Strongly Correlated Charge Density Wave in La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} Evidenced by Doping-Dependent Phonon Anomaly.

The discovery of charge-density-wave-related effects in the resonant inelastic x-ray scattering spectra of cuprates holds the tantalizing promise of clarifying the interactions that stabilize the electronic order. Here, we report a comprehensive resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study of La_{2-x}Sr_{x}CuO_{4} finding that charge-density wave effects persist up to a remarkably high doping level of x=0.21 before disappearing at x=0.25. The inelastic excitation spectra remain essentially unchanged with doping despite crossing a topological transition in the Fermi surface. This indicates that the spectra contain little or no direct coupling to electronic excitations near the Fermi surface, rather they are dominated by the resonant cross section for phonons and charge-density-wave-induced phonon softening. We interpret our results in terms of a charge-density wave that is generated by strong correlations and a phonon response that is driven by the charge-density-wave-induced modification of the lattice.

Molecular genetic analysis of 30 families with Joubert syndrome.

Joubert syndrome (JS) is rare recessive disorders characterized by the combination of hypoplasia/aplasia of the cerebellar vermis, thickened and elongated superior cerebellar peduncles, and a deep interpeduncular fossa which is defined by neuroimaging and is termed the 'molar tooth sign'. JS is genetically highly heterogeneous, with at least 29 disease genes being involved. To further understand the genetic causes of JS, we performed whole-exome sequencing in 24 newly recruited JS families. Together with six previously reported families, we identified causative mutations in 25 out of 30 (24 + 6) families (83.3%). We identified eight mutated genes in 27 (21 + 6) Japanese families, TMEM67 (7/27, 25.9%) and CEP290 (6/27, 22.2%) were the most commonly mutated. Interestingly, 9 of 12 CEP290 disease alleles were c.6012-12T>A (75.0%), an allele that has not been reported in non-Japanese populations. Therefore c.6012-12T>A is a common allele in the Japanese population. Importantly, one Japanese and one Omani families carried compound biallelic mutations in two distinct genes (TMEM67/RPGRIP1L and TMEM138/BBS1, respectively). BBS1 is the causative gene in Bardet-Biedl syndrome. These concomitant mutations led to severe and/or complex clinical features in the patients, suggesting combined effects of different mutant genes.

Formation and evolution of carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu: Direct evidence from returned samples.

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu were brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We analyzed 17 Ryugu samples measuring 1 to 8 millimeters. Carbon dioxide-bearing water inclusions are present within a pyrrhotite crystal, indicating that Ryugu's parent asteroid formed in the outer Solar System. The samples contain low abundances of materials that formed at high temperatures, such as chondrules and calcium- and aluminum-rich inclusions. The samples are rich in phyllosilicates and carbonates, which formed through aqueous alteration reactions at low temperature, high pH, and water/rock ratios of <1 (by mass). Less altered fragments contain olivine, pyroxene, amorphous silicates, calcite, and phosphide. Numerical simulations, based on the mineralogical and physical properties of the samples, indicate that Ryugu's parent body formed ~2 million years after the beginning of Solar System formation.

Pebbles and sand on asteroid (162173) Ryugu: In situ observation and particles returned to Earth.

The Hayabusa2 spacecraft investigated the C-type (carbonaceous) asteroid (162173) Ryugu. The mission performed two landing operations to collect samples of surface and subsurface material, the latter exposed by an artificial impact. We present images of the second touchdown site, finding that ejecta from the impact crater was present at the sample location. Surface pebbles at both landing sites show morphological variations ranging from rugged to smooth, similar to Ryugu's boulders, and shapes from quasi-spherical to flattened. The samples were returned to Earth on 6 December 2020. We describe the morphology of >5 grams of returned pebbles and sand. Their diverse color, shape, and structure are consistent with the observed materials of Ryugu; we conclude that they are a representative sample of the asteroid.

Essential role of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-inducing kinase and inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) kinase alpha in NF-kappaB activation through lymphotoxin beta receptor, but not through tumor necrosis factor receptor I.

Both nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) and inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) kinase (IKK) have been implicated as essential components for NF-kappaB activation in response to many external stimuli. However, the exact roles of NIK and IKKalpha in cytokine signaling still remain controversial. With the use of in vivo mouse models, rather than with enforced gene-expression systems, we have investigated the role of NIK and IKKalpha in signaling through the type I tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor (TNFR-I) and the lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR), a receptor essential for lymphoid organogenesis. TNF stimulation induced similar levels of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha in embryonic fibroblasts from either wild-type or NIK-mutant mice. In contrast, LTbetaR stimulation induced NF-kappaB activation in wild-type mice, but the response was impaired in embryonic fibroblasts from NIK-mutant and IKKalpha-deficient mice. Consistent with the essential role of IKKalpha in LTbetaR signaling, we found that development of Peyer's patches was defective in IKKalpha-deficient mice. These results demonstrate that both NIK and IKKalpha are essential for the induction of NF-kappaB through LTbetaR, whereas the NIK-IKKalpha pathway is dispensable in TNFR-I signaling.

Clinical features of microdeletion 9q22.3 (pat).

Congenital anomaly syndromes manifesting overgrowth are rare, and only a small number of recognized or defined conditions are known to be associated with overgrowth. Some of them are related to genomic imprinting as a genetic cause. We report a girl who showed pre- and postnatal overgrowth who was found to have a 2.3-Mb deletion of 9q22.32 involving PTCH1, the gene responsible for Gorlin syndrome (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome), by array-comparative genomic hybridization analysis. Clinical re-evaluation according to the diagnostic criteria was performed after identification of the PTCH1 deletion, and the patient was then diagnosed as having Gorlin syndrome. Further delineation involved unusual features including cerebellar dysplasia, an ectopic meninx on her shoulder, and an intraorbital hemangioma. Overgrowth is not a common finding in Gorlin syndrome. We reviewed 23 patients reported to have a 9q22 deletion. Five patients, including our patient, had overgrowth and loss of the paternal allele.

New radiological parameters for the assessment of atlantoaxial instability in children with Down syndrome: the normal values and the risk of spinal cord injury.

AIMS: To determine the normal values and usefulness of the C1/4 space available for spinal cord (SAC) ratio and C1 inclination angle, which are new radiological parameters for assessing atlantoaxial instability in children with Down syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 272 children with Down syndrome (including 14 who underwent surgical treatment), and 141 children in the control group. All were aged between two and 11 years. The C1/4 SAC ratio, C1 inclination angle, atlas-dens interval (ADI), and SAC were measured in those with Down syndrome, and the C1/4 SAC ratio and C1 inclination angle were measured in the control group. RESULTS: The mean C1/4 SAC ratio in those requiring surgery with Down syndrome, those with Down syndrome not requiring surgery and controls were 0.63 (standard deviation (sd) 0.1), 1.15 (sd 0.13) and 1.29 (sd 0.14), respectively, and the mean C1 inclination angles were -3.1° (sd 10.7°), 15.8° (sd 7.3) and 17.2° (sd 7.3), in these three groups, respectively. The mean ADI and SAC in those with Down syndrome requiring surgery and those with Down syndrome not requiring surgery were 9.8 mm (sd 2.8) and 4.3 mm (sd 1.0), and 11.1 mm (sd 2.6) and 18.5 mm (sd 2.4), respectively. CONCLUSION: The normal values of the C1/4 SAC ratio and the C1 inclination angle were found to be about 1.2° and 15º, respectively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1704-10.

Ca(2+)-induced, phospholipase-independent injury during reoxygenation of anoxic mitochondria.

Reoxygenation of rat-liver mitochondria after anoxic incubation induced release of matrix proteins. As assessed by release of a matrix enzyme, it was proportional to the rate of H2O2 production. The release was not observed with low concentrations of extramitochondrial free Ca2+, indicating a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway. Phospholipase A2 was not involved in the reoxygenation injury, because non-esterified fatty acids did not increase on reoxygenation even when re-acylation was inhibited and because inhibitors of phospholipase A2 had little effect on enzyme release. Cyclosporin A, ATP, ADP and inhibitors of pyridine nucleotide oxidation had a protective effect, strongly suggesting involvement of so-called Ca(2+)-dependent permeability transition. Ca2+ was also released from reoxygenated mitochondria and inhibition of reuptake of released Ca2+ attenuated the enzyme release. Similar releases of aspartate aminotransferase and Ca2+ were observed with mitochondria in an oxygen radical-generating system, hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase. In this system, lecithin-cardiolipin liposomes also released entrapped Ca2+ without disruption of the membrane. From these results, we conclude that during reoxygenation, Ca2+ release and subsequent reuptake induced permeability transition of mitochondria, resulting in reoxygenation injury.

Protection of cellular and mitochondrial functions against anoxic damage by fructose in perfused liver.

In anoxic perfused liver, conversion of fructose to lactate was greatly increased to about 3 mumol/min per g liver. This increase in lactate implied that the same amount of ATP was also produced. The rate of metabolism of glucose was less than 10% of that of fructose, as judged by rate of production of lactate. In anoxic liver perfused with fructose, the ATP levels of both the tissue and mitochondria remained high, despite lack of oxygen, thus preventing enzyme leakage and preserving processes requiring ATP, such as bile excretion and urea formation. The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity of anoxic liver perfused with fructose was also unimpaired. Spectral analysis of light transmitted through the liver revealed that the mitochondrial electron transfer system was in the completely reduced state during anoxia, indicating that the mitochondria were incapable of synthesizing ATP. These results suggest that fructose metabolism during anoxia resulted in sufficient production of ATP for maintaining the physiological functions of the cells and the oxidative phosphorylation capacity of their mitochondria.

Isolation and characterization of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans from porcine thoracic aorta.

A chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan fraction was prepared from the 3 M MgCl2 extract of porcine aortas by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, followed by gel filtration through Sepharose CL-4B. Affinity chromatography of the fraction with antithrombin III-agarose yielded two chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of a non-binding (proteoglycan IA) and binding (proteoglycan IB) nature. Proteoglycans IA and IB were different from each other in molecular size, in proportion of the protein relative to the polysaccharide portion, and in size of the chondroitin sulfate chain. They were also distinguished immunochemically. These data indicate that the intima-media of the aorta contains at least two distinct species of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan.

Mechanism of mitochondrial enzyme leakage during reoxygenation of the rat heart.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to clarify the factors that induce enzyme release from mitochondria during anoxia and reoxygenation. METHODS: Isolated perfused hearts or isolated mitochondria were prepared from hearts excised from rats. The amounts of lactate dehydrogenase, cytoplasmic aspartate aminotransferase, and mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase released into the coronary effluent from perfused heart preparations were measured. To distinguish the effect of mechanical stress from that of reoxygenation, a latex balloon was placed in the left ventricular cavity to impose mechanical stress and the heartbeat was controlled with a high K+ medium. A digitonin infusion technique was used to obtain only the cytosolic compartment of the cells for analysis of the amounts of mitochondrial enzymes released into the cytosol. The effect of anoxia followed by reoxygenation on enzyme release from isolated mitochondria was studied. RESULTS: On reoxygenation, mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase was released as well as cytoplasmic enzymes, but, unlike cytoplasmic enzymes, the release was not influenced by mechanical stress. Mitochondrial injury by reoxygenation depended on the duration of the preceding anoxia. Reoxygenation of isolated mitochondria also induced enzyme release and the presence of ATP in the extramitochondrial space reduced the release of this enzyme. CONCLUSIONS: Enzyme leakage from mitochondria of myocardial cells occurs during reoxygenation, irrespective of mechanical stress, and this vulnerability to oxidative stress depends on the duration of the preceding anoxic period or the concentration of cytosolic ATP.

Collaboration of local government and experts responding to increase in environmental radiation level due to the nuclear disaster: focusing on their activities and latest radiological discussion.

Activities were introduced in Kashiwa city in the Tokyo metropolitan area to correspond to the elevated environmental radiation level after the disaster of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. These were based on a strong cooperation between local governments and experts. Ambient dose rate and radioactivity of foodstuff produced inside of the city have been monitored. Representative ambient dose rates around living environments have almost already become their original levels of the pre-accident because of the decontamination activity, natural washout and effective half-lives of radioactivity. The internal annual dose due to radioactive cesium under the policy of 'Local Production for Local Consumption' is estimated as extremely low comparing the variation range due to natural radioactivity. Systematic survey around a retention basin has been started. All of these latest monitoring data would be one of the core information for the policy making as well as a cost-benefit discussion and risk communication.

Molecular analysis of Japanese patients with Rett syndrome: Identification of five novel mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation.

Rett syndrome is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder that affects females almost exclusively. The recent identification of mutations of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) in patients with RTT, encouraged us to analyze the gene in 37 Japanese patients divided into classical RTT (14 cases), variant RTT (13 cases), and mentally retarded patients with Rett-like features (10 cases). Mutations in MECP2 were identified from most of the patients with classical and variant RTT (25 of 27 cases). Six reported common mutations were detected in 17 cases, and rare single nucleotide substitutions were found in 3 patients. In addition, one insertion mutation (1189insA) and four deletion mutations including one double deletion mutant (451delG, 100del4, 1124del53 and 881del289 plus 1187del8) were newly identified. In the 10 mentally retarded patients with Rett-like features, however, no mutation was detected in the coding region of MECP2. The finding of MECP2 mutations in 92.5% of patients with RTT indicates that RTT fulfilling the diagnostic criteria are due to genetic alteration.

Evaluation of combined therapy with chemoembolization and ethanol injection for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, we studied the effectiveness of TACE therapy combined with PEIT (50 cases) and TACE alone (50 cases). In both groups, patients had multiple lesions, or a single lesion with a diameter exceeding 2 cm or with vascular invasion (stages II, III, and IV in the tumor staging classification of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan). The clinical features in the two groups were comparable. The cumulative survival rates with TACE-PEIT were 95.0% for 1 year, 72.5% for 2 years, and 50.0% for 3 years, whereas the rates with TACE alone were 92.5% for 1 year, 57.5% for 2 years, and 20.0% for 3 years. The survival rate in the TACE-PEIT group was significantly higher than that in the TACE alone group. Moreover, the survival rate of patients with stage II or III disease in the TACE-PEIT group was significantly better than that in the TACE alone group, and the survival rate of patients with Child's classification B or C in the TACE-PEIT group was significantly higher than that in the TACE alone group. Multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazard regression model showed that the most significant prognostic factors in the TACE-PEIT group were tumor embolus in the portal vein and the number of tumors. These results suggest the effectiveness of combining TACE and PEIT for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Familial lobular glomerulopathy: first case report in Asia.

A 23-year-old male Japanese student presented a unique lobular glomerulopathy characterized by mesangial and subendothelial expansion with numerous periodic acid-Schiff-positive deposits. Electron microscopy showed massive fine granular deposits with a homogeneous distribution. Fibrillar or microtubular structures were not demonstrated. Fibronectin was positive on immunostaining, as was immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen. Familial study revealed that the patient's grandfather, two aunts, and one cousin on his father's side had developed end-stage renal failure. Clinicopathologic features of this patient are identical with those of familial lobular glomerulopathy, which has been previously described by several investigators. Seven of the previously reported families were white and resided in the United States or in European countries. This is the first report of an Asian case, and indicates that this disease universally occurs independently of racial specificity.

Carbon tetrachloride increases sinusoidal efflux of reduced and oxidized glutathione in rats.

To elucidate the significance of the changes in plasma glutathione concentrations associated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage, the changes in the concentrations of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in plasma as well as in the liver were investigated in rats. In the liver, the concentration of GSH decreased, and that of GSSG increased 24 hr after the intraperitoneal administration of CCl4. In the right atrial plasma, the concentration of both GSH and GSSG increased. The GSH/GSSG ratio in the plasma decreased as did that in the liver. The net sinusoidal efflux of GSH and GSSG from the liver was calculated by subtracting their concentrations in plasma of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava from those of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava. The net efflux of GSH and GSSG started to increase as early as 3-6 hr after CCl4 administration, and reached a plateau 6 and 24 hr after CCl4 administration, respectively. On the other hand, an elongation of prothrombin time and leakage of alanine aminotransferase reached a maximum 24 and 48 hr after CCl4 administration, respectively. Vacuolization in the centri-lobular region and inflammatory infiltration started 3 and 6 hr after CCl4 administration, respectively, and progressed for 48 hr. These results suggest that CCl4 induced an increase in plasma concentrations of GSH as well as GSSG by increasing their efflux from the liver, and that the changes in plasma glutathione status might be a useful and sensitive marker for CCl4-induced liver damage.

Epidemiology of limb-body wall complex in Japan.

Limb-body wall complex is a malformation of body and limbs with craniofacial defects. We describe here the epidemiology of this complex using the population-based registry data in the Kanagawa Birth Defects Monitoring Program during the period 1982-1991. Eleven infants (11/428,599 births) with the complex were ascertained in the study. The incidence and spectrum of the defects observed in our cases were similar to those of other studies. The parental ages in the study group were not significantly different from those in the general population. No teratogenic agents and factors were identified in the present study. Most cases were diagnosed prenatally.