Search

Zeolite of NH4-form Y-type was calcined under different atmospheres and temperatures. The dependence of its fluorescence properties on the calcination conditions was studied to reveal the mechanism of the fluorescence. Whether the atmosphere contained oxygen was significant to determine if oxygen vacancies could be responsible for the fluorescence. It also depended evidently on the temperature and atmosphere and was the strongest on 350 °C calcination in nitrogen atmosphere. The zeolite framework and decomposition of NH4+ might cause this dependence.

Interphase boundary structures of lath martensite and bainite formed in austenite were examined by means of conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Orientation relationships of the isothermal lath martensite in Fe-20Ni-5.5Mn and of the bainitic ferrite in Fe-2Si-1Mn-0.6C are both slightly scattered in the vicinity of K-S, N and G-T relationships with respect to austenite. The broad face of martensite lath contains transformation dislocations (monoatomic steps with the (111) fcc //(011) bcc terrace). Two kinds of accommodation dislocations exist alternately on every three layers of the parallel close packed planes, in a glissile arrangement. Such dislocations can fully accommodate the shear component of transformation strain. It is found that the atomic structure of bainitic ferrite/austenite interphase boundary is similar to that of lath martensite.

The Hall effect and the Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) effect have been investigated in magnetic fields up to 54 T in p-(Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) Sn doped single crystals. Doping of (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 with tin has shown that Sn exhibits acceptor properties in all crystals. We discuss the valence band structure of (Bi1−xSbx)2Te3 with the upper valence band (light hole band (LHB)), the lower valence band (heavy hole band (HHB)) and Sn-induced impurity band (IB). The Hall resistivity ρH as a function of magnetic field shows quantization in the form of plateaus. The calculated Landau levels of the LHB with the best-fit parameters are in agreement with the experiment. The oscillation of ρH is due to the presence of the carrier reservoir. The impurity resonant band with a high density of states or the HHB with a higher hole effective mass serve as the reservoir.

The temperature dependence of the resistivity and the Hall effect in the range 0.3-300 K, and the Shubnikov-de Haas effect have been investigated in Sn-doped p-(Bi 1-x Sb x ) 2 Te 3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) single crystals. Doping of (Bi 1-x Sb x ) 2 Te 3 with tin showed that Sn exhibits acceptor properties in all crystals. The anomalous temperature and magnetic field behavior of the Hall coefficient was explained quantitatively by a model, which involves the complicated two-valence band structure of p-(Bi 1-x Sb x ) 2 Te 3 . The quantization of the Hall resistivity Q H in the form of plateaus in the dependence of Q H on the magnetic field B is observed. The minima of the transverse magnetoresistivity Q correspond to the start of plateaus. The oscillation of Q H is due to the presence of a carrier reservoir. An impurity resonant band with a high density of states in Sb 2 Te 3 or the second lower valence band with a higher hole effective mass in (Bi 1-x Sb x ) 2 Te 3 serves as the reservoir. The valence band structure of (Bi 1-x Sb x ) 2 Te 3 is also discussed.

Interphase boundary structures were compared between lath-shaped bainitic ferrite in Fe–0.6C–2Si–1Mn and lath martensite in Fe–20Ni–5.5Mn. Both laths exhibit the macroscopic habit plane scattered around (1 2 1)γ which contains monoatomic steps with the (1 1 1) γ ∥(0 1 1) α terrace (transformation dislocations/structural ledges). Similar accommodation dislocations, with pure-screw characters on (1 1 1) γ ∥(0 1 1) α , were observed in both cases.

Effects of iodine or bromine treatments on the stabilization and carbonization of pitches were investigated by using five kinds of pitch-model compounds with different molecular structures. Iodine treatment significantly modified the thermal properties of compounds with condensed aromatic-rings, which resulted in a high carbon yield. In iodine treatment remarkable reaction was more easily achieved for compounds in the liquid state than in the solid one. In contrast, bromine treatment had a different polymerization reaction from that for iodine, which was effective in increasing carbon yield on even the compounds without condensed rings. This result supports the hypothesis that bromine treatment is independent of the chemical structure of parent pitches.

Long-length scale interaction model proposed by Littlewood has been extended to study dipole and screening effects on sliding motion of one-dimensional charge-density-wave (CDW). The system in the extended model consists of a site-by-site main-system fixed at pinning centers and the continuous sub-systems in each pinning site. For strong pinning case, we have demonstrated these effects on the CDW phase, CDW current, and narrow band noise spectrum. The dipole effect suppresses the pinning potential and gives rise to a change from deformable “plastic flow” like to rigid “moving solid” like CDW condenstates, while the screening effect acts to recover the former.

We have measured magnetotransports for layered semiconductors Bi 2− x Sn x Te 3 and Sb 2− x Sn x Te 3 at low temperature in magnetic fields up to 55 T. Both crystals show clear Hall plateaus near the corresponding resistivity minima. Based on the existing band model, we propose a possible mechanism for Hall oscillation in these three-dimensional systems, in which Sn-originated resonant impurity band or lower valence band plays a crucial role.

The viscoelastic behavior of iodine-treated coal tar pitch is examined by the use of a Vickers indenter as an efficient micro probe. The charge-transfer complexes formed by the iodine treatment of a coal tar pitch significantly alter the rheological behavior. Five different iodine-treated pitches are prescribed at 100°C by controlling the soaking time in saturated iodine vapor. Two different types of time-dependent indentation tests, tests for a constant rate of indentation penetration and creep tests with a constant indentation load, are conducted. The softening and the creeping are progressively and significantly suppressed by increasing the soaking time. The effects of iodine treatment on these rheological behaviors are quantitatively discussed and related to the molecular/ionic structures in terms of the stress relaxation modulus E(t), instantaneous creep compliance D(0), steady-state creep compliance Ds, creep compliance function D(t), retardation time spectrum L(τ), steady-state shear viscosity ηs, etc.

We have performed magnetotransport experiments for η-Mo 4 O 11 from 80mK to 1.5 K and up to 55 T by means of edge contact method and using a pulsed magnet. In the intermediate field range of 10 < B < 25 T, we have observed anomalous quantum Hall effect, where the values of the Hall resistivity ρ H at flat plateaus rather decreases, suggesting the order of the filling factor v = 2 → 3 → 4. We proposed a possible model based on a field-dependent Fermi surface. Above 25 T, furthermore, we have observed broad peaks in both p-B and ρ H -B curves.

Changes of rheological properties, especially thermal fusibility, during carbonization processes of iodine-treated coal tar pitches have been investigated by TG–Mass, viscometer and proton nuclear magnetic resonance thermal analysis. It was found that iodine could exist in two distinct forms in coal tar pitch (CTP). Introduced iodine molecules, about 30 wt% against the CTP, formed charge-transfer complexes with the CTP molecules. These charge-transfer complexes decompose at temperature above 200°C to form HI and free radicals, which promote cross-linkage and reduce the resolidification temperature of CTP by two hundred degrees. Additional iodine (at levels of greater than 30 wt%) could be eliminated by ethanol and be weakly bound to the CTP. Over extended periods of time at 100°C, latter form of iodine increases the softening temperature and viscosity of the CTP, possibly by acting as an oxidant. The combination of the two effects explains how iodine is so effective as a stabilizer of CTP.

We have found a new type of three-dimensional quantized Hall effect (QHE) in layered semiconductors Bi2−xSnxTe3 (x≤0.0125) single crystals. The Hall resistivity is not expressed in a universal relation applicable for a conventional QHE and depends appreciably on the doped Sn concentration x. The flat Hall plateaus are visible at higher Landau levels but are rather suppressed at lower regions. The calculated Landau levels of the upper valence band (UVB) with the best-fit band parameters are in excellent agreement with the experiments, including spin splitting. For Bi2−xSnxTe3, the Sn-originated impurity band (IB) has resonant nature and enhances the density of states at the Fermi level of UVB. The charge transfer occurs between the quantized UVB and the resonant IB or the lower valence band (LVB) for Bi2−xSnxTe3 or Bi2Te3, respectively, and the Landau levels are enhanced appreciably. We have revealed that the quasi-localized states are formed in quantized three-dimensional density of state spectra. We have proposed a possible model for the present QHE, which is a modification of Mani's model, where the quasi-localized state is formed at the disorder-originated tail of each Landau level. In the quasi-localized regime, the IB or LVB are responsible for the carrier reservoir to regulate the Hall resistivity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR) subtypes mRNA in primary culture of human prostate stromal cells using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), RNA blotting and in situ hybridization (ISH). Using an explant method, we obtained a primary culture of prostate stromal cells from three patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Total RNA was extracted using the acid guanidinium method for cDNA synthesis. First-strand cDNA was then used for PCR with primers designed to amplify the fragments of each mAchR subtypes (m1-m5) cDNA sequence. The m2, m3 and m4 subtype expected bands were detected; in particular m2 transcripts was strongly detected in the stromal cell culture. Each of the PCR products were subcloned into the pGEM-T plasmid vector, sequenced and random primer labeled using 32P. Digoxigenin-labeled cRNA probes were synthesized by in vitro transcription. RNA blotting using a m2 muscarinic receptor cDNA probe revealed a 4.5 kb single transcript. However, m3 and m4 probes did not hybridize. Using in situ hybridization (ISH), m2 receptor mRNA signals were detected in several smooth muscle cells. The staining was predominantly localized to the perinuclear cytoplasm. The m3 and m4 probes did not hybridize. These results suggested that m2 receptor subtype plays a role in smooth muscle activity of the human prostate.

Iodine introduced into coal tar pitch (CTP) can drastically alter its reology and carbonization behavior. Here, the mechanism of interaction between iodine and CTP has been investigated by using various spectroscopic methods such as 127I-NMR, EPR and FT–IR. It is shown that some iodine molecules infiltrated into the CTP and form charge transfer complexes with the relative large aromatic components of the CTP. Hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy (HYSCORE) revealed the molecular size of cation radicals, which contain more than ten benzene rings, and the location of iodine anion that is incorporated at ca. 0.3 nm from the aromatic cation radicals. The elemental H/C ratio decreased and the viscosity of CTP increased with the density of the charge-transfer complexes, which was also increased by the iodine treatment. These results strongly suggest that dehydrogenative polymerization of CTP occurs during the iodine treatment. The cation radicals in the charge-transfer complexes accelerate the dehydrogenative polymerization and result in a high carbon yield.

The quantization of the Hall resistivity ρxy in the form of plateaus in the dependence of ρxy on the magnetic field B is observed in the semiconductors Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3; the minima of the transverse magnetoresistivity ρxx correspond to the start of the plateaus. The quantization of ρxy is due to the presence of a current-carrier reservoir. An impurity band with a high density of states or a different band with a much higher current-carrier effective mass serves as the reservoir.

Magnetotransport measurements have been made for quasi-two-dimensional η-Mo 4 O 11 crystals in its charge-density-wave (CDW) phases along the crystallographic a * -, b -, and c -axes at low tempera...

The magnetotransport has been measured for quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) η-Mo4O11 crystals from 0.3 to 4.2 K in magnetic fields up to 10 T using an edge contacts method. The magnetic-field dependence of the off-diagonal Hall resistivity exhibits plateaus at the magnetic fields where the diagonal resistivity shows minima, indicating an apparent quantum Hall effect in this Q2D material. Its possible origin is discussed by considering the characteristic layered structure of η-Mo4O11. A negative magnetoresistance in weak magnetic fields and an unusually large peak at 9 T in the z-axis longitudinal magnetoresistance were found.

Sixteen P1 and TAC clones assigned to Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5 were sequenced, and their sequence features were analyzed using various computer programs. The total length of the sequences determined was 1,013,767 bp. Together with the nucleotide sequences of 109 clones previously reported, the regions of chromosome 5 sequenced so far now total 9,072,622 bp, which presumably covers approximately one-third of the chromosome. A similarity search against the reported gene sequences predicted the presence of a total of 225 protein-coding genes and/or gene segments in the newly sequenced regions, indicating an average gene density of one gene per 4.5 kb. Introns were identified in 72.4% of the potential protein genes for which the entire gene structure was predicted, and the average number per gene and the average length of the introns were 3.3 and 163 bp, respectively. These sequence features are essentially identical to those in the previously reported sequences. The sequence data and gene information are available on the World Wide Web database KAOS (Kazusa Arabidopsis data Opening Site) at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/arabi/.

We isolated full-length cDNA clones from size-fractionated cDNA libraries of human immature myeloid cell line KG-1, and the coding sequences of 40 genes were newly predicted. A computer search of the GenBank/EMBL databases indicated that the sequences of 14 genes were unrelated to any reported genes, while the remaining 26 genes carried some sequences with similarities to known genes. Significant transmembrane domains were identified in 17 genes, and protein motifs that matched those in the PROSITE motif database were identified in 11 genes. Northern hybridization analysis with 18 different cells and tissues demonstrated that 10 genes were apparently expressed in a cell-specific or tissue-specific manner. Among the genes predicted, half were isolated from the medium-sized cDNA library and the other half from the small-sized cDNA library, and their average sizes were 4 kb and 1.4 kb, respectively. As judged by Northern hybridization profiles, small-sized cDNAs appeared to be expressed more ubiquitously and abundantly in various tissues, compared with that of medium-sized cDNAs.

正常と考えられるヒト外肛門括約筋10例およびラットの正常な外肛門括約筋20例を用いて組織学的,組織化学的に比較検討を行った.ヒトではタイプ1線維が85.02%と有意に多く,疲労に抵抗性を示したのに対し,ラットではタイプ1線維は0.9%と非常に少なく,タイプ2A線維が98.51%と有意に多かった.筋線維の直径は,ヒトではタイプ1線維が他のタイプの線維に比べ有意に小さいのに対し,ラットでは各タイプ間で直径には差はみられなかった.またラットではヒトで認められたragged-red fiberは全くみられなかった.ヒト外肛門括約筋がラット外肛門括約筋に比べ,タイプ1線維の比率が高く,ragged-red fiberが存在することはラットと異なりヒトでは外肛門括約筋がtonusを常に保っていることが原因と考えられた.

Aspirin prevents the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) by irreversibly inhibiting platelet cyclooxygenase, exhibiting antiplatelet actions. This agent has been reported to prevent relapse in patients with ischemic heart disease or cerebral infarction via this action mechanism. However, there are individual differences in this action, and aspirin is not effective in some patients, which is referred to as 'aspirin resistance'. In this study, we analyzed laboratory aspirin resistance by platelet aggregation in 110 healthy adult Japanese males using 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nine genes involved in platelet aggregation/hemorrhage. Among SNPs involved in platelet aggregation, aspirin was less effective for 924T homozygote of a TXA2 receptor, 924T>C, and 1018C homozygote of a platelet membrane glycoprotein GPIbalpha, 1018C>T, suggesting that 924T and 1018C alleles are involved in aspirin resistance.

Railway truck is necessary to have excellent curving performance as well as high speed hunting stability, but generally they are contrary to each other. In order to realize the compatibility, many trucks with passive steering mechanism have been studied, and some of them are realized on service operation. In order to realize further improvement of bogie steering ability on sharp curve, active steering control can give effective performance, and is considered as the latest topic. As an example of the active steering bogie, the bogie with actuators between wheelsets and bogie frame is considered. The bogie mechanism realizes effective steering but requires many actuators results in complex mechanism. The truck treated here has simple but effective mechanism: Actuators are attached only between car body and truck frame. When railway trucks negotiate sharp curve running, the rolling radius difference between inside and outside wheels cannot be obtained sufficiently, and the attitude of the truck becomes so-called “insufficient steering condition”. Considering the phenomena, if the truck frame is steered by actuators toward “radial steering position of the truck”, the improvement of curving performance of the truck can be realized. This is the first concept of active-bogie-steering (ABS) truck. In this paper, detailed study and evaluation for ABS (Active-Bogie-Steering) bogie will be presented. Validity tests were carried out with the bogie on rolling test stand in NTSEL (National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory), which can simulate curve-running condition including transition curve. Bogie parameters and steering actuator characteristics are elaborately identified in order to compare the experimental results with multi-body dynamics simulation. According to the test results and numerical simulation, the effectiveness of the proposed bogie mechanism and control are proved.Copyright © 2007 by ASME

We report here on a patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma presenting diffuse fibrosis of bone marrow and spleen. After splenectomy and chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsy demonstrated an improvement of fibrosis. Plasma concentration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was much higher in this patient than in those of age-matched non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients ( n=5) at diagnosis, decreasing after resolution of myelofibrosis. Immunostaining with the TGF-beta antibody revealed that the lymphoma cells in bone marrow and spleen were positive for TGF-beta. TGF-beta secreted by tumor cells was thought to stimulate the growth of fibroblasts and synthesize collagen in bone marrow and splenic fibroblasts, and play an important role in the development of marrow and splenic fibrosis in this patient. This is the first report of a patient with splenic marginal zone lymphoma presenting as myelofibrosis associated with bone marrow involvement of lymphoma cells which secrete a large amount of TGF-beta.

The genome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been sequenced by an international collaboration, The Arabidopsis Genome Initiative. Here we report the complete sequence of chromosome 5. This chromosome is 26 megabases long; it is the second largest Arabidopsis chromosome and represents 21% of the sequenced regions of the genome. The sequence of chromosomes 2 and 4 have been reported previously and that of chromosomes 1 and 3, together with an analysis of the complete genome sequence, are reported in this issue. Analysis of the sequence of chromosome 5 yields further insights into centromere structure and the sequence determinants of heterochromatin condensation. The 5,874 genes encoded on chromosome 5 reveal several new functions in plants, and the patterns of gene organization provide insights into the mechanisms and extent of genome evolution in plants.

It has been postulated that differential pathological diagnosis of lung tumorlet from pulmonary carcinoid is very important to decide the therapeutic strategy, because both of them are pathologically consisted of similar type of cells originated from same cells. At the present, although lung tumorlet is considered to be a hyperplastic lesion of Kultschitzky cells which is located in the epithelial cell of the bronchial mucosa by stimuli such as hypoxia and inflammation, but it occasionally recognized in the normal lung and the concept that it is a subtype of carcnoid is also undeniable. In this paper, a case of lung tumorlet with minute pulmonary carcinoid suggesting a subtype of carcinoid operated upon in our department is presented. Although simple pulmonary resection is a method of choice for pulmonary carcinoid, but it is still controversial as to therapeutic strategy for the lung tumorlet, because it is a benign entity and not tumorous lesion. However pulmonary resection with a close subsequent followed-up study must be a best method of choice for the case with lung tumorlet includes a minute lesion of carcinoid seen in this particular case.

We have recently developed a novel database system, designated as the virtual transcribed sequence (VTS) which efficiently extracts many genes from public human genome databases, and tested the feasibility of this novel computational approach (N. Miyajima, C. Burge, T. Saito, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 272 (2000) 801; http://host45.maze.co.jp/vts/). In this study, using the VTS approach, we isolated a cDNA for a novel human gene with RING finger motif (C(3)HC(4)), which is not deposited in public EST databases. The isolated cDNA clone is 2163 bp in length, and contains an open reading frame of 452 amino acids. We designated the novel gene as RNF18. A database search showed that the RNF18 gene had the moderate similarity to SS-A/Ro52 protein, which is a ribonucleoprotein reactive with autoantibodies in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. Tissue distribution analyses by Northern blot and RT-PCR methods demonstrated that the RNF18 messenger RNA was preferentially expressed in testis. The exon-intron boundaries of RNF18 gene were determined by aligning the cDNA sequence with the corresponding genome sequence. The isolated cDNA consists of eight exons that span about 11 kb of the genome DNA. The precise chromosomal location of the RNF18 gene was determined by PCR-based radiation hybrid mapping, and the gene was located to centromere region of chromosome 11 between markers NIB1900 and D11S1350. Taken together, the VTS approach should provide a novel cDNA cloning strategy for isolating unidentified genes, which are not found even in EST databases but are detectable computationally.

Experimental infection of monkeys with the IC-B strain of measles virus (MV), which was isolated in marmoset B lymphoblastoid B95a cells from an acute measles patient, caused clinical signs typical for measles, while infection by the IC-V strain isolated in African green monkey kidney Vero cells from the same patient did not cause any clinical signs in infected monkeys. The IC-B strain replicated only in B95a cells, whereas the IC-V strain replicated in both B95a and Vero cells (3,6). To clarify which gene or mutation(s) was responsible for the difference in these phenotypes, the nucleotide sequences of the entire genomes of the IC-B and IC-V strains were determined. Comparative nucleotide sequence analyses revealed only two nucleotide differences, one in the P/V/C gene and the other in the M gene, predicting amino acid differences in the P, V and M proteins and a 19 amino acid deletion in the C protein of the IC-V strain. The truncation in the C protein was confirmed for the IC-V strain by immunoprecipitation using the C protein specific antiserum. No nucleotide difference was found in the envelope H gene. These results indicated that nucleotide difference(s) in the P/V/C or/and M gene, and not H gene, was responsible for the different cell tropism and pathogenicity of MV in this case.

The indications, techniques, and results of laparoscopic surgery for early rectal carcinoma are described in detail. Laparoscopic surgery is indicated when a mucosal tumor is too large to perform endoscopic or transanal resection or the tumor invades the submucosal layer. When the tumor is located in the Rs or Ra region, surgery can be completed laparoscopically. After dissection of the mesenterium and lymphadenectomy are performed, the anal side of the rectum is divided using EndoGIA II. When the tumor is located in the Rb portion, it is impossible to resect the rectum intracorporeally. In this situation, aperi anal maneuver is essential. The rectal mucosa is circumferentially incised just above the dentate line and the internal anal sphincter is dissected. Dissection is advanced to the intersphincteric space. Dissection between the rectum and the levator ani muscle is completed, and the rectum is pulled through the anus. After the oral side of the rectum is divided, a J-pouch is mase and J-pouch-anal anastomosis is performed. Forty-seven patients with rectal carcinoma were operated upon laparoscopically. Postoperative recovery was better than that after open surgery. Serious intraoperative or postoperative complications have not been encountered in this series. In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery is thought to be the procedure of first choice for early rectal carcinoma.

These studies were designed to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and resulting quality of life (QOL) of outpatient chemotherapy with infusional 5-FU for advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Schedule, sch. A: Treatment consisted of CI 5-FU 200 mg/m2/day, days 1-28, IVB Leucovorin 20 mg/m2 q week. Fifteen patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer were treated to maintain the efficacy of prior inpatient chemotherapy. Twenty-one patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy were added to evaluate toxicity and QOL. The mean time to progression (TTP) was 2.6 months. Grade 2 toxicities were seen, including mucositis (23%) and diarrhea (7%). Hand-foot syndrome was seen 60% of patients. The mean QOL score was 89.5 +/- 7.8. Sch.B: Treatment consisted of weekly 24 h infusion of 5-FU 2,600 mg/m2. 5-FU was administered using a Groshong catheter and Baxter infusor LV5 (5 ml/hr). Nine patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer were treated. Twenty-one patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean TTP was 3.6 month. Grade 2 toxicities were seen, including leucocytopenia (7%), mucositis (3%), diarrhea (10%), and nausea and vomiting (10%). The mean QOL score was 82.6 +/- 10.7. In conclusion, both 5-FU schedules are feasible for outpatient chemotherapy for advanced gastrointestinal cancer.

A total of 17 Pl and TAC clones each representing an assigned region of chromosome 5 were isolated from P1 and TAC genomic libraries of Arabidopsis thaliana Columbia, and their nucleotide sequences were determined. The length of the clones sequenced in this study summed up to 1,081,958 bp. As we have previously reported the sequence of 9,072,622 bp by analysis of 125 P1 and TAC clones, the total length of the sequences of chromosome 5 determined so far is now 10,154,580 bp. The sequences were subjected to similarity search against protein and EST databases and analysis with computer programs for gene modeling. As a consequence, a total of 253 potential protein-coding genes with known or predicted functions were identified. The positions of exons which do not show apparent similarity to known genes were also assigned using computer programs for exon prediction. The average density of the genes identified in this study was 1 gene per 4277 bp. Introns were observed in 74% of the potential protein genes, and the average number per gene and the average length of the introns were 4.3 and 168 bp, respectively. The sequence data and gene information are available on the World Wide Web database KAOS (Kazusa Arabidopsis data Opening Site) at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/arabi/.

Nineteen P1 and TAC clones, which have been precisely localized to the fine physical map of Arabidopsis thaliana chromosome 5, were newly sequenced, and their sequence features were analysed. The total length of the clones sequenced was 1,456,315 bp. Together with the previously reported sequences, the regions of chromosome 5 that have been sequenced to date is now 5,310,105 bp. When the sequences determined in this study were subjected to similarity search against protein and expressed sequence tag (EST) databases and analysis with computer programs for gene modeling, a total of 354 potential protein-coding genes and/or gene segments were identified. The average density of the assigned genes and/or gene segments was one gene per 4,114 bp. Introns were identified in 75% of the potential protein genes, and the average number per gene and the average length of the introns were 3.7 and 194 bp, respectively. These sequence features are essentially identical to those in the previously reported sequences. The numbers of the Arabidopsis ESTs matched to each of the predicted genes have been counted to monitor the transcription level. The sequence data and gene information are available on the World Wide Web database KAOS (the Kazusa Arabidopsis data Opening Site) at http://www.kazusa.or.jp/arabi/.

As an extension of a series of projects for sequencing human cDNA clones derived from relatively long transcripts, we herein report the entire sequences of 100 newly determined cDNA clones with the potential of coding for large proteins in vitro. The cDNA clones were isolated from size-fractionated human brain cDNA libraries with insert sizes between 4.5 and 8.3 kb. The sequencing of these clones revealed that the average size of the cDNA inserts and of their open reading frames was 5.3 kb and 2.8 kb (930 amino acid residues), respectively. Homology search against public databases indicated that the predicted coding sequences of 86 clones exhibited significant similarities to known genes; 51 of them (59%) were related to those for cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid management, and cell structure/motility. All the clones characterized in this study are accompanied by their expression profiles in 14 human tissues examined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction and the chromosomal mapping data.

In this series of projects of sequencing human cDNA clones which correspond to relatively long transcripts, we newly determined the entire sequences of 100 cDNA clones which were screened on the basis of the potentiality of coding for large proteins in vitro. The cDNA libraries used were the fractions with average insert sizes from 5.3 to 7.0 kb of the size-fractionated cDNA libraries from human brain. The randomly sampled clones were single-pass sequenced from both the ends to select clones that are not registered in the public database. Then their protein-coding potentialities were examined by an in vitro transcription/translation system, and the clones that generated proteins larger than 60 kDa were entirely sequenced. Each clone gave a distinct open reading frame (ORF), and the length of the ORF was roughly coincident with the approximate molecular mass of the in vitro product estimated from its mobility on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The average size of the cDNA clones sequenced was 6.1 kb, and that of the ORFs corresponded to 1200 amino acid residues. By computer-assisted analysis of the sequences with DNA and protein-motif databases (GenBank and PROSITE databases), the functions of at least 73% of the gene products could be anticipated, and 88% of them (the products of 64 clones) were assigned to the functional categories of proteins relating to cell signaling/communication, nucleic acid managing, and cell structure/motility. The expression profiles in a variety of tissues and chromosomal locations of the sequenced clones have been determined. According to the expression spectra, approximately 11 genes appeared to be predominantly expressed in brain. Most of the remaining genes were categorized into one of the following classes: either the expression occurs in a limited number of tissues (31 genes) or the expression occurs ubiquitously in all but a few tissues (47 genes).

Laparoscopic surgery has been indicated as a choice of treatment for colon and rectal carcinoma in many institutes. However, indication and techniques of laparoscopic surgery have not been fixed probably because curability of laparoscopic surgery has not proved clear. D1 lymphadenectomy for early cancer is easy because only dissection of the mesenterium is necessary. But D2 and D3 lymphadenectomy is not popular because it needs the clearance of the root of main artery of the tumor. We compared the postoperative recovery and curability of laparoscopic surgery with conventional operation. Curavility of the operation was similar among laparoscopic surgery and conventional operation. Thus laparoscopic surgery for colon and rectum can be indicated even in cases of advanced carcinoma. To spread laparoscopic surgery, post graduate education program is necessary to get consensus of indication and techniques of laparoscopic surgery.

The aim of this study was to measure the tissue concentration of anti-cancer agents administered by arterial infusion. After the abdominal cavity was opened, 250 mg of 5-FU diluted in 20 ml saline was infused into the feeding artery in 16 patients with colonic cancer. After the affected lesion was resected, specimens were obtained at the tumor, at sites 5 and 10 cm from the center of the tumor, and at the adjacent nodes. The concentration of 5-FU was higher in the tumor and the adjacent lymph nodes than in the normal colon near the lesion. This suggests that 5-FU has a more favorable distribution profile in tumor tissue than in normal tissue. Patients with a high concentration of 5-FU in the tumor also demonstrated high levels in the other tissue. Blood flow volume and the length of time between the injection of 5-FU and harvest of the specimen may account for differences in the tissue concentration of the agent after administration of the same dose.

Anomalous quantum Hall effect in the quasi-two-dimensional conductor η-Mo4O11 was observed under pulsed high magnetic field. The Hall resistivity with plateaus shows negative field dependence in the field range 10 T in contrast to the conventional QHE. This behavior is explained by the field-dependent Fermi surface model. We investigate the sample dependence of anomalous QHE.

We have previously reported that a c-myc protein complex binds to the region upstream of the c-myc gene, where exist an origin of cellular DNA replication (ori) and a transcriptional enhancer. Both functions require a 21 bp long sequence, while the c-myc protein complex recognizes a 7 bp consensus therein. It was recently reported that single-stranded DNA binding proteins bound specifically to sequences that play roles in DNA replication or transcription. We examined for proteins binding to the single-stranded DNAs of the 21 bp element (myc(H-P)21). In a band shift assay with HL60 cells nuclear extract, probes of either the plus strand or the minus strand gave rise to specific signals. Mutation introduced within a short consensus (A/TCTA/TA/TT) present in both strands completely abolished binding in either case. Southwestern blotting analysis showed that proteins of molecular weight 105, 80, 50, 45, 40, 39.5 and 14 kDa bound sequence-specifically to either strand and 22 kDa to minus strand to the cognate A/TCTA/TA/TT consensus. These single-stranded DNA binding proteins were named MSSP, c-myc gene single strand binding proteins. We attempted to isolate the cDNAs encoding these proteins by screening a human cDNA library with the plus single-stranded oligonucleotide as a probe. Among several positive clones, we have characterized one, termed MSSP-1. MSSP-1 produced in E. coli as a fusion protein with GST specifically interacted with single-stranded TCTTAT (plus myc(H-P)21) and ACT-ATT (in minus myc(H-P)21), the consensus of which can be referred to as A/TCTA/TA/TT. Sequence analysis of MSSP-1 cDNA revealed that two domains thereof are homologous to the RNA binding motifs common to several ribonucleoproteins. Interestingly, the MSSP-1/GST fusion protein specifically recognized myc(H-P)21 not only in single-stranded but also in double-stranded forms. Binding properties of MSSP-1 imply its functions in DNA replication. Furthermore, when the AT stretch in the SV40 ori core was substituted by TCTTAT, MSSP-1 promoted viral DNA replication depending on the consensus sequences.

770 cases of colorectal cancer; 240 cases of colonic cancer and 530 cases of rectal cancer were experienced. These cases were histologically divided into 4 types; well differentiated adenocarcinoma(well), moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma(mod), pooly differentiated adenocarcinoma(por) and mucinous carcinoma(muc). 5-year survival rate was calculated accoding to the stage. Furthermore, reccurent cases were studied on each histopathological type according to the stage. As a result, in colonic cancer the survival rate in well was low compared with other histopathological type, for it was caused of frequent hematogenous metastasis after curative resection. In rectal cancer at stage III, IV the survaival rate was poor, not related to histopathological type, because the frequency of local recurrence or lymphatic metastasis rate was high due to an anatomical characteristics and/or surgical difficulty.

The Shubnikov-de-Haas oscillations (SdHO) and quantum Hall effect (QHE) in η -Mo 4 O 11 were investigated at low temperatures (T > 0.8 K)), high pressures (0 - 25 kbar) and high magnetic fields (B < 17 T). η - Mo 4 O 11 is a layered conductor that undergoes two charge density wave transitions, leading to a low-temperature Fermi surface (FS) consisting of several small, closed hole and electron pockets that are highly two-dimensional. This work investigates the character and development of these FS areas with pressure and the resulting QHE, and indicates a pressure dependence of the nesting properties of the charge density wave.

We have found a new type of bulk quantum Hall effect (b-QHE) in layered crystals of Bi 2 Te 3 and Bi 2− x Sn x Te 3 ( x =0.005, and 0.0075), whose Hall resistivities exhibit clear Hall plateaus at odd- and even-filling factors, respectively, and the corresponding resistivity minima appear not at the center but at the onset of the Hall plateaus. The charge transfer from the lower valence band in the former or Sn-induced impurity band (IB) in the latter to the upper valence band is found to be the key point for b-QHE.

Nonlinear pulsed electric field response of charge-density wave (CDW) in η-Mo4O11 has been measured in magnetic fields where the quantum Hall effect (QHE) is observable. We have found that the relaxation time characterizing the sliding motion of CDW condensates shows pronounced peaks at magnetic fields corresponding to the Hall plateaus, which strongly suggests that a charge transfer from the CDW condensate system to the quantized carrier (QHE) system occurs.