Tuning Neutron Resonance Spin-Echo Spectrometers with Pulsed Beams

The neutron spin-echo spectroscopy technique involving pulsed beams can be used to effectively access a wide range of space-time correlations of condensed matter. In this study, the features of this technique, in particular, the modulation of the intensity with zero effort (MIEZE) by using pulsed beams, which is based on the quantum-state manipulation of the neutron spin and energy, are comprehensively examined. A formulation of the MIEZE combined with the time of flight method (TOF MIEZE) is established by considering the characteristics of the pulsed neutron beams. Moreover, a parameter, namely, the detuning parameter, is introduced as a measure of the magnitude of detuning from the optimized instrumental state, known as the spin-echo condition. The phase and frequency shifts of the neutron intensity signals resulting from the TOF MIEZE under various configurations are investigated systematically. It is found that the detuning parameter equals the derivative of phase with respect to the TOF, whose zero-point corresponds to the spin-echo condition. The theoretical predictions on phase and frequency shifts by the established formulation are well validated by the experiments using an intense pulsed neutron source. The detuning parameter helps clarify the principle of the TOF MIEZE technique and can provide practical guidance regarding the implementation and optimization of spectrometers

Protocol for Genome Editing to Produce Multiple Mutants in Wheat

Here, we describe a protocol for producing multiple recessive mutants via genome editing in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. Fielder. Using Agrobacterium-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 and three sub-genome-specific primer sets, all possible combinations of single, double, and triple transgene-free mutants can be generated. The technique for acceleration of generation advancement with embryo culture reduces time for mutant production. The mutants produced by this protocol can be used for the analysis of gene function and crop improvement. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Abe et al. (2019)

Specific loss of chondromodulin-I gene expression in chondrosarcoma and the suppression of tumor angiogenesis and growth by its recombinant protein in vivo

AbstractChondromodulin-I (ChM-I) was previously identified as an angiogenesis inhibitor in cartilage. Here, we demonstrated that the level of ChM-I transcripts was substantially reduced to 100 or even less in the lower-grade chondrosarcomas, in articular cartilage or other benign cartilage tumors. We implanted human chondrosarcoma OUMS-27 cells into nude mice that reproducibly produced tumors with cartilaginous matrix. Tumor-induced angiogenesis was evident when the tumors were excised 30 days after implantation. However, the local administration of recombinant human ChM-I almost completely blocked vascular invasion and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, ChM-I also inhibited the growth of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma in vivo, implying its therapeutic potential for solid tumors

Severe accidental colchicine poisoning by the autumn crocus: A case of successful treatment

AbstractBackgroundThe common garden plant autumn crocus contains colchicine and its derivatives. Colchicine poisoning causes abdominal cramps and diarrhea within hours. Several days later, multiorgan failure, pancytopenia, and cardiovascular collapse occur.1,2 Severe colchicine poisoning is associated with high mortality.Case reportA 63-year-old woman who accidentally ingested an autumn crocus, which contained ∼0.38 mg colchicine, had severe vomiting and was taken to an emergency center. She presented with symptoms of gastroenterocolitis within 1 hour of ingestion, and bone marrow hypoplasia with pancytopenia developed on the 3rd day after ingestion. We continued administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (300 μg) for 5 days until we confirmed that the patient's white blood cell count was increasing. Also, there was focal and segmental intestinal ischemia and some cakes of charcoal remained in the intestinal tract. Therefore, we presumed that nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia was caused by hypotension with severe dehydration, although pseudo-obstruction due to the activated charcoal may have been a contributing factor. We were able to promptly intervene to treat paralytic ileus and gastrointestinal edema before anticipated worsening of abdominal compartment syndrome, by conducting open peritoneal drainage. Despite severe poisoning, our patient survived with intensive care. Conclusion: Colchicine intoxication may lead to a sudden and extreme critical course. Therefore, as there is no means to predict prognosis from initial severity of symptoms at onset, we suggest that all patients suspected of colchicine intoxication should be managed in hospital with continuous vital sign monitoring and frequent laboratory testing for at least a few days after ingestion