Chimerism and mosaicism are important causes of ABO phenotype and genotype discrepancies

Discrepancies between blood group genotype and RBC phenotype are important to recognize when implementing DNA-based blood grouping techniques. This report describes two such cases involving the ABO blood group in the Korean population. Propositus #1 was a 22-year-old healthy man undergoing pretransfusion testing for minor surgery. Propositus #2 was a 23- year-old male blood donor. RBCs from both propositi were determined to be group AB and demonstrated unusual agglutination patterns on forward typing, which were inconsistent with their ABO genotype determined by allele-specific (AS) PCR. RBCs from propositus #1 demonstrated mixed field agglutination with both anti-A and -B, while RBCs from propositus #2 demonstrated mixed field only with anti-A reagents. Both had B/O genotypes by AS-PCR. Cloning and sequencing of ABO exons 6 and 7 revealed three alleles in both propositi: propositus #1: A102/B101/O04; propositus #2: A102/B101/O01. A panel of nine short-tandem repeat (STR) loci was tested on DNA extracted from blood, buccal mucosal cells, and hair from the propositi and on DNA isolated from their parents' blood. In all tissues tested from propositus #1, three loci demonstrated a double paternal and a single maternal DNA contribution, indicating that he was a chimera or a mosaic; in those from propositus # 2, one STR locus demonstrated a double paternal DNA contribution, indicating that he was a tetragametic chimera. Chimerism and mosaicism are uncommon but important causes of ABO genotype and phenotype discrepancies. The evaluation of patients and donors with unusual or unexpected serology in pretransfusion testing and consensus ABO alleles may include the evaluation of STR loci to detect these phenomena.

Search for coherent charged pion production in neutrino-carbon interactions

We report the result from a search for charged-current coherent pion production induced by muon neutrinos with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV. The data are collected with a fully active scintillator detector in the K2K long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. No evidence for coherent pion production is observed, and an upper limit of is set on the cross section ratio of coherent pion production to the total charged-current interaction at 90% confidence level. This is the first experimental limit for coherent charged pion production in the energy region of a few GeV.

Comparative effect of seeds of Rhynchosia volubilis and soybean on MG-63 human osteoblastic cell proliferation and estrogenicity

The seeds of Rhynchosia volubilis (SRV) (Leguminosae) and soybean have been used in oriental folk medicine to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Their beneficial effects are caused by a high content of isoflavone, which function as partial agonists or antagonists of estrogen. To compare the estrogenic effects of SRV and soybean on the MG-63 osteoblastic cell proliferation, 70% methanol extracts of SRV or soybean were treated on MG-63 cells. Although biphasic over a concentration range of 0.001 mg/ml-0.1 mg/ml, both SRV and soybean extracts increased MG-63 cell proliferation. However SRV was more effective at increasing the cell proliferation that paralleled with the greater estrogenic effects as determined by estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) expression, an estrogenic response element (ERE)-luciferase activity and the selective expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). SRV-induced IGF-I expression resulted from increases in the mRNA levels. Despite the increased expression of ERbeta, ERE activity and IGF-I expression by soybean were lower than those by SRV. Furthermore, the comparable estrogenic effects between SRV and the combined treatment of genistein and daidzein standards at 0.5 x 10(-8) M, which is a concentration of these two isoflavones similar to that of SRV at 0.001 mg/ml, demonstrate that the greater estrogenicity of SRV for MG-63 cell proliferation is mediated by the synergism of low levels of isoflavones for the selective expression of IGF-I.

The haemodynamic effects of propranolol and atenolol medication on dobutamine infusion in patients with coronary artery obstructive disease

We compared the haemodynamic effects of beta-blockers on dobutamine infusion in 60 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. All patients had been taking propranolol (n = 30) or atenolol (n = 30) pre-operatively for at least 1 month. After sternotomy, dobutamine was infused at 2 microg/kg per min, and the dose increased to 4 microg/kg per min and then 8 microg/kg per min, at 15-min intervals. In both groups, dobutamine infusion did not increase the cardiac index or the heart rate, but was associated with an increase in mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance index and mean pulmonary arterial pressure in a dose-dependent manner. The haemodynamic responses to dobutamine infusion were similar in the two groups. We conclude that pre-operative medication with beta-blockers reduced the inotropic and chronotropic effects of dobutamine infusion. There was no difference between the modification produced by propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, and that produced by atenolol, a selective beta1-blocker, however.

Bovine and canine transferrin inhibit the growth of Malassezia pachydermatis in vitro

Transferrin, an iron-binding beta-globulin protein that transports iron to mammalian cells, may contribute to innate immunity to fungal pathogens, primarily by limiting microbial access to iron. We investigated whether unsaturated (apo) canine and bovine transferrin had an inhibitory effect in vitro on Malassezia pachydermatis, an important opportunistic cutaneous yeast pathogen of dogs. M. pachydermatis strains were grown at 32 degrees C in 96-well culture plates using Sabouraud's liquid medium containing canine or bovine apo-transferrin at concentrations ranging from 10.6 to 0.7 mg/ml. Optical densities (OD492) in the treated and control wells were measured and then compared between treatments. Bovine and canine transferrin inhibited (P < 0.01) yeast growth at all concentrations tested after five and six days of incubation; inhibition by 5.3 mg/ml exceeded (P < 0.05) that of 0.7 mg/ml on day six. Unsaturated and saturated bovine transferrin had comparable inhibitory effects on the growth of four strains, indicating that the inhibitory effects of transferrin on M. pachydermatis are not dependent upon iron depletion. These studies suggest that transferrin may contribute to innate immunity to M. pachydermatis in dogs and cattle.

Changes in jugular bulb oxygen saturation during off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

The effect of haemodynamic derangement during coronary artery anastomosis in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery on cerebral blood flow has not been elucidated. Jugular bulb oxygen saturation is a useful indicator of cerebral blood flow provided that the cerebral metabolic rate is constant. This study was designed to evaluate the changes in jugular bulb oxygen saturation during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

METHODS

With IRB approval, 48 patients were included. After anaesthesia, an 18-G catheter was introduced into the jugular bulb. Haemodynamic variables and oxygen profiles from gas analysis of jugular bulb blood and arterial blood were obtained: after sternotomy (baseline); at 5 min after the beginning of the anastomosis of the left anterior descending artery, obtuse marginal artery, and right coronary artery; and after sternal closure.

RESULTS

Cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation decreased significantly during anastomosis of all three arteries compared to the baseline value. Although the changes in jugular bulb oxygen saturation during anastomosis were statistically significant compared to its baseline value, jugular bulb oxygen saturation remained within normal limit throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Jugular bulb oxygen saturation, which represents the global cerebral oxygenation, was well maintained during the anastomosis of all coronary arteries despite significant haemodynamic changes during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB).

Solitary Liver Mass Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a mainstay of cardiac surgery in the diagnosis of intracardiac and vascular lesions adjacent to the esophagus. In this case, we detected a liver mass during intraoperative TEE examination in a patient undergoing elective cardiac valve surgery. Preoperatively, the patient had normal liver function tests and no symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma. This mass was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma after the surgery and treated with transarterial chemoembolization. In conclusion, this case report outlines another potential application of intraoperative TEE extending its role outside the realm of cardiac surgery.

IMPLICATIONS

A liver mass was detected during intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination in a patient undergoing cardiac valve surgery. This incidental finding permitted the early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and demonstrates another potential utility of TEE.

Multicomponent phenol hydroxylase-catalysed formation of hydroxyindoles and dyestuffs from indole and its derivatives

AIMS

To establish multicomponent phenol hydroxylases (mPHs) as novel biocatalysts for producing dyestuffs and hydroxyindoles such as 7-hydroxyindole (7-HI) from indole and its derivatives.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We have isolated Pseudomonas sp. KL33, which possesses a phenol degradation pathway similar to that found in Pseudomonas sp. CF600. Pseudomonas sp. KL28 is a strain that can grow on n-alkylphenols as a carbon and energy source. Escherichia coli strains expressing mPH from strain KL28 (mPH(KL28)) and strain KL33 (mPH(KL33)) catalysed the formation of indigo and 7-HI, respectively, from indole. In addition, both mPHs catalysed the production of dyestuffs and hydroxyindoles from indole derivatives. The mPH(KL28) has proved to be one of the most versatile biocatalysts that can accommodate a wide range of indole derivatives for catalysing the formation of dyestuffs.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work provides a new approach in producing various dyestuffs and hydroxyindoles from indole and its derivatives by mPHs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These results indicate that mPHs may serve as potential agents for organic syntheses as well as bioremediation.

Smad4 expression in gastric adenoma and adenocarcinoma: frequent loss of expression in diffuse type of gastric adenocarcinoma

Smads are signal transducers for the members of the TGF-beta superfamily. Of these Smads, Smad4 is essential for TGF-beta signaling. The purpose of this study was to elucidate Smad4 expression and localization in 65 gastric adenomas, 49 intestinal-type and 39 diffuse type of gastric adenocarcinomas (including 12 cases of fresh frozen tissue) using Real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Real-time RT-PCR showed that intestinal type gastric adenocarcinomas have higher Smad4 mRNA expression than diffuse type gastric adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical stain for Smad4 revealed that expression of Smad4 was significantly lower in diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma than intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinomas. Also, higher Smad4 protein expression in intestinal type gastric adenocarcinomas than overall gastric adenoma was noted. The rate of reduced Smad4 expression was higher in advanced gastric cancer than early gastric cancer. These results suggest that Smad4 might play different roles in human gastric carcinogenesis, especially between intestinal type and diffuse type of gastric adenocarcinoma.

Signal Pathway of Cytokines Produced by Reactive Oxygen Species Generated from Phorbol Myristate Acetate-Stimulated HMC-1 Cells

The relationship of cytokine production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in mast cells has not been reported yet. This study aimed to examine the signal pathway in the production of cytokines [interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] by ROS generated from phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated human mast cell line-1 cells (HMC-1). HMC-1 cells were stimulated with 25 ng/ml of PMA. The ROS generation and production of cytokines (IL-8 and TNF-alpha) were measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorter and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, respectively. Phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase family (extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) was detected by the Western blotting method. The expression of cytokine's mRNA was measured by reverse transcriptase--polymerase chain reaction, and the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factors [nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1] was detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cells immediately generated ROS, and the generated ROS was inhibited by 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea (DMTU), but partially inhibited by catalase or N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The production of cytokines in PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cells reached the maximum at 3-5 h and was inhibited by DMTU and specific kinase inhibitor for p38, SB203580. DMTU and SB203580 also inhibited the expressed cytokine's mRNA level and the increased DNA-binding activity of transcription factors, NF-kappaB in PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cells. These data suggest that intracellular ROS generated from PMA-stimulated HMC-1 cells contributes to the production of inflammatory cytokines via p38 kinase/NF-kappaB.

Exposure to welding fumes is associated with acute systemic inflammatory responses

AIMS

To investigate the acute systemic inflammatory response to welding fume exposure.

METHODS

Twenty four welders (42% smokers) and 13 non-exposed controls (23% smokers) were monitored at a welding school. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was assessed using cyclone samplers. Markers of systemic inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and white blood cell (WBC) levels, were determined in peripheral blood samples collected at baseline and after 5.3 (SD 1.0) hours of exposure.

RESULTS

The median PM2.5 concentration for welders was 1.66 mg/m3, which was significantly greater than that for controls (0.04 mg/m3). Compared to non-smokers, smokers had a significantly higher baseline WBC count, but comparable levels of CRP and fibrinogen. In non-smokers, welding fume exposure was associated with a significant increase in WBC and neutrophil counts immediately following exposure (+0.8x10(3)/mul, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.6, and +1.0x10(3)/mul, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.7, respectively). A significant decrease in fibrinogen levels was observed in non-smokers (-32 mg/dl, 95% CI -63 to -1). No significant changes in WBC, neutrophil, and fibrinogen levels were found in smokers. Sixteen hours after welding exposure, CRP levels were found to be significantly increased in both non-smokers and smokers (0.90 mg/l, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.64). PM2.5 concentrations were found to be significantly associated with absolute neutrophil counts in non-smokers, and CRP levels in both non-smokers and smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of welding fume exposure induce acute systemic inflammation in a relatively young, healthy working population. These results also suggest that smoking may modify the effect of welding fume exposure on specific inflammatory markers.

Evidence for muon neutrino oscillation in an accelerator-based experiment

We present results for nu(mu) oscillation in the KEK to Kamioka (K2K) long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment. K2K uses an accelerator-produced nu(mu) beam with a mean energy of 1.3 GeV directed at the Super-Kamiokande detector. We observed the energy-dependent disappearance of nu(mu), which we presume have oscillated to nu(tau). The probability that we would observe these results if there is no neutrino oscillation is 0.0050% (4.0 sigma).

Allergen-specific immunosuppression by ovalbumin fused with diphtheria toxin in mice sensitized with albumins of different origin

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that ovalbumin-diphtheria toxin (OVA-DT) fusion protein eliminates mast cells bearing OVA-specific IgE and protects OVA-sensitized mice from fatal anaphylaxis induced by OVA challenge.

OBJECTIVE

To prove the specificity of therapeutic effect of OVA-DT to allergy induced by OVA only and not by other allergens such as human serum albumin (HSA), and to examine the cytotoxic effect of OVA-DT on B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE.

METHODS

Mice were sensitized with two different antigens, OVA and HSA, and then treated with OVA-DT. The therapeutic effect of OVA-DT on the allergy response to each of allergen was evaluated by anaphylactic test. The effect of OVA-DT on the production of allergen-specific Ig isotypes of the sensitized mice and the cytotoxic effect of OVA-DT on B cells expressing OVA-specific IgE were examined.

RESULTS

OVA-DT suppressed only OVA-induced allergy but not HSA-induced allergy in mice sensitized with a mixture of OVA and HSA. The suppression was prolonged even to the mice boosted with the same allergen 14 days after last treatment of OVA-DT. In addition, when the sensitized mice were boosted with the same allergens 14 days after last treatment of OVA-DT, the mice showed to increase the production of OVA-specific IgG2a/IgG3 and decreased that of OVA-specific IgE. OVA-DT targeted B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE, and killed them by DT-mediated cytotoxicity.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of OVA-DT was specific to OVA-induced allergy and the suppression of OVA-induced allergy was continuously shown in the mice boosted with the same allergens. This is considered to be caused by the increase of OVA-specific IgG2a and IgG3, and because of the decrease of OVA-specific IgE by killing of B cells bearing OVA-specific IgE.

Application of extended single-reaction multiplex polymerase chain reaction for toxin typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolates in South Korea

The extended single-reaction multiplex PCR (esr-mPCR) developed in this study to detect staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), including SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, SEH, SEI, and SEJ, requires fewer sets of primers than other conventional multiplex PCRs and can be used to detect newly identified staphylococcal enterotoxins SEs more readily. Esr-mPCR analysis of 141 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from abattoir and livestock product samples revealed that 27 of the S. aureus isolates were toxigenic, and two were 2 multitoxigenic isolates. The most prevalent SE type was SEI followed by SEA and SEH. In addition, we investigated the clonal relatedness of toxigenic S. aureus isolates by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR). AP-PCR analysis of toxigenic S. aureus isolates revealed that the discriminatory power of AP-PCR was 9 (D=0.81), 8 (D=0.77), and 10 types (D=0.83) with primers AP1, ERIC2, and AP7, respectively. The combination of three each AP-PCR result could rearrange toxigenic S. aureus isolates into 10 types and five subtypes, with the D-value of 0.92. Interestingly, our data showed that toxigenic S. aureus isolates from different sources had different fingerprinting patterns although some of them carried the same types of SE genes. These data suggest that combinations of esr-mPCR and AP-PCR can provide a powerful approach for epidemiological investigation of toxigenic S. aureus isolates.

Determination of environmental factors influencing methane oxidation in a sandy landfill cover soil

It is advantageous to use coarse soils as landfill cover because they allow better aeration of the biologically active zone. In this study, therefore, patterns of methane oxidation were investigated under various environmental conditions including soil moisture content, temperature, and the addition of NH4+ in a sandy landfill cover soil. The kinetics of CH4 oxidation was also studied at different moisture contents and temperatures. Soil moisture content of 10% (wt/wt) resulted in the maximum CH4 oxidation rate (19.2-22.4 nmol gsoil DW(-1) min(-1)). A Vmax value was not significantly different when the moisture content was more than 10%, but a Km value increased from 5.23 to 75.24 microM as the moisture content increased. The ratio of Vmax to Km was the highest at 10% moisture content. The CH4 oxidation rate increased as the incubation temperature increased, and Q10 values and optimum temperature were determined to be 2.57-2.69 and 30 degrees C, respectively. Both Vmax and Km values decreased at the temperatures below and above 30 degrees C. The addition of various levels of NH4+ resulted in increased or decreased CH4 oxidation rates, however, the initiation of appreciable CH4 oxidation was delayed with increasing amounts of NH4+ application in all samples tested. Among the environmental variables tested, moisture content control seems to be the most important and an efficient means of managing methane oxidation when sandy soils are used in landfill cover.

Quantitative analysis of biological effect on membrane fouling in submerged membrane bioreactor

The objective of this study is to investigate solids concentration and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) effects on the membrane fouling in the submerged membrane bioreactor. The relationship between the solids retention time (SRT) and the amount of EPS is observed in three lab-scale MBRs. Additionally, the EPS effect on membrane fouling is quantified by calculating the specific cake resistance (alpha) using an unstirred batch cell test. By observing the sludge over a long period under various SRT scenarios, a wide range of EPS and membrane fouling data is obtained. These observations provide sufficient evidence of the functional relationship between SRT, EPS and alpha. As SRT decreases, the amount of EPS bound in sludge floc becomes higher in the high MLSS condition (> 5,000 mg/L). The amount of EPS in the sludge floc has positive influence on alpha. A sigmoid trend between EPS and alpha is observed and the functional relationship obtained by dimensional analysis is consistent with the experimental results.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 polymorphisms in Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by synovial proliferation and the accumulation of inflammatory cells in the affected joints. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is readily detected in RA synovial tissues and helps recruit inflammatory cells to the joint. ICAM-1 shows genetic polymorphisms at codons 241 (R241G) and 469 (K469E). In order to investigate the association between ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms and RA, we genotyped ICAM-1 R241G and ICAM-1 K469E polymorphisms in 143 Korean patients with RA, and in 138 healthy controls, by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. No polymorphism of R241G was found in Korean subjects. However, the frequency of the K469 allele was found to be significantly lower in RA patients than in healthy controls. Allele frequency of K469 was lower in RA patient group, compared to that in healthy controls, regardless of the shared epitope status. Distribution of K469E allele frequencies was not different whether the patient had rheumatoid factor, radiographic erosion or extra-articular complications. In conclusion, this study shows lower frequency of the ICAM-1 K469E allele in Korean patients with RA than that in healthy controls.

Efficacy of pre-emptive milrinone in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: comparison between patients with a low and normal pre-graft cardiac index

OBJECTIVE

The effect of pre-emptive milrinone without bolus during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) was evaluated in two groups of patients with low and normal pre-graft cardiac index.

METHODS

Eighty-two patients were divided into two groups based on their pre-graft cardiac index. Each group was randomly subdivided into two groups to receive either milrinone or normal saline. After the internal mammary artery was harvested, the infusion of milrinone, or normal saline was started and maintained until the end of the anastomosis. The haemodynamic variables were measured: just before the start of milrinone or normal saline after pericardiotomy (baseline value); 10 min after the tissue stabilizer had been applied for the anastomosis of left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery and right coronary artery; and after the sternal closure.

RESULTS

Milrinone reduced the extent of the decrease in cardiac index and stroke volume as well as the extent of the increase in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. The extent of the decrease in cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation were greater in normal pre-graft cardiac index group than in low pre-graft cardiac index group regardless of milrinone infusion during anastomoses. The effect of milrinone on haemodynamics showed no significant difference between low and normal pre-graft cardiac index groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-emptive milrinone infusion without bolus effectively improved cardiac performance during OPCAB and was especially useful for patients with low pre-graft cardiac index to prevent the decrease in cardiac index and stroke volume index below the critical level.

Evidence for an oscillatory signature in atmospheric neutrino oscillations

Muon neutrino disappearance probability as a function of neutrino flight length L over neutrino energy E was studied. A dip in the L/E distribution was observed in the data, as predicted from the sinusoidal flavor transition probability of neutrino oscillation. The observed L/E distribution constrained nu(micro)<-->nu(tau) neutrino oscillation parameters; 1.9x10(-3)<Deltam(2)<3.0x10(-3) eV(2) and sin((2)2theta>0.90 at 90% confidence level.

A new selection method for pepper transformation: callus-mediated shoot formation

We used two genes, TMV-CP and PPI1 (pepper-PMMV interaction 1 transcription factor), to transform commercially important chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) inbred lines (P915, P409) by means of Agrobacterium co-culture. Eighteen independently transformed T0 plants were obtained. The most critical point in the pepper transformation protocol was the selection of shoots growing on calli--referred to as callus-mediated shoot formation (indirect shooting)--because shoots not grown from the callus (direct shooting from the wounded surface) developed into non-transformants. Selection of the correct right callus type also proved to be an important requirement for obtaining transformed peppers. Six different types of callus developed during the selection process. Shoots regenerated from two of these types, while one type regenerated significantly more shoots than the other types, suggesting that the capacity for shoot formation is callus type-specific. Although the transformation rate was low, transformation via callus-mediated shoot formation proved to be reproducible and was confirmed by Southern and Northern blot analyses. Based on the experimental data, we have succeeded in developing a new protocol for the selection and transformation of pepper and expect that it will be used in the future for pepper transformation.

Search for electron neutrino appearance in a 250 km long-baseline experiment

We present a search for electron neutrino appearance from accelerator-produced muon neutrinos in the K2K long-baseline neutrino experiment. One candidate event is found in the data corresponding to an exposure of 4.8 x 10(19) protons on target. The expected background in the absence of neutrino oscillations is estimated to be 2.4+/-0.6 events and is dominated by misidentification of events from neutral current pi(0) production. We exclude the nu(micro) to nu(e) oscillations at 90% C.L. for the effective mixing angle in the 2-flavor approximation of sin((2)2theta(microe)( approximately 1/2sin((2)2theta(13))>0.15 at Deltam(2)(microe)=2.8 x 10(-3) eV(2), the best-fit value of the nu(micro) disappearance analysis in K2K. The most stringent limit of sin((2)2theta(microe)<0.09 is obtained at Deltam(2)(microe)=6 x 10(-3) eV(2).

Limits on the neutrino magnetic moment using 1496 days of Super-Kamiokande-I solar neutrino data

A search for a nonzero neutrino magnetic moment has been conducted using 1496 live days of solar neutrino data from Super-Kamiokande-I. Specifically, we searched for distortions to the energy spectrum of recoil electrons arising from magnetic scattering due to a nonzero neutrino magnetic moment. In the absence of a clear signal, we found micro(nu)</=(3.6x10(-10))micro(B) at 90% C.L. by fitting to the Super-Kamiokande day-night spectra. The fitting took into account the effect of neutrino oscillation on the shapes of energy spectra. With additional information from other solar neutrino and KamLAND experiments constraining the oscillation region, a limit of micro(nu)</=(1.1x10(-10))micro(B) at 90% C.L. was obtained.

Use of autotrophic sulfur-oxidizers to remove nitrate from bank filtrate in a permeable reactive barrier system

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential applicability of an in situ biological reactive barrier system to treat nitrate-contaminated bank filtrate. The reactive barrier consisted of sulfur granules as an electron donor and autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria as a biological component. Limestone was also used to provide alkalinity. The results showed that the autotrophic sulfur oxidizers were successfully colonized on the surfaces of the sulfur particles and removed nitrate from synthetic bank filtrate. The sulfur-oxidizing activity continuously increased with time and then was maintained or slightly decreased after five days of column operation. Maximum nitrate removal efficiency and sulfur oxidation rate were observed at near neutral pH. Over 90% of the initial nitrate dissolved in synthetic bank filtrate was removed in all columns tested with some nitrite accumulation. However, nitrite accumulation was observed mainly during the initial operation period, and the concentration markedly diminished with time. The nitrite concentration in effluent was less than 2 mg-N/l after 12 days of column operation. When influent nitrate concentrations were 30, 40, and 60 mg-N/l and sulfur content in column was 75%, half-order autotrophic denitrification reaction rate constants were 31.73 x 10(-3), 33.3 x 10(-3), and 36.4 x 10(-3) mg(1/2)/l(1/2)min, respectively. Our data on the nitrate distribution profile along the column suggest that an appropriate wall thickness of a reactive barrier for autotrophic denitrification may be 30 cm when influent nitrate concentration is less than 60 mg-N/l.