Precise Measurement of Differential Cross Sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn Reaction in Momentum Range 470-650 MeV/c

The differential cross sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction were measured accurately for the Σ^{-} momentum (p_{Σ}) ranging from 470 to 650  MeV/c at the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility. Precise angular information about the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction was obtained for the first time by detecting approximately 100 reaction events at each angular step of Δcosθ=0.1. The obtained differential cross sections show a slightly forward-peaking structure in the measured momentum regions. The cross sections integrated for -0.7≤cosθ≤1.0 were obtained as 22.5±0.68 [statistical error(stat.)] ±0.65 [systematic error(syst.)] mb and 15.8±0.83(stat)±0.52(syst)  mb for 470<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<550 and 550<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<650, respectively. These results show a drastic improvement compared with past measurements of the hyperon-proton scattering experiments. They will play essential roles in updating the theoretical models of the baryon-baryon interactions.

Recent progress and future prospects of hyperon nucleon scattering experiment

A new hyperon-proton scattering experiment, dubbed J-PARC E40, was performed to measure differential cross sections of the Σ+p, Σ−p elastic scatterings and the Σ−p → Λn scattering by identifying a lot of Σ particles in the momentum ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 GeV/c produced by the π±p → K+Σ± reactions. We successfully measured the differential cross sections of these three channels with a drastically improved accuracy with a fine angular step. These new data will become important experimental constraints to improve the theories of the two-body baryon-baryon interactions. Following this success, we proposed a new experiment to measure the differential cross sections and spin observables by using a highly polarized Λ beam for providing quantitative information on the ΛN interaction. The results of three Σp channels and future prospects of the Λp scattering experiment are described.

Observation of Coulomb-Assisted Nuclear Bound State of Ξ^{-}-^{14}N System

In an emulsion-counter hybrid experiment performed at J-PARC, a Ξ^{-} absorption event was observed which decayed into twin single-Λ hypernuclei. Kinematic calculations enabled a unique identification of the reaction process as Ξ^{-}+^{14}N→_{Λ}^{10}Be+_{Λ}^{5}He. For the binding energy of the Ξ^{-} hyperon in the Ξ^{-}-^{14}N system a value of 1.27±0.21  MeV was deduced. The energy level of Ξ^{-} is likely a nuclear 1p state which indicates a weak ΞN-ΛΛ coupling.

Compact, lower-power-consumption wavelength tunable laser fabricated with silicon photonic-wire waveguide micro-ring resonators

A wavelength tunable laser with an SOA and external double micro-ring resonator, which is fabricated with silicon photonic-wire waveguides, is demonstrated. To date, it is the first wavelength tunable laser fabricated with silicon photonic technology. The device is ultra compact, and its external resonator footprint is 700 x 450 microm, which is about 1/25 that of conventional tunable lasers fabricated with SiON waveguides. The silicon resonator shows a wide tuning range covering the C or L bands for DWDM optical communication. We obtained a maximum tuning span of 38 nm at a tuning power consumption of 26 mW, which is about 1/8 that of SiON-type resonators.

Adiabatic compression of quadratic temporal solitons in aperiodic quasi-phase-matching gratings

We numerically show that it is possible to achieve adiabatic compression of femtosecond quadratic solitons in aperiodically poled lithium niobate device. Two-colored solitons of the fundamental wavelength of 1560 nm can be adiabatically shaped by using group-velocity matching schemes available in quasi-phase-matching (QPM) devices. We investigate the performance of the adiabatic compression based on two different group-velocity matching schemes: type-I (e: o + o) collinear QPM geometry and type-0 (e: e + e) non-collinear QPM geometry. Two-colored temporal solitons with pulse duration of 35 fs are generated without visible pedestals from 100-fs fundamental pulse. We also show that walking solitons with shorter pulse durations are adiabatically excited under small group-velocity mismatch condition. The walking solitons experience deceleration or acceleration during compression, depending on the sign of the groupvelocity- mismatch. The demonstrated adiabatic pulse shaping is useful for generation of shorter pulses with clean temporal profiles, efficient femtosecond second harmonic generation and group-velocity control.

Group-velocity-mismatch compensation in cascaded third-harmonic generation with two-dimensional quasi-phase-matching gratings

A novel scheme to achieve broadband cascaded third-harmonic generation by use of two-dimensional quasi-phase-matching gratings is proposed. Intrinsic group-velocity mismatch is compensated by the pulse front tilt in noncollinear interaction geometry. The presented scheme enables broadband third-harmonic generation in a single device of long interaction length, which reduces the operation intensity dramatically.

Chronotropic Effect of the Antithrombotic Agent Cilostazol in a Patient with Sick Sinus Syndrome and Syncope

In this case report we describe an 80-year-old man with sick sinus syndrome (SSS) who developed syncope attacks. The diagnosis of SSS was based on electrocardiographic evidence of markedly prolonged sinus arrests associated with syncope attacks while in hospital. The patient was given cilostazol, an anti-thrombotic agent that selectively inhibits cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase type 3, at a dose of 100 mg twice daily. The syncope attacks ceased, and an electrocardiogram obtained 1 week after the start of cilostazol administration showed no evidence of sinus arrest. The outcome of this case suggests that cilostazol may be useful in patients with syncope attacks due to SSS, although the long-term chronotropic effects of cilostazol need to be evaluated.

On the bioactive conformation of the rhodopsin chromophore: absolute sense of twist around the 6-s-cis bond

Incubation of opsin with synthetic 6-s-locked retinoids 2a and 2b only led to pigment formation from the alpha-locked 2a, the CD spectrum of which was similar to that of native rhodopsin (Rh). This establishes that the 6-s-bond of the chromophore in rhodopsin is cis, and that its helicity is negative. Earlier cross-linking studies showed that the 11-cis to all-trans photoisomerization occurring in the batho-Rh to lumi-Rh conversion induces a flip over of the side carrying the ring moiety. The GTP-binding assay of pigment Rh-(2a), incorporating retinal analogue 2a, has shown that its activity is 80% that of the native pigment. That is, the overall conformation around the 6-s bond is retained in the steps leading to G-protein activation.

Serological Immunoglobulin G antibody titers to Helicobacter pylori in Japanese Brazilian and Non-Japanese Brazilian gastric cancer patients and controls in São Paulo

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is considered a cause of gastric cancer (GC), though evidence for this association is scarce in high-risk areas. Possible case control and/or ethnic differences were investigated as to the presence of H. pylori and its immunogloblin G antibody titer in the multi-ethnic city of São Paulo, where the incidence of GC is relatively high. We performed a cross-sectional comparison of antibody titers to H. pylori in Japanese Brazilian, and non-Japanese Brazilian GC patients and their controls. Japanese Brazilian patients were matched by age, sex and ethnicity with two controls, while non-Japanese Brazilian patients were matched as above with one control. Among Japanese Brazilians, 59 of 93 (63.4%) patients with GC and 127 of 186 (68.3%) controls were positive for H. pylori-specific antibody (odds ratio (OR) = 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47 - 1.36), while among non-Japanese Brazilians, 171 of 228 patients with GC (75.7%) and 178 of 226 controls (78.8%) were positive (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.54 - 1.30). The median serum antibody titer was lower in cases than in controls in both ethnic groups. A high titer (H. pylori titer > or = 50) was associated with less likelihood of GC for both ethnic groups (for Japanese Brazilians, OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16 - 0.92; for non-Japanese Brazilians, OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.31 - 1.02). The high titer can be regarded as a sign of the necessity of eradication, and low titer is regarded as a sign of the necessity of close screening for GC in both ethnic groups, because extended atrophy may cause spontaneous disappearance of H. pylori from the stomach.

Autocrine interferon-beta stimulation augments nitric oxide production by mouse macrophage J774A.1 cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1

The pathogenic roles of nitric oxide (NO) in mouse models have been reported for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced pneumonia as well as endotoxin shock. We compared the mechanism of NO production induced by HSV-1 with that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a mouse macrophage cell line, J774A.1. Both HSV-1 and LPS induced NO production as well as antiviral activity, which were attenuated by anti-interferon (IFN)-beta treatment. These results suggest that autocrine IFN-beta plays a role in NO release by J774A.1 cells stimulated with HSV-1 or LPS.

A highly stereoselective synthesis of 11Z-retinal using tricarbonyliron complex

A stereoselective synthesis of 11Z-retinal 2, which is the chromophore of visual pigment (rhodopsin), was accomplished from the beta-ionylideneacetaldehyde-tricarbonyliron complex 3. The Peterson reaction of 3 using ethyl trimethylsilylacetate smoothly proceeded to afford predominantly the Z-ester 6. Transformation of the Z-ester 6 to the methyl ketone 19, followed by the Emmons-Horner reaction of 19 with C2-cyanophosphonate, produced ethyl 11Z, 13E-retinonitrile-tricarbonyliron complex 21 as the only product. Decomplexation of 21 with CuCl2 and subsequent DIBAL reduction gave 11Z-retinal 2 in excellent yield. Mechanistic consideration of Z-selectivity in the Peterson reaction of the aldehyde-tricarbonyliron complex is also discussed.

Interleukin-18 protects mice against acute herpes simplex virus type 1 infection

We examined the effects of interleukin-18 (IL-18) in a mouse model of acute intraperitoneal infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Four days of treatment with IL-18 (from 2 days before infection to 1 day after infection) improved the survival rate of BALB/c, BALB/c nude, and BALB/c SCID mice, suggesting innate immunity. One day after infection, HSV-1 titers were higher in the peritoneal washing fluid of control BALB/c mice than in that of IL-18-treated mice. A genetic deficiency of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), however, diminished the survival rate and the inhibition of HSV-1 growth at the injection site in the mice. Anti-asialo GM1 treatment had no influence on the protective effect of IL-18 in infected mice. IL-18 augmented IFN-gamma release in vitro by peritoneal cells from uninfected mice, while no appreciable IFN-gamma production was found in uninfected mice administered IL-18. Although IFN-gamma has the ability to induce nitric oxide (NO) production by various types of cells, administration of the NO synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine resulted in superficial loss of the improved survival, but there was no influence on the inhibition of HSV-1 replication at the injection site in IL-18-treated mice. Based on these results, we propose that IFN-gamma produced before HSV-1 infection plays a key role as one of the IL-18-promoted protection mechanisms and that neither NK cells nor NO plays this role.

Stereoselective synthesis of 11Z-9-demethyl-9-benzyl- and 9-phenyl-retinals and their interaction with bovine opsin

11Z-9-Demethyl-9-benzyl- and 9-phenyl-retinals were synthesized stereoselectively from the beta-ionone analog-tricarbonyliron complexes and their interaction with bovine opsin was investigated.

Successful treatment of vitiligo with PUVA-pigmented autologous epidermal grafting

BACKGROUND

The methoxypsoralen-ultraviolet A-light (PUVA)-induced pigmented epidermal grafting procedure appears to be a more effective treatment for vitiligo than similar treatments presently available. This finding was based on: 1) a more vigorous and completely homogeneous repigmentation was observed in the vitiliginous area and 2) that the treatment was safe, easy, inexpensive, and not time-consuming (approximately 3-4 hours), thus making it a suitable outpatient clinic treatment procedure for vitiligo patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with amelanotic depigmented lesions that had been refractory to conventional therapy were treated using suction blisters from autologous epidermal sheets. These had 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) solution applied and had been exposed to ultraviolet A light (topical PUVA) in order to stimulate melanogenesis.

RESULTS

Successful repigmentation was obtained after transplantation in all patients with segmental and localized vitiligo. The most homogeneous repigmentation was obtained within 3 months after grafting.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel procedure is an excellent tool by which to treat segmental and localized vitiligo lesions that have failed to respond to other therapies.

Novel insight into molecular mechanism of endotoxin shock: biochemical analysis of LPS receptor signaling in a cell-free system targeting NF-kappaB and regulation of cytokine production/action through beta2 integrin in vivo

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a constituent of gram-negative bacteria cell wall, plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of septic shock by generating endogenous mediators such as cytokines, nitrous oxide, superoxide anions, and lipid mediators. In vitro, LPS induces the transcription of a set of genes involved in inflammatory reactions by activating several types of transcription factors, particularly nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). An analysis of NF-kappaB activation using a cell-free system demonstated that two pathways converge to activate NF-kappaB; one is staurosporine-sensitive, the other is staurosporine-insensitive and tyrosine kinase-dependent. Furthermore, the latter pathway culminates in IkappaBalpha phosphorylation at serine/threonine residues in its carboxyl-terminal acidic region with dissociation of IkappaBalpha from NF-kappaB, thereby activating NF-kappaB. The requirement for the phosphorylation at this site was confirmed by the specific inhibition of NF-kappaB activation in a cell-free system by the synthetic peptide corresponding to this site. The in vivo administration of an anti-CD18 antibody prevented elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels and acute lethality induced by injection of a low dose of LPS into Propionibacterium acnes-primed rabbits or by the administration of a single high dose of LPS into animals. Anti-CD18 also prevented acute lethality induced by one of the main mediators of endotoxin shock, TNF-alpha. Furthermore, an antibody to a ligand for CD18, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, also prevented TNF-induced shock as well as endotoxin shock in rabbits. These observations suggest that the interaction between leukoytes and endothelium through beta2- integrin adhesion molecules may be of primary importance in mediating LPS signals in vivo.

Prevention of endotoxin-induced acute lethality in Propionibacterium acnes-primed rabbits by an antibody to leukocyte integrin beta 2 with concomitant reduction of cytokine production

Acute lethality was induced in rabbits by the sequential injection of Propionibacterium acnes and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). P. acnes induced the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the liver lobules during the early phase, and LPS in the late phase caused death in association with pathological changes mimicking hepatocellular necrosis or degeneration around infiltrated mononuclear cells and fibrin deposition in the liver, lung, and kidney, suggestive of a systemic Schwartzman-like reaction. These pathological changes were accompanied by the elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels. A neutralizing antibody to a leukocyte adhesion molecule, integrin beta 2 (CD18), administered at the time of LPS challenge, prevented reduced the elevation of plasma TNF and IL-8 levels. An anti-TNF alpha antibody but not an anti-IL-8 mediator in this model. These results indicate that CD18 is critically involved in vivo in activating leukocytes to produce cytokines in response to LPS.

Potential application of human interferon-alpha in microbial infections of the oral cavity

We have been evaluating the potential use of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) against fungal infections of the oral cavity. IFN-alpha has been reported to enhance the antifungal activity of neutrophils. This cytokine is also known to synergize with interleukin-1 in enhancing a number of immunomodulatory responses. To study cytokine involvement in oral defense mechanisms against microbial infection, we first demonstrated the presence of antimicrobial interleukins (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-8 in the saliva, which can all augment the microbicidal activity of neutrophils, and the presence of epithelial cells and neutrophils in oral lavage fluid from healthy volunteers. Immunostaining for cytokines produced by these cells showed that the candidate producers of both IL-1 alpha and IL-8 are epithelial cells, but those of IL-1 beta remained inconclusive. We next found that IFN-alpha enhanced IL-1 alpha-augmented neutrophil-mediated anticandidal action while marginally enhancing IL-8- and IL-1 beta-mediated reactions. These results suggest that IFN-alpha is a potential agent for treating oral mycosis by cooperating with endogenous cytokine(s) in the saliva, in addition to its intrinsic antiviral action.

Preparation of specific antibodies against murine IL-1ra and the establishment of IL-1ra as an endogenous regulator of bacteria-induced fulminant hepatitis in mice

Blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to mouse interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) were prepared by immunizing Armenian hamsters with recombinant mouse IL-1ra. A sensitive and specific ELISA against mouse IL-1ra was also established. In Propionibacterium acnes-induced liver injury, P. acnes induced transient increase of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels but not those of IL-1ra, IL-1, and IL-6. However, subsequent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge induced the increase of serum levels of all these cytokines and the peak serum IL-1ra level was more than 20 times as high as serum IL-1 levels. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that IL-1ra was predominantly produced by hepatocytes during the course of the priming phase by P. acnes and eliciting phase by LPS challenge. Furthermore, the administration of a mAb to mouse IL-1ra exacerbates the liver injury induced by P. acnes and sublethal dose of LPS, suggesting a protective role of endogenous IL-1ra in this liver injury model.

Molecular analysis of the cytokine network involved in cachexia in colon 26 adenocarcinoma-bearing mice

Two clones, one cachexigenic (clone 20) and the other noncachexigenic (clone 5), from a murine colon adenocarcinoma, colon 26 cells, were used to analyze the involvement of immune reactions as well as the cytokine network in cachexia. Clone 20 induced cachexia in nude and SCID mice as well as in normal BALB/c mice, suggesting that lymphocytes played little, if any, role in the process. Both clones failed to express mRNA of interleukin (IL) 1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in vitro with or without the coculture of NIH3T3 cells or spleen cells. However, IL-6 mRNA was selectively detected at the tumor site of clone 20 but not at that of clone 5-bearing mice. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA was detected at tumor sites and in spleens of only clone 5-bearing mice, suggesting a potential role of IL-6, but not tumor necrosis factor alpha, in inducing cachexia. Anti-IL-6 antibody partially reversed the weight loss induced by clone 20, whereas the continuous infusion of IL-6 failed to cause weight loss, despite being associated with an elevation of a serum acute phase protein. These results suggest that IL-6 is necessary but not sufficient for the induction of cachexia. Both clones expressed IL-6 mRNA in the presence of IL-1 in vitro, and mice bearing either clone expressed IL-1 beta mRNA at the tumor site. Moreover, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) mRNA was detected at the tumor site of clone 5-bearing mice but not at that of clone 20-bearing mice, suggesting that IL-1Ra might block IL-1 activity to reduce IL-6 production in clone 5-bearing mice. However, the transfection of clone 20 with IL-1Ra cDNA failed to abolish its capacity to produce IL-6 and to cause cachexia. Collectively, additional factor(s) besides IL-1Ra and IL-1 beta may control IL-6 and some other cachexigenic factor production, thereby causing cachexia in this model.

[Controversy between endoscopic and surgical treatment against early gastric and colorectal cancer]

Although endoscopic treatment against the patients with early cancer in gastrointestinal tract is an excellent method especially in high aged or poor risk patients, there still exists controversy about the indication for endoscopic treatment because of deeper invasion of the cancer or lymph node metastases. In order to clarify whether the patient has a possibility of nodal involvement or not, we made the clinicopathological analysis concerning 220 cases with early gastric cancers and 118 cases with colorectal cancers. Our retrospective analysis shows that endoscopic resection can be indicated for small polypoid cancer less than 10 mm in size, excluding IIa + IIc type. As to small depressed type, this procedure should be applied for IIc type which is well differentiated adenocarcinoma without ulcer formation (U1 (-)). Regarding early colorectal cancer there has been many discussion how to treat the patients with sm-cancer. Based on our analysis of 39 cases with sm-cancer, we led to the conclusion that the characteristics of sm-cancer with lymph node metastases are i) massive invasion into submucosal layer, ii) positive lymphatic permeation, or iii) "de novo" cancer. As a result, a decision of further surgery should be made even in small lesions less than 10 mm, taking the fact into consideration of the possibility of nodal involvement of sm-cancer.

[Experimental study on local attachment of Beriplast P membrane including MMC]

We studied the effect of Beriplast P membrane including MMC (2 mg/ml) on human gastric carcinoma implanted in nude mouse (OSS) as a example of a shallow but broad lesion as with an early-stage local recurrence of rectal cancer and superficial gastric cancer. As a result, the resected tumor contact Beriplast P membrane including MMC after 3 days showed continuous necrotic lesions, from 1 to 2 mm in depth. No side effect was observed in nude mice. These results indicated that Beriplast P membrane including MMC is a useful chemotherapy against local cancerous lesion.

Studies on the tissue culture of Stevia rebaudiana and its components; (II). Induction of shoot primordia

Shoot primordia, which were able to propagate vegetatively with a very high rate and to redifferentiate easily to new plants, were induced from shoot tips of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni on Gamborg B5 medium containing 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) under light. The propagation of the shoot primordia of Stevia rebaudiana is rapid, and they are highly stable in chromosome number and karyotype. The shoot primordia can propagate at a high rate for a long time without differentiation. At any time, the shoot primordia readily developed into plantlets with shoots and roots within 2 or 3 weeks in static culture on B5 medium containing 0.02 mg/l BAP and 2% sucrose. The plantlets were transplanted to sterilized soil to grow to normal adult plants.