Chiral Magnetic Effect from Q-balls

We apply a generic framework of linear sigma models for revealing a mechanism of the mysterious phenomenon, the chiral magnetic effect, in quark-gluon plasma. An electric current arises along a background magnetic field, which is given rise to by Q-balls (non-topological solitons) of the linear sigma model with axial anomaly. We find additional alternating current due to quark mass terms. The hadronic Q-balls, baby boson stars, may be created in heavy-ion collisions.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, revtex; v2: minor revisio

Mapping of panda plumage color locus on the microsatellite linkage map of the Japanese quail

BACKGROUND: Panda (s) is an autosomal recessive mutation, which displays overall white plumage color with spots of wild-type plumage in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). In a previous study, the s locus was included in the same linkage group as serum albumin (Alb) and vitamin-D binding protein (GC) which are mapped on chicken (Gallus gallus) chromosome 4 (GGA4). In this study, we mapped the s locus on the microsatellite linkage map of the Japanese quail by linkage analysis. RESULTS: Segregation data on the s locus were obtained from three-generation families (n = 106). Two microsatellite markers derived from the Japanese quail chromosome 4 (CJA04) and three microsatellite markers derived from GGA4 were genotyped in the three-generation families. We mapped the s locus between GUJ0026 and ABR0544 on CJA04. By comparative mapping with chicken, this locus was mapped between 10.0 Mb and 14.5 Mb region on GGA4. In this region, the endothelin receptor B subtype 2 gene (EDNRB2), an avian-specific paralog of the mammalian endothelin receptor B gene (EDNRB), is located. Because EDNRB is responsible for aganglionic megacolon and spot coat color in mouse, rat and equine, EDNRB2 is suggested to be a candidate gene for the s locus. CONCLUSION: The s locus and the five microsatellite markers were mapped on CJA04 of the Japanese quail. EDNRB2 was suggested to be a candidate gene for the s locus

Measurement of allergen-specific secretory IgA in stool of neonates, infants and toddlers by protection against degradation of immunoglobulins and allergens

Background and aims : Measurement of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level is important to monitor various disease conditions. However SIgA in gut mucosa is degraded by pancreatic proteases and proteolytic enzymes from enteric microbiota. Currently, there is no reliable quantitation method that measures allergen-specific SIgA levels in stool of neonates, infants and toddlers. Methods : Allergen-specific SIgA levels in stool of 10 healthy neonates, infants and toddlers aged 0 to 36 months were measured by our new allergen microarray with densely carboxylated arms on a glass slide chip. Results : Protease activities in stool of 3-day-old neonates were low and no degradation of SIgA, IgA and allergens was detected. However, immunofluorescence signals of SIgA, IgA and allergen on the chip were markedly reduced by stool extracts obtained from infants and toddlers aged more than one month in dose- and time-dependent manners. Such reduction was almost completely inhibited by serine protease inhibitors, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and partly by leupeptin, but not by a variety of other protease inhibitors tested. Conclusion : Allergen-specific SIgA levels in stool of neonates, infants and toddlers under 36 months of age could be analyzed using protease inhibitors, including PMSF and leupeptin

Laminin E8 fragments support efficient adhesion and expansion of dissociated human pluripotent stem cells

Miyazaki, T. et al.. Laminin E8 fragments support efficient adhesion and expansion of dissociated human pluripotent stem cells. Nat. Commun. 3:1236 doi: 10.1038/ncomms2231 (2012)