased association of the repressive chromatin marker, H3K27Me3, and decreased association of the active chromatin marker, H3K9Ac. In our murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, the SAHA treated group demonstrated significantly less collagen III, as detected by immunohistochemistry. Our data indicate that the HDACi SAHA alters the chromatin associated with COL3A1, resulting in its decreased expression.”
“Background/Aim.

Here, we show the distribution of nickel and

Here, we show the distribution of nickel and AZD7762 other elements in leaf tissue of the nickel hyperaccumulator plant Alyssum lesbiacum prepared by high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution.”
“Background : Continuous monitoring systems have allowed determination of the time-to-positivity (TTP). We evaluated the clinical relevance of UP in the BACTEC9240 system (Becton-Dickinson, USA).\n\nMethods : A total of 2,354 vials of positive blood cultures were evaluated over 2 months. UP was monitored from each of BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F (BD) or Pediatric Plus/F and Lytic Anaerobic/F bottles, and the differential time-to-positivity (DTP) for blood samples drawn simultaneously via catheter

and a peripheral site was determined.\n\nResults : The average UP of the positive vials was 17.4 hr, and 79.9% and 95.2% of the vials showed positivity within 24 and 48 hr, respectively. While the average UP values for Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were less than 10 hr, those for Candida spp., anaerobes, Propionibacterium SB203580 order acnes, Corynebacterium spp, Bacillus spp. other than cereus, and coagulase-negative staphylococci were 35.3, 27.0, 56.8, 45.8, 23.0, and 26.3 hr, respectively. The negative predictive values of UP over 24 hr to predict Staphylococcus aureus among staphylococci and S. pneumoniae among a-hemolytic streptococci

were 76.7% and 100%, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus faecalis showed shorter UP in anaerobic vials than in aerobic vials. DTP of more than 2 hr was observed for 27.8%, 72.2%, and 45.5% of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and Candida spp.\n\nConclusions : UP can be used to discriminate pathogens and contaminants. The shorter UP in anaerobic vials of certain Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus sop. would facilitate further identification. DTP is useful for diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infection

by S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and Candida spp. (Korean J Lab Med 2010;30:276-83)”
“Several virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori play crucial role in the pathogenesis of the infections. H.pylori iceA gene which is induced by the contact with epithelium during the attachment of bacterium to the gastric mucosa, possess two variants (iceA1 and iceA2). Although there are some data indicating the relationship PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3 between H.pylori iceA1 and peptic ulcer, this concept is still controversial. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence and prevalence of H.pylori iceA1 and iceA2 gene regions in the tissue samples of patients diagnosed as chronic gastritis and gastric cancer, and to evaluate whether any correlation existed between these genotypes and clinical manifestations. A total of 109 tissue samples obtained from chronic gastritis (n = 55) and gastric cancer (n = 54) patients whose H.pylori infections have been confirmed by histopathologic examination of biopsy samples, were included in the study. The presence of H.

An increased risk of breast cancer was associated with increasing

An increased risk of breast cancer was associated with increasing levels of the trans-monounsaturated fatty acids palmitoleic acid and elaidic acid (highest quintile vs. lowest: odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.83; p-trend = 0.018). cis-Monounsaturated fatty acids were unrelated to breast cancer risk. A high serum level of trans-monounsaturated fatty acids, presumably reflecting a high

intake of industrially processed foods, is probably one factor contributing to increased risk of invasive breast cancer in women.”
“Objective: To analyze whether the local-regional surgical treatments (breast-conserving this website therapy, mastectomy) resulted in different overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and locoregional recurrence-free survival rates for the various molecular breast cancer subtypes.\n\nSummary Background Data: Molecular gene expression profiling has been proposed as a new classification and prognostication system for breast cancer. Current recommendation for local-regional treatment of breast cancer is based on traditional clinicopathologic variables.\n\nMethods: Retrospective analysis of 372 breast cancer cases with assessable immunohistochemical data for ER, PR, and Her-2/neu receptor PP2 price status, diagnosed from 1998 to 2005. Molecular

subtypes analyzed were luminal A, luminal www.selleckchem.com/products/ly3039478.html 13, basal like, and Her-2/neu.\n\nResults:

No substantial difference was noted in overall survival, and locoregional recurrence rate between the local-regional treatment modalities as a function of the molecular breast cancer subtypes. The basal cell-like subtype was an independent predictor of a poorer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-4.97, P < 0.01) and a shorter distant metastasis-free survival time (HR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.27-10.2, P < 0.01), and showed a tendency toward statistical significance as an independent predictor of locoregional recurrence (HR = 3.57, 95% CI 0.93-13.6, P = 0.06).\n\nConclusions: The basal cell-like subtype is associated with a worse prognosis, a higher incidence of distant metastasis, and may be more prone to local recurrence when managed with breastconserving therapy.”
“A novel series of nitrogen-containing chalcones were synthesized by Mannich reaction and were screened for anti-inflammatory related activities such as inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), trypsin and beta-glucuronidase. The antioxidant potential was demonstrated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The results of the above studies shows that the compounds synthesized were found to be effective inhibitors of above pro-inflammatory enzymes, and were found to be possess moderate radical scavenging potential.

Rather, P favieri has a unique mandibular structure that seems t

Rather, P. favieri has a unique mandibular structure that seems to be functionally analogous to the protheca. It is a long, broadly lanceolate, distinctly flattened structure apparently homologous to the medial mandibular seta (MN2*), which arises from an area behind the cutting edge of mandible. We predict that the function of the protheca and this similar structure in P. favieri are involved in a specialized feeding strategy that may include soliciting trophallaxis from their host ants. We also report some observations of the first instar hatching from the egg, feeding on liquid

and a behaviour we interpret as a “calling behavior,” all of which were videotaped and posted on the Tree of Life Web Project.”
“Developing sustainable chemical methods to synthesize silver nanoparticles has drawn significant research interest. Due to their unique and well-defined physical-chemical properties, cellulose selleck chemicals nanocrystals (CNCs) have become one of the most promising renewable nanomaterials. Here we use CNC to mediate silver nanoparticle synthesis and elucidate the effect of CNC surface chemistry (as defined by sulfate groups) in nanoparticle formation and nucleation in the presence of borohydride reduction. Pristine CNCs produced by sulfuric

acid hydrolysis and partially desulfated CNCs mediated the formation of Bromosporine solubility dmso silver nanoparticles of different sizes (and size distribution) following different rates of formation, as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results shed light on methods to stabilize silver nanoparticles, control their nucleation, and highlight the potential of CNCs in metal nanoparticle synthesis.”
“Many whale (baleen whale or toothed whale) skeletons still contain residual lipids even after an initial osteological preparation. This paper examines the different Daporinad mouse possibilities of re-treatment. Before a conservation intervention, it was necessary to determine the materials of which bones are made

up. The samples were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Different compounds were identified: a mineral part (apatite), an organic part (collagen) and lipids. Chromatography analysis yielded a detailed composition of the lipids. It was in fact degraded fat with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. To remove these lipids, several techniques were identified and tested: enzymatic treatments, supercritical CO2, and green or organic solvents. Esterification catalyzed by lipases could be suitable for a degreasing treatment since the solubility of esters is higher than that of the corresponding fatty acids. The enzymatic treatment acted only on the surface and did not appear to be very efficient. The use of supercritical CO2 was even less effective. Some green solvents can partially extract lipids but prove difficult to eliminate after treatment. The best results for degreasing were achieved using organic solvents.


“AIM: To investigate the effects of our tumor vaccines on


“AIM: To investigate the effects of our tumor vaccines on reversing immune tolerance and generating therapeutic response. METHODS: Vaccines were synthesized by solid phase using an Fmoc strategy, where a small molecule toll-like receptor-7 agonist (T7) was conjugated to a monoclonal gastric cancer 7 antigen mono-epitope (T7-MG1) or tri-epitope

(T7-MG3). Selleckchem GSK2126458 Cytokines were measured in both mouse bone marrow dendritic cells and mouse spleen lymphocytes after exposed to the vaccines. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally immunized with the vaccines every 2 wk for a total of three times, and then subcutaneously challenged with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Three weeks later, the mice were killed, and the tumors were surgically removed and weighed. Serum samples were collected from the mice, and antibody titers were determined by ELISA using an alkaline phosphate-conjugated detection antibody for total IgG. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity was detected by the lactate dehydrogenase method using natural killer cells as effectors and antibody-labeled EAC cells as targets.

Cytotoxic see more T lymphocyte activities were also detected by the lactate dehydrogenase method using lymphocytes as effectors and EAC cells as targets. RESULTS: Vaccines were successfully synthesized and validated by analytical high performance liquid chromatography and electrospray mass spectrometry, including T7, T7-MG1, and T7-MG3. Rapid inductions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-12 in bone marrow dendritic cells

and interferon gamma and interleukin-12 in lymphocytes occurred in vitro after T7, T7-MG1, and T7-MG3 treatment. Immunization with T7-MG3 reduced the EAC tumor burden in BALB/c mice to 62.64% +/- 5.55% compared with PBS control (P smaller than 0.01). Six or nine weeks after the first immunization, the monoclonal gastric cancer 7 antigen antibody increased significantly in the T7-MG3 group compared with the PBS control (P smaller than 0.01). As for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, antisera obtained by immunization with T7-MG3 were able to markedly enhance cell lysis compared to PBS control (31.58% +/- 2.94% vs 18.02% +/- 2.26%; P smaller than 0.01). GSK1838705A chemical structure As for cytotoxic T lymphocytes, T7-MG3 exhibited obviously greater cytotoxicity compared with PBS control (40.92% +/- 4.38% vs 16.29% +/- 1.90%; P smaller than 0.01). CONCLUSION: A successful method is confirmed for the design of gastric cancer vaccines by chemical conjugation of T7 and multi-repeat-epitope of monoclonal gastric cancer 7 antigen.”
“Nucleobindin-2 is a 420-amino-acid EF-hand calcium-binding protein that undergoes proteolytic processing to generate an 82-amino-acid amino-terminal peptide termed nesfatin-1.

To gain maximum benefit from this source of cells,

a comp

To gain maximum benefit from this source of cells,

a complete understanding of the changes in gene expression and how they are regulated is required. CYT387 miRNAs have been demonstrated to play a critical role in controlling stem cell pluripotency and differentiation and are important for mature endothelial cell function. Specific miRNAs that determine stem cell fate have been identified for a number of different cell lineages; however, in the case of differentiation and specification of vascular endothelial cells, this is yet to be fully elucidated.”
“Previous research has shown that, in the context of event-related potential (ERP) prime-target experiments, processing meaningful stimuli such as words, phonemes, numbers, pictures of objects, and faces elicit negativities around 400 ms. However, there is little information on whether

non-symbolic numerical magnitudes elicit this negative component. The present experiments recorded ERPs while adults made same/different judgments to serially. presented prime-target pairs of non-symbolic numerical stimuli containing the same, close, or distant quantities. In Experiment 1, a negativity between 350 and 450 ms was elicited for targets find more preceded by primes of unequal quantity, and this was greater for close than for distant quantities. Change direction (decreasing or increasing) also modulated a similar negativity: a greater negativity was elicited by targets Histone Methyltransf inhibitor preceded by larger than by smaller quantities. Experiment 2 replicated the numerical distance and change direction effects for numerical judgments, but found no negative distance effect in a color comparison task when the same stimuli were used. Additionally, ERP effects of numerical distance were found under implicit conditions, and task proficiency in

the number condition modulated implicit and explicit numerical distance ERP effects. These results suggest that the neural systems involved with processing numerical magnitudes contribute to the construction of meaningful, contextual representations, are partly automatic, and display marked individual differences. Published by Elsevier Ltd.”
“A new alkaline keratinase extracted from Bacillus sp. 50-3 was isolated and purified in this study. Solid ammonium sulfate was selected to precipitate the enzyme. Its proper adding mass was also determined. Through solid ammonium sulfate precipitation and liquid chromatography via the DEAE-Sephadex-A50 column using with azokeratin as a substrate, 17.7-fold purification with a yield of 46.5% was obtained. The purification effect was determined through SDS-PAGE, and the molecular weight of the enzyme was found at 27 423 Da by the MALDI-TOF-MS.