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NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is the largest and most complicated enzyme complex of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It is the entry site into the respiratory chain for most of the reducing equivalents generated during metabolism, coupling electron transfer from NADH to quinone to proton translocation, which in turn drives ATP synthesis. Dysfunction of complex I is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and it is proposed to be involved in aging. Complex I has one non-covalently bound FMN, eight to 10 iron-sulfur clusters, and protein-associated quinone molecules as electron transport components. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has previously been the most informative technique, especially in membrane in situ analysis. The structure of complex 1 has now been resolved from a number of species, but the mechanisms by which electron transfer is coupled to transmembrane proton pumping remains unresolved. Ubiquinone-10, the terminal electron acceptor of complex I, is detectable by EPR in its one electron reduced, semiquinone (SQ) state. In the aerobic steady state of respiration the semi-ubiquinone anion has been observed and studied in detail. Two distinct protein-associated fast and slow relaxing, SQ signals have been resolved which were designated SQNf and SQNs. This review covers a five decade personal journey through the field leading to a focus on the unresolved questions of the role of the SQ radicals and their possible part in proton pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment emphasizing the influence of large-angle scattering on nuclear data was conducted, in which a Fe shadow bar and a Fe slab target were placed before a deuterium–tritium fusion (DT) neutron source. Two Nb foils were set on both sides of the shadow bar in order to monitor the neutron source intensity and to measure the neutrons scattered from the slab target. The 93 Nb(n,2n) 92m Nb reaction rate of the foil was measured following the DT neutron irradiation and calculated using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo radiation transportation code. The 92m Nb production rates calculated using data from the JEFF-3.1 and JENDL-4.0 libraries agreed with that measured in the experiment, while the result calculated using data from the ENDF/B-VI library exhibited a 57% overestimation. Because the sensitivity of the 92m Nb production rate to the scattering angular distribution was large in the angular region between scattering direction cosines of −0.9 and −0.4, the scattering angular distribution was adjusted in that region. This adjustment resulted in a calculation-to-experiment ratio close to 1, but had little influence on the existing integral benchmark experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors to convert the count rate of a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector to the concentration of radioactive cesium in marine sediments are estimated for a towed gamma-ray detector system. The response of the detector against a unit concentration of radioactive cesium is calculated by Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation considering the vertical profile of radioactive material measured in core samples. The conversion factors are acquired by integrating the contribution of each layer and are normalized by the concentration in the surface sediment layer. At the same time, the uncertainty of the conversion factors are formulated and estimated. The combined standard uncertainty of the radioactive cesium concentration by the towed gamma-ray detector is around 25 percent. The values of uncertainty, often referred to as relative root mean squat errors in other works, between sediment core sampling measurements and towed detector measurements were 16 percent in the investigation made near the Abukuma River mouth and 5.2 percent in Sendai Bay, respectively. Most of the uncertainty is due to interpolation of the conversion factors between core samples and uncertainty of the detector׳s burial depth. The results of the towed measurements agree well with laboratory analysed sediment samples. Also, the concentrations of radioactive cesium at the intersection of each survey line are consistent. The consistency with sampling results and between different lines׳ transects demonstrate the availability and reproducibility of towed gamma-ray detector system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of the three-body nnΛ system, which has been observed recently by the HypHI Collaboration, is investigated taking ΛN-ΣN coupling explicitly into account. The YN and NN interactions employed in this work reproduce the binding energies of ³ΛH, 4ΛH, and 4Λ He. We do not find any ³n bound state, which contradicts the interpretation of the data reported by the HypHI Collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structure of heavy hyperhydrogen 6 Λ H is studied within the framework of a four-body cluster model. Interactions among the constituent subunits are determined so as to reproduce reasonably well the observed low energy properties of the and tnn subsystems. As long as we reproduce the energy and width of 5H within the error bar, the ground state of 6 Λ H is obtained as a resonant state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The success of Sazanov''s group in determining the X-ray structure of the whole bacterial complex I is a great contribution to the progress of complex I research. In this mini-review of 35years'' history of my laboratory and collaborators, we characterized the function of protein-associated semiquinone molecules in the proton-pumping mechanism in complex I (NADH-quinone oxidoreductase). We have constructed most of the frame work of our hypothesis, utilizing EPR techniques before the X-ray structures of complex I were reported by Sazanov''s and Brandt''s groups. One of the semiquinones (SQNf) is extremely sensitive to a proton motive force imposed on the energy-transducing membrane, while the other (SQNs) is insensitive. Their sensitivity to rotenone inhibition also differs. These differences were exploited using tightly coupled bovine heart submitochondrial particles with a high respiratory control ratio (>8). We determined the distance between SQNf and iron–sulfur cluster N2 on the basis of their direct spin–spin interaction. We are extending this line of work using reconstituted bovine heart complex I proteoliposomes which shows a respiratory control ratio >5. Two frontier research groups support our view point based on their mutagenesis studies. High frequency (33.9GHz; Q-band) EPR experiments appear to favor our two-semiquinone model. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 17th European Bioenergetics Conference (EBEC 2012). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Considerable disagreement still exists concerning the superoxide generation sites in the purified bovine heart NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). Majority of investigators agree that superoxide is generated at the flavin site. Here we present a new hypothesis that the generation of superoxide reflects a dynamic balance between the flavosemiquinone (semiflavin or SF) and the semiquinone (SQ), like a “tug-of-war” through electrons. All preparations of bovine heart complex I, which have been isolated at Yoshikawa''s laboratory, have one protein-bound endogenous ubiquinone per complex I (Shinzawa-Itoh et al., Biochemistry, 49 (2010) 487–492). Using these preparations, we measured (i) EPR signals of the SF, the SQ and iron–sulfur cluster N2 simultaneously with cryogenic EPR and (ii) superoxide production with both the room temperature spin-trapping technique and the partially acetylated cytochrome c method. Our experimental evidence was (1) without added decylubiquinone (DBQ), no catalytic oxidation of NADH occurs. The NADH addition produced mostly SF and it generated superoxide as reported by Kussmaul and Hirst (PNAS, 103 (2006) 7607–7612). (2) During catalytic electron transfer from NADH to DBQ, the superoxide generation site was mostly shifted to the SQ. (3) A quinone-pocket binding inhibitor (rotenone or piericidin A) inhibits the catalytic formation of the SQ, and it enhances the formation of SF and increases the overall superoxide generation. This suggests that if electron transfer was inhibited under pathological conditions, superoxide generation from the SF would be increased. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

'Ki-energy', which can be enhanced through the practice of Nishino Breathing Method, was reported to have beneficial health effects. Although Ki-energy can play an important role in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as yet it is unknown how Ki-energy is generated, transmitted through air and received by another individual. We previously proposed that Ki-energy may include near-infrared radiation, and that the wavelength was between 800 and 2700 nm. Since Ki-energy is reflected by a mirror, we believe that the 'Ki-beam' has a small divergence angle. It can also be guided in a desired direction. The acrylic mirror reflection experiment suggests that the wavelength may be between 800 and 1600 nm. Using a linear variable interference filter, we found that Ki-energy may have a peak around 1000 nm. We have also observed that 'sensitive' practitioners responded to Ki sent from a distance of 100 m. All of these results suggest that (i) Ki-energy can be guided as a directional 'beam' with a small divergence angle; (ii) the beam can be reflected by a mirror and (iii) Ki-energy may have a specific wavelength. Since these properties are characteristics of the laser radiation, we propose a quantum physics-based mechanism of 'Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation' (i.e. LASER) for the generation of Ki-energy. Volunteers responded to Ki even with a blindfold. This suggests that the skin must be detecting Ki-energy. We propose that the detector at the skin level may also have the stimulated emission mechanism, which amplifies the weak incident infrared radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, and bone marrow-derived MSC have been applied for tissue regeneration and repair. Although adipose tissue-derived MSC (ASC) have emerged as an alternative cell source, little information is available regarding the biologic difference between ASC derived from visceral and subcutaneous fat. Therefore, we aimed to compare the proliferation and gene expression profile of cultured human visceral ASC (VASC) and subcutaneous ASC (SASC), and to identify a novel gene involved in proliferation and differentiation of ASC. Materials and methods: We performed microarray analysis of cultured VASC and SASC, and investigated the role of tazarotene-induced gene 1 (TIG1), a most differentially expressed gene, in the proliferation and differentiation of ASC. Results: SASC proliferated faster than VASC for over 10 passages, and TIG1 expression was consistently up-regulated in VASC of humans, rats and mice. Overexpression of the TIG1 gene in human SASC inhibited cell proliferation, whereas knockdown of TIG1 expression by siRNA promoted cell proliferation. In addition, overexpression of the TIG1 gene in SASC enhanced their differentiation into adipocytes, and promoted up-regulation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α. On the other hand, TIG1 overexpression in SASC inhibited their differentiation into osteocytes and the expression of osteocalcin. Conclusion: TIG1 plays an important role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of ASC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ki (in Japanese) or Qi (in Chinese) is the key concept in Eastern medicine, Eastern philosophy, as well as in martial arts. We explain the philosophical and psychological background of Ki. We emphasize that the unique aspects of Eastern philosophy are 'non-linearity' and 'holistic' approach. We then present physics aspect of Ki. Our experiments demonstrated that a 'Ki-beam' carries 'entropy' (or information), which is different from 'energy'. We introduce our experience of having taught Ki to 37 beginners in the United States through the Nishino Breathing Method. If beginners had martial arts training or a strong background in music or dance, about half of them could sense Ki within 10 weeks (1 h class per week) of practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coenzyme Q_{10} (which is also designated as CoQ_{10}, ubiquinone-10, UQ_{10}, CoQ, UQ or simply as Q) plays an important role in energy metabolism. For NADH-Q oxidoreductase (complex I), Ohnishi and Salerno proposed a hypothesis that the proton pump is operated by the redox-driven conformational change of a Q-binding protein, and that the bound form of semiquinone (SQ) serves as its gate [FEBS Letters 579 (2005) 45–55]. This was based on the following experimental results: (i) EPR signals of the fast-relaxing SQ anion (designated as Q_{Nf}^{ -}) are observable only in the presence of the proton electrochemical potential (Δμ_{H}^{+}); (ii) iron-sulfur cluster N2 and Q_{Nf}^{ -} are directly spin-coupled; and (iii) their center-to-center distance was calculated as 12Å, but Q_{Nf}^{ -} is only 5Å deeper than N2 perpendicularly to the membrane. After the priming reduction of Q to Q_{Nf}^{ -}, the proton pump operates only in the steps between the semiquinone anion (Q_{Nf}^{ -}) and fully reduced quinone (QH_{2}). Thus, by cycling twice for one NADH molecule, the pump transports 4H^{+} per 2e^{-}. This hypothesis predicts the following phenomena: (a) Coupled with the piericidin A sensitive NADH-DBQ or Q_{1} reductase reaction, Δμ_{H}^{+} would be established; (b) Δμ_{H}^{+} would enhance the SQ EPR signals; and (c) the dissipation of Δμ_{H}^{+} with the addition of an uncoupler would increase the rate of NADH oxidation and decrease the SQ signals. We reconstituted bovine heart complex I, which was prepared at Yoshikawa's laboratory, into proteoliposomes. Using this system, we succeeded in demonstrating that all of these phenomena actually took place. We believe that these results strongly support our hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is my response to the commentary written by Mr James Flowers with the title of 'What is Qi?' in the issue 4 of Vol. 3 (2006) of eCAM. I will explain my opinions regarding the importance of Ki research, philosophical aspects of Ki and a possible role of Ki now and in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some practitioners of the Nishino Breathing Method (NBM) were found to have a higher bone density than the average values of age- and gender-matched non-practitioners. Using bone cell culture models, we investigated a possible mechanism behind this observation. For the study of bone mineralization, we performed the following two experiments using cultured osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells: (i) Kozo Nishino, a Japanese Ki expert, sent Ki-energy to the cells once for 5 or 10min after they were seeded in culture dishes in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). They were incubated for 72h and the cells were counted. The number in the dish with 10-min Ki-exposure was significantly greater than that in the control (P<0.01 with n=8). We performed a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) study using these cells, but the mRNA expressions did not change significantly. (ii) After cells were incubated for 72 h without Ki-exposure (in the presence of FBS), they were further cultured for 48 h (in the absence of FBS) to promote differentiation. At the beginning of the second culture stage, Ki was applied once for 10 min. Alter 48 h, RT PCR was performed. The mRNA expressions which are related to bone mineralization, such as Runx2, α1(I) collagen, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, increased significantly (P<0.05 and n=4 for all). For the bone resorption study, we used mouse marrow cultures, which can form osteoclast-like cells in the presence of (1 34) parathyroid hormone (PTH), and stimulate resorption. We exposed these cells to Ki-energy twice for the duration of 5 or 10min on day 0 and day 4. On day 7, the cells were counted. The number of osteoclast-like cells in dishes with Ki exposure was significantly smaller than those in control dishes (P<0.05 with n = 5). The difference between 5-min exposure and 10-min exposure was not statistically significant. All of our data suggest that the Ki-effect on osteoporosis should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the host range determinant of the soybean strain of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) we analyzed a series of pseudorecombinants and chimeric viruses between infectious transcripts from two soybean strains (CMV-SC and CMV-SD) and an ordinary strain (CMV-Y). CMV-Y could not infect soybeans, even locally. Systemic infection of the two soybean-adapted soybean isolates on soybean plants mapped to RNA3. Chimeric RNA3s from between CMV-SC and CMV-Y, and chimeric RNA3s from between CMV-SC and CMV-SD, were made and inoculated onto wild soybean Iwate and soybean cv. Tsurunoko. The 3a region determined the viral systemic movement in the plants. In the wild soybean ecotype Hyougo, cell-to-cell movement of two different CMV soybean strains, one of which infects systemically while the other does not, in the inoculated leaves were almost the same, suggesting that the resistance of soybean operates at the level of long-distance movement. Our results clearly suggest that movement protein is a host determinant of CMV soybean strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the mechanism of oxygen-atom-pair chemisorption on a tungsten (0 0 1) surface by performing theoretical cluster-model calculations based on the density functional theory. In the analysis, we supposed that p(4×1) structures of oxygen-covered tungsten (0 0 1) surface above coverage of a fourth monolayer come from chains of quasi-compounds of WO2. Calculated electronic structures and vibrational modes normal to the surface of the quasi-compounds of WO2 agrees well with the experimental results. The model clusters for the quasi-compound are however more unstable than ones for single-site chemisorption of oxygen at fourfold hollow and bridge site from comparing their adsorption energies. In order to explain the driving force behind the quasi-compound reaction, we analyzed electrovalent chemisorption energies and electronic dipole moments of the model clusters for oxygen chemisorption on the tungsten (0 0 1) surface and then we propose that the driving force is due to the dipole repulsion between surface polarization induced by oxygen chemisorption and the polarization that occurs between the incoming oxygen molecule and the surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The efficacy of S-allylcysteine (SAC) as a free radical scavenger was studied using rat brain ischemia models. In a middle cerebral artery occlusion model, preischemic administration of SAC had the following effects: it improved motor performance and memory impairment and reduced water content and the infarct size. In a transient global ischemia model, the time course of free radical (alkoxyl radical) formation as studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and α-phenyI-N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN) was biphasic; the first peak occurred at 5 min and the second at 20 min after reperfusion. Although SAC did not attenuate the first peak, it did affect the second peak, which is related to lipid peroxidation. The lipid peroxidation as estimated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) increased significantly at 20 min after reperfusion. SAC decreased TBARS to the levels found without ischemia. These results suggest that SAC could have beneficial effects in brain ischemia and that the major protective mechanism may be the inhibition of free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the circulation of sickle cell anemia patients, a certain population of erythrocytes has an elevated density. These abnormally dense cells are believed to be at the root of the painful crisis and anemia of the patients. We have developed an in vitro method for the preparation of these heavier erythrocytes by a repeated deoxy-oxy cycling of erythrocytes from sickle cell anemia patients. By using this method, we studied whether certain nutritional supplements would inhibit the formation of dense cells in vitro. It was found that aged garlic extract (AGE) as well as its components with antioxidant activity, i.e., S-allylcysteine and Nα-(1-deoxy-D-fructos-l-yl)-Larginine (fructosyl arginine), inhibited the formation of dense cells in vitro. Vitamin C, vitamin E and the spintrapping agents, 5-diethoxyphophoryl-5-methyl-l-pyrroline-N-oxide and α(4-pyridyl-l-oxide)-N-t-butylnitrone were all found to inhibit the formation of dense cells in vitro. These results suggest that, when extremely stretched sickle-shaped cells are formed by the repeated deoxy-oxy cycling, the erythrocyte membrane becomes susceptible to oxidative injury by reactive oxygen species. The protection of the erythrocyte membrane from such an oxidative injury would prevent the membranes from becoming leaky to the calcium ion, thus inhibiting the activation of the calcium-activated potassium efflux channel and the formation of dense cells. We also developed a new ex vivo method of studying the possible efficacy of antioxidants taken orally on the dense cell formation in sickle cell patients. It involved the use of blood plasma taken from a healthy donor (with normal hemoglobin) of AB blood type who had consumed different types of antioxidants orally. By suspending sickle erythrocytes in such plasma and exposing them to the deoxy-oxy cycling, the degree of dense cell formation was determined. The degree of inhibition in vitro by antioxidants taken orally may be related to their efficacy in inhibiting dense cell formation in the patients. On the basis of these in vivo and ex vivo studies, we propose that a cocktail of antioxidants would have beneficial effects in lessening the incidence and severity of crisis and reducing anemia in sickle cell disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the mechanism of deoxyribonucleic acid strand scission by two representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon o-quinones that are produced by dihydrodiol dehydrogenase. Benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dione; Naphthaline-1,2-dione; Participation of cupric (II), cupric (I) and hydroxide; Production of reactive species in the redox cycle.

The recovery of renal function following renal ischemia was studied using rats fed for 1-, 3-, and 5-week periods with an alcoholic diet (ethanol provided 36% of total calories). Renal ischemia was produced by clamping the renal artery and vein for 20 min. Renal function was determined 24 hr after the ischemia. In the absence of ischemic insult, the renal function of rats fed with an alcoholic diet for 1, 3, and 5 weeks was not significantly different from those of nonalcoholic rats. In nonalcoholic rats, renal function (24 hr postischemia) were: glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 430.4 ± 29.6 μl/min/g KW (kidney weight), renal plasma flow rate (RPFR) 1.4 ± 0.17 ml/min/g KW, and fractional sodium excretion (FENa) 2.0 ± 0.04% (mean ± SE). Postischemic renal function of rats on 1- and 3-week alcoholic diets were essentially the same as that of the control rats. However, the 24-hr postischemic renal function of 5-week alcoholic diet rats was significantly depressed. The values were only 117.2 ± 35.2 μl/min/g KW ( p < 0.05) for GFR, 0.31 ± 0.12 ml/min/g KW ( p < 0.05) for RPFR, and 7.46 ± 3.59% for FENa. The present results demonstrate that the rat kidney subjected to prolonged alcohol ingestion was more susceptible to renal insult than a nonalcoholic kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the 'triangle contraction' as an important reconstruction mechanism of six-membered-ring silicon clusters on the basis of the force and virial analysis for Si, Si, Si, Si, Si, and Si clusters. Forces acting on atoms have been calculated using the local-density-functional scheme with linear-combination-of-atomic-orbitals- Xα method. Calculated forces show that most of the (111)-surface equilateral triangles have tendency to contract, indicating the generality of the triangle-contraction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In many energy transducing systems which couple electron and proton transport, for example, bacterial photosynthetic reaction center, cytochrome bc 1-complex (complex III) and E. coli quinol oxidase (cytochrome bo 3 complex), two protein-associated quinone molecules are known to work together. T. Ohnishi and her collaborators reported that two distinct semiquinone species also play important roles in NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I). They were called SQNf (fast relaxing semiquinone) and SQNs (slow relaxing semiquinone). It was proposed that QNf serves as a “direct” proton carrier in the semiquinone-gated proton pump (Ohnishi and Salerno, FEBS Letters 579 (2005) 4555), while QNs works as a converter between one-electron and two-electron transport processes. This communication presents a revised hypothesis in which QNf plays a role in a “direct” redox-driven proton pump, while QNs triggers an “indirect” conformation-driven proton pump. QNf and QNs together serve as (1e−/2e−) converter, for the transfer of reducing equivalent to the Q-pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic structures of mercury clusters are studied by the self-consistent calculations. It is found that an icosahedral Hg cluster is characterized by the atomic nature with closed electronic shell configuration while a significant amount of the spd-hybridization is observed for a Hg cluster with a double-icosahedral shape. The electronic structure of a HgAg cluster is also studied with a special focus on the electronic shell structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the theoretical determination of the magnetic structure of surfaces within the local spin-density (LSD) formalism. Information on surface physics; Description of the density functional theory; Aspects of solving the LSD equations; Discussion on the ferromagnetic iron(001) surface.

Abstract: In electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments, it is very difficult to add a few microliters of reagent into the solution in an EPR tube and to mix it efficiently. This report explains how we could overcome this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Demonstration of lymph node metastasis in the setting of malignant ascites could assist in staging and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer. The pleural space drains to a sentinel lymph node (SLN) group in the superior mediastinum. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the peritoneal space also drains to a SLN group. Methods. Twelve rats received intraperitoneal injection of quantum dots (QDs), a NIR fluorescent lymph tracer designed for retention in the SLN. Twelve rats received intraperitoneal injection of HSA800, a smaller diameter, NIR lymph tracer designed for uptake into distant lymph nodes. A custom imaging system detected NIR fluorescence at 10 and 30 min and 24 h after injection. Associations were assessed with paired Student’s t-test. Results. QDs identify at most one node, while HSA800 was able to identify multiple nodes (P = 0.017) (Table 1). QDs drained to either celiac, periportal, or superior mesenteric lymph nodes. After 24 h, HSA800 appeared in these and distant lymph node groups such as the superior mediastinum (Fig. 1). Conclusion. QDs drained to either the celiac, the periportal, or the superior mesenteric region, suggesting a varied SLN drainage. HSA800 traveled as far as the superior mediastinal nodes, suggesting a widespread lymphatic drainage. An advantage of NIR fluorescence imaging is the ability to identify lymph nodes draining the peritoneal space regardless of location. Developing such a patient-specific method of peritoneal SLN mapping could influence staging and treatment in the setting of malignant ascites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, Sazanov’s group reported the X-ray structure of whole complex I [Nature, 465, 441 (2010)], which presented a strong clue for a “piston-like” structure as a key element in an “indirect” proton pump. We have studied the NuoL subunit which has a high sequence similarity to Na+/H+ antiporters, as do the NuoM and N subunits. We constructed 27 site-directed NuoL mutants. Our data suggest that the H+/e− stoichiometry seems to have decreased from (4H+/2e−) in the wild-type to approximately (3H+/2e−) in NuoL mutants. We propose a revised hypothesis that each of the “direct” and the “indirect” proton pumps transports 2H+ per 2e−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonding properties of sodium-cluster dimers, ( X) and ( X), where X is a jellium sphere corresponding to a cluster of n atoms, were investigated by the linear-combination-of-jellium-orbitals method with local-spin-density-functional approximation. The stability of n=8 clusters, observed in the experiment, is discussed in relation to the binding properties of dimers. We have found that (1) the ( X) bonding has a covalent character, which makes the X formation favorable, and (2) X has an inert property because the force between jellium spheres in ( X) is due to a weak dispersion force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CNF-reinforced PPs were investigated by Fourier transform THz spectroscopy. • A new peak at 7.0 THz appeared when CNF was added, while PP peaks remained unchanged. • The 7.0 THz peak was attributed to the intermolecular vibration mode in CNF. • CNF content in PPs cannot be determined using conventional XRD technique. • Broadband THz spectroscopy is a powerful tool for CNF-containing nanocomposite polymers. Cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced polypropylenes (PPs) with different CNF content were investigated by Fourier transform terahertz (THz) spectroscopy over the frequency range of 1–10 THz. Absorption peaks of pure PP were identified at 3.1, 5.1, 7.5, and 9.6 THz, which indicate the isotactic structure is formed. A new peak at 7.0 THz appeared when CNF was added, while the PP peaks remained unchanged. Conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy was also performed for comparison. The XRD results do not allow to determine the effect of CNF content in the properties of the composite. In contrast THz spectroscopy effectively showed the relationship between CNF content and the mechanical properties of the samples. The 7.0 THz can be used as an indicator for the nondestructive and noninvasive analysis of CNF-PPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small papular pseudolymphoma (SPP)[1] is characterized by multiple angiomatous papules, mainly on the acral sites of the hands and feet in children. Histological examination demonstrated a dense, bandlike or nodular infiltrate of mononuclear cells immediately below the epidermis and a small nodular infiltrate of mononuclear cells around eccrine gland structures (Fig. a). [Extracted from the article]

Although Ti-based ohmic contacts are often used in the fabrication of diamond electronic devices, researches on the barrier height (ϕ B ) of this contact are very limited and no consistent values have been reached. In this study, a direct determination of ϕ B was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An array of μm-size Ti/Au ohmic electrodes was made on a lightly boron-doped p-type diamond (001) surface, and C 1 s and Au 4f 7/2 XPS spectra were measured. The peak binding energies of the spectra from the sample and from reference samples were compared, and ϕ B was determined to be ~ 0.63 ± 0.13 eV for the p-type diamond (001). The result is compared with those of previous works and discussed. Prime novelty statement The Ti-based ohmic contacts are often used in the fabrication of diamond electronic devices. Although reasonably low specific contact resistances between 10 − 5 and 10 − 7 Ωcm 2 at room temperature have been obtained for the Ti-based ohmic contacts, the barrier height of the contact has not been determined consistently. In this study, the barrier height of the Ti-based ohmic contact on a p-type diamond (001) is directly determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to be 0.63 ± 0.13 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Physical or psychological stress causes functional disorders in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study aims to elucidate the ameliorating effect of exogenous acylated ghrelin or rikkunshito, a Kampo medicine which acts as a ghrelin enhancer, on gastric dysfunction during acute restraint stress in mice. Methods Fasted and postprandial motor function of the gastric antrum was wirelessly measured using a strain gauge force transducer and solid gastric emptying was detected in mice exposed to restraint stress. Plasma corticosterone and ghrelin levels were also measured. To clarify the role of ghrelin on gastrointestinal dysfunction in mice exposed to stress, exogenous acylated ghrelin or rikkunshito was administered, then the mice were subjected to restraint stress. Key Results Mice exposed to restraint stress for 60 min exhibited delayed gastric emptying and increased plasma corticosterone levels. Gastric motility was decreased in mice exposed to restraint stress in both fasting and postprandial states. Restraint stress did not cause any change in plasma acylated ghrelin levels, but it significantly increased the plasma des-acyl ghrelin levels. Administration of acylated ghrelin or rikkunshito improved the restraint stress-induced delayed gastric emptying and decreased antral motility. Ameliorating effects of rikkunshito on stress-induced gastric dysfunction were abolished by simultaneous administration of a ghrelin receptor antagonist. Conclusions & Inferences Plasma acylated/des-acyl ghrelin imbalance was observed in acute restraint stress. Supplementation of exogenous acylated ghrelin or enhancement of endogenous ghrelin signaling may be useful in the treatment of decreased gastric function caused by stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunologic activity and stress level in practitioners of thebreathing method were assayedbefore and after 90 minutes of an exercise class, in order to assess the value of the method.TheBreathing Method was developed by Kozo Nishino, a former ballet choreographerand a master of martial arts, in the 1970s in an attempt to develop(an internal life energy or a spiritualenergy). Although he developed his method independently of the Chinesepractice, there are certainsimilarities between them, in that both involve visualization of internal energy flow, slow body movements,and the emission of life energy from one's hand.Twenty one (21) practitioners were tested. Their blood was withdrawn before and after a class,and the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and their cell numbers were assayed. The level of stress was alsomeasured using the Lorish face scale method. The heart rate was also monitored.The NK cell activity of 17 of 21 (76%) subjects increased after attending a class. The mean NKcell activity of the whole group of subjects increased after the practice (<0.03). The mean stress level wassignificantly reduced after the class (<0.001).These results demonstrated that theBreathing Method can effectively enhance the immunoregulatorysystem and reduce stress even after one class. This indicates that the method would help improvethe health of its practitioners if they continue to practice it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that elevated partial pressures of O[sub 2] would increase perivascular nitric oxide (·NO) synthesis. Rodents with O[sub 2-] and ·NO-specific microelectrodes implanted adjacent to the abdominal aorta were exposed to O[sub 2] at partial pressures from 0.2 to 2.8 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Exposures to 2.0 and 2.8 ATA O[sub 2] stimulated neuronal (type I) NO synthase (nNOS) and significantly increased steady-state · NO concentration, but the mechanism for enzyme activation differed at each partial pressure. At both pressures, elevations in ·NO concentration were inhibited by the nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole and the calcium channel blocker nimodipine. Enzyme activation at 2.0 ATA O[sub 2] appeared to be due to an altered cellular redox state. Exposure to 2.8 ATA O[sub 2], but not 2.0 ATA O[sub 2], increased nNOS activity by enhancing nNOS association with calmodulin, and an inhibitory effect of geldanamycin indicated that the association was facilitated by heat shock protein 90. Infusion of superoxide dismutase inhibited ·NO elevation at 2.8 but not 2.0 ATA O[sub 2]. Hyperoxia increased the concentration of .NO associated with hemoglobin. These findings highlight the complexity of oxidative stress responses and may help explain some of the dose responses associated with therapeutic applications of hyperbaric oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of protein-losing enteropathy associated with an autoimmune disorder, presumably systemic lupus erythematosus. Although typical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus were lacking, a high serum cholesterol level, a low serum complement level, positivity for anti-nuclear antibody, and positivity for anti-single-strand DNA antibody suggested an autoimmune mechanism as the cause of the condition. Although immunohistological examination of duodenal and ileal biopsy specimens failed to reveal deposits of immune complex or complement in the vessels, capillary hyperpermeability was suspected as the mechanism of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of refractory ulcerative colitis treated with tacrolimus. The patient was a 73-year-old woman with a 45-year history of ulcerative colitis. An attack unresponsive to intravenous corticosteroid therapy occurred when she was age 73. Leukocytapheresis therapy was attempted, but was discontinued because of the patient's poor general condition. Cyclosporine A therapy brought about fair control of the disease. A liver injury that was suspected to be associated with this agent, however, occurred within 5 weeks of its initiation. At that time, the cyclosporine A was discontinued and azathioprine treatment was started. Within 6 weeks, signs of exacerbation of the ulcerative colitis became apparent. Tacrolimus administered at that time brought about remission of the disease, and the corticosteroid dose was then reduced. Tacrolimus, like cyclosporine A, appears to be effective for the treatment of attacks of ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a common component of culture media and usually used for cellular research, as well as recent cell-based medical products. However, due to the high risk of contaminations and the variation from batch to batch, FBS might influence the outcome of research or cellular manufacturing. FBS also contains moral concerns because it harvested from bovine fetuses taken from pregnant cows. In addition, FBS is most expensive part of cell culture. To overcome several problems regarding FBS, we developed a new serum, adult bovine platelet lysate-derived cell culture supplement (NeoSERA), and investigate its usefulness as an alternative to FBS. NeoSERA is produced in Japan, considered to be a negligible bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk country. We obtain adult donor bovine blood from animal less than 36 months old according to the regulation of EMA for BSE (EMA/410/01 rev.3). Using apheresis medical devices with closed disposable kits, sterile platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is collected from healthy donor bovine receiving a regular veterinary check. After stimulation and removal of coagulated fibrin by centrifugation, NeoSERA is collected in a completely closed system. To meet the scope of directives that apply to produce medicinal products from the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA/CVMP/743/00) and the United States Department of Agriculture (9CFR§113.450), NeoSERA is finally g-irradiated at a dose of over 30 kGy. NeoSERA completely meets the standard for biological ingredients in Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Notification No. 375 2014) and also obtained the certificate of eligibility for the raw material of regenerative medicine from Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA, No. 0417002, 2017. 4.17). To test whether NeoSERA is useful for the expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a cell culture experiment was performed. 3 to 5 days after NeoSERA treatment, the proliferation of human bone marrow-, adipose tissue-, umbilical cord- and amnion-derived MSCs was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to FBS. Our results confirm that safe, less ethical and economical bovine NeoSERA profoundly enhances the proliferation of MSCs for regenerative medicine and several cell lines for vaccine production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 17-year-old boy with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) deficiency was referred to our hospital for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Before HSCT, colonoscopy revealed a stricture of the ileocecal valve with an active ulcer (Fig. a), in addition to active multiple ulcers in his large intestine (Fig. b,c). Before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the ileocecal valve (arrow) was mildly stenosed with an active ulcer (a), and there were multiple active ulcers in the transverse colon (b) and sigmoid colon (c). [Extracted from the article]