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Herein, we report the variability among 57 porcine homologs of murine coat colour-related genes. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (InDels) within 44 expressed gene sequences by aligning eight pig complementary DNA (cDNA) samples. The sequence alignment revealed a total of 485 SNPs and 15 InDels. The polymorphisms were then validated by performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with reference DNA samples obtained from 384 porcine individuals. Of the 384 individuals, three parents of the experimental F2 family were included to detect polymorphisms between them for linkage mapping. We also genotyped previously reported polymorphisms of 12 genes, and one SNP each in three genes that were detected by performing a BLAST search of the Trace database. A total of 211 SNPs and three InDels were successfully genotyped from our porcine DNA panel. We detected SNPs in 33 of the 44 genes among the parents of an experimental F2 family and then constructed a linkage map of the 33 genes for this family. The linkage assignment of each gene to the porcine chromosomes was consistent with the location of the BAC clone in the porcine genome and the corresponding gene sequence. We confirmed complete substitutions of EDNRB and MLPH in the Jinhua and Clawn miniature breeds, respectively. Furthermore, we identified polymorphic alleles exclusive to each pig group: 13 for Jinhua, two for Duroc, three for Meishan, four for the Japanese wild boar, one for the Clawn miniature pig and four for the Potbelly pig. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the livestock industry, meat color has become important because consumer acceptance is subject to the appearance of the product in the market-place. Our previous analyses of a whole genome QTL scan for various meat qualities using 2 F2 families from Japanese wild bar (known as a red meat) x Large White and from Duroc x Chinese Jinhua suggested that a meat color (heme content) QTL is located on SSC6. The objective, of this study was to fine-map this SSC6 meat color QTL and subsequently investigate positional candidate genes for polymorphisms that may cause changes in meat color. Therefore, we conducted interval mapping on SSC6 using an additional 9 gene markers through combined analyses of the 2 F2 families of Japanese wild boar x Large White (353 progeny) and Duroc x Chinese Jinhua (204 progeny). Comparative analysis with humans, mice, and cattle suggested that there were 10 functional genes in the region. Among these genes, we suggested that a novel pig gene encoding a nudix (nucleoside diphosphate linked moiety X)-type motif 7 (NUDT7, a member of the nudix hydrolases) is a strong candidate for the QTL because the mouse Nudt7 is reported to hydrolyze succinyl- CoA, a substrate of the reaction limiting the rate of heme biosynthesis. We therefore determined the pig NUDT7 gene sequence including the 5' promoter region and explored genetic polymorphisms between Japanese wild boar and Large White. We identified 116 polymorphisms within the NUDT7 CDS or in the 5' region. None of the AA substitutions were associated with the meat color QTL; however, 3 polymorphisms were found in putative transcription factor recognition sites. We then investigated the differential expression of NUDT7 in Japanese wild boar and Large White by'allele-specific quantitative real-time PCR. The expression level of the Large White type allele was greater than that of the Japanese wild-boar-type allele. Consequently, we speculated that the difference in meat color between Japanese wild boar and Large White is caused partly by differential expression of this candidate gene. Up- regulation of NUDT7 expression in muscle may reduce succinyl-CoA content and thus reduce the level of herne biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Depth profiles of deuterium trapped in graphite tiles not exposed to hydrogen discharges just before air ventilation of JT-60U were determined based on the D(3He,p)4He resonant nuclear reaction analysis. The samples were taken from the W-shaped divertor. The maximum depth of analysis is about 1.4×1024 carbon atoms/m2, corresponding to a linear depth of 16μm for the density of 1.7×103 kg/m3. The highest concentration (19at.%) was found at the surface of the inner divertor area, which was significantly higher than that exposed to H discharges at the same location. However in the deeper region, the deuterium concentrations without H discharges were lower than those with H discharges in 3 of 4 samples. These results indicate that hydrogen discharges can remove deuterium trapped only in the shallow region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To assess oxidative stress (OS) induced by endurance exercise, concentrations of serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined in 70 Japanese male amateur runners completing a two-day ultra-marathon race. Serum ROS levels were analyzed at three time points: before the race (baseline), after the 1st day race (mid-race), and after the 2nd day race (goal) (post-race). The means (SE) of ROS were 151.4(3.7) (U. CARR.), 168.7(4.4), and 156.8(4.4), respectively. Significant positive trends were noted between age and serum ROS concentrations at the three race points (p<0.05 for all). After adjusting for age, BMI and average monthly running distance, the baseline serum ROS concentrations were positively associated with completion times of the first-day race, in particular (p<0.05), suggesting that the concentrations may predict physical performance. The ROS production increased at mid-race (p<0.05), but the levels returned to baseline levels at post-race, indicating that an antioxidant defense system may develop post-race to reduce OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some crop species, germplasm collections consisting of a large number of accessions that include traditional landraces, modern cultivars and wild species have recently been established. Such collections are regarded as useful stocks of genes for breeding programs. However, to efficiently utilize these collections for plant breeding, understanding genetic variation in agronomic traits at the QTL level between the accessions is indispensable. One effective way to extract the actual QTL information included in these collections is to perform QTL analysis jointly for multiple families derived from crossing some accessions of the collection with a single reference line such as a standard commercial variety. We developed a Bayesian method for jointly analyzing QTL in such interconnected multiple families derived from a set of inbred lines crossed to the reference line, to detect QTL segregating between any of the inbred lines and the reference line. In this study, we considered multiple recombinant inbred lines, each of which was derived from crossing each of the inbred lines to the reference line. The method was evaluated through the use of simulated data sets for its efficiency in detecting QTL and identifying families segregating at each QTL.Heredity (2009) 102, 497–505; doi:10.1038/hdy.2009.6; published online 11 February 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gap junctional communication plays an important role in various models of brain pathology, but the changes of gap junctions in Parkinsonism are still not understood. In this study, we show that a major gap junctional protein, connexin43 (Cx43), in astrocytes is enhanced both in a rat Parkinson''s disease (PD) model induced with rotenone, a widely used pesticide that inhibits mitochondrial complex I, and in vitro in cultured astrocytes stimulated with rotenone. Enhancement of Cx43 protein levels in rotenone-treated cultured astrocytes occurred in parallel with an increase in gap junctional intercellular communication, but was not accompanied with an increase in Cx43 mRNA levels. Furthermore, the rotenone-induced increase of Cx43 protein levels both in vitro and in vivo was associated with increased levels of phosphorylated Cx43, which is required for gap junctional intercellular communication. In our rat PD model, phosphorylated Cx43 was selectively enhanced in the basal ganglia regions, which contain DA neurons or their terminal areas. The increase of Cx43 levels was lower in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the striatum than in the substantia nigra pars reticulata and the globus pallidus. Our findings indicate that modulation of Cx43 protein, and consequently gap junctional cellular communication, in astrocytes may play an important role in PD pathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: The dystrophin–glycoprotein complex (DGC) and focal adhesion complex (FAC) are transmembrane structures in muscle fibres that link the intracellular cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. DGC and FAC proteins are abundant in slow-type muscles, indicating the structural reinforcement which play a pivotal role in continuous force output to maintain posture for long periods. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of these structures across fast-type muscles containing different myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform patterns which reflect the fatigue-resistant characteristics of skeletal muscle. Methods: We measured the expression of dystrophin and β1 integrin (representative proteins of DGC and FAC respectively) in plantaris, extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior, red and white portions of gastrocnemius, superficial portion of vastus lateralis and diaphragm, in comparison with soleus (SOL) and cardiac muscle from rats. Results: The expression of dystrophin and β1 integrin correlated positively with the percentage of type I, IIa and IIx MHC isoforms and negatively with that of type IIb MHC isoform in fast-type skeletal muscles, and their expression was abundant in SOL and cardiac muscle. Conclusion: Our results support the idea that DGC and FAC are among the factors that explain the fatigue-resistant property not only of slow-type but also of fast-type skeletal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In an ITER facility, about 3kg of tritium will be stored in about 50 hydride beds. The safe design and operation of tritium storage beds will be one of the most important points for enhancing overall safety in the facility. In the Tritium Process Laboratory at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, many tritium storage beds with zirconium–cobalt (ZrCo) and uranium (U) have been used with/without self-accountancy measures, and 20 years of safe handling experience has been accumulated. From this experience, the key issues to be considered for the safety design are the effects of tritium decay, such as decay heat transfer and 3He behavior, which can cause an increase in temperature and pressure in the tritide vessel, along with the normal protection against over-temperature, over-pressure and leaks in the metal-hydride bed. Concerning the safety operation, the key issues are the hydrogenation–dehydrogenation cycle sequence under the requirements of the storage system and the emergency action, such as rapid hydrogen recovery and loss of normal cooling function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At Tritium Process Laboratory (TPL) of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), tritium technologies for a fusion reactor have been carried out up to date. The design studies of Air Detrtiation and Vent Detritiation System (ADS/VDS) of ITER have been carried out in JAEA as a contribution of Japan to ITER. For the tritium processing technologies, our efforts have been focused on the R&D of the tritium recovery system of ITER test blanket system. A ceramic proton conductor has been studied as an advanced blanket system. A series of fundamental studies on tritium safety technologies for ITER and for fusion DEMO plants has also been carried out. The main R&D activities in this field are the tritium behavior in a confinement and its barrier materials, monitoring, accountancy, detritiation and decontamination, etc. Especially, for the fundamental studies for a DEMO plants, a part of the studies will be carries out a new facility at Rokkasho in Aomori in the Broader Approach (BA) program in coming 10 years. For this purpose, a design study of the facility at Rokkasho has first been started. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Constructing high-degree gene-pyramided lines has important practical implications; such lines could be used for multiple purposes, for example, as a high-powered breeding stock line, a material line for characterizing multigene interactions, or a market variety as it stands. Effectiveness of two typical marker-based schemes for constructing such lines, named AF (gene assemblage first) and BF (backcross first), is discussed. In AF, target genes of all donor parents are assembled onto the genome of a plant first, followed by backcross generations for the recovery of recipient parent genome. In BF, backcross is performed first separately for each donor, followed by generations of crossing for the assemblage of target genes. Our stochastic calculations show that BF is superior to AF when molecular selection is used for both target genes and background markers; with the same number of generations (time) and cost of genotyping, BF produces a much higher recovery of recurrent parent genome than AF. The superiority of BF weakens somewhat when target genes are selected by phenotype; AF is superior when assembling three or more unlinked target genes, or could be a choice of the breeder when assembling three or more linked genes. Otherwise, BF is superior. To minimize cost, genotyping and selection for background markers should be performed stepwise in each generation, that is, in three or four stages starting from markers closely linked with target genes to unlinked ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that errors due to spatially correlated noises can be corrected by the quantum error-correction code and error-correction procedure prepared for those for independent noises. A model of noisy-channel which is under the influence of spatially correlated quantum Brownian motion is investigated within the framework of non-equilibrium thermo field dynamics that is a canonical operator formalism for dissipative quantum systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that moderate alcohol consumption decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes but that elevated liver enzymes increased it. The comparative importance of alcohol consumption and liver enzymes as predictors of type 2 diabetes remains unconfirmed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The participants included 8,576 Japanese men, aged 40-55 years, without type 2 diabetes at entry. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed if a fasting plasma glucose level was >or=126 mg/dl or if participants were taking oral hypoglycemic medications or insulin. RESULTS: During the 4-year follow-up period, we confirmed 878 cases. In multivariate models, moderate daily alcohol consumption (16.4-42.6 g ethanol/day) decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes, and higher levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased the risk. In joint analyses of alcohol consumption and liver enzymes, moderate drinkers with the lowest tertile of GGT had the lowest risk of type 2 diabetes. Compared with them, nondrinkers with the highest GGT had the highest risk of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 3.18 [95% CI 1.75-5.76]). At every level of GGT, moderate or heavy alcohol drinkers (>or=42.7 g ethanol/day) had a lower risk of type 2 diabetes than nondrinkers. The relationship of ALT and daily alcohol consumption with the risk of type 2 diabetes was almost the same as that of GGT. CONCLUSIONS: GGT, ALT, and daily alcohol consumption were independently associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. Nondrinkers with the highest GGT or ALT had a high risk of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is increasing demand for oxide-dispersion-strengthened ferritic alloys that possess both high-temperature strength and irradiation resistance. Improvement of the high-temperature properties requires an understanding of the operative deformation mechanisms. In this study, the microstructures and creep properties of the oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy 14YWT have been evaluated as a function of annealing at 1000°C for 1 hour up to 32 days. The ultra-fine initial grain size (approx. 100nm) is stable after the shortest annealing time, and even after subsequent creep at 800°C. Longer annealing periods lead to anomalous grain growth that is further enhanced following creep. Remarkably, the minimum creep rate is relatively insensitive to this dramatic grain-coarsening. The creep strength is attributed to highly stable, Ti-rich nanoclusters that appear to pin the initial primary grains, and present strong obstacles to dislocation motion in the large, anomalously grown grains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Masked hypertension is reported to have the same level of hazard risk of cardiovascular mortality and stroke morbidity as sustained hypertension. The number of managerial employees suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke is known to be greater than other employee. The aim of this study was to compare the 24-h blood pressure (BP) recordings between elderly male managerial employees and retirees and to propose a strategy for identifying masked hypertension. A total of 38 males (16 managerial employees aged 50-69 years and 22 retirees aged 60-65 years) who were not taking any antihypertensive medications participated in this study. Their 24-h BP was measured by an ambulatory BP monitoring device. Daytime (9:00-17:00 h) BPs of the employees (mean, 139/92 mm Hg) were significantly higher than in the retirees (mean 124/80 mm Hg), while there was no difference in BP before and during sleep. In all, 5 of 16 employees (31%) who were diagnosed as normotensive (<140/90 mm Hg) at a periodic health check had hypertension (>135/85 mm Hg) in the morning measured by ambulatory BP monitoring, while 6 (38%) had a similar level of hypertension during the daytime (9:00-17:00h). These individuals were diagnosed as having masked hypertension. Multiple regression analyses showed that the job was the only factor that contributed to the difference in BP in the subjects during the daytime. This finding suggested that job stress seemed to be one of the main causes of masked hypertension. We argue that more frequent measurements of BP at the work place are necessary to identify subjects with masked hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have successfully grown high-purity and -quality PbI2 single crystals by the vertical Bridgman method. The rocking curves of four-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) show 120arcsec in full-width at half-maximum (FWHM). The photoluminescence (PL) spectra at 7.8K show the resolved intensive exciton emission line and the weak DAP emission band. The deep-level emissions are not observed. The measurement of the electrical and radiographic properties show that Leadiodide (PbI2) single crystal has a resistivity of 5×1010 Ωcm and imager lag is 8s, respectively. In order to improve the controllability of crystal growth, PbI2 single crystals were also grown from a lead (Pb) excess PbI2 source. The experimental results show very good reproducibility. In addition, the growth models of crystal are proposed, and the growth mechanism is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent reports suggest that high blood pressure (BP) during the night is associated with hypertensive organ damage, and that increased BP in the morning is closely related to the incidence of stroke and ischemic heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between overnight urinary indicators and 24-hour (24-h) BP, especially in the morning and during sleep in the elderly. A total of 85 volunteers (males 43, females 42), aged between 51 and 76 years and not taking any antihypertensive medications, participated in this study. Their 24-h BP was measured by ambulatory BP monitoring every 30-minute using a TERUMO ES-H531 system. Overnight urine samples were collected using a proportional urine-sampling device, Urine mate P. Overnight sodium (UNan) and potassium (UKn) excretions were measured by an ion electrode method. Simple linear regression analyses showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the morning and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during sleep were negatively related with overnight urinary weight standardized for body weight (UWn/BW). Multiple regression analyses showed that SBP during the morning and during sleep was positively related to UNan and negatively related to UWn/BW. We also found a negative relationship between SBP during sleep and UKn. The study suggested that urine weight adjusted for BW was negatively related with 24-h BP, especially morning BP. Sodium excretion combined with a large volume of urine proportional to body weight may prevent increases in BP, especially in the morning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Defects related to oxygen and other impurities in piezoelectric langasite (La3Ga5SiO14; LGS) single crystals grown by the vertical Bridgman (VB) method was investigated. The resistivity of an LGS crystal grown in an Ar atmosphere was about one-order higher than that grown in air. However, after annealing in air it decreased to the same level as that of LGS crystal grown in air. The results of optical transmission spectra showed a broad adsorption peak around 500nm, corresponding to 2.5eV of energy level, in LGS crystals grown in air and grown in an Ar atmosphere. Since VB-grown LGS crystal was p-type, excess interstitial oxygen atoms, not oxygen vacancies, operate as an acceptor in the VB-LGS crystal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was conducted to determine whether lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) infection at the sensitization and challenge phases affect the development of delayed allergic eosinophilic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin (OVA) in BALB/c mice (DAR group). Compared to the DAR group, LDV infection at the priming (DAR/LDVs group) and immunizing (DAR/LDVc group) phases reduced the induction of eosinophils in the bone marrow (BM) and/or blood. However, the number of eosinophils in the BM was not affected in the DAR/LDVc group. In addition, total blood IgE values were reduced in the DAR/LDVs but not the DAR/LDVc groups. Compared to the production of cytokines from splenic cells and blood IgE values in the DAR group, OVA-specific IL-4 and IFN-γ productions and IgE values were reduced in the DAR/LDVs, whereas OVA-specific IFN-γ and IL-4 productions were increased and decreased, respectively in the DAR/LDVc,but not the DAR/LDVs groups. Both DAR/LDVs and DAR/LDVc groups reduced the development of eosinophilic rhinitis associated with reduced VCAM-1 expression on endothelium in blood vessels and ICAM-1 expression on nasal respiratory epithelium at inflamed areas. The present study suggests that LDV infection at the sensitization phase may reduce the development of T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 responses, whereas LDV infection at the challenge phase may inhibit the development of Th2 response by shifting to Th1 response. These may be responsible for the reduction of the development of DAR by LDV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternally inherited endosymbionts have been implicated as significant drivers of sexual conflict within their hosts, typically through sex-ratio manipulation. Empirical studies show that some of these endosymbionts have the potential to influence sexual conflict not by sex-ratio distortion, but by altering reproductive traits within their hosts. Research has already shown that reproductive traits involved in mating/fertilization process are integral ‘players’ in sexual conflict, thus suggesting the novel hypothesis that endosymbiont-induced changes in reproductive phenotypes can impact the dynamics of sexual conflict. Here, we use a standard quantitative genetic approach to model the effects of endosymbiont-induced changes in a female reproductive trait on the dynamics of sexual conflict over mating/fertilization rate. Our model shows that an endosymbiont-induced alteration of a host female reproductive trait that affects mating rate can maintain the endosymbiont infection within the host population, and does so in the absence of sex-ratio distortion and cytoplasmic incompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The possibility of reducing the concentration of 14C produced in irradiation of reduced activation ferritic steels (RAFS) intended as structural materials in first wall and blanket of fusion power plants was investigated. During RAFS irradiation 14C is mainly produced from the more abundant of the two isotopes of nitrogen present in the steel, namely 14N. The method proposed consists in increasing the enrichment of the other isotope (15N). One-dimension transport calculations show that for a typical DEMO blanket configuration an 15N enrichment from the natural value (0.37%) to 95% was sufficient to keep the end of life 14C concentration in the RAFS below the limit (3.7×107 Bq/kg) fixed by the Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission for qualifying it as a low level material (LLM) which can be disposed by shallow land burial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantitative PCR can be an effective method for identifying the bacteria causing mastitis. However, PCR detection is hampered by the presence of inflammatory somatic cells. To eliminate this problem, we attempted to establish methods that allow the effective separation of bacterial cells from somatic cells in mastitis milk with amino-silica. Somatic cells and Staphylococcus aureus cells have different sizes, surface structures, and overall electrical charges; therefore, their adsorption and desorption behavior on amino-silica was also different. We found that although amino-silica could efficiently adsorb both somatic cells and Staph. aureus, somatic cells were adsorbed much more strongly than bacterial cells. We identified conditions under which most of the somatic cells adsorbed and only Staph. aureus desorbed from amino-silica upon addition of a desorption solution. We demonstrated that this procedure effectively eliminated somatic cells in heavily contaminated milk samples, which resulted in improved clarity of the PCR band. These results indicate that pretreatment of the samples with amino-silica made the PCR-based strategy for identifying and quantifying disease-causing bacteria applicable for all milk samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of research and development related to radiochemical characteristics of tritium to be considered in a fusion reactor facility design are summarized. Reactions induced by tritium beta-decay under presence of high purity tritium, which might give an impact to tritium inventory control and safety, have been identified and investigated. Results of researches of radiolysis of tritiated water implied necessity of some measures to prevent hydrogen explosion and avoid a corrosive condition. A calorimetric method to measure tritium decay heat has been applied successfully to accountancy of the ITER fuel storage system with satisfaction of the required specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: H and D retention characteristics in the near top surface of the JT-60U plasma facing carbon tiles were investigated by means of elastic recoil detection analysis. From the result, H was dominantly retained within 1μm depth because of the H discharges for the wall cleaning carried out before the removal of sample tiles. (H+D)/C ratios were small: it was ∼0.07 at a maximum in the divertor samples except for the deposition on the dome outer wing tile which was ∼0.13, and it was ∼0.15 at a maximum in the first wall samples. The hydrogen concentration in the redeposited carbon layers is strongly influenced by the temperature. Consequently, (H+D)/C ratios at the observed low level are a result of the operation of JT-60U at wall temperatures of 300°C or higher. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Deuterium depth profiles in graphite tiles of JT-60U have been determined by means of the D(3He,p)4He nuclear reaction. Tiles with net carbon deposition showed high deuterium retention. A D/C ratio of 0.07 was found in the outer dome wing tile. In the inner divertor tile covered with a thick deposition layer, the depth profile shows a broad peak in a deep region. This indicates that deuterium trapped in the shallow region can be replaced by hydrogen with hydrogen discharges due to isotope exchange, while deuterium trapped in the deeper region can not. Deuterium in the redeposited layers can be more easily removed than that in the substrate. The deuterium concentration in the outer divertor target tile was very low (D/C<0.003). The highest D/C ratio, 0.09, was found in the upper region of the first wall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite proven efficacy of maintenance pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia, indefinite neuroleptic treatment may not be optimal for all patients. It is uncertain how long maintenance therapy should be continued and how to identify those patients who can withdraw eventually from neuroleptics. Prospective randomized con-trolled studies are the ideal approach for evaluation of medication, however they are inevitably for the short term and may not be suitable for addressing the above-mentioned issue. In this study, we naturalistically followed up 30 remitted schizophrenics for 10.7 years on average and examined factors that might affect the outcomes. Of 30 remitted patients, 8 cases (26.7%) ceased neuroleptic use completely for more than 2 years. The details of clinical courses of those 8 cases were described as case reports in this report. Importantly, 4 of 8 withdrawal cases required 2 or more trials' in order for neuroleptic withdrawal to reach a drug-free state. Factors which significantly affected successful withdrawal involved the mode of onset and the ages at first neuroleptic withdrawal trial. Our results suggest that approximately one-fourth of completely remitted patients could withdraw neuroleptics, but certain cases may need withdrawal trials at least a few times to accomplish the drug-free state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The possibility of tritium self-sufficiency in a low aspect ratio (low-A) tokamak reactor with the outboard blanket only has been studied to simplify the inboard structure located in a high magnetic field. The tritium breeding ratio (TBR) of the outboard blanket increases by applying a neutron multiplier such as lead and beryllium to the inboard reflector. The effect in local TBR of a 40cm thick inboard reflector of lead is about 40% that of the inboard breeding blanket. The local TBR of a reactor with both the lead inboard reflector and outboard blanket using a Li2O breeder and a beryllium multiplier can be larger than 1.35 for aspect ratios less than 2.9. The local TBR of 1.35 satisfies the net TBR requirement of 1.05 where there is 78% coverage of the breeding zone over the total plasma-facing surface area. The result indicates there is a design solution achieving tritium self-sufficiency even in a low-A tokamak reactor with the outboard breeding blanket only, using an appropriate inboard reflector. Be12Ti and Li2TiO3 are recommended from the viewpoint of safety. In the combination, the aspect ratio is required to be less than 1.35 to achieve local TBR of 1.35. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Here, we analysed quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition, one of the factors affecting fat quality, in a Japanese wild boar × Large White cross. We found 25 significant effects for 17 traits at 13 positions at the 5% genome-wise level, of which 16 effects for 12 traits at 10 positions were significant at the 1% level. QTL for saturated fatty acids (SFA) in back fat were mapped to swine ( Sus scrofa) chromosomes (SSC) 1p, 9 and 15. QTL for unsaturated fatty acids in back fat were mapped to SSC1p, 1q, 4, 5, 9, 15 and 17. Using a regression model that fits back fat thickness as a covariate, two of the QTL for linoleic acid content on SSC4 and SSC17 were not significant, but one QTL for total SFA composition was detected on SSC5 with correction for back fat thickness. Wild boar alleles at six of seven QTL tended to increase SFAs and to decrease unsaturated fatty acids. QTL for fatty acid composition in perirenal fat were mapped on SSC2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 16 and X. QTL for melting point (in back fat samples) were mapped on SSC1, 2 and 15. Wild boar alleles in QTL on SSC1 and SSC15 were associated with elevated melting points whereas those on SSC2 were associated with lower melting point measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presentation of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I requires the coordinated expression of numerous components involved in antigen presentation. Tumor cells may alter the antigen presentation by HLA class I, allowing them to evade antitumor immunity. In many cases, the lack of antigen presentation can be attributed to the downregulation of genes needed for antigen processing, such as the transporters associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1, and the proteasomal component, low molecular weight proteins (LMP) 2. The TAP1 and LMP2 genes are transcribed from a shared bidirectional promoter containing an interferon (IFN)-γ-response factor element; thus, the IFN-γ-signal strongly induces both TAP1 and LMP2 expression. Low molecular weight proteins2-deficient mice exhibited the development of uterine leiomyosarcomas. Here, the differential responsiveness to IFN-γ of the SKN human uterine leiomyosarcomas cell line was investigated. We now identify the G871E mutation in the ATP-binding region of Janus kinases 1, suggesting that the loss of TAP1 and LMP2 induction is a defect in the earliest steps of the IFN-γ-signal pathway, resulting in the inability of SKN cells to upregulate the antigen-processing pathway. Understanding the mechanisms by which these tumors circumvent cytokine signalling, thereby evading antitumor-specific immunity, would greatly aid the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating uterine leiomyosarcomas.Oncogene (2006) 25, 4016–4026. doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1209434; published online 13 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a molecular mechanics coupled with atomistic-based continuum theory, a closed-form formula is presented to examine the elastic properties of single- and double-walled carbon nanotubes subjected to hydrostatic pressure. Following the present model, the effects of the armchair and zigzag CNT structures on the pressure behavior are theoretically investigated. The computational result indicates that the bulk modulus is less sensitive to the chiral structures except for very small tube diameters. Moreover, closed-end nanotubes under hydrostatic pressure exhibit a larger bulking modulus than open ended nanotubes. The cap of the zigzag tubes has a larger effect on the bulk modulus when compared to the armchair tubes, especially in small diameter nanotubes. The predicted strain and the bulk modulus are in good agreement with existing theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate by immunohistochemical means nuclear reactivity for Mdm2 and p53 proteins in 71 canine cutaneous mast cell tumours. Detectable reactivity for Mdm2 was observed in 17 of 23 grade I tumours, 19 of 27 grade II tumours, and 14 of 21 grade III tumours, the grading method used was that by Patnaik et al. [ Vet. Pathol., vol. 21, 1984 , p. 469]. Increased reactivity for Mdm2 was detected in grade III tumours compared with grade I tumours. In contrast to Mdm2, detectable reactivity for p53 was observed in 17 tumours. Of 39 cases with moderate or marked Mdm2, 34 showed mild or no detectable p53, although only five showed moderate or marked p53. The results suggest that Mdm2 overexpression plays a crucial role in canine mast cell tumorigenesis and is consistent with the histologic grade, and its expression may be induced without p53 overexpression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a fusion reactor, high-level tritiated water of more than one PBq/m3 will be generated and stored in various areas. The high-level tritiated water decomposes by itself and generates mainly hydrogen, becoming tritiated hydrogen peroxide water. In order to summarize safety requirements for long-term storage of high-level tritiated water, the characteristics, such as effective G-values of hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide, pH and Oxidation–Reduction Potential (ORP), have been investigated by storing tritiated water from 5TBq/m3 to 2EBq/m3 for 5 years. Because the effective G-value of hydrogen increases with decreasing tritium concentration, the storage tank for a wider range of tritium concentrations requires not only depression but, also, adequate processing of the cover gases. High-level tritiated water of more than 1PBq/m3 was acid and in some cases was in a corrosive condition; these characteristics have been maintained for 5 years. Therefore, the ORP–pH situation should be monitored periodically to avoid the corrosive condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to establish the effective surface decontamination methods for the ITER construction materials, the so-called ‘soaking’ effect is important and more systematic data of tritium sorption and desorption for various materials are required under actually conditions. In order to obtain and summarize data on the amount of sorbed tritium on the various materials such as stainless steel (SS), acrylic resin, and epoxy paint, a series of tritiated water vapor exposure experiments have been carried out as a function of time. The materials were almost saturated with tritium within a period from several weeks to 1 month, and it was larger in the order of epoxy paint>acrylic resin=butyl rubber>SS304. The sorption rate and subsequent desorption rate for various materials were evaluated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neutron transport calculations have been performed to evaluate the capability of metal hydrides and borohydrides as advanced shielding materials. Some hydrides are characterized by considerably higher hydrogen content than polyethylene and solid hydrogen. The hydrogen-rich hydrides show superior neutron shielding capability compared to the conventional materials. A one-dimensional cylindrical model was used to do the neutron transport calculation. The shields are located at the inboard and outboard sides, and they are 30 and 70cm in radial thickness, respectively. Mg(BH4)2, TiH2 and ZrH2 can reduce the thickness of the outboard shield by 23, 20 and 19%, respectively, compared to the combination of steel and water. Mixing Mg(BH4)2 with F82H produces large effects in the gamma-ray shielding. In the mixing ratio of 0.5, the gamma-ray flux was 300 times smaller than that of pure Mg(BH4)2, even though the fast neutron flux is 13% larger than that of pure Mg(BH4)2. In the neutron spectrum for Mg(BH4)2, the neutron flux in the energy range of less than 100eV drastically reduced as compared to those of other materials, due to the effect of boron. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Deuterium concentrations and depth profiles in plasma-facing graphite tiles used in the divertor of JAERI Tokamak-60 Upgrade (JT-60U) were investigated by nuclear reaction analysis (NRA). The highest deuterium concentration of D/12C of 0.053 was found in the outer dome wing tile, where the deuterium accumulated probably through the deuterium–carbon co-deposition. In the outer and inner divertor target tiles, the D/12C data were lower than 0.006. Additionally, the maximum (H+D)/12C in the dome top tile was estimated to be 0.023 from the results of NRA and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). Orbit following Monte-Carlo (OFMC) simulation showed energetic deuterons caused by neutral beam injections (NBI) were implanted into the dome region with high heat flux. Furthermore, the surface temperature and conditions such as deposition and erosion significantly influenced the accumulation process of deuterium. The deuterium depth profile, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and OFMC simulation indicated the deuterium was considered to accumulate through three processes: the deuterium–carbon co-deposition, the implantation of energetic deuterons and the deuterium diffusion into the bulk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many traits including shapes and colors of flowers, fruits and seeds in plants, as well as coat colors and some behavioral properties in animals, are recorded in discrete categories. If categories are ordered, genetic analyses of the categorical traits are often performed using the threshold model, which considers a latent continuous variable, called the liability, underlying a trait and assumes the monotonic relationship between the phenotype and the liability. In some categorical traits, however, descriptions of phenotypes are purely nominal and the phenotypic scores cannot be ordered. The threshold model is unreasonable for the analyses of such unordered categorical traits. In this study, we developed a method for interval mapping of loci affecting unordered categorical traits with more than two categories. The probability of the phenotype of an individual falling in each of the categories was expressed by a polychotomous logistic model, in which the log-odds for each category relative to the reference category were assumed to follow a linear model including genotype at a locus affecting a trait as covariate. Based on the model, the interval mapping using a maximum likelihood method was devised for the analysis of complex categorical traits described with unordered categories. We confined ourselves to the case of F2 populations derived from a cross between two inbred lines, although this approach can easily be extended to the analyses for other populations of general structures. As results of analyses of simulated data show, the method showed high efficiency in detecting the loci affecting unordered categorical traits.Heredity (2006) 96, 185–194. doi:10.1038/sj.hdy.6800783; published online 4 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have reported previously that subclinical prolonged mild T helper (Th) 1-dependent autoimmune insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance in wealing DBA/1J mice, which is induced by the combined effects of reovirus type 2 (Reo-2) and synthetic 20-base oligodeoxynucleotides with CpG motifs (CpG ODN) (control mice). Compared with the control mice, newborn mice treated with monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against mouse CD25+ CD4+ T cells together with Reo-2 and CpG ODN greatly reduced the absolute number of splenic CD25+ T cells and resulted in the development of severe insulitis, leading to an overt early diabetes. Moreover, the treatment of the MoAb increased production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and decreased that of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and developed high titre of autoantibodies against pancreatic islet cells. These evidences suggest that CD4+ CD25+ T cell may, at least in part, maintain tolerance to Reo-2-triggered and CpG ODN-induced prolonged mild Th1-dependent autoimmune insulitis, leading to the overt disease. This system may give a novel model to elucidate the mechanisms of the development of overt diabetes from borderline subclinical diabetes in virus-triggered autoimmune type I diabetes in human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the sequences of genes coding for porcine tyrosinase (TYR) and related proteins. Confirmation of TYR and dopachrome tautomerase to chromosomes 9; Detection of single nuclei polymorphism in porcine reference DNA panels; Polymorphism detection in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

We evaluated how Paco(2) and respiratory variables relate during and after exercise and derived a new noninvasive estimation of Paco(2) in children and postoperative patients with congenital heart disease. We randomly selected 8 subjects from each of three categorized groups from our previous studies: 15 control subjects (8 to 21 years old), 16 Fontan procedure patients (9 to 22 years old), and 13 patients after right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR) [7 to 21 years old], and used their respiratory variables during exercise testing to estimate Paco(2) (study 1). In a stepwise multiple regression analysis, end-tidal carbon dioxide tension (Petco(2)), age, ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (minute ventilation [Ve]/carbon dioxide production [Vco(2)]), and gas exchange ratio (R) were major determinants of Paco(2) in control subjects: Paco(2) = 12.0 + 0.54 Petco(2) + 0.15 Ve/Vco(2) - 3.6 R + 0.22 age (r = 0.86). In addition to Petco(2) and Ve/Vco(2), arterial oxygen saturation and tidal volume were additional major determinants for Fontan procedure and RVOTR patients, respectively. We derived equations to predict the Paco(2) (r = 0.92 for Fontan procedure and r = 0.74 for RVOTR). These equations were applied to the remaining study subjects to estimate Paco(2) (study 2). Estimated values correlated with the measured Paco(2) (r = 0.71 to 0.86), and the mean differences for the control subjects, Fontan procedure, and RVOTR patients were - 0.1, - 0.1, and - 1.0, with limits of agreement of +/- 3.3, +/- 4.4, and +/- 3.1, respectively. Although estimated Paco(2) based on the Jones equation correlated with the measured Paco(2) in all groups, their slopes were significantly flatter than ours. Paco(2) throughout exercise testing may be estimated in control children and postoperative pediatric patients. The Jones equation should be applied with great care in pediatric subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An HTS SQUID probe microscope has been developed using a high-permeability needle to enable high spatial resolution measurement of samples in air even at room temperature. Image processing techniques have also been developed to improve the magnetic field images obtained from the microscope. Artifacts in the data occur due to electromagnetic interference from electric power lines, line drift and flux trapping. The electromagnetic interference could successfully be removed by eliminating the noise peaks from the power spectrum of fast Fourier transforms of line scans of the image. The drift between lines was removed by interpolating the mean field value of each scan line. Artifacts in line scans occurring due to flux trapping or unexpected noise were removed by the detection of a sharp drift and interpolation using the line data of neighboring lines. Highly detailed magnetic field images were obtained from the HTS SQUID probe microscope by the application of these image processing techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We numerically calculate total AC losses in a single Bi-2223 tape carrying a transport current in an external magnetic field parallel or perpendicular to the tape face. We also carry out the calculations for two models of three-strand parallel conductor. One is without transposition, and the other is with optimum transposition so that the branch current in each strand becomes equal. It is confirmed the total AC losses fairly increase with the simultaneous application of transport current. It is also found that in the perpendicular field the total losses are scarcely dependent on transposition but on the number of strands in the smaller field amplitude. In the parallel field, the effect of the number of strands on the total AC losses is notable as well as transposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: AC losses are numerically evaluated in thin superconducting tapes exposed to an external magnetic field perpendicular to their broad face under the assumption of the critical state model including the field dependence of a critical current density. When the thickness of tape is much smaller than the width, the electromagnetic fields are determined by obtaining the distribution of the magnetic field perpendicular to the tape face and the current density integrated over the tape thickness. Nonlinear integral equations for the perpendicular field are numerically solved at each step during a cycle of external field, and the magnetization losses are finally estimated from the product of local electric field and current density. The influences of the field dependence of critical current density on the losses are discussed quantitatively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thin, flexible and tough bucky paper fabricated by filtering a stable suspension of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) was characterized from the viewpoint of its pore structure and oxidation stability as compared with that derived from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The N2 adsorption isotherms of DWNTs and SWNTs at 77K were of type II and type IV, respectively, and also the micropore volume in DWNTs was three times greater than that in SWNTs. The onset temperature of oxidation in DWNTs was enhanced by ca. 200°C due to their coaxial structure. The expected high mechanical and electrical properties when combined with their high surface area and high structural integrity make the DWNTs bucky paper promising materials for numerous applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of the research was to identify QTL affecting the number of vertebrae in swine, one of the major determining factors of growth and body composition. Previously, we reported a QTL for the number of vertebrae located on SSC 1qter (terminal band of the q arm of SSC 1) in an F2 family produced by crossing a Göttingen miniature male with two Meishan females. Eight other swine families were subsequently produced by crosses between different breeds of European, Asian, and miniature pigs. In these families, the QTL on SSC 1qter for the number of vertebrae was detected. Unlike the Asian alleles, all European alleles in this study had the effect of increasing the number of vertebrae by 0.44 to 0.69 and acted additively without dominance. The Göttingen miniature sire, for which we previously reported a smaller additive effect, seemed to be heterozygous at the QTL. In the present study, another QTL was found for the number of vertebrae on SSC7. This QTL was not fixed in the European pigs used as parents in our experimental families, and some of the European alleles increased the number of vertebrae. A half-sib analysis confirmed that this QTL was segregating in a commercial Large White population. Analysis in an F2 family in which the parental pigs were fixed for alternative alleles revealed that the effects of the QTL on SSC1 and on SSC7 were additive and similar in size. The two QTL acted independently without epistatic effects and explained an increase of more than two vertebrae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experienced a case of Dermatobia hominis infestation from South America. Here we discuss imported cases of D. hominis in Japan with literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we describe synthesis of very unusual multi-walled carbon nanotubes through a catalytic chemical vapor deposition method using a floating reactant method and subsequent thermal treatment up to 2600°C in a large quantity. Main characteristics of these nanotubes are (1) relatively wide distribution of diameters ranging from 20 to 70nm and linear, long macro-morphology (aspect ratio >100), (2) highly straight and crystalline layers, (3) high purity through removal of metallic impurity, (4) very low interlayer spacing (0.3385nm) and low R value (I D/I G =0.0717), (5) high G′ intensity over intensity of G band (G′/G=0.85) and strongly negative magnetoresistance value of −1.08% at 77K and 1T. The unusual microstructure of thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes with a partially facetted cross-sectional shape caused by thermal treatment is mainly ascribed to abrupt density changes (from 1.89 to 2.1g/cm3) within a confined nanosized space, accompanying with the phase separation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigated the effect of apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, in the impairment of vascular responses in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (type 2 diabetic rat model) with or without (w/wo) N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester treatment. Male OLETF and littermate Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) (28 weeks old) rats were separated as follows: LETO w/wo apocynin (Gp C, Gp C-apo), OLETF w/wo apocynin (Gp DM, Gp DM-apo) and OLETF plusl-nitro arginine acetate ester w/wo apocynin (Gp DMLN, Gp DMLN-apo). Five days after, peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with thioglycolate. Two days after, they were evaluated. Plasma glucose and lipid levels remained unchanged. Acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide-dependent (NO-dependent) relaxation and nitroglycerin-induced NO-independent relaxation were improved in the Gp DMLN-apo, compared with that in Gp DMLN. Tone-related basal NO release and plasma NO2− and NO3− tended to be lower in Gp DM and Gp DMLN groups. The increased amount of superoxide anion released from macrophages in Gp DM and Gp DMLN was restored by apocynin. Intimal thickening was observed in aortae of Gp DM and Gp DMLN animals; however, there was little in aortae of Gp DM-apo and Gp DMLN– apo rats. Increased tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the Gp DM and Gp DMLN was also restored by apocynin treatment. Apocynin restores the impairment of endothelial and non-endothelial function in diabetic angiopathy in OLETF without changing plasma glucose and lipid levels. NO and O2− may play a role in this process by decreasing TNF-α levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have numerically and experimentally studied on the Josephson-vortex flow in stacks of intrinsic Josephson junctions in Bi2Sr2CaCu2Oy single crystals. Numerical simulations of static and dynamic behavior of Josephson vortices in such a stack were carried out by using perturbed coupled sine-Gordon equations. The current-voltage characteristics of the stacks in the single-crystal mesas were measured without or with magnetic field B up to 4.5 T parallel to the junction layers at 4.2 K. It has been observed that the vortex flow tends to occur preferably in the highest velocity mode (in-phase mode) only in several junctions in the stack in low B below ∼ 1 T, in intermediate velocity modes in more junctions in it in intermediately higher B and preferably in the lowest velocity mode (out-of-phase mode) in almost all junctions in it in much higher B above ∼2.5 T, accompanied by a decrease in flow velocity from ∼ 2.5 × 106 to (2-5) × 105 m/s with increasing Bfs. This behavior of vortices can be interpreted to arise from an increase in interaction among vortices in the stack with the increase in B, according to the simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]