Carbon dioxide uptake in a eutrophic stratified reservoir: Freshwater carbon sequestration potential

Carbon capture and storage due to photosynthesis activities has been proposed as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change. To enhance such mitigation, previous studies have shown that freshwater lakes should be included in the carbon sink, since they may capture as much carbon as coastal areas. In eutrophic freshwater lakes, there is uncertainty about whether the equilibrium equation can estimate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), owing to the presence of photosynthesis due to phytoplankton, and pH measurement error in freshwater fluid. Thus, this study investigated the applicability of the equilibrium equation and revealed the need to modify it. The modified equilibrium equation was successfully applied to reproduce pCO2 based on total alkalinity and pH through field observations. In addition, pCO2 at the water surface was lower than the atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide due to photosynthesis by phytoplankton during strong stratification. The stratification effect on low pCO2 was verified by using the Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) model, and a submerged freshwater plants such as Potamogeton malaianus were found to have high potential for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) sequestration in a freshwater lake. These results should provide a starting point toward more sophisticated methods to investigate the effect of freshwater carbon on DIC uptake in freshwater stratified eutrophic lakes.

Software defined networking (SDN) over space division multiplexing (SDM) optical networks: features, benefits and experimental demonstration

We present results from the first demonstration of a fully integrated SDN-controlled bandwidth-flexible and programmable SDM optical network utilizing sliceable self-homodyne spatial superchannels to support dynamic bandwidth and QoT provisioning, infrastructure slicing and isolation. Results show that SDN is a suitable control plane solution for the high-capacity flexible SDM network. It is able to provision end-to-end bandwidth and QoT requests according to user requirements, considering the unique characteristics of the underlying SDM infrastructure.

Fully-elastic multi-granular network with space/frequency/time switching using multi-core fibres and programmable optical nodes

We present the first elastic, space division multiplexing, and multi-granular network based on two 7-core MCF links and four programmable optical nodes able to switch traffic utilising the space, frequency and time dimensions with over 6000-fold bandwidth granularity. Results show good end-to-end performance on all channels with power penalties between 0.75 dB and 3.7 dB.

Distinct telomere length regulation in premalignant cervical and endometrial lesions: implications for the roles of telomeres in uterine carcinogenesis

Mouse models show that progressive shortening of telomeres with ageing causes chromosomal instability, which can lead to the initiation of cancer. However, it is unclear what roles telomere shortening plays in human carcinogenesis. The present study has investigated the involvement of telomere dynamics in uterine carcinogenesis. Using telomere-FISH (telo-FISH) assays, telomere lengths in premalignant and malignant cervical and endometrial lesions were measured and compared with chromosomal arm loss or gain. Telo-FISH signals were visualized with Cy3-labelled telomere-specific probes and presented as telomere intensity (TI). Early-stage cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs), especially CIN2, had significantly shorter telomeres than corresponding normal squamous epithelia (p = 0.019), together with increased rates of chromosomal arm loss/gain (p < 0.001). Cervical cancers had relatively short telomeres, but they also showed greater heterogeneity than other sampled tissues, including those with long telomeres. In contrast, there was no significant difference between the telomere length of normal endometrium and of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. There was no significant difference in the rate of chromosomal arm loss/gain between normal endometrium and endometrial hyperplasia. These findings suggest that progressive shortening of telomeres occurs in CIN, in association with chromosomal instability, which may play critical roles in cervical carcinogenesis. In contrast, endometrial hyperplasias have relatively stable telomeres without widespread chromosome alteration, implying that endometrial carcinogenesis involves mechanisms distinct from those of cervical carcinogenesis, possibly including microsatellite instability.

The evaluation of human papillomavirus DNA testing in primary screening for cervical lesions in a large Japanese population

To examine the utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for the screening of cervical cancer and its precursors, a prospective cohort study was performed in which a total of 8156 women with a median age of 36 years were enrolled. Two smear samples scraped from the uterine cervix were served for Papanicolaou test and HPV DNA testing (Hybrid Capture-II system). HPV-positive samples were further examined for HPV subtype using a DNA microarray chip. Women with cytologic abnormality or those with high-risk HPV DNA were further examined by colposcopy to determine histologic diagnosis. High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 11% of the general population, with higher prevalence of specific types, including 52, 16, 58, 51, 56, and 18. As expected, younger women were likely to have increased frequency of HPV infection. Notably, HPV DNA testing detected all 45 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, while cytologic findings were negative in 6 of these cases. It is of particular interest that CIN was commonly associated with multiple HPV types, while invasive cancers had a single type of HPV. In terms of both sensitivity and positive predictive value in detecting the CIN, HPV DNA testing is superior to cytology. However, most importantly, HPV DNA testing in combination with cytology significantly improved the efficacy to CIN screening.

Creation of tumorigenic human endometrial epithelial cells with intact chromosomes by introducing defined genetic elements

Several genetic mutations have been identified in human endometrial cancers, but the specific combinations of mutations required to form endometrial cancer cells remain unknown. In the present study, we established an in vitro model of endometrial carcinogenesis, in which defined genetic elements were introduced into endometrial epithelial cells to create transformed endometrial cells at different stages. Introduction of the human papillomavirus type 16 E6/E7 gene and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene into human primary endometrial epithelial cells was sufficient to generate immortalized cells. Introduction of hTERT in early passages stabilized telomeres and created immortalized cells with normal karyotype, whereas introduction of hTERT in later passages generated immortalized cells but with widespread chromosome abnormalities. However, neither of those two immortalized cell lines exhibited tumorigenic phenotypes. Tumorigenic endometrial epithelial cells with invasive capacity were created by introducing a mutant K-ras allele into immortalized cells, keeping their chromosomes intact. Inhibiting the PTEN gene and activating Akt pathways did not create tumorigenic phenotypes, although the latter conferred anchorage-independent growth capacity. These findings suggest that neoplastic transformation of human endometrial cells can occur in the absence of widespread chromosomal abnormality, and that the combination of Rb inactivation, telomerase activation and altered K-ras signaling is sufficient for in vitro neoplastic transformation. The present experimental model can help clarify the genetic requirements for endometrial carcinogenesis, and it is useful for testing and developing specific inhibitors of specific oncogenic pathways.

The evaluation of human papillomavirus DNA testing in primary screening for cervical lesions in a large Japanese population

To examine the utility of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for the screening of cervical cancer and its precursors, a prospective cohort study was performed in which a total of 8156 women with a median age of 36 years were enrolled. Two smear samples scraped from the uterine cervix were served for Papanicolaou test and HPV DNA testing (Hybrid Capture-II system). HPV-positive samples were further examined for HPV subtype using a DNA microarry chip. Women with cytologic abnormality or those with high-risk HPV DNA were further examined by colposcopy to determine histologic diagnosis. High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 11% of the general population, with higher prevalence of specific types, including 52, 16, 58, 51, 56, and 18. As expected, younger women were likely to have increased frequency of HPV infection. Notably, HPV DNA testing detected all 45 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, while cytologic findings were negative in 6 of these cases. It is of particular interest that CIN was commonly associated with multiple HPV types, while invasive cancers had a single type of HPV. In terms of both sensitivity and positive predictive value in detecting the CIN, HPV DNA testing is superior to cytology. However, most importantly, HPV DNA testing in combination with cytology significantly improved the efficacy to CIN screening.

Field survey of indoor air quality in detached houses in Niigata Prefecture

In this study, measurements of indoor air quality and ventilation rate of detached wooden houses in Niigata Prefecture are carried out. The air quality (the concentration of formaldehyde (HCHO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the air-tightness of the houses and the life style of the occupants were investigated. The temperature and humidity were logged for 1 week at 10-min intervals using stand-alone data loggers. The measuring points were at 110 and 5 cm above the floor and 10 cm below the ceiling. A 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-coated silica (DNPH) cartridge (Waters Sep-Pak XpoSure) was used to measure the concentration of HCHO and a passive air sampler (3M Organic Vapor Monitor) was used to measure the concentration of VOCs in the living room for 1 week. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to analyze the average weekly concentration of VOCs. The weekly averaged ventilation rate of the house was measured by perfluorocarbon tracer gas technique (PFT). The main results can be summarized as follows. 1. A total of 38.2% of the occupants felt that the indoor air quality was bad when cooking or smoking in the house took place. 2. The HCHO concentration in the houses is inversely proportional to the air leakage from the house, i.e. it was high for airtight houses. 3. The HCHO concentration in older houses is lower than in new houses of similar air-tightness. 4. When building age increases, HCHO concentration in indoor air decreases. 5. Generally the concentration of benzene, toluene, p-dichlorobenzene, o-, m-, p-xylene is high, especially in a newly constructed house.

Hyperfine structure of antiprotonic helium revealed by a laser-microwave-laser resonance method

Using a newly developed laser-microwave-laser resonance method, we observed a pair of microwave transitions between hyperfine levels of the (n,L)=(37,35) state of antiprotonic helium. This experiment confirms the quadruplet hyperfine structure arising from the interaction of the antiproton orbital angular momentum, the electron spin and the antiproton spin as predicted by Bakalov and Korobov. The measured frequencies of nu(+)(HF)=12.895 96+/-0.000 34 GHz and nu(-)(HF)=12.924 67+/-0.000 29 GHz agree with recent theoretical calculations on a level of 6x10(-5).

Primary populations of metastable antiprotonic (4)He and (3)He atoms

Initial distributions of metastable antiprotonic (4)He and (3)He atoms over principal (n) and angular momentum (l) quantum numbers have been deduced using laser spectroscopy experiments. The regions n = 37-40 and n = 35-38 in the two atoms account for almost all of the observed fractions [(3.0 +/- 0.1)% and (2.4 +/- 0.1)%] of antiprotons captured into metastable states.

Sub-ppm laser spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium and a CPT-violation limit on the antiprotonic charge and mass

Six laser-resonant transitions have been detected in metastable antiprotonic helium atoms produced at the CERN Antiproton Decelerator. They include UV transitions from the last metastable states in the v = n-l-1 = 0 and 1 cascades. Zero-density frequencies were obtained from measured pressure shifts with fractional precisions between 1.3 x 10(-7) and 1.6 x 10(-6). By comparing these with QED calculations and the antiproton cyclotron frequency, we deduce that the antiproton and proton charges and masses agree to within 6 x 10(-8) with a confidence level of 90%.

An improved synthesis of butyl 4-[(4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl)amino]-1-piperidineacetate (AU-224)

A new and facile route for the synthesis of the novel gastrointestinal prokinetic butyl 4-[(4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl)amino]-1-piperidineacetate (1b), which exhibited potent gastro- and colon-prokinetic activities by oral administration without significant side effects, was established. The key intermediate, butyl 4-amino-1-piperidineacetate (16), was prepared from commercially available 4-amino-1-benzylpiperidine (2) in a high yield with four steps. Compound 1b was prepared by condensation of commercially available 4-amino-5-choloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (7) with 16 in 84% yield. This improved synthetic route was appropriate for large-scale synthesis of 1b.

Synthesis and gastrointestinal prokinetic activity of novel benzamide derivatives with amphoteric side chains

Novel benzamide derivatives (19-24, 32a-c, 43d-f), each possessing a cycloaminoalkanecarboxylic acid side chain, were synthesized and their gastrointestinal prokinetic and dopamine D2 receptor antagonist activities were evaluated. 4-[(4-Amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl)amino]-1-piperidineacetic acid (19) exhibited the most potent gastro- and colon-prokinetic activities, through intravenous administration to conscious dogs, and also showed the reduced dopamine D2 receptor antagonistic activity. However, 19 showed only weak gastrointestinal prokinetic activity after oral administration. Several ester prodrugs (44-62) of 19 were tested for pharmacological activities as well as physicochemical and metabolic stability; the butyl ester (46) was consequently selected as a promising gastrointestinal prokinetic agent with reduced side effects.

Amphoteric drugs. I. Synthesis and antiallergic activity of [4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]-, [4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]- and [4-(diphenylmethylene)piperidino]alkanoic acid derivatives

A simple method of transforming classical antihistaminics into nonsedative antiallergic agents with strong effects in rat models is described. Various [4-(diphenylmethoxy)piperidino]- (series A), [4-(diphenylmethyl)piperazinyl]-(series B) and [4-(diphenylmethylene)piperidino]alkanoic acid derivatives (series C) were synthesized and examined for antiallergic activities and effects on the central nervous system (CNS), in comparison with the corresponding N-methyl derivatives (1a--c). N-Alkylcarboxylic acids (5a--c) showed stronger inhibitory effects on compound 48/80-induced lethality in rats than the corresponding N-methyl derivatives (1a--c). In particular, N-alkylcarboxylic acids (5a) in series A exhibited approximately 100-fold stronger inhibitory effects than 1a, and were the least effective in prolonging the sleeping time on hexobarbital-induced anesthesia in mice in all series. As a result of chemical modification in series A, it was found that introduction of a methyl group at the para-position on one benzene ring in the (diphenylmethoxy)piperidine system effectively reduced CNS side-effects without reducing antiallergic activity. (+)-3-[4-[(4-Methylphenyl)phenylmethoxy]piperidino]propionic acid ((+)-5l), an optically active isomer of 5l, exhibited a stronger antiallergic effect (ED50 = 0.17 mg/kg, p.o.) than ketotifen and terfenadine in the 48 h homologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test, and moreover exhibited no CNS side-effects, such as prolongation of the sleeping time on hexobarbital-induced anesthesia, at an oral dose of 30 mg/kg. Compound (+)-5l was thus proved to be a promising candidate as a nonsedative antiallergic agent.

HLA-type of cerebral vasospasm patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

We studied human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) types in a group of 45 patients who had aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A significantly increased frequency of HLA antigen A31 and a significantly decreased frequency of HLA antigen B40 were found. In patients with delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) following aneurysmal SAH and HLA typing, HLA-Bw60 antigen showed significant increases; in patients who did not develop HLA-Aw33 and -Cw4 antigens showed significant. Among the patients with Fisher's Group 3 on CT, in particular, these antigens significantly increased when compared with controls from the same geographic area. These results suggest that HLA-Bw60 antigen plays a role as predisposing factor of DIND resulting from vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH, and that HLA-Aw33 and -Cw4 exert protective influence against DIND.

Synthesis, gastrointestinal prokinetic activity and structure-activity relationships of novel N-[[2-(dialkylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]benzamide derivatives

Novel N-[[dialkylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]benzamide derivatives (II-1-51), derived from the structural modification of metoclopramide (I), were synthesized and examined for their pharmacological activities. Among them, N-[4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy]benzyl]-3,4-dimethoxybenzamide (II-34) which exhibited well balanced gastrointestinal prokinetic and antiemetic activities was selected as a new type of gastrointestinal prokinetic agent.

A new ultrasound-guided brain biopsy technique through a burr hole. Technical note

There is a disadvantage in brain biopsy by ultrasonic guidance comparing it with the CT guided approach. It is the fact that the ultrasonic method requires a small craniotomy or multiple trephinations because the size of the transducer exceeds the diameter of the burr hole and the echographic information from the trocar which houses the biopsy forceps, becomes poor when the sound beams run nearly parallel with the site of its insertion. The authors devised a brain biopsy technique through only one burr hole under real time monitoring, using a small foot-print transducer, 12 mm in diameter, and a special trocar with engraved scales on its surface. We believe that this new biopsy technique surpasses the traditional CT directed and ultrasound-guided methods in many respects. A representation case biopsied by this technique is presented.

High-frequency cotransformation by copolymerization of plasmids in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

We have developed a high-frequency cotransformation system which is useful in introducing nonreplicating circular DNA plasmids into the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This system depends on two factors: the ability of the ural-complementing helper plasmids pFYM2 and pFYM225 to propagate autonomously in S. pombe, and the intensive recombination activity intrinsic to this yeast. If cotransformed with a helper plasmid, plasmids such as YIp5 or YIp32, Escherichia coli-Saccharomyces cerevisiae shuttle vectors incapable of replication in S. pombe, can enter S. pombe and express the gene carried on them at a frequency comparable to that of autonomously replicating plasmids (10(3) to 10(4) transformants per microgram of DNA). Even if characters of the nonreplicating DNA are not selected directly, 50 to 70% of Ura+ cells transformed with the helper have also incorporated the nonreplicating plasmid. It is shown that these two plasmids have physically recombined at a site of common DNA sequence to form a heteropolymer in the fission yeast. Since any foreign DNA cloned in pBR322 or ColE1 derivatives can be incorporated into S. pombe by using pFYM2 or pFYM225 as a helper, this cotransformation system will serve as a convenient method to examine functional expression of such cloned DNA in S. pombe. This work also demonstrates that the kanamycin resistance gene carried by the bacterial transposon Tn903 can be expressed in S. pombe, as shown by its ability to inactivate the antibiotic G418.

Cloned ural locus of Schizosaccharomyces pombe propagates autonomously in this yeast assuming a polymeric form

DNA segments cloned from Schizosaccharomyces pombe by the ability to complement Escherichia coli pyrB mutations are shown to complement a ural mutation in S. pombe, thereby demonstrating that ural is the structural gene for aspartate transcarbamylase of S. pombe. Further, such segments combined with parts or all of pBR322 are shown to be capable of autonomous propagation in S. pombe. This suggests the existence of an autonomously replicating sequence (ars) in the vicinity of ural. Unlike the TRP1 segment cloned from Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Struhl, K., Stinchcomb, D. T., Scherer, S. & Davis, R. W. (1979) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76, 1035-1039], plasmids carrying the ural locus do not multiply as monomers but assume a polymeric form as large as a decamer to an icosamer in the yeast. Monomers are tandemly arranged in the polymer. Inversion of an inserted fragment or insertion of another segment into a competent plasmid greatly decreases the efficiency of such transformation, implying a role of the tertiary structure of the plasmids in the establishment of transformation of this kind.