Fast electrical control of single electron spins in quantum dots with vanishing influence from nuclear spins

We demonstrate fast universal electrical spin manipulation with inhomogeneous magnetic fields. With fast Rabi frequency up to 127 MHz, we leave the conventional regime of strong nuclear-spin influence and observe a spin-flip fidelity >96%, a distinct chevron Rabi pattern in the spectral-time domain, and a spin resonance linewidth limited by the Rabi frequency, not by the dephasing rate. In addition, we establish fast z rotations up to 54 MHz by directly controlling the spin phase. Our findings will significantly facilitate tomography and error correction with electron spins in quantum dots.

Blood group B gene is barely expressed in in vitro erythroid culture of Bm-derived CD34+ cells without an erythroid cell-specific regulatory element

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Previously, a weak phenotype Am or Bm was assumed to be caused by a reduction of A or B gene expression in bone marrow cells, but not in mucus-secreting cells. However, ABO expression has not been examined in erythroid progenitor cells of Am or Bm individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out in vitro erythroid differentiation of CD34(+) cells from peripheral blood of a Bm individual harbouring a 3.0-kb deletion including an erythroid cell-specific regulatory element, named the +5.8-kb site, in intron 1 of the human ABO blood group gene.

RESULTS

During the in vitro differentiation of CD34(+) cells from this Bm individual into erythroid cells, B-antigens were not detectable on the cultured cells by flow cytometric analysis, and allele-specific RT-PCR consistently detected the transcripts from the O allele, but not from the B allele. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that both RUNX1 and GATA-2 or GATA-1 were bound to the +5.8-kb site in cultured erythroid cells expressing ABO.

CONCLUSION

It is likely that the +5.8-kb site enhances transcription from the ABO promoter in erythroid cells through binding of RUNX1 and GATA-2 or GATA-1.

High-symmetry polarization domains in low-symmetry ferroelectrics

We present experimental evidence for polygonal domain faceting in the ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) films with the lower orthorhombic crystallographic symmetry. It is proposed that this effect can arise from purely electrostatic depolarizing forces. We show that, in contrast to magnetic bubble shape domains, where such type of deformation instability has a predominantly elliptical character, the emergence of more symmetrical circular harmonics is favored in ferroelectrics with high dielectric constants.

Efficient utilization of EBUS-TBNA samples for both diagnosis and molecular analyses

BACKGROUND

The assessment of an increasing number of molecular markers is becoming a standard requirement from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) specimens. However, it is unclear how many needle passes should be performed and the amount of lung cancer cells that should be sent for molecular analyses. The objective of this study was to determine if it is feasible to divide the material obtained by EBUS-TBNA to allow for molecular analysis without compromising the accuracy of mediastinal staging.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine if dividing EBUS-TBNA specimens has a negative impact on either histopathological diagnosis or molecular analysis.

METHODS

EBUS-TBNA was performed in 249 enlarged lymph nodes. Negative or ambiguous histopathological results were confirmed by surgical means and clinical follow-up over 6 months. The tissue obtained by EBUS-TBNA was placed onto a glass slide and divided for histopathological workup and molecular analysis. The number of passes was recorded. Both the accuracy of the mediastinal lymph node staging and the applicability of the sample division for molecular analysis were assessed.

RESULTS

Each lymph node was punctured an average of 3.18 times and division of the obtained material for diagnosis and molecular analysis was feasible in all cases. The sensitivity and accuracy of the mediastinal lymph node staging were 96.6% and 97.6%, respectively. A cytokeratin (CK)-19-mRNA concentration-based molecular test was feasible in 74.1% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Dividing EBUS-TBNA samples for both histopathological diagnosis and molecular testing is feasible and does not compromise the accuracy of mediastinal staging. This method may be an alternative to taking additional needle passes for molecular analyses.

Developmental increase in hyperpolarization-activated current regulates intrinsic firing properties in rat vestibular ganglion cells

The primary vestibular neurons convey afferent information from hair cells in the inner ear to the vestibular nuclei and the cerebellum. The intrinsic firing properties of vestibular ganglion cells (VGCs) are heterogeneous to sustained membrane depolarization, and undergo marked developmental changes from phasic to tonic types during the early postnatal period. Previous studies have shown that low-voltage-activated potassium channels, Kv1 and Kv7, play a critical role in determining the firing pattern of VGCs. In the present study, we explored the developmental changes in the properties of hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in rat VGCs and the role played by Ih in determining the firing properties of VGCs. Tonic firing VGCs showed a larger current density of Ih as compared to phasic firing VGCs, and tonic firing VGCs became phasic firing in the presence of ZD7288, an Ih channel blocker, indicating that Ih contributes to control the firing pattern of VGCs. The amplitude of Ih increased and the activation kinetics of Ih became faster during the developmental period. Analysis of developmental changes in the expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels revealed that expression of HCN1 protein and its mRNA increased during the developmental period, whereas expression of HCN2-4 protein and its mRNA did not change. Our results suggest that HCN1 channels as well as Kv1 channels are critical in determining the firing pattern of rat VGCs and that developmental up-regulation of HCN1 transforms VGCs from phasic to tonic firing phenotypes.

Resveratrol suppresses the inflammatory responses of human gingival epithelial cells in a SIRT1 independent manner

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In periodontitis, chronic infection by periodontopathic bacteria induces uncontrolled inflammation, which leads to periodontal tissue destruction. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) constitute a critical first line of defense against periodontopathic bacteria, both as a physical barrier and as regulators of inflammation. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, reportedly has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on the Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory responses of HGECs and their mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We stimulated the HGEC line, epi 4, with live or heat-killed P. gingivalis in the presence of resveratrol, and analyzed expressions of the interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-1β genes. We determined the involvement of SIRT1 in the effect of resveratrol using sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor) or SIRT1 knockdown. We also examined whether the effects were mediated by activation of AMP-activated kinase, suppression of reactive oxygen species, or inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

RESULTS

Resveratrol treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and slightly increased the expression of SIRT1. However, neither SIRT1 inhibition nor SIRT1 knockdown counteracted its anti-inflammatory effects. Although resveratrol did not affect AMP-activated kinase activation or reactive oxygen species production, it slightly suppressed NF-κB translocation when cells were stimulated with heat-killed P. gingivalis.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol suppressed the inflammatory responses of P. gingivalis-stimulated HGECs, probably by inhibiting NF-κB signaling but independent of SIRT1.

Epithelial TRPV1 signaling accelerates gingival epithelial cell proliferation

Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), a member of the calcium-permeable thermosensitive transient receptor potential superfamily, is a sensor of thermal and chemical stimuli. TRPV1 is activated by noxious heat (> 43°C), acidic conditions (pH < 6.6), capsaicin, and endovanilloids. This pain receptor was discovered on nociceptive fibers in the peripheral nervous system. TRPV1 was recently found to be expressed by non-neuronal cells, such as epithelial cells. The oral gingival epithelium is exposed to multiple noxious stimuli, including heat and acids derived from endogenous and exogenous substances; however, whether gingival epithelial cells (GECs) express TRPV1 is unknown. We show that both TRPV1 mRNA and protein are expressed by GECs. Capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist, elevated intracellular Ca(2+) levels in the gingival epithelial cell line, epi 4. Moreover, TRPV1 activation in epi 4 cells accelerated proliferation. These responses to capsaicin were inhibited by a specific TRPV1 antagonist, SB-366791. We also observed GEC proliferation in capsaicin-treated mice in vivo. No effects were observed on GEC apoptosis by epithelial TRPV1 signaling. To examine the molecular mechanisms underlying this proliferative effect, we performed complementary (c)DNA microarray analysis of capsaicin-stimulated epi 4 cells. Compared with control conditions, 227 genes were up-regulated and 232 genes were down-regulated following capsaicin stimulation. Several proliferation-related genes were validated by independent experiments. Among them, fibroblast growth factor-17 and neuregulin 2 were significantly up-regulated in capsaicin-treated epi 4 cells. Our results suggest that functional TRPV1 is expressed by GECs and contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress response and bone loss in experimental periodontitis in mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is the cell response that activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in a variety of conditions, such as inflammation and bone metabolism. The UPR may be associated with the pathogenesis of periodontal disease because the disease is inflammatory in nature, and alveolar bone resorption is a characteristic feature of the disease. However, the relationship between ER stress and alveolar bone resorption observed in periodontal disease remains elusive.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were orally administered Porphyromonas gingivalis, a representative periodontopathic bacterium, in the presence or absence of a chemical chaperone, 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA). The gene expression of UPR-related molecules and cytokines in gingival tissues were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and alveolar bone resorption and osteoclast numbers were evaluated histologically. The in vitro effect of 4-PBA on the differentiation of mouse bone marrow cells induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor was analyzed.

RESULTS

The gene expression levels of UPR-related molecules and proinflammatory cytokines and alveolar bone resorption were significantly increased in P. gingivalis-administered mice. UPR-related gene expression and alveolar bone resorption were significantly suppressed by the administration of 4-PBA. However, no effect of 4-PBA was observed for proinflammatory cytokine expression in gingival tissues. Osteoclastic differentiation of bone marrow cells was also suppressed by 4-PBA with a concomitant reduction in the gene expression of cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant alkaline phosphatase genes.

CONCLUSION

ER stress induced by oral administration of P. gingivalis is involved in alveolar bone resorption independent of inflammatory cytokines in mice.

Molecular characterisation of a type III restriction-modification system in Campylobacter upsaliensis

Two examples of Campylobacter upsaliensis RM3195 and JV21 strains are shown to carry putative type III restriction (res)-modification (mod) enzyme gene clusters, following genome sequence analyses. It is suggested that the cluster is composed of at least three structural genes, res, internal methylase gene and mod, in the strains, based on the nucleotide sequence information. A ribosome binding site, a putative promoter consisting of a consensus sequence at the -10-like structure and a semiconserved T-rich region and a putative intrinsic p-independent transcriptional terminator were identified for the gene cluster in the two strains. Using two primer pairs, f-/r-res and f-/r-mod, 34 of 41 C. upsaliensis isolates generated two expected amplicons of the res and mod gene segments, and using another primer pair, the same number of isolates also generated an amplicon of the res and mod gene segments cluster, including the third internal methylase gene. Thus, C. upsaliensis isolates frequently carried putative type III R-M gene clusters, encoding the three enzymes. Interestingly, two possible overlaps were identified within the three tandem structural genes. In addition, the type III R-M gene cluster loci appear to be very similar among the C. upsaliensis isolates and very different from other thermophilic campylobacters.

Mutant allele frequency predicts the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in lung adenocarcinoma harboring the L858R mutation

BACKGROUND

Whether the mutant allele frequency (MAF) may also have predictive implications for tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in patients with advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma (AELAd) remains unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on a biobanking system in conjunction with our institution, we assessed EGFR mutation status using pyrosequencing (Py) and by outsourcing laboratory tests, such as the Cycleave (Cy) and the Scorpion ARMS (A).

RESULTS

Out of 705 patients enrolled in the Shizuoka Lung Cancer Mutation Study between July 2011 and March 2013, 102 AELAd patients were identified as carrying the L858R mutation (L858Rm) using Py to analyze histological specimens. Of these 102 patients, the EGFR mutation status was assessed using both Py and Cy in 48 patients: the median MAF of L858R (MAFLR) was 18.5% (range: 8%-82%), and 45 patients (94%) were identified as having an L858Rm using both Py and Cy. Three patients (6%) with discrepant L858Rm findings were only identified using Py. The plotting of a receiver operating characteristic curve to identify the discordance in L858Rm findings showed that the area under the curve for MAFLR was 0.967 (95% confidence interval: 0.91-1) and that an MAFLR of 9% resulted in high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (99%). Also, 29 patients with AELAd, excluding those with postoperative recurrences, had their L858R status assessed using Cy or A. The median age, 69 years (range: 47-84 years); male/female, 14 (48%)/15 (52%); smokers/never-smokers 13 (45%)/16 (55%); ECOG PS 0-1/2-3, 26 (90%)/3 (10%); stage IIIB/IV, 4 (14%)/25 (86%); median MAFLR, 18% (range: 8%-63%). Patients with an MAFLR of ≤9% had a significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) period after TKI therapy than those with an MAFLR of >9% (mPFS: 92 versus 284 days, P = 0.0027).

CONCLUSION

The MAF may be a potential predictive factor of TKI treatment efficacy in patients with AELAd carrying the L858Rm.

Construction and expression of a recombinant urease gene cluster from Campylobacter sputorum biovar paraureolyticus

Recombinant full-length urease gene cluster and seven 100% deletion recombinant variants of urease subunits genes, (ureG, ureH, ureA, ureB, ureC, ureE and ureF) were constructed in vitro from the Campylobacter sputorum biovar paraureolyticus LMG17591 strain and expressed in Escherichia coli JM109 cells. A urease-positive reaction (1.885 micromol/min/mg protein) in the log-phase cultured E. coli cells transformed with pGEM-T vector carrying the recombinant full-length urease genes cluster was detected. Among the seven 100% deletion recombinant variants, each of the ureG-, ureH(D)-, ureA-, ureB-, ureC-, ureE- and ureF-deletion variants showed no change in assay of the urease reaction, and similarly as in the E. coli cell lysate with pGEM-T vector only. Recombinant full-length urease gene cluster and 100% deletion recombinants of the ureE gene in the transformed and log-phase cultured E. coli cells from the C. sputorum showed positively accelerated urease activities when cultured in the medium containing NiCl2 (750 micromol/L), but no activity was accelerated in the C. sputorum cultured in NiCl2. In addition, thiourea (20 mmol/L) completely inhibited urease activities from all C. sputorum examined. The putative recombinant urease subunits A and C were immunologically identified by Western blot analysis with polyclonal anti-urease alpha (A) and beta (B), raised against Helicobacter pylori.

Telaprevir impairs renal function and increases blood ribavirin concentration during telaprevir/pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C

We aimed to examine the relationship between renal dysfunction and anaemia that may develop during combination therapy involving pegylated interferon, ribavirin and telaprevir (PEG-IFN/RBV/TVR) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Sixty-eight patients with genotype 1b high viral loads were treated with PEG-IFN/RBV/TVR. Peg-IFN and RBV doses were administered according to body weight. TVR was prescribed at 2250 mg/day for 44 patients and at 1500 mg/day for 24 patients who had low haemoglobin level (<12 g/dL). When anaemia had developed, the RBV dose was decreased. The serum TVR concentration at day 8 was measured, and the serum RBV concentration was measured serially. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated to assess renal function. At week 1, serum TVR concentration was not correlated with a decrease in eGFR; however, the TVR dose, on a weight basis (mg/kg), and eGFR were correlated (r = 0.2691; P = 0.0265). Moreover, there was a negative correlation between eGFR and RBV serum concentration (r = −0.3694; P = 0.0025), and the serum RBV concentration and decrease in the haemoglobin were significantly correlated from week 1 to week 8. In triple therapy, the TVR dose per weight is correlated with a decline in renal function. Thus, the serum concentration of RBV increases, with a concomitant decrease in haemoglobin. It is important to adjust the doses of TVR and RBV to avoid excessive serum RBV levels and the development of severe anaemia, to achieve a good clinical effect.

Molecular structural analysis of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) gene clusters in Campylobacter lari

Southern hybridisation shows that urease-negative (UN) Campylobacter lari JCM2530(T) carries two putative major outer membrane protein (MOMP) genes. Sequences of approximately 2.1 kbp, encoding non-coding (NC) regions, with possible open reading frames (ORFs) for MOMP (porA1 or porA2) of approximately 1.2 kbp, NC regions and partial and putative Cla_0435 or Cla_1109 ORFs were identified in all five UN C. lari isolates examined, following polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning and sequencing. Each putative MOMP structural gene carried start and stop codons and ribosome binding sites of 1236-1278 bp in length. The putative sigma70 transcriptional promoter and the hypothetical rho-independent transcription terminator structures were also seen. Using Northern hybridisation, there was in vivo monocistronic MOMP gene transcription. In addition, in a Japanese urease-positive thermophilic Campylobacter (UPTC) CF89-12 strain, the porA1 gene locus, including an extra gene (approximately 2000 bp in length) was identified. The extra gene may occur within the porA1 gene locus in the eight UPTC isolates of the 23 C. lari isolates examined. Thus, a genetic heterogeneity occurred within the porA1 gene locus from some of the C. lari organisms including the UPTC CF89-12.