A new behaviour of ac losses in superconducting Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8) single crystals

A new ac loss behaviour is observed in the superconducting state of Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8) single crystals using a novel technique of measuring dissipation at radio frequencies. It is found that the ac loss in the superconducting state is larger than that in the normal state. This counter-intuitive result is explained in terms of the cumulative effect of repetitive decoupling of intrinsic Josephson junctions in the crystals and analysed in the framework of Ambegaokar-Baratoff theory. The ac losses are studied as a function of temperature, rf amplitude and magnetic field applied at different orientations. A peak in ac losses is observed in the superconducting state along the temperature scale. The amplitude of the peak decreases and shifts towards lower temperature with increasing field and also when the field orientation with respect to the c axis of the crystal changes from the perpendicular to parallel direction. The origin of the peak and its behaviour are discussed in the context of coupling energy of Josephson junctions present in the sample. In the presence of a magnetic field another peak in ac losses arises at temperatures close to T(c), which is associated with the Lorentz-force-driven motion of vortices.

Nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling in the local circuit of the cricket abdominal nervous system

The distribution of potential nitric oxide (NO) donor neurons and NO-responsive target neurons was revealed in the terminal abdominal ganglion (TAG) of the cricket. The expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the nervous system was examined by Western blotting using universal nitric oxide synthase (uNOS) antibody that gave about a 130 kDa protein band. Immunohistochemistry using the uNOS antibody detected neurons whose cell bodies are located at the lateral region of the TAG. These neurons expanded their neuronal branches into the dorsal-median region or the dorsal-lateral region of the TAG. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry was performed to confirm the distribution of NOS-containing neurons. The distributions of cell bodies and stained neuronal branches were similar to those revealed by uNOS immunohistochemistry. NO-induced cGMP immunohistochemistry was performed to reveal NO-responsive target neurons. Most of the cell bodies stained by immunohistochemistry appeared at the dorsal side of the TAG. At the dorsal-median region, some unpaired neuronal cell bodies were strongly stained. Some efferent neurons whose axon innervate into each nerve root were strongly stained. The generation of NO in the TAG was detected by NO electrode. We found that NO is generally produced to maintain a basal concentration of 70 nM. Hemoglobin scavenged released NO from the ganglion. The concentration of NO was partly recovered when hemoglobin was replaced by normal saline. Application of 10 microM L-arginine that is a substrate of NOS increased NO release by approximately 10 nM. Furthermore, an excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) also increased NO generation by approximately 40-50 nM in concentration in addition to the basal level of 70 nM. Optical imaging with fluorescent NO-indicator demonstrated that ACh-induced enhancement of NO release was transiently observed in the outer-edge region of TAG, where cell bodies of NOS-immunoreactive neurons were located. These results suggest that ACh accelerates NO production via neuronal events activated by ACh in the TAG.

[Subdural hematoma following cardiac surgery]

We report 3 cases of subdural hematoma following open heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. In 2 patients, emergency removal and drainage of a subdural hematoma was performed by neurosurgeons, and conservative management was performed in the remaining one. All patients belonged to a high risk group of bleeding due to anticoagulation therapy, and they had no episode of head trauma. Subdural hematomas may have been due to rapid alterations in cerebral volume, leading to a tearing of the dural bridging veins under cardiopulmonary bypass. Although early diagnosis and prompt treatment is very important, it is often difficult to examine neurological findings after cardiac surgery. We consider that patients who need long-term sedation under anticoagulation therapy must have their neurological status checked at least once in a few days.

[On schizophrenic passivity]

Using a case history this paper attempts to define a certain temporal orientation peculiar to schizophrenic passivity. In agreement with Straus, we divide the present into two modes, one before confirmation of an action and one after. The former mode is termed the immediate present, and the latter is the nonimmediate present. Due to the requirement of recording procedure in neuroscience, it usually is unable to deal with questions of the immediate present. This leads to a"discovery" that cerebral initiation of a voluntary act arises prior to our conscious awareness of the intention to act. Such a belated awareness could be also found in"made" actions of schizophrenia, because a patient becomes aware of alien control only after a movement of his body has been caused by external agencies. With regard to this resemblance schizophrenic passivity may be conceived as a disturbance of anchorage in the immediate present. Taking account of an anthropological concept of"life" we elucidate the relationship of the self to the immediate present.

Alternaria brassicae produces a host-specific protein toxin from germinating spores on host leaves

Spore suspensions of Alternaria brassicae, the causal agent of gray leaf spot in Brassica plants, were incubated on the leaves of cabbage (B. oleracea) and spore germination fluid (SGF) was collected after 48 h. A high molecular weight (HMW) fraction (>10 kDa) was separated from the SGF by ultrafiltration. In a detached leaf assay, the HMW fraction induced visible symptoms only on host leaves and the toxicity was lost by treatment with proteinase K or heat at 60 degrees C for 15 min, indicating the presence of host-specific protein toxin(s). A protein toxin in the HMW fraction was purified by several chromatography steps. The toxin induced water-soaked symptoms followed by chlorosis at concentrations of 0.5 to 1 microg/ml on host leaves, but not on nonhost leaves even at 50 microg/ml. The toxin also had infection-inducing activity when added to spore suspension of a nonpathogenic isolate of A. alternata, causing symptoms similar to the infection of A. brassicae only on host leaves. These results indicate that a new host-specific protein toxin named ABR-toxin is released from germinating spores of A. brassicae on host leaves. ABR-toxin migrated as a protein of 27.5 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric point of ABR-toxin was estimated to be approximately 7.0 and 21 N-terminal amino acid residues were sequenced.

A three-dimensional quantitative analysis of carpal deformity in rheumatoid wrists

We have measured the three-dimensional patterns of carpal deformity in 20 wrists in 20 rheumatoid patients in which the carpal bones were shifted ulnarwards on plain radiography. Three-dimensional bone models of the carpus and radius were created by computerised tomography with the wrist in the neutral position. The location of the centroids and rotational angle of each carpal bone relative to the radius were calculated and compared with those of ten normal wrists. In the radiocarpal joint, the proximal row was flexed and the centroids of all carpal bones translocated in an ulnar, proximal and volar direction with loss of congruity. In the midcarpal joint, the distal row was extended and congruity generally well preserved. These findings may facilitate more positive use of radiocarpal fusion alone for the deformed rheumatoid wrist.

Mesoscopic Phase Coherence in a Quantum Spin Fluid

Mesoscopic quantum phase coherence is important because it improves the prospects for handling quantum degrees of freedom in technology. Here we show that the development of such coherence can be monitored using magnetic neutron scattering from a one-dimensional spin chain of an oxide of nickel (Y2BaNiO5), a quantum spin fluid in which no classical static magnetic order is present. In the cleanest samples, the quantum coherence length is 20 nanometers, which is almost an order of magnitude larger than the classical antiferromagnetic correlation length of 3 nanometers. We also demonstrate that the coherence length can be modified by static and thermally activated defects in a quantitatively predictable manner.

DNA-binding activity of TNF-alpha inducing protein from Helicobacter pylori

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inducing protein (Tipalpha) is a carcinogenic factor secreted from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), mediated through both enhanced expression of TNF-alpha and chemokine genes and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB. Since Tipalpha enters gastric cancer cells, the Tipalpha binding molecules in the cells should be investigated. The direct DNA-binding activity of Tipalpha was observed by pull down assay using single- and double-stranded genomic DNA cellulose. The surface plasmon resonance assay, indicating an association between Tipalpha and DNA, revealed that the affinity of Tipalpha for (dGdC)10 is 2400 times stronger than that of del-Tipalpha, an inactive Tipalpha. This suggests a strong correlation between DNA-binding activity and carcinogenic activity of Tipalpha. And the DNA-binding activity of Tipalpha was first demonstrated with a molecule secreted from H. pylori.

Efficacy of Helper-dependent Adenovirus Vector-mediated Gene Therapy in Murine Glycogen Storage Disease Type Ia

Genetic deficiency of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) underlies glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia, also known as von Gierke disease; MIM 232200), an autosomal recessive disorder of metabolism associated with life-threatening hypoglycemia and growth retardation. We tested whether helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd)-mediated hepatic delivery of G6Pase would lead to prolonged survival and sustained correction of the metabolic abnormalities in G6Pase knockout (KO) mice, a model for a severe form of GSD-Ia. An HDAd vector encoding G6Pase was administered intravenously (2 or 5 x 10(12)vector particles/kg) to 2-week-old (w.o.) G6Pase-KO mice. Following HDAd vector administration survival was prolonged to a median of 7 months, in contrast to untreated affected mice that did not survive past 3 weeks of age. G6Pase levels increased more than tenfold between 3 days and 28 weeks after HDAd injection (P < 0.03). The weights of untreated 2 w.o. G6Pase-KO mice were approximately half those of their unaffected littermates, and treatment stimulated their growth to the size of wild-type mice. Severe hypoglycemia and hypercholesterolemia, which are hallmarks of GSD-Ia both in humans and in mice, were also restored to normalcy by the treatment. Glycogen accumulation in the liver was markedly reduced. The efficacy of HDAd-G6Pase treatment in reversing the physiological and biochemical abnormalities associated with GSD-Ia in affected G6Pase-KO mice justifies further preclinical evaluation in murine and canine models of GSD-Ia.

[The psychopathology of "as if" experiences]

After a descriptive phenomenological sketch, we try to elucidate the structure of the "as if" experience. This experience is concerned with appearance, with what 'seems' to a person as opposed to actual reality. Normally there is always the possibility of error trying to recognize reality, which is accessible to anybody. In contrast, for the individual no error is possible regarding an appearance which is accessible to nobody but the person to whom it appears. In daily life we are often unaware of the confusions of reality and appearance. The obsessive patient cannot permit himself such customary confusions. The delusional patient cannot realize relevant confusions of reality and appearance, in spite of encounters with outside persons. As mentioned, reality and appearance get pathologically entangled in both obsessive and delusional patients. Some therapeutic proposals are offered from the standpoint of these "as if" patents.

Spindle cell carcinoma arising in the pharynx, with granulocytosis and high serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor titre

We report the case of a 67-year-old man with a left pharyngeal tumour, whose peripheral blood showed granulocytosis (white blood cell count, 58 300/μl) and a high serum granulocyte colony stimulating factor titre (184 pg/ml). The tumour showed pleomorphic proliferation of atypical spindle cells in a myxomatous stroma, revealing a sarcomatous pattern. The spindle-shaped neoplastic cells had irregularly shaped nuclei, a thick nuclear membrane, prominent eosinophilic nucleoli and abundant cytoplasm. They strongly expressed wide-spectrum keratin, cytokeratins (CAM5.2, MNF116), vimentin and vascular endothelial growth factor. A few neoplastic cells expressed granulocyte colony stimulating factor. A spindle cell carcinoma was diagnosed. This may be the first documented case of a granulocyte colony stimulating factor producing cancer arising in the pharynx. The patient died four months after the initial symptoms appeared.

Sustained phenotypic correction in a mouse model of hypoalphalipoproteinemia with a helper-dependent adenovirus vector

We examined the efficacy and host response to the adenovirus (Ad)-mediated delivery of human apolipoprotein A-I (APOA1) gene to the liver of APOA1(-/-) mice. Administration of a first-generation vector (FGAd-AI) resulted in a transient appearance of APOA1 in plasma and induced an anti-APOA1 antibody titer, whereas treatment with a helper-dependent vector (HDAd-AI) resulted in sustained APOA1 expression without inducing an antibody titer. With these results, we studied the effects of FGAd vectors on APOAI expression by HDAd-AI vector. Co-treatment with an FGAd vector inhibited HDAd-AI- mediated APOA1 expression independent of transgene cassettes, but only FGAd-AI induced a humoral response. Furthermore, APOA1 mRNA levels in mice co-treated with FGAd vectors were much lower than those expected from the vector copy number, suggesting that DNA of FGAd vectors interferes with the HDAd-AI vector's APOA1 promoter. A single treatment with an HDAd-AI vector produced a supraphysiological plasma APOA1 level that gradually declined to about half the normal human level over the course of 2 years, associated with a plasma cholesterol level that is persistently higher than that in controls. This investigation provides the proof of principle that liver-directed HDAd gene delivery is effective for the long-term phenotypic correction of monogenic hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

[The psychopathology of depersonalization]

In his classic overview, Mayer-Gross indicated two clinical features of depersonalization to be taken as starting points for future investigation: excessive difficulty in describing it and its relatively rare appearance in organic disorders. Neither characteristic has so far been discussed sufficiently in psychopathology and neurobiology. In this article, we examine the language aspect of depersonalization by comparisons with aphasia, in which the two objects of study described by Mayer-Gross, speech and organic disorders, intertwine. Concerning amnestic aphasia, Gelb and Goldstein insist that an object cannot be grasped as a generally understood fact using a categorical attitude but only experienced subjectively in its this-ness with a concrete attitude. The particular experience of depersonalization is the reverse of that in amnestic aphasia, as the relation of the depersonalized patient to this-ness is disturbed but an ideal view of the generality remains.

High birefringence of the yttrium vanadate crystal in the middle wavelength infrared

A high birefringence of over 0.21 for the yttrium vanadate (YVO4) crystal in the middle wavelength infrared (i.e., 3-5 microm) was measured. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer was employed in the channel spectra technique to obtain the measurements.

Unusual Remnant Thymic Tissue in an Adult Mimicking Malignant Neoplasm: Escape From Age-Related Involution

Here we report on a 55-year-old man with an abnormal anterior mediastinal shadow and multiple nodules in the thymus, which increased in size over a period of 15 months. He was diagnosed with early prostatic cancer, and treated with chemotherapy. Although no definite preoperative diagnosis was obtained, surgery was performed because of the possibility of malignant neoplasm or metastasis. Extended thymectomy was performed and pathological examination revealed that the nodules were remnant thymic tissue and not malignant lesions. Although the cause of this unusual remnant thymic tissue remains unclear, it may have been related to autoimmune or endocrinological disease.