On a system of qq-partial differential equations with applications to qq-series

Using the theory of functions of several variables and $q$-calculus, we prove an expansion theorem for the analytic function in several variables which satisfies a system of $q$-partial differential equations. Some curious applications of this expansion theorem to $q$-series are discussed. In particular, an extension of Andrews' transformation formula for the $q$-Lauricella function is given.Comment: 15 pages, accepted for the proceedings of the Alladi 60th birthday conferenc

Continuous release of O2−/ONOO− in plasma-exposed HEPES-buffered saline promotes TRP channel-mediated uptake of a large cation

Although the externally controllable extracellular supply of the short-lived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, such as O2•−, •NO, and ONOO−, could potentially manipulate cellular functions, their simple administration to cells is likely to be ineffective due to their rapid deactivation. In this study, we found a method of a continuous supply of O2•−/ONOO− over a few minutes, which is triggered by irradiation of a nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma to commonly used organic buffers (e.g., 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, HEPES). In addition, a continuous low-dose O2•−/ONOO− supply was shown to induce a physiologically relevant Ca2+ response and subsequently the uptake of a large cation mediated by transient receptor potential channel family member(s). Our results provide a novel approach to the continuous O2•−/ONOO− supply, requiring controllable and mass-volume treatments

Suppression of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein by Short Hairpin RNA Expression Vectors in the Core Protein Expression HUH-7 Cells

Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) efficiently inhibit gene expression by RNA interference. Here, we report the efficient inhibition by DNA-based vector-derived shRNAs of core protein expression in Huh-7 cells. The shRNAs were designed to target the core region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome. The core region is the most conserved region in the HCV genome, making it an ideal target for shRNAs. We identified an effective site on the core region for suppression of the HCV core protein. The HCV core protein in core protein-expressing Huh-7 cells was downregulated by core protein-shRNA expression vectors (core-shRNA-452, 479, and 503). Our results support the feasibility of using shRNA-based gene therapy to inhibit HCV core protein production

Locality and diel cycling of viral production revealed by a 24 h time course cross-omics analysis in a coastal region of Japan

International audienceViruses infecting microorganisms are ubiquitous and abundant in the ocean. However, it is unclear when and where the numerous viral particles we observe in the sea are produced and whether they are active. To address these questions, we performed time-series analyses of viral metagenomes and microbial metatranscriptomes collected over a period of 24 h at a Japanese coastal site. Through mapping the metatranscriptomic reads on three sets of viral genomes ((i) 878 contigs of Osaka Bay viromes (OBV), (ii) 1766 environmental viral genomes from marine viromes, and (iii) 2429 reference viral genomes), we revealed that all the local OBV contigs were transcribed in the host fraction. This indicates that the majority of viral populations detected in viromes are active, and suggests that virions are rapidly diluted as a result of diffusion, currents, and mixing. Our data further revealed a peak of cyanophage gene expression in the afternoon/dusk followed by an increase of genomes from their virions at night and less-coherent infectious patterns for viruses putatively infecting various groups of heterotrophs. This suggests that cyanophages drive the diel release of cyanobacteria-derived organic matter into the environment and viruses of heterotrophic bacteria might have adapted to the population-specific life cycles of hosts

GIMON/コンテンツ編

　神戸ビエンナーレ実行委員会より依頼を受け、神戸ビエンナーレ2015において、招待作家として出品した映像インスタレーション作品「GIMON」のうち表現内容の考え方、制作方法について述べる。神戸ビエンナーレ2007での受賞が招待理由であることから、その点に配慮しながら、現時点で掲げている研究テーマとすり合わせ、コンセプトをまとめることとした。琳派に代表される古典的な日本美術は、現代においても独特の美を放つ。私は、その魅力の根源を「共存の精神」に見出そうとしている。仮にこの考えが正しいとすれば、媒体や技法が異なった表現であっても、日本美術の伝統を継承することは、可能なはずである。混迷する世界情勢を考える時に、日本人が養ってきた共存の精神は、その解決の糸口になると思える。日本固有の文化を、現代的な手法に置き換えつつ、その精神を継承することができるのであれば、時代や場所を超えて応用可能な普遍性を有することが証明されるはずである。This study will elaborate on the production scheme and how the artistic presentation was derived for “GIMON”, a video installation work exhibited at the Kobe Biennale 2015 Japanese Guest Artist Exhibition by the request of the Organizing Committee for KOBE Biennale. The concept was shaped by taking into consideration the fact that the invitation was based on a specific prize-winning work exhibited at the Kobe Biennale 2007 and blending this with the author’s current research theme. Rimpa and other classical Japanese arts continue to present unique beauty that remain an appreciable value to date in the modern world. The author seeks the origin of the beauty in the “spirit of coexistence”. If this assumption is correct, regardless of media or technique of the artistic presentation, an artwork should be able to inherit the tradition of Japanese arts. When looking at the turmoil now engulfing the world, the spirit of coexistence long cherished by the Japanese seems to be a viable clue to finding a way out. If the spirit unique to Japanese culture can be inherited while replacing the techniques involved to modern techniques, the existence of a universal framework that can be applied regardless of time and place will be proved

Association between coefficients of variation of the R-R intervals on electrocardiograms and post-challenge hyperglycemia in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

The aim of the present study was to examine whether there is a relationship between autonomic function and post-challenge hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects included 122 Japanese patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Autonomic nerve function was assessed using coefficients of variation of the R-R intervals on electrocardiograms (CVRR). Unlike anthropometry, insulin secretion and insulin resistance, age (r =)0.209, P < 0.021) and post-challenge plasma glucose at 120 min (PG120; r =)0.219, P < 0.015) were the only variables significantly correlated with CVRR. Age was not significantly correlated with PG120. In multiple regression analyses, CVRR Z-score, but not age, was significantly correlated with PG120. The present results suggest that autonomic function affects post-challenge blood glucose levels independently of age. © 2011 Asian Association for the Study of Diabetes and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd