Perturbative expansion of irreversible work in symmetric and asymmetric processes

The systematic expansion method of the solution of the Fokker-Planck equation is developed by generalizing the formulation proposed in [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 50, 325001 (2017)10.1088/1751-8121/aa7af4]. Using this method, we obtain an alternative formula to calculate the mean work perturbatively which is applicable to systems with degeneracy in the eigenvalues of the Fokker-Planck operator. This method enables us to study how the geometrical symmetry affects thermodynamic description of a Brownian particle. To illustrate the application of the derived theory, we consider the Fokker-Planck equation with a two-dimensional harmonic potential. To investigate the effect of symmetry of the potential, we study thermodynamic properties in symmetric and asymmetric deformation processes of the potential: the rotational symmetry of the harmonic potential is held in the former, but it is broken in the latter. Optimized deformations in these processes are defined by minimizing mean work. Comparing these optimized processes, we find that the difference between the symmetric and asymmetric processes is maximized when the deformation time of the potential is given by a critical time which is characterized by the relaxation time of the Fokker-Planck equation. This critical time in the mean work is smaller than that of the change of the mean energy because of the hysteresis effect in the irreversible processes.

Identification and Genetic Analysis of a Common Molecular Variant of Histidine-rich Glycoprotein with a Difference of 2KD in Apparent Molecular Weight

Two forms of histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) were detected on SDS-PAGE by silver staining and immunoblotting after isolation of the protein from pooled plasma using immuno-affinity chromatography followed by chromatography with heparin-Sepharose. Both forms were single-chain molecules and the apparent molecular weights of form 1 and form 2 were 77 kD and 75 kD respectively. Mendelian inheritance of both HRG forms was observed in four families with 24 informative meioses, strongly suggesting that the two forms are encoded by different alleles. The frequency of form 1 and form 2 in a group of 36 individuals was 0.35 and 0.65 respectively.

The difference between the two molecular variants was studied by direct sequence analysis of amplified exons of the HRG gene from 6 individuals who were homozygous either for form 1 or form 2. Five amino acid polymorphisms in three different exons were observed: Ile/Thr in exon 4; Pro/Ser in exon 5; His/Arg, Arg/Cys and Asn/Ile in exon 7. Analysis of these polymorphisms in 20 volunteers showed that only the Pro/Ser polymorphism at position 186 in exon 5 was coupled to the form of the HRG protein. Ser was found in form 1 and Pro in form 2. The presence of Ser at position 186 introduces a consensus sequence for a N-glycosylation site (Asn-X-Ser/Thr). By removing N-linked sugars with N-glycanase, it could be demonstrated that the difference between the two forms of HRG is caused by an extra carbohydrate group at Asn 184 in form 1.

Memory effect in the upper bound of the heat flux induced by quantum fluctuations

Thermodynamic behaviors in a quantum Brownian motion coupled to a classical heat bath is studied. We then define a heat operator by generalizing the stochastic energetics and show the energy balance (first law) and the upper bound of the expectation value of the heat operator (second law). We further find that this upper bound depends on the memory effect induced by quantum fluctuations and hence the maximum extractable work can be qualitatively modified in quantum thermodynamics.

Hyperparathyroidism — Comparison of Flash Imaging with Spin ECHO MR Imaging

MR images of the neck were prospectively studied in 19 patients with hyperparathyroidism. Fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequence was performed in addition to T1- and T2-weighted spin echo (SE) sequences. FLASH images were obtained with 320/12/20° (TR/TE/flip angle) using presaturation technique. TE of 12 ms was chosen to eliminate high signal of fat tissue. In the evaluation of detectability, a combination of T1-weighted SE and FLASH images (T1WI + FLASH) was compared with a combination of T1- and T2-weighted SE images (T1WI + T2WI). MR imaging correctly depicted 20 of 30 abnormal glands on both T1WI + FLASH and T1WI + T2WI. FLASH imaging effectively eliminated high signal of fat tissue. Nineteen abnormal glands demonstrated higher signal than surrounding tissues on FLASH images, whereas 12 glands were high-intense on T2-weighted SE images. We conclude that FLASH imaging provides improved tissue contrast and anatomic delineation and, thus, may replace T2-weighted SE imaging in the neck.

Ammonia sensing for enzymatic urea detection using organic field effect transistors and a semipermeable membrane

Organic transistors detect the enzymatic breakdown of ureaviaammonia diffusion into the transistor through a semipermeable parylene-C membrane.

Selection for reluctance to avoid humans during the domestication of mice

Many animal species have been domesticated over the course of human history and became tame as a result of domestication. Tameness is a behavioral characteristic with 2 potential components: (1) reluctance to avoid humans and (2) motivation to approach humans. However, the specific behavioral characteristics selected during domestication processes remain to be clarified for many species. To quantify these 2 different components of tameness separately, we established 3 behavioral tests: the ‘active tame’, ‘passive tame’ and ‘stay-on-hand’ tests. We subjected genetically diverse mouse strains to these tests, including 10 wild strains (BFM/2Ms, PGN2/Ms, HMI/Ms, BLG2/Ms, NJL/Ms, KJR/Ms, SWN/Ms, CHD/Ms, MSM/Ms and CAST/Ei), a fancy strain (JF1/Ms) and 6 standard laboratory strains (C3H/HeNJcl, CBA/J, BALB/cAnNCrlCrlj, DBA/2JJcl, 129^+Ter/SvJcl and C57BL/6JJcl). To analyze the effects of domestication, these 17 strains were divided into 2 groups: domesticated strains (fancy and laboratory strains) and wild strains. Significant differences between strains were observed in all traits, and the calculated estimates of broad-sense heritability were 0.15–0.72. These results illustrate that tameness in mice is significantly influenced by genetic background. In addition, they clearly show the differences in the features of tameness in domesticated and wild strains. Most of the domesticated strains showed significantly greater reluctance to avoid humans than wild strains, whereas there was no significant difference in the level of motivation to approach humans between these 2 groups. These results might help to clarify the genetic basis of tameness in mice.

Influence of sumatriptan on gastric accommodation and on antral contraction in healthy subjects assessed by ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Oral sumatriptan administration has been reported to delay gastric emptying after liquid meals. The aim of this study was to determine whether delayed gastric emptying is caused by enhanced gastric accommodation, impaired antral contractions, or both using ultrasonography.

METHODS

Ten healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized two-way crossover study. After overnight fasting, the subjects received the liquid meal 60 min after ingesting a 50 mg sumatriptan tablet with 50 mL of water or 50 mL of water alone (control). The cross-sectional area of the proximal stomach was measured in a supine position after every 100 mL. The frequency and amplitude of the antral contractions were measured in a slightly backward sitting position. The intragastric distribution of the liquid meal was assessed by calculating the proximal stomach/distal stomach ratio (prox/distal ratio).

KEY RESULTS

The cross-sectional area after drinking 100, 200, and 300 mL of the liquid meal (oral sumatriptan vs control) was 34.49 vs 15.11 cm(2) (P = 0.0051), 48.00 vs 30.61 cm(2) (P = 0.0166), and 58.67 vs 47.19 cm(2) (P = 0.0125), respectively. There was no significant difference in the amplitude of contractions, contraction cycle, motility index, and prox/distal ratio (97.15 vs 97.93%, P = 0.0745; 19.42 vs 19.5 s, P= 0.8590; and 887.58 vs 889.22, P = 0.5751; 9.75 vs 8.41, P = 0.8785; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Oral sumatriptan administration enhanced gastric accommodation after the ingestion of liquid nutrients, but had no significant effect on antral contractions or intragastric distribution in healthy subjects.

Clinical associations and risk factors for bleeding from colonic angiectasia: a case-controlled study

AIM

A case-controlled study was performed to investigate the association of colonic angiectasia with other conditions and to identify risk factors for bleeding.

METHOD

Information was collected from all patients who underwent colonoscopy at our hospital between January 2008 and December 2010. Data on 90 individuals with angiectasia [58 men; median age 69 (26-92) years] were compared with those of 180 individuals without angiectasia, matched for gender and age.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that occult gastrointestinal bleeding [odds ratio (OR) 2.523; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.238-5.142], liver cirrhosis (OR 13.195; 95% CI 3.502-49.711), chronic renal failure (OR 6.796; 95% CI 1.598-28.904) and valvular heart disease (OR 6.425; 95% CI 1.028-40.165) were identified as significant predictors of the presence of colonic angiectasia. Eight patients were diagnosed with bleeding from angiectasia. Cardiovascular disease (OR 22.047; 95% CI 1.063-457.345) and multiple angiectasias (P-value 0.0019) were identified as significant risk factors for active bleeding. Medication and a large size were not associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The presence of colonic angiectasia was associated with valvular heart disease, liver cirrhosis and chronic renal failure. Valvular heart disease and multiple lesions increased the risk of bleeding.

A novel automated microchip flow-chamber system to quantitatively evaluate thrombus formation and antithrombotic agents under blood flow conditions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the present study, we describe a newly developed microchip-based analytical system to evaluate white thrombus formation (WTF). Efficacies of various antithrombotic agents were compared under different flow conditions.

METHODS

Whole blood containing corn trypsin inhibitor was perfused over a microchip coated with collagen and tissue thromboplastin at the lower and higher shear rates of 240 and 600 s(-1) , and WTF process inside the microchip was quantified by monitoring a flow pressure. Parameters of T(10) (time to 10 kPa), T(10-80) (time from 10 to 80 kPa) and OT (occlusion time; time to 80 kPa) were used to evaluate the onset and the growth rate of WTF, and the capillary occlusion, respectively.

RESULTS

After perfusion was started, white thrombus composed of activated platelets and fibrin was formed on the coated surface. Thrombus gradually increased in size and eventually occluded the capillary. Among anticoagulants, heparin (0.5-1.0 U mL(-1)) potently prolonged T(10) at both shear rates, whereas low molecular weight heparin (1.0-2.0 IU mL(-1)) inhibited the growth of WTF at the lower shear rate. Among antiplatelet agents, abciximab (1-2 μg mL(-1)) significantly reduced the size and number of thrombi, which was additively enhanced in the presence of heparin (0.5 U mL(-1) ). OS-1 (specific GPIbα-antagonist) prevented the complete capillary occlusion.

CONCLUSION

The novel monitoring system of WTF may be useful in preclinical and clinical evaluations of different types of antithrombotic strategies, and their effects in combination.

Thermodynamic laws and equipartition theorem in relativistic Brownian motion

We extend the stochastic energetics to a relativistic system. The thermodynamic laws and equipartition theorem are discussed for a relativistic Brownian particle and the first and the second law of thermodynamics in this formalism are derived. The relation between the relativistic equipartition relation and the rate of heat transfer is discussed in the relativistic case together with the nature of the noise term.

Dissipative relativistic fluid dynamics: a new way to derive the equations of motion from kinetic theory

We rederive the equations of motion of dissipative relativistic fluid dynamics from kinetic theory. In contrast with the derivation of Israel and Stewart, which considered the second moment of the Boltzmann equation to obtain equations of motion for the dissipative currents, we directly use the latter's definition. Although the equations of motion obtained via the two approaches are formally identical, the coefficients are different. We show that, for the one-dimensional scaling expansion, our method is in better agreement with the solution obtained from the Boltzmann equation.

Serum factors that suppress cytotoxic effect of methotrexate

AIM

To study the phenomenon that human erythroid leukemia K-562 cells are more sensitive to cytotoxic effect of antimetabolites when cultured in a serum-free medium than in a conventional medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS).

METHODS

Cytotoxic effects of methotrexate, azaserine and 5-fluorouracil were estimated by accessing the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity of viable tumor cells. Proteins of FCS were separated using two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry analysis.

RESULTS

Addition of 10% FCS attenuated anti-tumor activity of methotrexate and azaserine against K-562 cells compared with serum-free medium. Such an activity of FCS was different for each serum lot. Comparison of the proteins in active serum lot with those in not active one using two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that in the active serum there were proteins 150 kDa, which were absent in the not active serum lot. Mass spectrometry indicated that all those proteins had the amino acid sequence of albumin. Sera of one healthy volunteer and two patients with thyroid cancer also attenuated the activity of the agent.

CONCLUSION

Several lots of FCS and human serum demonstrated the ability to attenuate the cytotoxic effect of methotrexate in vitro, possibly due to the formation of albumin dimers/MTX complexes.

In vivo anti-tumor activities of gelatin

AIM

As reported previously, porcine skin gelatin exerted direct anti-tumor effect in vitro and induced anti-tumor peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The present study investigated whether or not the gelatin exerted anti-tumor effect in vivo.

METHODS

In vitro anti-tumor activities of peritoneal macrophages and the gelatin were evaluated with tritium thymidine uptake by target tumor cells. In vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated with the survival of tumor-bearing animals and the size of the tumor.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal daily administration of 12.5 mg of the gelatin prolonged the survival of mice which had been intraperitoneally inoculated with MH134 (hepatic cell carcinoma cell line) or Colon 26 (colon carcinoma cell line) tumor cells, and there were no tumors in case of MH134 cells inoculation. Intraperitoneal daily administration of 12.5 mg of the gelatin did not affect growth of subcutaneous MH134 tumor. The gelatin administered subcutaneously did not affect the survival of mice with intraperitoneal MH134 tumor. On the other hand, bovine skin gelatin administered subcutaneously achieved statistically significant prolongation of the survival. The contact of MH134 cells with porcine skin gelatin for 5 min was required for the gelatin to exert its anti-tumor activity in vitro. Porcine skin gelatin of 12.5 mg injected intraperitoneally was detected as protein in the peritoneal cavity 5 min after the injection. Peritoneal macrophages elicited by intraperitoneal injection with porcine skin gelatin suppressed tritium thymidine uptake by MH134 cells more strongly than those elicited by thioglycollate injection.

CONCLUSION

Porcine skin gelatin administered intraperitoneally prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice via activation of peritoneal macrophages and involvement of direct anti-tumor activity of porcine skin gelatin. Key Words: porcine skin, gelatin, dissemination.

Shear viscosity coefficient and relaxation time of causal dissipative hydrodynamics in QCD

The shear viscosity coefficient and the corresponding relaxation time for causal dissipative hydrodynamics are calculated based on the microscopic formula proposed in T. Koide and T. Kodama [Phys. Rev. E 78, 051107 (2008)10.1103/PhysRevE.78.051107]. Here, the exact formula is transformed into a more compact form and applied to evaluate these transport coefficients in the chiral perturbation theory and perturbative QCD. It is shown that in the leading order calculation, the causal shear viscosity coefficient eta reduces to that of the ordinary Green-Kubo-Nakano formula, and the relaxation time tau(pi) is related to eta and pressure P by a simple relationship, tau(pi)=eta/P.

Raman scattering study of multiferroic Ho(3)Fe(5)O(12) thin films

Ho(3)Fe(5)O(12) crystallizes in a body-centered cubic lattice and shows no ferroelectricity because of its highly symmetric (centrosymmetric) crystal structure. However, in heteroepitaxially grown thin films, Ho(3)Fe(5)O(12) may exhibit ferroelectricity because of lattice strains induced by the substrate. In this work, heteroepitaxial films of Ho(3)Fe(5)O(12) were grown with different thicknesses of 50-160 nm and studied by x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering. The results were compared with those of bulk polycrystals to characterize residual strains. At room temperature, Raman spectra of films revealed a phonon frequency shift from those of bulk samples, showing lattice distortion. There was a difference in the lattice distortion scheme between the thinner and thicker films. Results of x-ray diffraction were well correlated with the Raman data. Raman measurements at 300-800 K showed the existence of lattice strain up to ∼650 K. This suggests a remanent-polarization character of Ho(3)Fe(5)O(12) films up to this temperature. Closeness between the magnetic ordering temperature T(N) = 567 K and T(C)∼650 K may bring us the ideal multiferroic material with an enhanced magnetoelectric effect at room temperature.

Anti-tumor activity of murine peritoneal macrophages induced by porcine skin gelatin

AIM

To study the induction of anti-tumor activity of murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro by porcine skin gelatin.

METHODS

Anti-tumor activity of the macrophages was evaluated with tritium thymidine uptake by target tumor cells. ELISA was used to measure amounts of cytokines secreted in culture medium.

RESULTS

The ability of the gelatin to induce anti-tumor activity of the macrophages was stronger than that of lipopolysaccharide of E. coli. Combination of the lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma synergistically stimulated the macrophages but that of the gelatin and interferon-gamma additionally did. The culture supernatant of the macrophages incubated with the gelatin also showed higher anti-tumor activity than that with the lipopolysaccharide though the lipopolysaccharide was more excellent than the gelatin in stimulating secretion of anti-tumor cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma) by the macrophages. Anti-TNF-alpha antibody partially suppressed the anti-tumor activity of the culture supernatant of the macrophages incubated with the lipopolysaccharide but not with the gelatin. The gelatin induced anti-tumor activity of the macrophages of C3H/HeJ as well as C3H/HeN mice whereas the lipopolysaccharide did only in C3H/HeN mice. The macrophages stimulated in vitro by the gelatin exerted anti-tumor activity in vivo. Moreover, the gelatin stimulated peritoneal exudates cells in vivo when subcutaneously administered with them.

CONCLUSIONS

Porcine skin gelatin induces anti-tumor activity of macrophages in mice and its magnitude is greater than that of lipopolysaccharide of E. coli. Its mechanism is different from that of the lipopolysaccharide but not fully clarified.

Transport coefficients of non-Newtonian fluid and causal dissipative hydrodynamics

A formula to calculate the transport coefficients of the causal dissipative hydrodynamics is derived by using the projection operator method (Mori-Zwanzig formalism) [T. Koide, Phys. Rev. E 75, 060103(R) (2007)]. This is an extension of the Green-Kubo-Nakano (GKN) formula to the case of non-Newtonian fluids, which is the essential factor to preserve the relativistic causality in relativistic dissipative hydrodynamics. This formula is the generalization of the GKN formula in the sense that it can reproduce the GKN formula in a certain limit. In this work, we extend the previous work so as to apply to more general situations.

Systematic analysis of emotionality in consomic mouse strains established from C57BL/6J and wild-derived MSM/Ms

Consomic strains have recently attracted attention as an advantageous method to screen for genes related to developmental, physiological, and behavioral phenotypes. Recently, a new set of consomic strains was established from the Japanese wild-derived mouse strain MSM/Ms and C57BL/6JJcl. By analyzing the entire consomic panel, we were able to identify a number of chromosomes associated with anxiety-like behaviors in the open-field (OF) test, a light-dark box and an elevated plus maze. Detailed observation of the OF behavior allowed us to identify chromosomes associated with those ethological traits, such as stretch attend, rearing, and jumping. Repeated OF test trials have different meanings for animals, and we found that some chromosomes responded to only the first or second trial, while others were consistent across both trials. By examining both male and female mice, sex-dependent effects were found in several measurements. Principal component analysis of anxiety-like behaviors extracted five factors: 'general locomotor activity', 'thigmotaxis', 'risk assessment', 'open-arm exploration' and 'autonomic emotionality'. We mapped chromosomes associated with these five factors of emotionality.

Microscopic formula for transport coefficients of causal hydrodynamics

The Green-Kubo-Nakano formula should be modified in relativistic hydrodynamics because of the problem of acausality and the breaking of sum rules. In this Rapid Communication, we propose a formula to calculate the transport coefficients of causal hydrodynamics based on the projection operator method. As concrete examples, we derive the expressions for the diffusion coefficient, the shear viscosity coefficient, and corresponding relaxation times.

Phase I clinical trial of hybrid cell vaccination in patients with gastrointestinal cancer

2579

Background: Vaccination with hybrid cells of dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor cells can induce specific ant-tumor immunity against multiple tumor antigens including those that are unknown. We report the results of phase I study of hybrid cell vaccines comprised of autologous DC and autologous tumor cells in patients with Stage IV or recurrent gastrointestinal cancer. Method: Thirteen patients with Stage IV or recurrent gastrointestinal cancer were enrolled in this study after informed consent was obtained. Tumor cells were cryopreserved following acquisition from the primary or a metastatic site. DCs were induced from mononuclear cells of patients by culture with cytokines (6 days culture with GM-CSF and IL-4, and a further 1 day culture with TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6 and PGE2). Fusion of irradiated tumor cells and DC was created with a combination of PEG and electrofusion (two-step fusion method). At 2 week interval, patients received 4 freshly prepared fusion vaccines, with a constant dose range of 1 × 107 to 4 × 107 cells. The endpoints of this study were assessments of safety, anti-tumor immune response and clinical response. Results: Serious adverse events were not observed in any of the enrolled patients and all Common Toxicity Criteria were grade I. Clinical responses are 1 with partial response (PR), 5 with stable disease (SD) and 7 with progressive disease (PD). Delayed skin tests changed to positive in 5 patients. In patients with PR and SD, a shift to Th1 in Th1/Th2 balance of lymphocytes (IFN γ/IL10, IFN γ/IL4) was demonstrated by ELISPOT and cytokine flow cytometry analysis. After vaccination, decrease of immunosuppressive factors (IAP, TGF-β) in serum were shown in patients with PR and SD. There was no significant differences of CD4+CD25+ cells by vaccination. Conclusion: These results suggests that a strategy of hybrid cell vaccine employing auto-DCs and auto-tumor cells is feasible in patients with gastrointestinal cancer and may show evidence of anti-tumor immune response.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Chemically modified thrombin and anhydrothrombin that differentiate macromolecular substrates of thrombin

BACKGROUND

Thrombin is a primary inducer of thrombus formation by activations of coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation. Hitherto, several types of thrombin inhibitors have been developed for therapeutic purpose.

OBJECTIVES

We prepared modified thrombin (M-thrombin) and modified anhydrothrombin (M-anhydrothrombin) by chemical modification of carboxyl groups of thrombin and anhydrothrombin, respectively, to present a new strategy for a potent antiplatelet-anticoagulant agent and new tools for investigation of thrombin functions.

RESULTS

M-anhydrothrombin retained high affinity for factor VIII (FVIII), but demonstrated lower affinity than anhydrothrombin for fibrinogen and factor V (FV). Both M-anhydrothrombin and anhydrothrombin prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) without affecting prothrombin time, and M-anhydrothrombin prolonged APTT much more than anhydrothrombin. M-anhydrothrombin also retained affinity for the recombinant extracellular domain peptide of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). M-thrombin exhibited marginal clotting activity (4% of thrombin), but induced platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma without forming a fibrin clot, which was completely suppressed by anti-PAR1 antibody (ATAP2) and by M-anhydrothrombin, but not by anhydrothrombin. These results indicate that M-thrombin induced platelet aggregation through the activation of PAR1, and M-anhydrothrombin inhibited this process completely. In contrast, neither M-anhydrothrombin nor anhydrothrombin apparently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Only in the presence of the Gly-Pro-Arg-Pro (GPRP) peptide that inhibits polymerization of fibrin, M-anhydrothrombin completely inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSION

M-thrombin is PAR1-specific and M-anhydrothrombin is FVIII- and PAR1-specific derivatives, and thereby, are new tools as specific agonist and antagonist, respectively, of PAR1. Furthermore, M-anhydrothrombin may be an attractive model for development of a potent anticoagulant-antiplatelet agent.

Microscopic derivation of causal diffusion equation using the projection operator method

We derive a coarse-grained equation of motion of a number density by applying the projection operator method to a non-relativistic model. The derived equation is an integrodifferential equation and contains the memory effect. The equation is consistent with causality and the sum rule associated with the number conservation in the low momentum limit, in contrast to usual acausal diffusion equations given by using the Fick's law. After employing the Markov approximation, we find that the equation has the similar form to the causal diffusion equation. Our result suggests that current-current correlations are not necessarily adequate as the definition of diffusion constants.

Enhanced blood coagulation and fibrinolysis in mice lacking histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG)

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a serum protein belonging to the cystatin superfamily. HRG may play a regulatory role in hemostasis and innate immunity. However, this role is uncertain because of a lack of rigorous testing in an animal model. We generated mice lacking the translation start point of exon 1 of the Hrg gene, effectively resulting in a null mutation (Hrg-/-). The mice were viable and fertile but had no HRG in their blood. Antithrombin activity in the plasma of Hrg-/- mice was higher than in the plasma of heterozygous Hrg+/- or wild-type Hrg+/+ mice. The prothrombin time was shorter in Hrg-/- mice than in Hrg+/- and Hrg+/+ mice. Bleeding time after tail tip amputation in Hrg-/- mice was shorter than in Hrg+/+ mice. The spontaneous fibrinolytic activity in clotted blood of Hrg-/- mice was higher than in Hrg+/+ mice. These findings suggest that HRG plays a role as both an anticoagulant and an antifibrinolytic modifier, and may regulate platelet function in vivo.

[Surgical management of papillary muscle rupture following acute myocardial infarction]

Papillary muscle rupture is a rare but severe complication of acute myocardial infarction. Two cases successfully underwent mitral valve replacement and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for acute myocardial infarction with the anterior papillary muscle rupture in cardiogenic shock. Each of them needed preoperative massive inotropic infusion, respiratory support and intraaortic balloon pumping assist. The first case was a 76-year-old female. Double vessel disease (seg 7 : 90%, seg 11 : 100%) was revealed by coronary angiography and rupture of the papillary muscle was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. The second case was a 69-year-old female. Double vessel disease (seg 2 : 90%, seg 11 : 100%) was revealed and severe mitral regurgitation due to prolapse of the anterior leaflet was confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography. To assess the diagnosis of postinfarction papillary muscle rupture, transthoracic and/or transesophageal echocardiography is mandatory. Coronary angiography is also desirable because concomitant myocardial revascularization may improve the prognosis.

A patient with dementia with Lewy bodies and codon 232 mutation of PRNP

The authors describe a patient who had a point mutation at codon 232 of the prion protein gene, resulting in the substitution of methionine for arginine (M232R). The patient developed dementia and died 6 years after its onset. Autopsy revealed dementia with Lewy bodies, not Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Although the M232R mutation has been reported to cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, findings in our patient suggest that not all patients presenting progressive dementia with M232R mutation have Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

[Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of glycyrrhizinic acid was examined for preparation of the "Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 251 nm; and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at 251 nm, 146; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 1714, 1655, 1215, and 1170 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 991). Also, thin-layer chromatography, no impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.2% and total amount of impurities was less than 0.4%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Glycyrrhizinic Acid Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of betamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: melting point, 207.2 degrees C; pH, 8.1; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +104.4 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 242 nm and specific absorbance in water at 242 nm = 272.9; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 3386.9, 1721.7, 1663.3, 1620.4, 1605.0, 1094.3, 985.8, 889.8 cm-1; free phosphoric acid, 0.3%; thin-layer chromatography, one impurity was detected until 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.5%; water, 9.2%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of ergocalciferol was examined for the preparation of "Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: melting point, 114.8 degrees C; UV and infrared spectra, the same as those of JP Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 971); specific absorbance, E1ca1% = 471(265 nm); optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +102.4 degrees; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.1%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Ergocalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001).

[Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material for dexamethasone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 8.0; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +79.6 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 242 nm and specific absorbance in water at 242 nm = 313.6; IR spectrum, same as that of the Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 893); free phosphoric acid, 0.06%; free dexamethasone, 0.07%; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%; residual solvent, 4.3% (ethanol); water, 7.3%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of Alprostadil was examined for the preparation of "Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as that of the Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 923); thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 20 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Alprostadil Reference Standard (Control 001).

[Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate was examined for the preparation of the "Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001)". The analytical data obtained were: pH, 8.3: optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +126.2 degrees; UV spectrum, lambda max of 248 nm and specific absorbance in water at 248 nm = 338.6; IR spectrum, same as that of the Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 891); free phosphoric acid, 0.2%; free hydrocortisone, 0.01%; thin-layer chromatography, no impurity was detected until 200 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.2%; residual solvent, 0.0% (acetone) and 0.02% (ethanol); loss on drying, 1.5%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Hydrocortisone Sodium Phosphate Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of cholecalciferol was examined for the preparation of "Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: melting point, 83.2 degrees C; UV and infrared spectra, the same as those of JP Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 971), respectively; specific absorbance at 265 nm, E1ca1% = 478; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +108.6 degrees; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 100 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.05%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Cholecalciferol Reference Standard (Control 001).

[Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 011) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of beclometasone dipropionate was examined for the preparation of the "Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 011)". The analytical data obtained were: melting point, 208.8 degrees C; optical rotation, [alpha]D20 = +91.7 degrees; IR spectrum, same as that of the Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 865); thin-layer chromatography, one impurity was detected until 40 micrograms; high-performance liquid chromatography, total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.5%; loss on drying, 0.6%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Beclometasone Dipropionate Reference Standard (Control 011) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of Berberine Hydrochloride was examined for preparation of the "Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard". The analytical data obtained were: UV spectrum: lambda max, 420, 345, 263 and 228 nm and specific absorbance (E1ca1%) in ethanol at each lambda max, 155, 724, 796 and 820, respectively; IR spectrum, specific absorptions at 2844, 1635, 1569, and 1506 cm-1; and the spectrum of raw material was consistent with that of Standard (Control 941). Also, thin-layer chromatography, an impurity was detected; high-performance liquid chromatography, several impurities were detected. The amount of each impurity was estimated at less than 0.1% and the total amount of impurities was less than 0.2%. Based on the above results, the candidate material was authorized as the Berberine Hydrochloride Reference Standard (Control 001) of the National Institute of Health Sciences.

[Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 001) of National Institute of Health Sciences]

The raw material of tocopherol acetate was examined for the preparation of the "Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 001)". Analytical data obtained were: IR spectrum, same as that of the Tocopherol Acetate Reference Standard (Control 974); specific absorbance, E/cm% (284 nm) = 43.7; thin-layer chromatography, no impurities were detected until 50 micrograms of the loaded raw material; high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total amount of impurities estimated to be less than 0.6%; assay by HPLC, 101.7%. Based on the above results, the raw material was authorized as the Japanese Pharmacopoeia Reference Standard (Control 001).