Photoemission Orbital Tomography Using a Robust Sparse PhaseLift.

Photoemission orbital tomography (POT) from photoelectron momentum maps (PMMs) is a powerful technique that visualizes the shape of the molecular orbitals (MOs) of molecular films. For further utilization of POT, a simple and low-cost method of POT is highly required. Here, we propose a new POT method based on the PhaseLift algorithm (PhaseLift POT). This method utilizes a lifting procedure to convert the PMM, which is a second-order polynomial of MO coefficients, into a first-order polynomial of the lifted MO coefficients and further relaxes the equality constraint for a given PMM. We also established a method to improve the accuracy of phase retrieval from the noisy PMM data by using sparsity for MO coefficients (sparse PhaseLift POT). These methods make it possible to reconstruct the three-dimensional MOs, including phases of the wave function, directly from a single experimental PMM. This method can also precisely determine the adsorption-induced molecular deformations with an accuracy of 0.05 [Å]. Furthermore, the robust sparse PhaseLift POT is robust against unavoidable noise in the experimental PMMs due to the relaxation of the matching condition for a given PMM. Therefore, this will be an innovative tool for POT, especially for analyzing the dynamics of the molecules during the chemical reaction and excitation processes.

Plant-available inorganic nutrient levels are increased in rice-derived distillery effluents inoculated with microbes.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of microbes on plant-available inorganic nutrients and a phytohormone in rice-derived distillery effluents. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of 37 microbial strains on the components of distillery effluents were investigated. Inoculation of several Aspergillus and Bacillus strains resulted in accumulation of a large quantity of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N; 774 ± 490 and 1059 ± 463 mg l(-1), respectively) in the effluent. However, a decrease in the liquid phase during Aspergillus incubation suggested the requirement for additional treatment of the solid residue, whereas the growth of Bacillus subtilis was inhibited by the acidic conditions in the raw distillery effluent. Interestingly, Aspergillus caelatus, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus tamarii yielded greater increases in nitrate concentrations (30-39 mg l(-1)). Colorimetric and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses revealed that Wickerhamomyces strains generated 7-26 mg l(-1) of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) when the effluent pH was adjusted to 7·0. CONCLUSIONS: Inoculation of several Aspergillus and Bacillus strains into distillery effluents resulted in the production of a large quantity of NH4-N. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides information that will facilitate the bioconversion of distillery effluent into fast-acting liquid fertilizers.

Resistance training and glycogen content in ovariectomized rats.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on glycogen content and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) in ovariectomized rats. Wistar rats were divided into: sedentary; ovariectomized sedentary; resistance trained; and ovariectomized resistance trained. In the 12-week resistance training, the animals climbed a 1.1 m vertical ladder, 3 days per week, with 4-8 climbs. Cardiac, liver and muscle glycogen content was determined. After the 12-week resistance training period there was a higher hepatic and muscle glycogen content in the resistance training group compared with the other groups (p<0.01). CSA was higher in soleus for the resistance trained, ovariectomized resistance trained and sedentary compared with ovariectomized sedentary (p<0.05). Ovariectomy attenuated the increase in liver and muscle glycogen content, while soleus muscle cross-sectional area increased with resistance training, even in ovariectomized rats. Resistance training could be an important exercise to increase muscle function in situations of reduced estrogen and progesterone.

A rapid and simple PCR method for identifying isolates of the genus Azospirillum within populations of rhizosphere bacteria.

AIMS: To develop a rapid and simple genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detecting and identifying isolates of the genus Azospirillum which is well-recognized as plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine pairs of PCR primers were designed based on the Azospirillum 16S rRNA, ipdC, nifA and nifH genes to assess their genus specificity by testing against 12 Azospirillum (from seven species) and 15 non-Azospirillum reference strains, as compared with the fAZO/rAZO pair reported by Baudoin et al. (J Appl Microbiol, 108, 2010, 25). Among the primer pairs assessed, the Az16S-A pair designed on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed the highest genus specificity: it successfully yielded a single amplicon of the expected size in all the 12 Azospirillum strains and for a close relative, Rhodocista centenaria. The PCR with the Az16S-A primers generated a detectable amount of the amplicon from ≥10³ CFU ml⁻¹ of Azospirillum cell suspensions even in the presence of contaminants and accurately discriminated Azospirillum and non-Azospirillum species in both 35 Azospirillum-like and 70 unknown isolates from plant roots and rhizosphere soils. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a rapid and simple PCR method for detecting and identifying Azospirillum isolates within populations of rhizosphere bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The method developed would serve as a useful tool for isolating a variety of indigenous Azospirillum bacteria from agricultural samples.

The effect of hypertonic saline solution on vasodilatation of the superior sagittal sinus using magnetic resonance imaging in normovolemic dogs.

Several animal studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of hypertonic saline (HSS) on cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure and brain water content. This study aimed to investigate, using magnetic resonance imaging, whether a small volume of HSS is superior to dextran in vasodilatation of cerebral vessels and reduction of cerebrospinal fluids in dogs. HSS induced a significant expansion of the cross-section of the superior sagittal sinus in the axial transverse section of the pituitary and a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid area in the axial transverse section of the epencephalon more than dextran 40 did (p<0.001, respectively). However, the relative plasma volume in the dog which received dextran 40 was significantly higher after t=30min than in the HSS group (p<0.001). Therefore, it is suggested that HSS might be superior to colloid solutions in improving cerebral circulation, whereas dextran 40 is superior to HSS in enhancing systemic circulation in dogs.

Bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia responses to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute responses of bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold (LT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Eleven participants with a diagnosis of T2D randomly underwent three experimental sessions 72 h apart: 1) 20 min of exercise performed at 120% of LT (120%LT), 2) 20 min of exercise performed at 80% of LT (80%LT), and 3) 20 min of control session. Blood glucose was analyzed before, during, and at 45 min post-exercise. Bradykinin and insulin were analyzed before and at 45 min post-exercise. Both exercise sessions elicited a parallel decrease in glucose level during exercise (P≤0.002), with a greater decrease being observed for 120%LT (P=0.005). Glucose decreased 22.7 mg/dL (95%CI=10.3 to 35, P=0.001) at the 45 min post-exercise recovery period for 80%LT and decreased 31.2 mg/dL (95%CI=18.1 to 44.4, P<0.001) for 120%LT (P=0.004). Insulin decreased at post-exercise for 80%LT (P=0.001) and control (P≤0.035). Bradykinin increased at 45 min post-exercise only for 80%LT (P=0.013), but was unrelated to the decrease in glucose (r=-0.16, P=0.642). In conclusion, exercise performed above and below LT reduced glycemia independently of insulin, but exercise above LT was more effective in individuals with T2D. However, these changes were unrelated to the increase in circulating bradykinin.

Functional Fv fragment of an antibody specific for CD28: Fv-mediated co-stimulation of T cells.

The most predominant co-stimulation pathway, which is critical for T cell activation and proliferation, is the CD28-B7 pathway. The anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody (mAb) also provides a co-stimulatory signal to T cells. In order to construct a functional Fv fragment (complex of VH and VL domains) of anti-CD28 antibody using a bacterial expression system, cDNA encoding the variable regions of immunoglobulin from 15E8 hybridoma cells was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The Fv fragment was obtained as a soluble protein from the periplasmic fraction and showed a binding pattern similar to parental IgG. The Fv fragment induced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of anti-CD3 or anti-CD2 mAb and enhanced anti-tumor activity of anti-MUC1x(anti)-CD3 bispecific antibody when tested with lymphokine-activated killer cells with T cell phenotype. Thus, the anti-CD28 Fv fragment will be promising not only for the study of co-stimulation, but also for cancer immunotherapy.

Molecular characterization of the thioredoxin system of Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Thiol-disulphide exchanges are involved in many important biological processes; they are normally regulated by the glutaredoxin and thioredoxin systems. The thioredoxin system (TX) is composed of thioredoxin (TrxA) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxB) and requires NADPH as a cofactor. The thioredoxin genes trxA and trxB of Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2(6) were cloned and sequenced. The complete nucleotide sequences revealed that the TX genes of M. smegmatis were clustered, similar to the organization of trxA and trxB of S. clavuligerus, M. tuberculosis and M. leprae. Alignment with the M. tuberculosis and M. leprae protein sequences showed that the deduced amino acid sequences for M. smegmatis trxA and trxB have a very high degree of similarity. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis of known TrxAs and TrxBs clearly identify the two gene products of M. smegmatis as members of the TX family grouped with other mycobacteria.

Functional construction of the anti-mucin core protein (MUC1) antibody MUSE11 variable regions in a bacterial expression system.

A bacterial expression system for the variable region fragments (Fvs) of the anti-MUC1 tumor antigen antibody MUSE11 has been constructed. The Fv fragment showed binding specificity toward TFK-1 cells, with slightly reduced affinity compared to its parent IgG. The single-chain Fv fragment was arranged in two orders, VH-linker-VL and VL-linker-VH. However, linking the regions with a flexible peptide linker (GGGGS)(3) or with a shorter linker (GGGGS) led to a dramatic decrease in the biological activity toward the target antigen in both arrangements, suggesting that the MUSE11 antibody loses its activity when the domains are linked with polypeptide linkers. These results indicate that the variable region domains of the anti-MUC1 antibody MUSE11 have specificity only in the Fv form, and that linking the domains strongly reduces the association with its target antigen. Gel filtration analysis indicates that the scFv has a dimeric structure, suggesting that the inactivation of MUSE11 scFv is due to unfavorable intermolecular associations of the scFv chains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a significant reduction in affinity caused by linking the variable domains in both arrangements, i.e., VH-VL and VL-VH.

Saccular aneurysm of pulmonary autograft after the Ross procedure.

The Ross procedure, which includes removal of the malformed aortic valve and replacement of a pulmonary autograft in the aortic position, has increased the number of available treatment options. Recently, dilatation of the autograft pulmonary root after the Ross procedure has been reported as a complication. We report a patient with bicuspid aortic valve malformations and aortic annulus dilatation, who had a saccular-form, true-type, aneurysm in the pulmonary autograft seven months after the Ross procedure. These changes have not been described so far as complication. Pathologically, marked mucoid degeneration was noted in the tunica media of the aneurysm, as well as in the original aortic root. These findings may suggest similar pathological characteristics between the aorta and pulmonary arteries. Hence, the surgical risks accompanying vascular characteristics in patients with congenital aortic valve malformations should be considered.

[Detection of intestinal parasites from main-land raccoon dogs, Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus, in southeastern Kanagawa Prefecture].

To obtain the basic data on the route of infection of intestinal parasites as zoonosis, we examined the feces from 87 main-land raccoon dogs, all of which were kept in the Yokohama Kanazawa Zoo (Kanagawa) between 1994-1996, for detection of intestinal parasites and evaluated the detection rates. Intestinal parasites were detected from 72 of the 87 raccoon dogs (82.8%). Among the parasites, Ancylostoma spp., Trichuris vulpis, Ascaridoidea and Isospora spp. were most commonly detected. Of the 72 raccoon dogs with parasites, 43 (59.7%) had mixed infection of more than two species of parasites. Since Ancylostoma spp., Ascaridoidea and Isospora spp., which are important causes of human diseases, were detected at relatively high rates, it was suggested that the raccoon dog could be a source of human infection of intestinal parasites.

[Anti-toxoplasma antibody levels in the main-land raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus, in southeastern Kanagawa prefecture].

Naturally-occurring toxoplasma infection has been observed for years in various kinds of wild animals. However, the infection situation has not been well characterized due to a lack of research. In present study, latex fixation tests were conducted for 109 main-land raccoon dogs (67 males and 42 females) all of which were kept in Kanazawa Zoo in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture between 1991-1994 to measure levels of toxoplasma antibodies. The test results indicated 20 positive samples out of the total 109, an 18.3% positive rate. This demonstrates that toxoplasma infection exists in the raccoon dog population in Kanagawa Prefecture, and that the raccoon dog could be a source of spread of toxoplasma infection. We believe there is significant reason to continue the investigation as a part of a prophylaxis for zoonotic diseases.

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis. II. Giardiasis in dogs and cats].

To obtain the basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, we examined feces from 354 dogs and 34 cats for Giardia cysts and trophozoites and evaluated the detection rates. In addition, the feces of owners of the dogs infected with Giardia were examined. Giardia cysts and trophozoites were detected in 58 of the 354 dogs (16.4%) and 3 of the 34 cats (8.8%). Of the 61 animals from which cysts and trophozoites were isolated, 59 were purchased from the breeders and the other two animals had been kept for examinations in the research institute. None of the owners of the dogs had this infection. This result suggests that the possibility of human infection from contact with infected dogs or cats seems to be very low. However, attention should be paid to the possibility of cross-infection between men and animals, because it is not yet clear whether Giardia is strictly host-specific or not.

[Clinicobacteriological study of Pasteurella multocida as a zoonosis (1). Condition of dog and cat carriers of Pasteurella, and the influence for human carrier rate by kiss with the pets].

Pasteurella multocida is a gram-negative short rod-shaped bacteria, which is a part of the indigenous flora of the oral cavity of many animals other than man. The number of reports on cases of infections with this bacterium due to animal bites and/or scratches, bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, sepsis due to this organism and death caused by the bacteria have been increasing in recent years. We investigated P. multocida in the hair and oral cavity of 3 dogs and 29 cats according to the classification of Mutters et al.. We also studied the relationship between the carrier rate for Pasteurella in the oral cavity and kissing of pets in 24 pet owners (3 dogs and 11 cats). No P. multocida was isolated from the hair of neither dogs nor cats. One strain of P. multocida subsp. multocida and two strains of P. stomatis, were isolated from the oral cavity of dogs, and 35 strains of Pasteurella were isolated from the oral cavity of cats. Two strains of P. multocida subsp. multocida, whose biochemical properties were different, were detected in the oral cavity of one cat. In three cats, Pasteurella other than P. multocida subsp. multocida was isolated from the same oral cavity. No Pasteurella was detected in the oral cavity of 19 pet owners who had not kissed their cats, whereas P. stomatis was isolated from the oral cavity of one of 2 pet owners who had kissed their cats and in 2 of 3 pet owners who had kissed their dogs (the same bacteria was isolated from a dog that was being kept by some of these positive pet owners).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[A study on wounds caused by cats as basic materials of cat scratch disease].

Between October, 1992 and March, 1993, the incidence of bite or scratch by the cat, was surveyed by questionnaire in 1,619 peoples who were veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students and the general population (male 652, female 967). The wound rate by cat: Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students of veterinary college, students of veterinary technician school were significantly higher than the general population. Incidence of bite or scratch in the cat owner were significantly higher than the non cat owner, and the incidence of wounds in cat owners was more than 90%. Most injuries for veterinarians were of the occupational nature. Their injuries clearly differed from those of the other groups. In our survey 33 cases were suspected to have CSD; 19 of 102 veterinarians, 4 of 45 veterinary technicians, 2 of 517 students of veterinary college, 1 of 400 students of veterinary technicians, 7 of 555 in the general population. Of the seven cases suspected for CSD among the general population, four were proven to have cat-scratches, suggesting that injuries can be prevented by clipping the cat's nails at home. However, most of the injuries suffered by veterinarians are caused by bites, prevention poses a more serious problem. It is therefore important to educate people in all fields to fully understand sanitation and zoonosis including CSD, and teach them to handle their pets appropriately.

[A case of cat scratch disease: from the clinical pathological point of view].

We described a forty-four-year-old female who was scratched by her cat, and developed lymphadenopathy. Cat scratch disease skin-test was positive. Cat scratch disease is well known, but there are not many reports in Japan. Reports of cat scratch disease will increase as the pathogen was recently detected. Attention must be drawn to zoonosis containing cat scratch disease.

[Detection of intestinal parasites from dogs in Tochigi-City in 1979 and 1991].

To clarify whether sanitary and hygienic conditions surrounding humans and pet animals have improved or not, we examined feces from dogs for intestinal parasites in Tochigi in 1979 and 1991. Intestinal parasites were detected from 109 of the 262 dogs (41.9%) in 1979 and 86 of the 260 dogs (32.8%) in 1991. Among the parasites. Ancylostoma caninum, Tirchuris vulpis and Toxocara canis were most commonly detected, and their detection rates were higher in 1979. On the contrary, Dipylidium caninum, Strongyloides stercoralis, Isospora spp., which are important causes of human diseases, were detected at higher rates in 1991. In the dogs of outdoor feeding, the detection rates of parasites were markedly decreased, but slightly increased in the dogs of indoor feeding in 1991. These results suggest that sanitary conditions surrounding pet animals have not been sufficiently improved, in spite of the fact that humans are in more contact with their pet animals.

[Studies on the giardiasis as the zoonosis. III. Prevalence of Giardia among the dogs and the owners in Japan].

To obtain the basic data on the route of Giardia infection as zoonosis, of many regions in Japan, the feces from 2218 dogs were examined for detection of Giardia cysts. Giardia cysts were detected in 239 of the 2218 dogs (10.9%), which was the same as previous reports from America. None were found from the owners of 51 dogs in which Giardia cysts were detected. The detection rates of each facilities were, 68 of 366 (18.6%) from the breeder's kennels, 169 of 1811 (9.3%) in individual houses, 2 of 42 (4.9%) from research institutes. The detection rate of the breeder's kennels was higher than the other two facilities (p less than 0.05, p less than 0.001). The detection rates of Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures among 17 regions in Japan were higher than the others (p less than 0.001, p less than 0.05). Especially in Shizuoka, the rate of the individual houses was higher than from breeder's kennels. In kanagawa the rates of the individual houses and the breeders kennels were higher than the mean in Japan (p less than 0.001). Therefore one must instruct the breeders when teaching health education to included zoonosis, and that the detection rate of the age groups of less than 3 years old was high-221 of 1276 (17.3%). Since the detection rates of Giardia cysts in the dogs were low, the possibility that human infection acquired from dogs was low. However, some of patients with giardiasis we encountered had never been abroad, and it is not yet clear whether Giardia is strictly host specific or not, so attention should be paid to the possibility of cross-infection between man and animals.

[High incidence of false positive results of thallium-201 myocardial stress scintigraphy for the evaluation of artery bypass graft patency after CABG].

We have often experienced false positive results of the stress Thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy (TL) for the evaluation of artery bypass graft patency after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The purpose of this study is to clarify the frequency and the clinical significance of this findings. Sixty-two patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) after CABG were studied. These patients had undergone at total of 156 bypasses (artery grafts 108, saphenous vein grafts 48, mean bypass grafts number 2.65/cases), and the mean period from CABG to TL was 41.6 +/- 34 days. The territories of stress induced ischemia were divided into 3 territories; left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex (LCX) territories. Patency of the bypass grafts was estimated on the absence of transient perfusion defect (TPD) on TL images. The incidence of false positive results was higher in Dipyridamole TL (38%) than in Exercise TL (18%) and higher in LAD territories (38%) than in RCA (11%) and LCX (13%) territories. All false positive cases showed no evidence of chest pain and significant ST-T change during stress TL test. High incidence of false positive results of stress TL test was observed for the evaluation of artery bypass graft patency after CABG.