The asymmetry of antimatter in the proton.

The fundamental building blocks of the proton-quarks and gluons-have been known for decades. However, we still have an incomplete theoretical and experimental understanding of how these particles and their dynamics give rise to the quantum bound state of the proton and its physical properties, such as its spin1. The two up quarks and the single down quark that comprise the proton in the simplest picture account only for a few per cent of the proton mass, the bulk of which is in the form of quark kinetic and potential energy and gluon energy from the strong force2. An essential feature of this force, as described by quantum chromodynamics, is its ability to create matter-antimatter quark pairs inside the proton that exist only for a very short time. Their fleeting existence makes the antimatter quarks within protons difficult to study, but their existence is discernible in reactions in which a matter-antimatter quark pair annihilates. In this picture of quark-antiquark creation by the strong force, the probability distributions as a function of momentum for the presence of up and down antimatter quarks should be nearly identical, given that their masses are very similar and small compared to the mass of the proton3. Here we provide evidence from muon pair production measurements that these distributions are considerably different, with more abundant down antimatter quarks than up antimatter quarks over a wide range of momenta. These results are expected to revive interest in several proposed mechanisms for the origin of this antimatter asymmetry in the proton that had been disfavoured by previous results4, and point to future measurements that can distinguish between these mechanisms.

Multipole polaron in the devil's staircase of CeSb.

Rare-earth intermetallic compounds exhibit rich phenomena induced by the interplay between localized f orbitals and conduction electrons. However, since the energy scale of the crystal-electric-field splitting is only a few millielectronvolts, the nature of the mobile electrons accompanied by collective crystal-electric-field excitations has not been unveiled. Here, we examine the low-energy electronic structures of CeSb through the anomalous magnetostructural transitions below the Néel temperature, ~17 K, termed the 'devil's staircase', using laser angle-resolved photoemission, Raman and neutron scattering spectroscopies. We report another type of electron-boson coupling between mobile electrons and quadrupole crystal-electric-field excitations of the 4f orbitals, which renormalizes the Sb 5p band prominently, yielding a kink at a very low energy (~7 meV). This coupling strength is strong and exhibits anomalous step-like enhancement during the devil's staircase transition, unveiling a new type of quasiparticle, named the 'multipole polaron', comprising a mobile electron dressed with a cloud of the quadrupole crystal-electric-field polarization.

Band-dependent superconducting gap in SrFe2(As0.65P0.35)2 studied by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.

The isovalent-substituted iron pnictide compound SrFe2(As1-xPx)2 exhibits multiple evidence for nodal superconductivity via various experimental probes, such as the penetration depth, nuclear magnetic resonance and specific heat measurements. The direct identification of the nodal superconducting (SC) gap structure is challenging, partly because the presence of nodes is not protected by symmetry but instead caused by an accidental sign change of the order parameter, and also because of the three-dimensionality of the electronic structure. We have studied the SC gaps of SrFe2(As0.65P0.35)2 in three-dimensional momentum space by synchrotron and laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The three hole Fermi surfaces (FSs) at the zone center have SC gaps with different magnitudes, whereas the SC gaps of the electron FSs at the zone corner are almost isotropic and kz-independent. As a possible nodal SC gap structure, we propose that the SC gap of the outer hole FS changes sign around the Z-X [(0, 0, 2π) - (π, π, 2π)] direction.

The role of root border cells in plant defense.

The survival of a plant depends upon the capacity of root tips to sense and move towards water and other nutrients in the soil. Perhaps because of the root tip's vital role in plant health, it is ensheathed by large populations of detached somatic cells - root 'border' cells - which have the ability to engineer the chemical and physical properties of the external environment. Of particular significance, is the production by border cells of specific chemicals that can dramatically alter the behavior of populations of soilborne microflora. Molecular approaches are being used to identify and manipulate the expression of plant genes that control the production and the specialized properties of border cells in transgenic plants. Such plants can be used to test the hypothesis that these unusual cells act as a phalanx of biological 'goalies', which neutralize dangers to newly generated root tissue as the root tip makes its way through soil.

Photo anthropometric variations in Japanese facial features: Establishment of large-sample standard reference data for personal identification using a three-dimensional capture system.

This study clarifies the anthropometric variations of the Japanese face by presenting large-sample population data of photo anthropometric measurements. The measurements can be used as standard reference data for the personal identification of facial images in forensic practices. To this end, three-dimensional (3D) facial images of 1126 Japanese individuals (865 male and 261 female Japanese individuals, aged 19-60 years) were acquired as samples using an already validated 3D capture system, and normative anthropometric analysis was carried out. In this anthropometric analysis, first, anthropological landmarks (22 items, i.e., entocanthion (en), alare (al), cheilion (ch), zygion (zy), gonion (go), sellion (se), gnathion (gn), labrale superius (ls), stomion (sto), labrale inferius (li)) were positioned on each 3D facial image (the direction of which had been adjusted to the Frankfort horizontal plane as the standard position for appropriate anthropometry), and anthropometric absolute measurements (19 items, i.e., bientocanthion breadth (en-en), nose breadth (al-al), mouth breadth (ch-ch), bizygomatic breadth (zy-zy), bigonial breadth (go-go), morphologic face height (se-gn), upper-lip height (ls-sto), lower-lip height (sto-li)) were exported using computer software for the measurement of a 3D digital object. Second, anthropometric indices (21 items, i.e., (se-gn)/(zy-zy), (en-en)/(al-al), (ls-li)/(ch-ch), (ls-sto)/(sto-li)) were calculated from these exported measurements. As a result, basic statistics, such as the mean values, standard deviations, and quartiles, and details of the distributions of these anthropometric results were shown. All of the results except "upper/lower lip ratio (ls-sto)/(sto-li)" were normally distributed. They were acquired as carefully as possible employing a 3D capture system and 3D digital imaging technologies. The sample of images was much larger than any Japanese sample used before for the purpose of personal identification. The measurements will be useful as standard reference data for forensic practices and as material data for future studies in this field.

Factor VIII inhibitor developed in a 60-year-old patient with mild hemophilia A after surgery for colon cancer.

Most factor VIII inhibitors are developed at an early age and in patients with severe type of hemophilia A. We report a case of newly developed factor VIII inhibitor in a 60-year-old patient with mild hemophilia A who had been treated with several kinds of factor VIII concentrates. The patient was treated with a total of 103,580 units of recombinant factor VIII concentrate by continuous and bolus infusions for the open surgery of sigmoid colon cancer. On the 95th postoperative day, the patient had right low limb muscle bleeding and was infused with 1,000 units of recombinant factor VIII concentrate for three days. Subsequently, the level of factor VIII inhibitor in the patient's plasma was 2 Bethesda units (BU)/ml. Since then numerous subcutaneous hemorrhages developed, but an adequate hemostatic effect was not obtained even with the administration of a high dose of recombinant factor VIII concentrate. The patient was switched to bypass therapy using human plasma-derived factor VIIa concentrate, which showed a favorable hemostatic effect.

Classification system of frontal sinus patterns by radiography. Its application to identification of unknown skeletal remains.

Frontal sinuses of Japanese skulls were radiographically examined from the view point of identifying individuals. The system of classification of sinus was proposed, basing on the area size, the bilateral asymmetry, the superiority of side, the outline of upper borders, the partial septa and the supraorbital cells. Frontal sinus patterns could be divided into above 20,000 possible combinations by combining the class numbers in each classification item described above. The frontal sinus pattern of a given person was formulated as a code number which was determined by arranging the class numbers in each classification item as serial numbers. This identification system by the frontal sinus pattern should allow one to characterize each person. The application of this identification system to an actual criminal case was also described.

Evaluation of anatomical consistency in craniofacial superimposition images.

Using 52 skulls in forensic cases, the anatomical consistency of cranio-facial superimposition images was investigated for evaluating the validity in personal identification by the superimposition method. In 35 out of 52 cases the unknown skull was positively identified as the missing person by matching of the outline and anatomical relation in skull and face images taken from frontal, oblique and lateral directions. The unknown skull in two cases was exclusive of the presumed person since the outline of the skull was not anatomically consistent with that of the face. In the remaining 15 cases, the skull in question was examined using only a frontal face photograph of the missing person and matched with it because of the lack of other photographs taken from different angles, giving a probable identification. From our practical examination, it is stated that the outline from the trichion to the gnathion in the lateral or oblique view is the preferable portion for personal identification, and the cranio-facial super-imposition method is reliable for individualization when two or more facial photographs taken from different angles are used in the examination.

The computer-aided facial reconstruction system.

A computer imaging system was introduced into the facial reconstruction process. The system, which consists of the image processing unit for skull morphometry and the image editing unit for compositing facial components on the skull images, was an original construction. The image processor generates the framework for building a face onto the digitized skull image. For reconstructing a facial image on the framework, several possible data sets of facial components suitable for the skull morphology are selected from the database by operating our original application software. The most suitable cutout samples of facial components are pasted up over the framework in accordance with the anatomical criteria. The database of facial components consists of 24 contours, 18 eyes, 9 eyebrows, 27 noses, 9 lips and 16 hairstyles. After provisional reconstruction, the facial image is retouched by correcting skin colors and shades with an 'electronic painting device'. The resulting image is a great improvement on images made by the conventional clay and drawing method, both in the operational aspect and in the flexibility of creating multiple versions. The present system facilitates a rather objective and rapid approach and allows us easily to generate a range of possible faces. The computer-aided facial reconstruction will lead to an increase in chances of positive identification in practical cases.

Histological estimation of age at death using microradiographs of humeral compact bone.

The purpose of this study is to develop an age estimating method for skeletal remains using microradiographs of compact bone. Compact bones of the humerus were collected from 40 Japanese males ranging from 23 to 80 years of age. Microradiographs taken from cross-sections were histomorphometrically examined by using an image analyzer. Histological parameters used in this study included 10 items, that is, osteon number, double-zoned osteon number, type II osteon number, low-density osteon number, osteon fragment number, resorption space number, total and average osteon area, and total and average Haversian canal area. The osteon fragment number showed the highest correlation coefficient with advancing age (r = 0.786). The measurement data obtained from 10 histological parameters were subjected to multiple regression analysis for producing multiple regression equations for age estimation. In practice, 8 histological parameters were selected for the equation and its multiple correlation coefficient and standard error of estimate were 0.903 and 6.1, respectively.

Microscopical study on estimation of time since death in skeletal remains.

For the purpose of estimating time since death in skeletal remains, postmortem changes in human compact bones were examined by microradiography and electron microscopy. The UV-fluorescence of the peripheral zone of compact bone was also examined by microscopic spectrophotometry. Microradiographic examination revealed no morphological changes in bones left in the open air for long periods, except one of 15 years since death. In bones left in the soil, vacuoles of 5-10 microns diameter, which contained a honeycomb-like structure formed by small vacuoles of 0.5-1 microns diameter, were found in the peripheral zone of the substantia compacta approximately 5 years since death, and in bones of 6 years or more, this change extended to the mid-zone. In bones left in the sea for 4-5 years, vacuoles of 5-10 microns diameter were observed in the outer peripheral zone of the substantia compacta. The relative intensity of UV-fluorescence in bones dwindled with time since death and the correlation coefficient was considerably high.

The ABO blood grouping of a minute hair sample by the immunohistochemical technique.

The unlabeled antibody (PAP) immunoperoxidase technique was applied to the ABO blood grouping of human scalp hairs. Hair samples were subjected to longitudinal- or cross-sectioning, thus obtaining suitable samples for subsequent immunostaining. The immunostaining was carried out using rabbit anti-A and anti-B sera as the primary antibodies. With this technique, the group-specific staining which is revealed as a dark brown precipitate was clearly observed within the medullae of the hair shaft, and depending on the presence or absence of these precipitates, respective blood groups of unknown hair samples were determined. At the hair root, on the other hand, positive stainings were observed not only in medullary cells but also in some cortical cells of the keratogenous zone. From the present study, it can be safely said that this technique is of practical use for the ABO blood grouping from a minute (less than 3 mm) hair sample.

Computer-assisted facial image identification system using a 3-D physiognomic range finder.

This system consists of a 3-D physiognomic range finder and a computer-assisted facial image superimposition unit. The 3-D range finder is composed of a detector for measuring facial surface and its control computer. The detector has two sinusoidal grating projection devices and two CCD cameras. The computer-assisted facial image superimposition unit consists of a host computer including a proprietary software, a flat surface color display and a color image scanner for inputting 2-D facial images of a criminal. The 3-D facial shape and texture of a suspect is obtained by using the range finder. To make the comparison between the 3-D facial image and the 2-D facial image, the 3-D facial image is first reproduced on a display of the host computer from a MO disk and then the 2-D facial image is taken with the color image scanner and reproduced on the display. The 3-D facial image is exactly adjusted to match the orientation and size of the 2-D facial image under the fine framework mode, and then the fine framework mode of 3-D facial image is converted to the fine texture image. The shape and positional relationships of facial components between the 3-D and 2-D facial images are examined by the fade-out or wipe image mode. The distance between the selected two points and angle among the selected three points on the 3-D and 2-D facial images are automatically measured for the assessment of anthropometrical data between both images. For evaluating the fit between the anthropometrical points on the 3-D and 2-D facial images, the reciprocal point-to-point difference between both images is compared.

Computer-assisted skull identification system using video superimposition.

This system consists of two main units, namely a video superimposition system and a computer-assisted skull identification system. The video superimposition system is comprised of the following five parts: a skull-positioning box having a monochrome CCD camera, a photo-stand having a color CCD camera, a video image mixing device, a TV monitor and a videotape recorder. The computer-assisted skull identification system is composed of a host computer including our original application software, a film recorder and a color printer. After the determination of the orientation and size of the skull to those of the facial photograph using the video superimposition system, the skull and facial photograph images are digitized and stored within the computer, and then both digitized images are superimposed on the monitor. For the assessment of anatomical consistency between the digitized skull and face, the distance between the landmarks and the thickness of soft tissue of the anthropometrical points are semi-automatically measured on the monitor. The wipe images facilitates the comparison of positional relationships between the digitized skull and face. The software includes the polynomial functions and Fourier harmonic analysis for evaluating the match of the outline such as the forehead and mandibular line in both the digitized images.

Permanent cardiac pacing following surgery for acquired valvular disease.

Between January 1980 and January 1998, implantation of a permanent pacemaker (PP) was performed in 22 patients (6.7%) following 327 acquired valvular surgeries. The indications for implantation of a PP were bradycardia with atrial fibrillation in 12 cases, sick sinus syndrome in 7 cases and complete atrioventricular block in 3 cases. These patients received an implantation after surgery for mitral valvular disease in 14 cases, aortic valvular disease in 3 cases and combined valvular disease in 5 cases. These cases were also concomitant with a tricuspid valve annuloplasty in 6 cases for secondary regurgitation and with a maze procedure in 4 cases. For the purpose of this study, these patients were compared to patients who did not require implantation of a PP after surgery. Univariate analysis showed the significant factors to be female gender (p = 0. 041), preoperative atrial fibrillation (p = 0.013), redo cardiac surgery (p < 0.0001), and the use of blood cardioplegia (p = 0.003). There were no differences in valvular disease, age at the last valvular operation, addition of tricuspid valve annuloplasty, extracorporeal circulation times, or aortic cross-clamp times between those patients with and those without PP. Among these factors, logistic regression analysis showed female gender, redo surgery and the use of blood cardioplegia to be more significant predictors for the requirement of PP after acquired valvular disease operation. Maze procedure was not a significant predictor for the requirement of PP after surgery.

Histopathological effects of illudin S, a toxic substance of poisonous mushroom, in rat.

1. Rats were dosed orally with illudin S, a toxic substance derived from the poisonous mushroom Lampteromyces japonicus. The digestive tract showed severe damage, whereas the liver, kidney and lung did not show any significant changes. 2. The effects observed became more pronounced with increasing illudin S dose (5, 10 or 20 mg kg-1 body weight). 3. Severe inflammation and oedema were observed in the stomach and moderate changes in the proximal part of the small intestine. 4. Histopathological examination revealed haemorrhagic erosions and marked inflammatory oedema in the gastric mucosa.

Prognosis of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis and utility of Ishibashi's classification.

PURPOSE: Evaluations of visual acuity outcomes of eyes with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis were made retrospectively, according to the classification proposed by Ishibashi. METHODS: We surveyed endogenous fungal endophthalmitis cases at the 4 Nihon University Hospitals and 20 affiliated hospitals. Sixty eyes of 34 patients were classified into five stages according to Ishibashi's system, and therapeutic methods and visual outcomes in each stage were then evaluated. RESULTS: Systemic antifungal drugs were efficacious in 82% of stage II and 69% of stage IIIa cases. Antifungal drugs were even efficacious in 42% of stage IIIb cases. Among the unresponsive cases, only half had been given the maximal dosage of antifungal drugs. Half of the eyes in which vitrectomy had been performed at stage IIIb achieved a postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better and none had a visual acuity of less than 0.03. CONCLUSION: Based on the above results, we concluded that systemic antifungal drugs should be administered at the maximal dosage to stage II and IIIa cases. If these eyes progress to stage IIIb despite receiving the maximal dosage, vitrectomy is indicated. For stage IIIb eyes, the maximal dosage should be administered first. If not efficacious, vitrectomy should be carried out before progression to stage IV.

Quantitative analysis of amplifiable DNA in tissues exposed to various environments using competitive PCR assays.

Competitive PCR assays were established for the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region I and the human amelogenin locus. Using these assays, the copy numbers of DNA participating in PCR (amplifiable DNA) were quantified in tissues exposed to different environments. Human ribs, skin and nails were left in three exposure conditions (in the open air, in soil and in water). The amounts of amplifiable DNA in these tissues were quantified during a time period of up to two months. The amount of amplifiable DNA was well preserved in hard tissues (ribs and nails) regardless of the exposure conditions, whereas the soft tissues immersed in water showed a rapid decrease in amplifiable DNA. Strong PCR inhibition was observed in the DNA extracts obtained from buried bones. This phenomenon was clearly identified from an amplification failure of the internal standards in the competitive PCR. A preliminary examination to identify the PCR inhibitor suggested that the soil itself contributed to the inhibition. In addition, the amounts of amplifiable DNA in case samples were also investigated.

[Prognosis of endogenous fungal endophthalmitis and utility of Ishibashi's classification].

PURPOSE: Prognostic evaluations of eyes with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis were made according to the classification proposed by Ishibashi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We surveyed endogenous fungal endophthalmitis cases at four Nihon University Hospitals and 20 branch hospitals. Sixty eyes of 34 patients were classified into five stages according to Ishibashi's proposal, and therapeutic methods and visual prognosis in each stage were then evaluated. RESULTS: Systemic antifungal drugs were efficacious in 82% of stage II and 69% of stage IIIa cases. Even among stage III b cases, antifungal drugs were efficacious in 42%. Among the unresponsive cases, only half had been given the maximum dosage of antifungal drugs. Half of the eyes in which vitrectomy was performed at stage III b achieved a postoperative visual acuity of 0.5 or better and none had a visual acuity of less than 0.03. CONCLUSION: Based on the above results, we concluded that systemic antifungal drugs should be administered at the maximum dosage in stage II and III a cases. If these eyes progress to stage III b despite the maximum dosage, vitrectomy is indicated. For stage III b eyes, the maximum dosage should be administered first. If the maximum dosage is not efficacious, vitrectomy should be carried out before progression to stage IV.