A note on the von Bertalanffy growth function concerning the allocation of surplus energy to reproduction

We propose an extended form of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF), where the allocation of surplus energy to reproduction is considered. Any function can be used in our model to describe the ratio of energy allocation for reproduction to that for somatic growth. As an example, two models for energy allocation were derived: a step-function and a logistic function. The extended model can jointly describe growth in adult and juvenile stages. The change in growth rate between the two stages can be either gradual or steep; the latter gives a biphasic VBGF. The results of curve fitting indicated that a consideration of reproductive energy is meaningful for model extension. By controlling parameter values, our comprehensive model gives various growth curve shapes ranging from indeterminate to determinate growth. An increase in the number of parameters is unavoidable in practical applications of this new model. Additional information on reproduction will improve the reliability of model estimates

Herbal medicines for the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects

Accumulating evidence suggests that Japanese herbal medicines, called Kampo, have beneficial effects on cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects. Rikkunshito ameliorates cisplatin-induced anorexia through an antagonistic effect on the 5-HT receptors and by increasing the serum ghrelin levels. Hangeshashinto improves irinotecan-induced diarrhea and chemotherapy-induced mucositis by inhibiting the activity of β-glucuronidase as well as the synthesis of prostaglandin E2. Goshajinkigan prevents oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity, possibly through suppressing functional alterations of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. In this review, we will summarize the currently available literature regarding the clinical efficacy and potential mechanisms of Kampo medicines in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy-induced side effects

EOSDB: The Database for Nuclear EoS

Nuclear equation of state (EoS) plays an important role in understanding the formation of compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes. The true nature of the EoS has been a matter of debate at any density range not only in the nuclear physics but also in the astronomy and astrophysics. We have constructed a database of EoSs by compiling data from the literature. Our database contains the basic properties of the nuclear EoS of symmetric nuclear matter and of pure neutron matter. It also includes the detailed information about the theoretical models, for example the adopted methods and assumptions in individual models. The novelty of the database is to consider new experimental probes such as the symmetry energy, its slope relative to the baryon density, and the incompressibility, which enables the users to check their model dependences. We demonstrate the performance of the EOSDB through the examinations of the model dependence among different nuclear EoSs. It is reveled that some theoretical EoSs, which is commonly used in astrophysics, do not satisfactorily agree with the experimental constraints.Comment: 30 pages, 5 figures, submitted to Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan (revised

UNEVEN DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMY: FROM KRUCMANTO LENIN

The ongoing world economic crisis has revealed the fundamental weight shift of the global economy from the Western world to East Asia. In my understanding, this shift is due to the "uneven development" that Lenin defined in Imperialism, in which he also proved the validity of this historical law. In his theory, this kind of uneven development is the basic condition of the conflicts among capitalist countries. In this article, first, we review Krugman's model of "uneven development" between two countries, namely, South and North, because he said his model expresses Lenin's theory of "uneven development." Second, we show that he has misunderstood Lenin's theory and that Lenin's theory is more realistic than Krugman's. As we know, Paul Krugman won a Nobel Prize in 2008. In this sense, this article also reveals a critical problem of the Nobel Prize in economics. </p

Distribution of G-Cells in the Gastric Mucosa in Peptic Ulcer

The distribution of G cells in mucosa of the resected stomachs from patients with peptic ulcer was investigated using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical method. Moreover, the specimens were stained additionally with hematoxylin and eosin to determine the condition of background gastric mucosa. G cells were present chiefly in the glandular cervix of the pyloric gland area. They were also seen in the intermediate area and, although small in number, in the area adjoining the f-line. The number of G cells per unit area in DU was three times higher than that in GU. The significant inverse relation was found between G cell density and the degree of intestinal metaplasia. And in each case, mean values of uG were estimated for unit areas on the greater and lesser curvature lines as well as the unit areas on the mid-line of the anterior and posterior walls. The G cell density was higher on the greater curvature and in the posterior wall than the other

Glycerol as a chemical chaperone enhances radiation-induced apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells

INTRODUCTION: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, which is one of the most aggressive, malignant tumors in humans, results in an extremely poor prognosis despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The present study was designed to evaluate therapeutic effects of radiation by glycerol on p53-mutant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells (8305c cells). To examine the effectiveness of glycerol in radiation induced lethality for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma 8305c cells, we performed colony formation assay and apoptosis analysis. RESULTS: Apoptosis was analyzed with Hoechst 33342 staining and DNA ladder formation assay. 8305c cells became radiosensitive when glycerol was added to culture medium before X-ray irradiation. Apoptosis was induced by X-rays in the presence of glycerol. However, there was little apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation or glycerol alone. The binding activity of whole cell extracts to bax promoter region was induced by X-rays in the presence of glycerol but not by X-rays alone. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that glycerol is effective against radiotherapy of p53-mutant thyroid carcinomas