Control survey and analysis for the KEK e-/e+ injector linac.

A control survey technique using a laser tracker and a digital level was introduced to the KEK e-/e+ injector linac in 2020. Control surveys are continuously demonstrated during the machine's downtimes every summer. Analysis of the two-year data reproduces their trends in terms of the fiducial points on the beam line. In our paper, we report on systematic coordinates and their error distributions evaluated by a control survey, compare them with a numerical survey simulation, and discuss newly encountered issues.

Reversed dispersion slope photonic bandgap fibers for broadband dispersion control in femtosecond fiber lasers.

Higher-order-mode solid and hollow core photonic bandgap fibers exhibiting reversed or zero dispersion slope over tens or hundreds of nanometer bandwidths within the bandgap are presented. This attractive feature makes them well suited for broadband dispersion control in femtosecond pulse fiber lasers, amplifiers and optical parametric oscillators. The canonical form of the dispersion profile in photonic bandgap fibers is modified by a partial reflector layer/interface placed around the core forming a 2D cylindrical Gires-Tournois type interferometer. This small perturbation in the index profile induces a frequency dependent electric field distribution of the preferred propagating higher-order-mode resulting in a zero or reversed dispersion slope.

A novel function of prolactin-releasing peptide in the control of growth hormone via secretion of somatostatin from the hypothalamus.

The present study examined a novel function of PRL-releasing peptide (PrRP) on the neuroendocrine. PrRP-immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve terminals were located in the vicinity of the somatostatin (SOM)-neurons in the hypothalamic periventricular nucleus (PerVN). Immuno-electron microscopy revealed that PrRP-immunoreactive nerve terminals made synaptic contacts with nonimmunoreactive neuronal elements in the PerVN. Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of PrRP induced immediate early gene, NGFI-A, in SOM-neurons in the PerVN. Double-labeling in situ hybridization showed that some parts of SOM-neurons in the PerVN expressed PrRP receptor messenger RNA. Therefore, some parts of SOM-neurons in the PerVN are considered to be directly innervated by PrRP via PrRP receptor. In addition to the above morphological characteristics, icv administration of PrRP decreased plasma GH levels. Such inhibitory effects of PrRP on the secretion of GH from the anterior pituitary were diminished by depletion or neutralization of SOM. From these findings it was strongly suggested that SOM-neurons respond to PrRP and secrete SOM into the portal vessels and thus inhibit GH secretion from the anterior pituitary.

Gonadal regulation of PrRP mRNA expression in the nucleus tractus solitarius and ventral and lateral reticular nuclei of the rat.

We investigated the prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) gene expression quantitatively in the rat brain and the involvement of estrogen and progesterone using in situ hybridization. The strongest signals were observed in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), which showed approximately 70% of total PrRP mRNA in the brain. Moderate expression was observed in the ventral and lateral reticular nuclei (VLRN) of the medulla oblongata. PrRP mRNA signals in the hypothalamic ventromedial- and dorsomedial nuclei showed only 5% of total signals. The PrRP mRNA expression among female rats showing normal gonadal cycle and male rats showed that the highest levels were in female rats in proestrus. Administration of estrogen or progesterone after ovariectomy induced an increase in PrRP mRNA expression in the NTS. PrRP mRNA content in the NTS increased with the progress of the pregnancy and reached a peak on the 14th day, the mid-period of pregnancy, when plasma progesterone increases. We also observed the colocalization of PrRP and estrogen receptor alpha in the neurons distributed in the NTS by double labeling immunocytochemistry. These findings indicate that PrRP gene expression is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones in the medulla oblongata, and parts of PrRP synthesizing neurons are considered to be directly influenced by estrogen in the NTS.

Cytochemical study of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) in the rat brain.

Strong positive signals for PrRP mRNA and PrRP-like immunoreactivity (PrRP-LI) were detected in the nucleus of the solitary tract and ventral and lateral reticular formation of the caudal medulla oblongata. Weak mRNA signals and immunoreactivity were seen scattered from the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus (DMH) to ventromedial nucleus (VMH). Nerve processes and terminals with PrRP-LI were detected from the septal region to the diencephalon. These nerve processes were also clearly visible around capillary walls and in the vicinity of the ependymal cells of the third and lateral ventricles. These observations suggested that PrRP might be secreted into the systemic circulation and cerebrospinal fluid and may play functional roles other than in the release of prolactin from the anterior pituitary.

Morphological survey of prolactin-releasing peptide and its receptor with special reference to their functional roles in the brain.

The gene of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) was first cloned in 1998 and preproproteins encoded by cDNAs produced at least two isoforms of PrRP with different lengths; PrRP31 and PrRP20. PrRP has been shown to release prolactin from the anterior pituitary at least in vitro (Hinuma, Y.S., Habata, Y., Fuji, R., Hosoya, M., Fukusumi, S., Kitada, C., Masuo, Y., Asano, T., Matsumoto, H., Sekiguchi, M., Kurokawa, T., Nishimura, O., Onda, H., and Fujino, A., 1998. A prolactin-releasing peptide in the brain. Nature 393, 272-6). PrRP receptor has also been detected by quantitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization histochernistry revealed that expression of PrRP receptor mRNA was found in the broad areas of the brain and in the anterior pituitary of the rat. This review surveys morphological studies on PrRP, PrRP mRNA and PrRP receptor mRNA in the rat brain and discusses the possible functional significance of PrRP in the brain. PrRP immunoreactive neuronal perikarya showed a similar distributional pattern to those with PrRP mRNA signals. However, distribution of nerve processes and terminals with PrRP immunoreactivity was broadly expanded in the forebrain and brainstem. They were hardly detected in the median eminence particularly in its external layer. PrRP receptor mRNA signals were distributed in the preoptic area, and the hypothalamic area, where PrRP immunoreactive nerve processes and terminals were also detected. The strongest signal of PrRP receptor mRNA was detected in the reticular nucleus of the thalamus where neither PrRP immunoreactive nerve processes nor axon terminals were distributed. From the distribution pattern of PrRP and its receptor, it is suggested that PrRP is involved in control of secretion of oxytocin, corticotropin releasing hormone and somatostatin.

Immunohistochemical study of tumour angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

To assess the clinical significance of angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), we examined vessel density immunohistochemically in 44 primary oral SCCs using the JC-70A antibody which reacts specifically with vascular endothelial cells. In addition, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, KDR, Flt-1 and Flt-4 in oral SCCs was examined in relation to the vessel density and lymph node metastasis. There was no association of vessel density with tumour site, T-category (tumour size), degree of differentiation or cervical lymph node metastasis, except that the vessel density of carcinomas with a well-defined tumour-stromal boundary was higher than that of diffusely invasive carcinomas. The intensity of VEGF expression correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), but not with vessel density. The expression of KDR and Flt-1 did not correlate with vessel density and lymph node metastasis. However, the vessel density in Flt-4-positive carcinomas was higher than that in Flt-4-negative carcinomas (P < 0.05), and expression of Flt-4 most significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). These results suggest that the expression of VEGF or Flt-4 rather than vessel density may be a predictor of lymph node metastasis in oral SCC.

Measurement of positron production efficiency from a tungsten monocrystalline target using 4- and 8-GeV electrons.

Intense positron sources are being widely investigated for the next-generation linear colliders and B factories. A new method utilizing an axially oriented crystal as a positron-production target is one of the bright schemes, since it provides a powerful photon source through channeling and coherent bremsstrahlung processes when high-energy electrons penetrate the target. A series of positron-production experiments with tungsten crystals hit by 4- and 8-GeV single-bunch electron beams were carried out at the KEKB 8-GeV injector linac. Three tungsten crystals with different thicknesses (2.2, 5.3, and 9.0 mm) and those combined with amorphous tungsten plates were tested on a precise goniometer. The positron-production yields were measured with a magnetic spectrometer in the positron momentum (P(e(+))) range from 5 to 20 MeV/c. The angle of the <111> crystal axis with respect to the electron-beam direction was controlled by measuring the relative intensities of the produced positrons as a function of the rotational angle of the goniometer. The results show that the enhancements of the positron yield from crystal targets compared to amorphous targets of the same thickness at P(e(+))=20 MeV/c are from 1.5 to 3.7 and from 1.8 to 5.1, depending upon the target thickness for 4- and 8-GeV electrons, respectively.

[Analysis of fusion waves created with temporal pacing].

Fifty-five beats of fusion waves were recorded continuously with an audio digital tape and the tape was re-played for analysis. A 45-year-old male (56 kg, 175 cm) with cervical spondylosis was scheduled to undergo laminoplasty of the cervical vertebral (C2-C6). A temporal ventricular (VVI mode) pacing lead was inserted from the right cubital vein to the right ventricular apex for preventing bradycardia while manipulating the medulla. The height of the R wave decreased gradually and the depth of S wave increased in the earlier period of fusion beats and it was reversed later. The narrow QRS width indicated that the electrode was placed near the cardiac conducting system. The gradually increasing intervals between P waves activated the pacing, and the P wave intervals recovered inhibiting the pacing. During the recovery phase, some beats were still activated by pacing instead of depressing the rate below the original rate. These beats suggest the importance of considering the atrial-ventricular conducting time. Arterial pressure fluctuated only slightly during the 'fusion beats, suggesting that despite the abnormality in the cardiac conduction system due to pacing, contraction of the ventricular muscles was only slightly affected in this case.

Occurrence and characterization of fructose 6-phosphate, 2-kinase and fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase in Euglena gracilis.

1. Fructose 6-phosphate, 2-kinase and fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase occurred in Euglena gracilis SM-ZK, and is located in cytosol. 2. Fructose 6-phosphate, 2-kinase and fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase were partially purified, and both enzyme activities were not separated during the partial purification. 3. The pH optimum for fructose 6-phosphate, 2-kinase activity was 7.0. The saturation curve of the enzyme activity for ATP concentration was hyperbolic, and the Km value for the substrate was 0.88 mM. On the other hand, the saturation curve of the enzyme activity for fructose 6-phosphate concentration was sigmoidal, and the K0.5 value for the substrate was 70 microM. 4. The pH optimum for fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase activity was 6.5. The saturation curve for fructose 2,6-bisphosphate concentration was sigmoidal, and the K0.5 value for the substrate was 1.29 microM. Fructose 2,6-bisphosphate showed a substrate inhibition at high concentration over 5 microM, and the enzyme activity was completely inhibited by 20 microM of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate.

Effect of L-arginine on the retention of macrophage tumoricidal activity.

It has been reported that the tumoricidal activity of macrophages (M phi) depends on L-arginine and that L-arginine metabolites such as reactive nitrogen intermediates alter M phi physical capacities. The aim of this report is to investigate the dose-related effect of L-arginine on the expression and retention of M phi tumoricidal activity. Cytotoxicity of M phi activated by IFN-gamma plus LPS was detected in the presence of about 0.1 mM or more of L-arginine. This paralleled the NO2- production in the presence, but not in the absence, of L-arginine. On the other hand, activated M phi were destined to die and lost their tumoricidal activity with time in the presence of 0.3 mM or more L-arginine. They retained, however, considerable activity in the absence or presence of 0.15 mM L-arginine. This retention of M phi cytotoxicity was longer when M phi were preactivated by 100 ng/ml than 10 ng/ml of LPS in combination with IFN-gamma. Addition of indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin production, did not prevent the decay of M phi cytotoxicity but rather facilitated it even in the absence of L-arginine. Regardless of indomethacin, consecutive stimulation with LPS or LPS plus IFN-gamma during culture was effective in maintaining the tumoricidal activity at a high level. In addition, we found that M phi which had lost tumoricidal activity during culture in L-arginine deficient medium could be reactivated by LPS to attack tumor target cells.

Effect of alcohol intake on the efficacy of interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C as evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The effect of alcohol intake on the efficacy of interferon (IFN) therapy was evaluated retrospectively in patients with chronic hepatitis C diagnosed by liver histology and positive serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA. Patients included 119 given IFN therapy and 11 no IFN therapy. Serum HCV-RNA was measured 6 months after discontinuation of IFN therapy in 92 treated patients, 27.2% of whom showed disappearance of serum HCV-RNA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that this disappearance was affected by alcohol intake, the presence of its history (p < 0.05) or cumulative alcohol consumption (kg) (p < 0.01), and serum HCV-RNA levels (p < 0.001). The odds ratio associated with serum HCV-RNA still positive at 6 months was 7.018 (95% confidence interval: 1.444-34.062) and 1.004 (1.001-1.007) for the presence of alcohol intake history and the cumulative alcohol consumption, respectively. Other predictor variables-such as sex and age of patients, history of blood transfusion, HCV genotype, histological findings of the liver, and types of IFN-had no influence on the efficacy of the therapy. Cumulative alcohol consumption showed a negative correlation with serum HCV-RNA levels pretreatment, when the outcome variable was divided into two categories based on serum HCV-RNA levels: 10(6) copy/ml or less and 10(7) copy/ml or more. Alcohol intake was positively correlated with histological extent of alcoholic fibrosis, but affected neither grading nor staging of chronic viral hepatitis. We conclude that alcohol intake was a risk factor on the efficacy of IFN therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients. This effect was independent of serum HCV-RNA levels and histological findings specific for viral hepatitis in the liver.

O-alkylhomoserine synthesis catalyzed by O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase in microorganisms.

An enzyme that can synthesize O-alkylhomoserine from alcohols and O-acetylhomoserine was purified from Corynebacterium acetophilum. The enzyme was found to be identical to O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase; a preparation that appeared homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed both O-alkylhomoserine-synthesizing and O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase activities. Its molecular weight was determined to be about 220,000, and it consisted of two subunits. Its pH and temperature optima for the two reactions were the same. Besides catalyzing the formation of homocysteine from O-acetylhomoserine and sulfide, it also catalyzed the syntheses of O-alkylhomoserines corresponding to the alcohols added form O-acetylhomoserine and ethyl alcohol, n-propylalcohol, n-butyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and n-pentyl alcohol, its activities with these alcohols decreasing in that order. L-Homoserine, O-succinylhomoserine, and O-acetylserine reacted with sulfide. O-ethylhomoserine, O-acetylthreonine, O-succinylhomoserine, and O-acetylserine inhibited both enzyme activities. O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae also showed O-alkylhomoserine-synthesizing activity. Thus, O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase seems to catalyze O-alkylhomoserine synthesis in the presence of appropriate concentrations of alcohol and O-acetylhomoserine in microorganisms.

Measuring vibration characteristics at large amplitude region of materials for high power ultrasonic vibration system

This study proposes a method of estimating the mechanical quality factor of materials for high-power ultrasonic vibration systems under large vibration amplitude conditions. The quality factors of several metals as well as some polymers are measured by this method. In this method, the quality factor is calculated as the ratio of the reactive energy stored in a specimen to the dissipated energy. The dissipated energy is estimated from the input/output mechanical energy to the specimen by measurement of the vibration intensity, while the reactive energy is measured as the kinetic energy of the vibration. Then, the quality factor for the specified part can be extracted using this method. In this report, quality factors for torsional vibration were measured at about 30 kHz as functions of the vibration strain.

Interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C in habitual drinkers: comparison with chronic hepatitis C in infrequent drinkers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C among habitual drinkers. METHODS: Ninety-five hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid-positive patients with chronic hepatitis were treated with four standardized regiments of interferon. Patients were divided into four groups based on the degree of daily alcohol consumption and duration of abstinence before treatment: 47 infrequent drinkers, 12 moderate drinkers who had consumed more than 23 gm but less than 69 gm of ethanol daily but stopped drinking for 39 +/- 18 months before therapy, 19 heavy drinkers I who had consumed more than 69 gm of ethanol daily but stopped drinking for 38 +/- 37 months before treatment, and 17 heavy drinkers II who consumed more than 69 gm ethanol daily soon before treatment. RESULTS: The rate of responders; in whom serum ALT levels remained normal for 6 months after the end of treatment, was in a decreasing order of: infrequent drinkers (36.2%), moderate drinkers (33.3%), heavy drinkers I (26.3%), and heavy drinkers II (5.9%) (p < 0.05, infrequent drinkers vs heavy drinkers II). The negative rate of serum hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid 6 months after the end of treatment was in a similar order (27.7%, 25.0%, 15.8%, and 0%, respectively) (p < 0.05, infrequent drinkers vs heavy drinkers II). CONCLUSION: Heavy drinking will reduce the efficacy of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C, and the adverse effect of drinking on efficacy might be reversed, partly, by abstinence for a long period before treatment.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances macrophage accessory function in con A-stimulated T-cell proliferation.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been reported to augment various macrophage (M phi) functions, including antigen presentation in the antibody-producing response. We investigated the augmentative effect of GM-CSF on M phi A-cell activity in concanavalin A-stimulated T-cell proliferation. Pretreatment with GM-CSF of peritoneal M phi enhanced the T-cell proliferative response. This effect of GM-CSF was dose dependent and GM-CSF supplementation was needed at the beginning of M phi culture. We observed that GM-CSF induced M phi spreading and firm attachment accompanied with enlargement of the cytoplasm, but could not induce de novo expression of Ia antigen. GM-CSF treatment enabled M phi to produce more interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharides or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, but was unable to stimulate M phi directly. This was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. These results indicate that GM-CSF augments M phi A-cell activity through the enhancement of the capacity of M phi to produce IL-1 and IL-6.