Alternatively spliced transcripts of Fas mRNAs in feline lymphoid cells

Fas belongs to the tumour necrosis factor receptor family and transduces the death signal after binding to the Fas ligand. Five feline lymphoma cell lines were shown, by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, to express six species of Fas transcripts. Based on sequence comparison of these Fas transcripts with the genomic Fas gene, five of the six transcripts were found to be generated through alternative splicing and to encode five different Fas proteins lacking the transmembrane domain. We also detected such alternatively spliced transcripts in primary tumour tissues from cats with naturally occurring lymphoma. These results suggest a possible association of the alternatively spliced Fas variants with the pathogenesis of feline lymphoma.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis of neonatal onset: case report and review of the literature

Several small blisters were noticed on the forehead and the trunk of a newborn boy on day 1. The blisters gradually enlarged and spread over the whole body including the oral mucosa. A skin biopsy was performed twice and subepidermal bullae with polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell infiltration were demonstrated. Direct immunofluorescence showed linear IgA, IgG and C3 depositions along the basement membrane zone and this finding led to a diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis. So far, internationally, only one case has ever been reported on the disease at neonatal onset. The skin lesions spontaneously regressed and the mucosal lesions were controlled with diaminodiphenylsulfone.

CONCLUSION

In neonates with prolonged blistering, autoimmune disease such as linear IgA bullous dermatosis should be considered within the differential diagnosis and an immunofluorescence study must be performed.

Characterization of microparticles in raw, treated, and distributed waters by means of elemental and particle size analyses

The elemental composition and particle size distribution of suspended particles in raw water, treated water, and distributed water were determined to understand the behavior of particles during the water treatment-distribution process. The weight of suspended particles collected on a 0.6-microm filter was 1.1 times (raw water), 1.4 times (treated water), and 1.5 times (distributed water) that collected on a 2.7-microm filter, suggesting that smaller particles may remain after conventional water treatment. Organic suspended particles were removed less efficiently than inorganic suspended particles. After sand filtration, the Al content in the fixed suspended solids (FSS) markedly increased, indicating that either a small percentage of aluminium floc passed through during sand filtration or dissolved aluminum precipitated after sand filtration. The Mn and Fe concentrations increased after chlorination. The percentages of carbon and nitrogen in the volatile suspended solids (VSS) were roughly the same in the raw, treated, and distributed waters. The carbon/nitrogen/phosphate/VSS ratios indicated that the VSS of the suspended particles consisted of organic matter originating from microorganisms. The major constituents of the FSS in the treated and distributed waters were compounds of Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, and Mn, but these compounds accounted for only 16% or less of the FSS in raw water, indicating the existence of Si compounds. In distribution pipes, the total suspended solids concentration, especially the FSS concentration, was higher than that of water just after treatment. The Fe concentration in distributed water increased, probably due to oxidation and rusting of iron pipes.

Polar auxin transport in the wood-forming tissues of hybrid aspen is under simultaneous control of developmental and environmental signals

Recent research has highlighted the importance of auxin concentration gradients during plant development. Establishment of these gradients is believed to involve polar auxin transport through specialized carrier proteins. We have used an experimental system, the wood-forming tissue of hybrid aspen, which allows tissue-specific expression analysis of auxin carrier genes and quantification of endogenous concentrations of the hormone. As part of this study, we isolated the putative polar auxin transport genes, PttLAX1-PttLAX3 and PttPIN1-PttPIN3, belonging to the AUX1-like family of influx and PIN1-like efflux carriers, respectively. Analysis of PttLAX and PttPIN expression suggests that specific positions in a concentration gradient of the hormone are associated with different stages of vascular cambium development and expression of specific members of the auxin transport gene families. We were also able demonstrate positive feedback of auxin on polar auxin transport genes. Entry into dormancy at the end of a growing season leads to a loss of auxin transport capacity, paralleled by reduced expression of PttLAX and PttPIN genes. Furthermore, data from field experiments show that production of the molecular components of the auxin transport machinery is governed by environmental controls. Our findings collectively demonstrate that trees have developed mechanisms to modulate auxin transport in the vascular meristem in response to developmental and environmental cues.

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1, a candidate gene for schizophrenia, participates in neurite outgrowth

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) was identified as a novel gene disrupted by a (1;11)(q42.1;q14.3) translocation that segregated with schizophrenia in a Scottish family. Predicted DISC1 product has no significant homology to other known proteins. Here, we demonstrated the existence of DISC1 protein and identified fasciculation and elongation protein zeta-1 (FEZ1) as an interacting partner of DISC1 by a yeast two-hybrid study. FEZ1 and its nematode homolog are reported to represent a new protein family involved in axonal outgrowth and fasciculation. In cultured hippocampal neurons, DISC1 and FEZ1 colocalized in growth cones. Interactions of these proteins were associated with F-actin. In the course of neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells, upregulation of DISC1/FEZ1 interaction was observed as along with enhanced extension of neurites by overexpression of DISC1. The present study shows that DISC1 participates in neurite outgrowth through its interaction with FEZ1. Recent studies have provided reliable evidence that schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder. As there is a high level of DISC1 expression in developing rat brain, dysfunction of DISC1 may confer susceptibility to psychiatric illnesses through abnormal development of the nervous system.

Quantitative analysis of Fas and Fas ligand mRNAs in a feline T-lymphoid cell line after infection with feline immunodeficiency virus and primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from cats infected with the virus

Apoptosis is frequently observed in feline lymphocytes in association with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection. In this study, to investigate the mechanism of FIV-induced apoptosis, levels of Fas and Fas ligand mRNAs were measured by real-time reverse transcription-PCR. In a feline T-lymphoid cell line the amounts of Fas ligand mRNA increased along with the induction of apoptosis after in vitro infection with FIV. In PBMC collected from 10 cats naturally infected with FIV, Fas ligand mRNA levels were significantly higher than those in PBMC from five uninfected cats. These results indicate that the increased expression of Fas ligand may be involved in the induction of apoptosis of lymphocytes in FIV infection.

Molecular cloning of feline tumour necrosis factor receptor type I (TNFR I) and expression of TNFR I and TNFR II in lymphoid cells in cats

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is a pro-inflammatory cytokine produced by many types of cells. It has been shown that two distinct TNF receptors (TNFRs), TNFR type I (TNFR I) and TNFR type II (TNFR II), have different functions in signal transduction, which is possibly associated with the development of a variety of diseases. In this study, we isolated a feline TNFR I cDNA clone and analysed the expression of TNFR I and TNFR II mRNA in feline lymphoid cells. The deduced amino acid sequence of feline TNFRI cDNA showed 75.8, 62.5 60.9 and 72.1% similarity with those of its human, mouse, rat, and pig counterparts, respectively. The feline TNFR I cDNA was shown to encode extracellular, transmembrane and intracellular domains fundamentally conserved in the homologues of other species. Expression of TNFR I and TNFR II mRNAs was shown to be up-regulated in feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by stimulation with concanavalin A. Five of six feline lymphoma cell lines were shown to express both TNFR I and TNFR II mRNAs. The expression of TNFR I in PBMC was up-regulated in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), whereas the expression of TNFR II in PBMC was not different between FIV-infected cats and uninfected cats. The present study indicate that expression of TNFR I and TNFR II may be associated with disease progression, especially in retrovirus infections in cats.

The influence of altered occlusal guidance on condylar displacement

This study investigated mandibular displacement and masticatory muscle activity during clenching in lateral occlusal position in relation to the lateral occlusal pattern. Twenty healthy human subjects (mean = 26.5 years) volunteered for this study. Metallic occlusal overlays were fabricated for the lower working side canine to second molar and non-working side second molar in order to simulate a canine protected occlusion, group function occlusion and bilateral balanced occlusion (balancing contact). Three-dimensional displacements of the bilateral condyle and electromyography (EMG) activities in the bilateral masseter, anterior and posterior temporalis were recorded during maximal clenching. The experimental occlusal pattern was revealed to have statistically significant effects on both condylar displacement and EMG activity (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). When compared to the simulated group function occlusion, the simulated canine protected occlusion and balancing contact caused statistically significant smaller superior displacements of the non-working side condyle, which suggests that they may result in reduced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) loading. Furthermore, the simulated canine protected occlusion was associated with the lowest EMG activity, which suggests that this occlusal pattern has the capacity to reduce the level of parafunctional activity.

Application of oxygen ion implantation to titanium surfaces: effects on surface characteristics, corrosion resistance, and bone response

BACKGROUND

The surface oxide layer of titanium plays a decisive role in determining biocompatibility. However, there are some reports demonstrating that the natural oxide film may not be sufficiently protective in the aggressive biologic environment.

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a thick oxide layer on corrosion resistance in vitro and the bone formation around titanium implants in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A plasma source ion implantation (PSII) method was used to increase the thickness of the surface oxide layer. Several instruments were employed to confirm the surface properties before and after the surface modification. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements in a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution were carried out to investigate corrosion resistance in vitro. Bone formation around this surface-modified specimen was examined in a rabbit model and assessed in histomorphometry.

RESULTS

Improved corrosion resistance was demonstrated by the potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Light microscopic histomorphometry showed that all implants were in contact with bone and had some proportion of bone within the threads at 4 weeks; however, there were no significant differences compared with as-machined controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that in spite of improved corrosion resistance in vitro, a thick oxide layer fabricated with the PSII method does not influence early bone formation around titanium implants in vivo.

Neuroradiologic findings in focal cortical dysplasia: histologic correlation with surgically resected specimens

PURPOSE

We investigated the neuroradiologic characteristics of focal findings of surgically resected specimens obtained from 47 patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).

METHODS

Forty cases were detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and two cases were detected only by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), but five cases could not be detected before operation.

RESULTS

MRI revealed abnormal gyri and sulci in 34 patients (pachygyric in 18, polymicrogyric in 10, both in six), and blurring of the gray matter-white matter junction in 29 (72%) patients. Signal abnormalities were found in 36 (90%) patients, in the gray matter in 32, with white matter in 30, and at the gray matter-white matter junction in 13. Moreover, peculiar patterns of abnormal signals in the white matter were recognized, including remarkably abnormal subcortical signals of T2 hyperintensity and T1 hypointensity adjacent to the dysplastic cortex in 15 cases, high radiated T2 signals extending from the ependymal surface of the lateral ventricle to the overlying cortex in 11 cases, and widespread abnormal signals in the white matter with gray matter involvement in four cases. Histologically, these abnormal signals corresponded to various degrees of dyslamination and morphologic abnormalities of neurons and glial cells in the gray matter, and to dysmyelination, ectopic clustering of dysplastic neurons, glial proliferation, and necrotic change in the white matter. Regional cerebral blood flow SPECT showed interictal hypoperfusion in 29 (62%) of the 47 patients, interictal hyperperfusion in two, and ictal hyperperfusion in 28 of the 34 patients associated with FCD. [123I]iomazenil SPECT demonstrating the distribution of central benzodiazepine receptors showed low accumulations localized spatially corresponding to the epileptogenic foci associated with FCD in seven of eight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that neuroimaging reflects various structural and functional changes closely related to epileptogenesis in FCD.

High-power terahertz radiation emitter with a diamond photoconductive switch array

A photoconductive switch-arrayed antenna with a chemical vapor-deposited diamond film was developed to generate high-power terahertz (THz) radiation. With this device, an electric field stress of 2 x 10(6) V/cm can be applied to photoconductive gaps because of the high breakdown threshold of diamond and the overcoated gap structure for the prevention of surface flashover. This level of field stress can alleviate the current problem of saturation in THz emission by use of a photoconductive antenna. The device consists of more than two thousand 20 micron x 2.8 mm emitters. In an experiment using an ultrashort pulse Kr*F laser, we obtained an energy density of 10 microJ/cm(2) on the emitter surface at E = 10(5) V/cm. This density was larger than that of the current large-aperture antenna. There was no severe saturation in photoconductive current up to E = 10(6) V/cm, and a focused intensity of 200 MW/cm(2) can be expected.

Characterization of new epidemic strains of influenza B virus by using neutralizing monoclonal antibodies

During the 1998-1999 influenza season, two distinct influenza B virus Yamagata group strains were isolated from the patients of a private clinic. Each responded differently to monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) 5H4 and 8B3 on staining, and hemagglutination inhibition and neutralizing tests. When the analysis of nucleotide sequences was undertaken, the identity of deduced amino acid sequences of the HA1 region was 94%, which suggested that they derived from different strains. They were termed 5H4-responding strains and 5H4-nonresponding strains, respectively. The analysis of laboratory-induced antigenic variants suggested that the amino acid at position 149 is important to the reactivity to 5H4. This residue was "Arg" in 5H4-responding strains and "Lys" in nonresponding strains. During the 1998-1999 season, a total of 100 influenza B virus strains were isolated and 5H4-responding strains were the major type (94 strains). In the 1999-2000 influenza season, only two influenza B virus strains were isolated. Neither responded to 5H4. However, analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the HA1 region suggested that one of the two strains was derived from the 5H4-responding strains of the previous season. The amino acid residue at position 149 was "Lys" in place of "Arg." These observations suggested that 5H4-nonresponding strains will increase in coming seasons.

Effects of theophylline withdrawal in well-controlled asthmatics treated with inhaled corticosteroid

We examined effects of theophylline withdrawal in 17 adult asthmatics whose symptoms were well controlled under a treatment of a combination of theophylline and inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (iBDP). We measured daily symptoms, daily peak flow values, spirometry, peripheral blood eosinophil count (EOS), and serum eosinophil cationic protein (sECP) at intervals of 1-3 weeks for 3 months after theophylline withdrawal. Twelve patients experienced exacerbation of asthma (exacerbation group), whereas the remaining 5 patients exhibited no symptoms (stationary group). In the exacerbation group, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and percent vital capacity (% VC) gradually decreased until exacerbation of asthma, and the extent of these decreases within the first week after the withdrawal was greater compared with that at later than the third week. V25/HT decreased in both the exacerbation and stationary groups. In particular, the extent of the velocity of expiratory flow at 25% of the vital capacity/height (V25/HT) decrease in the exacerbation group was much greater than that of FEV1 or % VC in this group. Neither EOS nor sECP changed significantly during the clinical course in any patient. The rapid decrease in FEV1 and % VC after the withdrawal suggests that under treatment with iBDP, theophylline causes direct bronchodilating effects on smooth muscle, rather than anti-inflammatory effects. These results also suggest the importance of theophylline on peripheral as well as central airways.

Increased synchronization of cortical oscillatory activities between human supplementary motor and primary sensorimotor areas during voluntary movements

In human, both primary and nonprimary motor areas are involved in the control of voluntary movements. However, the dynamics of functional coupling among different motor areas has not been fully clarified yet. Because it has been proposed that the functional coupling among cortical areas might be achieved by the synchronization of oscillatory activity, we investigated the electrocorticographic coherence between the supplementary motor and primary sensorimotor areas (SMA and S1-M1) by means of event-related partial coherence analysis in 11 intractable epilepsy patients. We found premovement increase of coherence between the SMA proper and S1-M1 at the frequency of 0-33 Hz and between the pre-SMA and S1-M1 at 0-18 Hz. Coherence between the SMA proper and M1 started to increase 0.9 sec before the movement onset and peaked 0.3 sec after the movement. There was no systematic difference within the SMA (SMA proper vs pre-SMA) or within the S1-M1, in terms of the time course as well as the peak value of coherence. The phase spectra revealed near-zero phase difference in 57% (20 of 35) of region pairs analyzed, and the remaining pairs showed inconsistent results. This increase of synchronization between multiple motor areas in the preparation and execution of voluntary movements may reflect the multiregional functional interactions in human motor behavior.

Early elevation of serum thrombopoietin levels and subsequent thrombocytosis in healthy preterm infants

To verify pathophysiological mechanisms underlying thrombocytosis in low-birth-weight (LBW) preterm babies, we evaluated kinetic changes in platelet counts and thrombopoietic cytokines including thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-11 in 24 uncomplicated preterm infants. Platelet counts in cord blood (CB) (265 +/- 64 x 10(9)/l) were similar to adult levels, increased by d 14 (473 +/- 140 x 10(9)/l), and then remained fairly constant. Thrombocytosis (> 500 x 10(9)/l) was observed in 9/24 (38%) subjects. Mean TPO level in CB was 5.11 +/- 1.51 fmol/ml, peaked at d 2 (7.64 +/- 3.28 fmol/ml), decreased at d 5 (3.93 +/- 1.67 fmol/ml), and thereafter kept fairly constant during the remaining neonatal period. Compared with term infants, mean TPO levels of preterm infants in CB and at d 2 were significantly higher (P < 0.01). There was an inverse correlation between platelet counts and TPO levels (r = 0.45, P < 0.001, n = 88). Preterm neonates with thrombocytosis had significantly higher TPO values in CB than those without thrombocytosis (P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between platelet counts and IL-6. IL-11 was not detectable. These results suggest that an early elevation of serum TPO levels is related to the subsequent thrombocytosis in LBW preterm infants.

[Studies on original plant of traditional Chinese drug "bai zhi" (radix Angelicae Dahuricae) and its closely related wild plants. IV. Discussion on original plant and cultivation history of traditional Chinese drug "bai zhi" and evolution of its closely related wild plants]

OBJECTIVE

To confirm the original plant of traditional Chinese drug "Bai Zhi" and to inquire into the cultivation history of "Bai Zhi" and evolution of closely related wild plants of "Bai Zhi".

METHOD

Various research results obtained were synthesized and discussed according to historical and current data.

RESULT

Obtained research results, historical and current data showed almost no difference.

CONCLUSION

1. Angelica dahurica var. formosana must be the original plant of traditional Chinese drug "Bai Zhi". 2. A. porphyrocaulis should be treated as a variety of A. dahurica, named as A. dahurica var. porphyrocaulis. 3. 4 sorts of Chinese traditional drug "Bai Zhi" (Chuang Bai Zhi, Hang Bai Zhi, Qi Bai Zhi and Yu Bai Zhi) should not be taxonomically distinguished. The history of utilization and cultivation of "Bai Zhi", and the evolutional relation of the closely related wild plants of "Bai Zhi" (A. dahurica, A. dahurica var. formosana, and A. dahurica var. porphyrocaulis) were also discussed.

Induction of histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells by histatins

Human salivary histatins (Hsts), which belong to a salivary polypeptide family, have potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, and are expected to be useful as therapeutic reagents against Candida species. However, little is known about the effect of Hsts on host immune systems. Thus we conducted a series of in vitro experiments with rat mast cells to determine whether histatin 5 (Hst 5) or histatin 8 (Hst 8) has a histamine-releasing effect on mast cells. Both Hst 5 and Hst 8 induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells in a dose-dependent manner (10(-9) to 10(-5) M). Hst 5 had a stronger releasing effect than Hst 8. The histamine release induced by Hst 5 (10(-6) M) was increased by the presence of 0.5 mM Ca2+, but decreased by 2mM Ca2+. Alternatively, the histamine release induced by Hst 8 (10(-6) M) was inhibited by the presence of Ca2+ (0.5 to 2 mM). These results suggest that Hsts have limited usefulness as therapeutic agents due to induction of histamine release from mast cells.

Herbal medicines, Sairei-to and Tokishakuyaku-san, differently modulate the release of cytokines from decidual versus peripheral blood mononuclear cells

PROBLEM AND METHOD OF STUDY

We have shown that Tokishakuyaku-san (Toki) and Sairei-to (Sai) enhance T helper-1 (Th1) cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs): thereby, they could be a therapeutic means in the treatment of autoimmunity related recurrent abortion in which T helper-2 (Th2) polarization is exaggerated, the condition purported to benefit from these herbal medicines. However, an open question is whether these medicines might enhance Th1 cytokine release in decidual tissues and thereby stimulate the killer activity, thus, working counterproductively by accelerating maternal alloimmune reactions toward fetal tissues. To address this, we examined the effects of these medicines on the release of cytokines from decidual mononuclear cells (DMCs) in comparison with PBMCs on the assumption that they might act differently on these cell types. The effects of these medicines were investigated as related to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a nonclassical HLA class I antigen expressed on trophoblasts and a putative crucial player involved in fetomaternal immune interplay.

RESULTS

Regarding Th1 cytokines. Toki marginally increased the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, but not interferon (IFN)-gamma from DMCs while Sai did not affect the release of both. Both Toki and Sai were without effect in modulating the release of interleukin (IL)-4, a member of Th2 cytokines. Interestingly, the presence of HLA-G reduced the release of Th1 cytokines from DMCs regardless of the addition of Toki, Sai or none. These findings are in sharp contrast with PBMCs on which these medicines seem to act so as to enhance Th1 polarization and attenuate Th2 polarization.

CONCLUSION

Differential effects of Toki and Sai on the release of Th1/Th2 cytokines between DMCs and PBMCs may afford the rationale of these medicines in the treatment of autoimmunity-related recurrent abortion.

[Studies on original plant of traditional Chinese drug "bai zhi" (radix Angelicae Dahuricae) and its closely related wild plants. III. Comparison of coumarins of "bai zhi" with those of closely related wild plants]

OBJECTIVE

To provide chemical data for confirming the original plant of traditional Chinese drug "Bai Zhi".

METHOD

Coumarins of 4 cultivated breeds of "Bai Zhi" and 3 closely related wild plants, together with other 2 Angelica plants were compared by HPLC.

RESULT

According to coumarin patterns, 4 cultivated breeds of "Bai Zhi" and 3 closely related wild plants could be divided into 3 groups: 1. 4 cultivated breeds of "Bai Zhi" ("Chuan Bai Zhi", "Hang Bai Zhi", "Qi Bai Zhi" and "Yu Bai Zhi") and Angelica dahurica var. formosana; 2. A. dahurica; 3. A. porphyrocaulis.

CONCLUSION

In point of the coumarin components, A. dahurica var. formosana is closer to traditional Chinese drug "Bai Zhi" than the others.

Charge microheterogeneity of the beta-trace proteins (lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase) in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with neurological disorders analyzed by capillary isoelectrofocusing

Charge microheterogeneity of the beta-trace protein (beta-TP = lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with various neurological disorders was analyzed by capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF). Under the conditions employed, beta-TP in the low-molecular-weight protein fraction of CSF was separated into at least four isoforms with different p/ values. An isoform with the pl value of 4.6-4.8 was usually the most abundant. The total beta-TP level in the CSF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to be elevated in patients recovering from organic damage to the CNS and those with pathological brain atrophy. Changes in the total beta-TP level in the CSF were occasionally accompanied by those in its charge microheterogeneity, as revealed by CIEF. Such quantitative and qualitative changes in beta-TP in human CSF indicated changes in its pathophysiological roles in association with various neurological disorders.

Change of antimicrobial susceptibility of group B streptococci over 15 years in Japan

We compared antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of 206 group B streptococcal (GBS) strains isolated from pregnant women and six from neonates/infants with invasive infection during the two periods 1985-1986 and 1999-2000. All strains in both periods were susceptible to the penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenem tested. Seven (3%) isolates were resistant to erythromycin and three (1%) were resistant to clindamycin. There were no significant differences between the two study periods in the incidence of GBS resistant to the 14 antibiotics tested. These results showed that penicillins are still the first choice to prevent vertical transmission of GBS in Japan.