Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution and detection of three-dimensional spin vector.

We have developed a state-of-the-art apparatus for laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution (µ-SARPES). This equipment is realized by the combination of a high-resolution photoelectron spectrometer, a 6 eV laser with high photon flux that is focused down to a few micrometers, a high-precision sample stage control system, and a double very-low-energy-electron-diffraction spin detector. The setup achieves an energy resolution of 1.5 (5.5) meV without (with) the spin detection mode, compatible with a spatial resolution better than 10 µm. This enables us to probe both spatially-resolved electronic structures and vector information of spin polarization in three dimensions. The performance of µ-SARPES apparatus is demonstrated by presenting ARPES and SARPES results from topological insulators and Au photolithography patterns on a Si (001) substrate.

Kinetic analysis of apolipoproteins in postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia rabbits.

The postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia (PHT) rabbit, developed as a new animal model of metabolic syndrome, is characterized by PHT, central obesity and glucose intolerance. For detailed investigation of lipid metabolism characteristics in PHT rabbit, the plasma levels of apolipoproteins A-I, B, C-II, C-III and E were measured. Movements of apolipoproteins B100 and B48 were investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine whether postprandially increased triglyceride is exogenous or endogenous. The level of apolipoproteins A-I, B, C-II and E were increased in PHT rabbit after feeding. Apolipoproteins B100 and B48 were detected in the plasma fraction of d < 1.006 g/mL of the PHT rabbit. The postprandial increase in apolipoprotein B in the PHT rabbit reflects a numerical increase in lipoprotein particles in the blood; the increase in apolipoproteins C-II and E suggests some disturbance in lipoprotein catabolism. Apolipoprotein B48 was detected postprandially in PHT rabbits. These results suggest that delayed catabolism of exogenous lipids caused the retention of chylomicron remnants in the blood. Results also suggest that activities of the lipolytic enzyme lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase were deficient and that the hepatic uptake of exogenous lipoproteins was delayed in the PHT rabbit. Especially, for examining remnant hyperlipoproteinaemia in humans, PHT rabbit is an excellent animal model for hypertriglyceridaemia research.

Linkage mapping of the locus responsible for forelimb-girdle muscular anomaly of Japanese black cattle on bovine chromosome 26.

Forelimb-girdle muscular anomaly is an autosomal recessive disorder of Japanese black cattle characterized by tremor, astasia and abnormal shape of the shoulders. Pathological examination of affected animals reveals hypoplasia of forelimb-girdle muscles with reduced diameter of muscle fibres. To identify the gene responsible for this disorder, we performed linkage mapping of the disorder locus using an inbred pedigree including a great-grand sire, a grand sire, a sire and 26 affected calves obtained from a herd of Japanese black cattle. Two hundred and fifty-eight microsatellite markers distributed across the genome were genotyped across the pedigree. Four markers on the middle region of bovine chromosome 26 showed significant linkage with the disorder locus. Haplotype analysis using additional markers in this region refined the critical region of the disorder locus to a 3.5-Mb interval on BTA26 between BM4505 and MOK2602. Comparative mapping data revealed several potential candidate genes for the disorder, including NRAP, PDZD8 and HSPA12A, which are associated with muscular function.

Insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron 16 of the ACE gene and left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

We studied the relationship between polymorphism in intron 16 of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in uremic patients treated with hemodialysis therapy. The LV parameters were not different for age-, hematocrit-, and blood pressure-matched patients in DD, ID, and II genotype groups. The most important factor for LV hypertrophy was systolic blood pressure, which correlated with the posterior wall thickness (r=0.35; P=0.001) and LV mass index (LVMI; r=0.23; P=0.032). Among nonhypertensive patients, the frequency of interventricular septum (IVS) hypertrophy (>12 mm) and hypertrophy in LVMI (>145 g/m2) was significantly greater in patients with the DD genotype than in I allele-positive (+) patients. The odds rate for IVS hypertrophy was 5.04 (95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 24.8). These data suggest that the DD genotype of the ACE gene polymorphism is a contributory factor for the development of LV hypertrophy in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

X-Ray anomalous scattering study of a charge-ordered state in NaV2O5

Charge ordering of V4+ and V5+ in NaV2O5 has been studied by an x-ray diffraction technique using anomalous scattering near a vanadium K-absorption edge to critically enhance a contrast between the two ions. A dramatic energy dependence of the superlattice intensities is observed below T(C) = 35 K. The charge ordering pattern is the fully charged zigzag-type ladder with the unit cell 2ax2bx4c, but not the chain-type originally proposed for the spin-Peierls state. Charge disproportionation suggested in our model as the average valence V(4.5+/-delta(c)/2) is observed below T(C), showing continuous variation of delta(c) as a function of temperature.

16S rDNA genotyping using PCR/RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis among the family Vibrionaceae.

The 16S rDNA genotypes among the family Vibrionaceae were determined using PCR/RFLP analysis. Five tetrameric restriction enzymes (HhaI, DdeI, RsaI, Sau3AI and MspI) were used for RFLP analysis and adequate numbers of informative bands were obtained from each enzyme. Twenty-seven genotypes were obtained from 49 type and reference strains including 35 species. Nineteen species could be assigned to specific 16S rDNA genotypes, supporting the application of this analysis for identification. Trees constructed using five endonucleases resolved groups almost identical to those inferred from 16S rRNA gene sequencing. However, the branch lengths and detailed relationships among strains within a group differed from those inferred from sequence comparisons. The results of this study should be useful for genotyping, identification and approximate classification of natural isolates belonging to the family Vibrionaceae.

A proposal to transfer Vibrio marinus (Russell 1891) to a new genus Moritella gen. nov. as Moritella marina comb. nov.

The taxonomic positions of Vibrio marinus and 11 related natural isolates were examined. Their phylogenetic positions on the basis of almost complete 16S rRNA sequences were determined by maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and neighbor-joining analyses. V. marinus and the 11 isolates fell into a single cluster that was clearly distinct from other genera. There is now strong evidence that V. marinus should be reclassified as Moritella marina gen. nov., comb. nov.

Suplatast tosilate, a new type of antiallergic agent, prevents the expression of airway hyperresponsiveness in guinea pigs.

Suplatast tosilate (suplatast) is an antiallergic agent capable of down-regulating the functions of CD4+ T cells. We now investigated the effects of suplatast on the antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and the underlying allergic inflammatory response in sensitized guinea pigs. Animals that had been immunized twice by ovalbumin inhalation on day 0 and day 7 developed an increased airway responsiveness against inhaled acetylcholine 24 h after the ovalbumin challenge on day 14. Suplatast (10 and 100 mg/kg per day) and ketotifen (10 mg/kg per day) given orally from day 0 to day 14 effectively inhibited the expression of airway hyperresponsiveness. They also inhibited the infiltration of eosinophils and macrophages into broncho-bronchiolar walls and lumen. Interestingly, suplatast, but not ketotifen, inhibited the infiltration of lymphocytes including CD4+ T cells. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that suplatast prevents the expression of airway hyperresponsiveness due to the ability to suppress the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissues.

A biological method for the quantitative measurement of tetrodotoxin (TTX): tissue culture bioassay in combination with a water-soluble tetrazolium salt.

A tissue culture bioassay, using the mouse neuroblastoma cell line (Neuro2A), was improved to provide a simple and sensitive bioassay for TTX or sodium channel-blocking toxins (SCB). The water-soluble tetrazolium salt, 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetraz olium, monosodium salt (WST-1), was applied to replace the time-consuming and subjective cell-counting procedure of the cells with automatic measurement, using a microplate reader. It was also confirmed that this method is directly applicable to bacterial culture supernatants, with the precaution of possible interference.

Effect of arginine-enriched total parenteral nutrition on the host-tumor interaction in cancer-bearing rats.

By using a transplantable Yoshida sarcoma in a rat total parenteral nutrition model, we measured the effectiveness of an arginine-enriched amino acid solution (AI-82) in terms of leucine kinetics and nitrogen balance as indicators of host-tumor nutrition interaction compared with that of a conventional amino acid solution (Proteamin12). When tumor-bearing rats received isocaloric total parenteral nutrition solutions for 7 days, AI-82 significantly improved host nitrogen balance and significantly decreased the tumor-nitrogen trap throughout the experimental period. Leucine kinetics of whole body and tissues were also determined by a 4-hour continuous infusion of each total parenteral nutrition solution containing 14C-leucine. Significantly increased whole-body leucine oxidation (p < .01) without an increase in leucine release from normal tissues was observed in the AI-82 group. Total incorporation of 14C-leucine into whole muscle was significantly elevated (p < .05) without changes in muscle protein degradation in the AI-82 group. In the whole tumor, AI-82 tended to decrease total incorporation of 14C-leucine, but there was no difference in leucine release caused by protein breakdown between the two groups. These findings suggest that AI-82 can improve the nutritional status of the host over that of the tumor.

Arginine-enriched solution induces a marked increase in muscle glutamine concentration and enhances muscle protein synthesis in tumor-bearing rats.

Using a transplantable Yoshida sarcoma in a rat model of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), we measured the effectiveness of an arginine-enriched amino acid solution (AI-82) on muscle glutamine concentration and muscle protein synthesis compared with that of a conventional amino acid solution (Proteamin12). After tumor-bearing rats had been given one of two isocaloric TPN regimens for 6 days, [15N]glycine (99 atom %) containing TPN solution was infused into animals at a constant rate of 8 mg of [15N]glycine per hour for 18 hours, after which the liver, skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius muscle), and tumor protein synthesis rates were measured. A significantly increased whole muscle protein synthesis rate was observed in the AI-82 group; there was no difference in the whole liver and tumor protein synthesis rates between the two groups. When each TPN solution was administered for 1 week, muscle concentrations of arginine, ornithine, glutamine, and glutamate were considerably higher in the AI-82 group than in the Proteamin12 group, and these differences were also accompanied by a decrease in the plasma branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) levels in the AI-82 group. The high levels of muscle glutamine concentration in the AI-82 group were investigated in connection with the high use of exogenous branched-chain amino acids.

Effects of "isolating hemodialysis" on prevention of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cross-infection in a hemodialysis unit.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of a contact isolation program against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cross-infection among patients in a hemodialysis unit. CLINICAL SETTING AND METHODS: In all patients maintaining hemodialysis therapy were tested for MRSA infection and who had MRSA infection, not only inpatients but also outpatients were separated into a designated area (isolating hemodialysis). Clinically isolated MRSA strains were clonotyped with coagulase typing, staphylococcal enterotoxin typing and restriction enzyme analysis of plasmid DNA. RESULTS: The frequency of patients with MRSA infection was 4.5% before starting this protocol and was reduced to 2.9% two and a half years later. At this time, MRSA was isolated from the 8 patients. These 8 clinical strains were differentiated into 6 clonotypes and 3 strains showed the same patterns. Two of 3 were isolated from inpatients and the other was from a patient with community onset MRSA colitis. In this case, most MRSA infections were independent under prophylaxis control and cross-infection was observed only once between hospitalized patients who stayed in a same ward. CONCLUSION: This "isolating hemodialysis" should be useful to prevent cross-infection among patients in end-stage renal disease in a dialysis unit.

Characterization of psychrotrophic bacteria in the surface and deep-sea waters from the northwestern Pacific Ocean based on 16S ribosomal DNA analysis.

Seventy-eight 4 degrees C-culturable bacteria were isolated using ZoBell 2216E medium from surface (0-200 m) and deep-sea (1000-9671 m) waters in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. Growth studies indicated that all 4 degrees C-culturable bacteria were psychrotrophs. Six phylotypes were observed in the surface water samples and 8 phylotypes in the deep-sea waters. Phylogenetic characterization based on 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis of the representative phylotypes revealed that some bacterial genera, Pseudoalteromonas, Photobacterium, and Vibrio, were common to surface and deep-sea waters, and others, Pseudomonas and Halomonas, specifically occurred in surface water. Overall, the members of Vibrionaceae appear to be dominant in both habitats.

Microflora and tetrodotoxin-producing bacteria in a gastropod, Niotha clathrata.

Shellfish (Niotha clathrata) were collected in both July and November from three locations in Taiwan (Pingtung, Kaohsiung and Chiai Prefecture) and assayed for anatomical distribution of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and aerobic heterotrophic bacteria. Pingtung specimens showed higher toxicity than those from Kaohsiung and Chiai, and did not show much seasonal variation. At each site, the total aerobic bacterial counts in November samples were higher than in July. The predominant genera were Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Pasteurella, Aeromonas and Plesiomonas. Vibrio comprised more than 35% of the genera, with V. alginolyticus as the major species. The viable counts of Vibrio species were higher in November than in July. However, the results did not suggest any relationship between the total count or viable count and the toxicity of the shellfish. HPLC, UV and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated that some of the bacteria isolated, such as V. alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas spp. Plesiomonas sp. and Aeromonas sp., produced TTX and/or related substances.

Skin sensitization and photosensitization studies of hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in guinea pigs.

Skin sensitization and photosensitization tests of hydrophobically modified hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HM-HPMC), a new cellulose derivative used as a thickener for topical pharmaceuticals, were conducted using guinea pigs. An aqueous dispersion of HM-HPMC (3 w/v %) was applied in the tests. Skin reaction was not observed in any animal in the HM-HPMC-treated group or control group. In the photosensitization test, no skin reaction was found in any animal in the test-preparation group or the control group. It was concluded that HM-HPMC dispersion does not exhibit skin sensitizing or photosensitizing activity under the condition of this test.

Relationship between serum biochemical values and marbling scores in Japanese Black steers.

In order to obtain available biochemical parameters related to the marbling score (MS), by which the meat was graded from 1 to 12 in Japan, serum biochemical values were examined in 13 Japanese Black steers during the fattening stages. The steers were divided into high MS (8-11) and low MS (4-5) groups and the fattening stage was also divided into 4 stages according to their feed contents; Stage I (11-13 month-old; 0-4 months after the fattening (af)), II (5-9 months af), III (10-14 months af), and IV (15-20 months af). High MS group showed significantly higher levels in glucose and urea nitrogen (at Stage I), albumin/globulin ratio (at Stage II), and magnesium (at Stage I and III), and lower level in vitamin A (at Stage III) than low MS group. These biochemical parameters, indicating conditions of steers during the fattening stages, are considered to have a possibility related to MS in fattening steers.

Clonotypes of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients: what is the vector between nares and infection site?

Staphylococcus aureus is frequently isolated from patients with infections related to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). In many cases, the organism is also isolated simultaneously from the anterior nares. To clarify the transmission trail of S. aureus, we used DNA analysis to identify clonotypes of clinical strains. The nares and exit sites of 32 CAPD patients were swabbed, and PD fluid samples were taken for pathogen culture. Genome DNA of S. aureus was digested with restriction enzyme Sma I for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We also asked the patients how they usually performed the PD procedure. S. aureus was isolated from 4 patients, including 3 who hosted two strains isolated separately from different sites. The DNA patterns of the strains isolated from these latter 3 patients were identical. However, the clonotypes from all 4 patients were different. Most of the patients did not wash their hands and wear masks while exchanging PD bags and caring for their exit sites. After the patients were disinfected and re-educated in proper procedures, S. aureus was not detected in any of them. These data suggest that no outbreak occurred in our hospital and that the vectors of endogenous infection were the patients themselves, probably their hands. A bacteriological study presents an efficient opportunity to re-educate patients in PD procedure.

Heteronuclear diatomic force constants clarified through perturbation theory II.

A simple relationship between the heteronuclear diatomic force constant (K(AB)) and the homonuclear diatomic force constants (K(AA), K(BB)), which was proposed in a previous report, has been improved through the second-order perturbation theory as K(AB) = zeta3(K(AA) x K(BB))(1/2); zeta = (R(AA) x R(BB))(1/2)/R(AB) where zeta denotes the correction factor in which R(AB), R(AA), and R(BB) are the equilibrium internuclear distances of diatomic molecules AB, AA, and BB, respectively. To test the above expression, a large number of heteronuclear diatomic force constants have been calculated and compared with those obtained from normal coordinate analyses as well as ab initio quantum mechanical methods (Gaussian 98W). We have found that the above modified expression better reproduces the force constants of most heteronuclear diatomic molecules than the previous expression. It is therefore expected that the expression may also be applied to the prediction of stretching force constants between heteronuclear diatomics in various polyatomic molecules.

[A case of granulocytic sarcoma (chloroma) preceding acute leukemia].

A 2-year-old boy developed proptosis of the right eye in May 1982. He was admitted to Isawa Hospital on June 9. Physical examination revealed a well developed child with slight proptosis of the right eye and swelling of the right temple. Routine serologic and blood examination revealed no abnormality except LDH, ALP and LAP. CT scan showed high density area in the anterior part of the right temporal lobe and lateral wall of the right orbit. He underwent open-biopsy of this tumor on July 15. Eosinophilic granuloma was suspected, but definite diagnosis was not made. Second biopsy was performed at right upper gingiva on August 2. Follow-up CT scan revealed tumor invaded sphenoidal and maxillary sinus. The patient was transferred to Tohoku University Hospital on August 13. On admission myeloblasts appeared in peripheral blood, and bone marrow examination revealed acute myelo-monocytic leukemia. We discussed its difficulty of differential diagnosis in literature.

[A case of multiple myeloma showing intracranial hypertension due to large cranial mass lesions].

It is well known that the case of multiple myeloma shows punched-out lesions of the cranium without intracranial hypertension. In this paper a case of multiple myeloma is reported showing intracranial hypertension due to a large tumor that developed in the left parietal bone. There are only 13 case reports about cranial mass lesion of multiple myeloma since 1928. A 52 year-old female was admitted to Iwate Prefectural Isawa Hospital suffering from headache, nausea and vomiting. She had been already diagnosed as multiple myeloma and treated with chemotherapy using Cyclophosphamide, Melphalan and Prednisolone for 2 years. On admission, a large subcutaneous mass was presented on the left parietal region. Craniogram revealed large osteolytic lesion of the left parietal bone and 3 punched-out lesions of the frontal bone. CT scan revealed a large mass lesion in the left epidural space, diploe and subcutaneous space. Angiography showed avascular area. Brain scintigram showed diffuse hot area. Other skeletal bones showed no abnormality. Laboratory examination revealed high concentration of gamma-globulin and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Electrophoresis showed high value of immunoglobulin G; immunoglobulin assay was as follows: IgG-6000 mg/dl, IgA-150 mg/dl, IgM-410 mg/dl, IgE-0 mg/dl. Serum electrolytes were within normal limits. Urine didn't include Bence-Jones protein. The patient was diagnosed as multiple myeloma suffering from intracranial hypertension caused by large tumor which developed in the left parietal bone. On the operation, large tumor was existed in the epidural and subcutaneous space invading into the diploe but without infiltration into the dura mater or cerebral cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)