Implicitly and explicitly measured attitudes towards foreigners: A dual-process model perspective

Intergroup attitudes are one of the individual difference constructs which may influence motivation to learn a second language (L2) or willingness to communicate in an L2. Drawing on the APE model (a dual-process model which postulates the distinction between explicitly and implicitly measured attitudes), the current study examined 71 Japanese university students' attitudes towards foreigners by utilizing three types of attitudinal measures: self-evaluation about one's prejudice towards foreigners, verbal reports of images about foreigners, and one's implicit association scores obtained by means of the filtering unconscious matching implicit emotions (FUMIE) test. Results indicated that the participants tended to respond in a neutral way on the self-evaluation, whereas the FUMIE test indicated significantly positive attitudes towards foreigners. Further, a dissociation of implicitly and explicitly measured attitudes was found. Finally, the three measures had no significant impact on motivational intensity. The findings are discussed in terms of the dual-process model of attitudes, and implications are provided for future research on intergroup attitudes in the field ofL2 learning and communication.ArticleJABAET Journal. 14/15:39-58 (2011)journal articl

MHC class II DQB diversity in the Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus japonicus

BackgroundThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are one of the most important genetic systems in the vertebrate immune response. The diversity of MHC genes may directly influence the survival of individuals against infectious disease. However, there has been no investigation of MHC diversity in the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Here, we analyzed 270-bp nucleotide sequences of the entire exon 2 region of the MHC DQB gene by using 188 samples from the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from 12 local populations. ResultsAmong 185 of 188 samples, we identified 44 MHC variants that encoded 31 different amino acid sequences (allotypes) and one putative. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that MHC variants detected from the Japanese black bear are derived from the DQB locus. One of the 31 DQB allotypes, Urth-DQB*01, was found to be common to all local populations. Moreover, this allotype was shared between the black bear on the Asian continent and the Japanese black bear, suggesting that Urth-DQB*01 might have been maintained in the ancestral black bear population for at least 300,000 years. Our findings, from calculating the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions, indicate that balancing selection has maintained genetic variation of peptide-binding residues at the DQB locus of the Japanese black bear. From examination of genotype frequencies among local populations, we observed a considerably lower level of observed heterozygosity than expected. ConclusionsThe low level of observed heterozygosity suggests that genetic drift reduced DQB diversity in the Japanese black bear due to a bottleneck event at the population or species level. The decline of DQB diversity might have been accelerated by the loss of rare variants that have been maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection. Nevertheless, DQB diversity of the black bear appears to be relatively high compared with some other endangered mammalian species. This result suggests that the Japanese black bears may also retain more potential resistance against pathogens than other endangered mammalian species. To prevent further decline of potential resistance against pathogens, a conservation policy for the Japanese black bear should be designed to maintain MHC rare variants in each local population

Blood Rheology and Platelet Function in Untreated Early-Stage Essential Hypertensives Complicated with Metabolic Syndrome

We examined whether hemorheology and platelet function are affected in essential hypertensives (EHTs) of the World Health Organization stage I when complicated with metabolic syndrome (Mets). In 156 untreated EHTs, blood viscosity and platelet surface markers were determined. Blood viscosity was significantly elevated in 54 subjects with Mets compared with 102 subjects without Mets. Hematocrit and plasma viscosity increased in the group with Mets, although red blood cell rigidity index “k” did not differ between groups. As a whole group, blood viscosity correlated positively with hematocrit and plasma viscosity. Additionally, plasma viscosity correlated positively with plasma leptin, triglyceride, homeostasis model assessment index, C-reactive protein, and plasma fibrinogen, but negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In contrast, no differences were seen in platelet surface markers between groups. In conclusion, EHTs of the early stage complicated with Mets are characterized by increased blood viscosity due to hemoconcentration and increased plasma viscosity

Nephrin and podocin dissociate at the onset of proteinuria in experimental membranous nephropathy

Nephrin and podocin dissociate at the onset of proteinuria in experimental membranous nephropathy.BackgroundThe slit diaphragm plays a critical role in maintaining the barrier function of the glomerular capillary wall. The pathogenic mechanism of proteinuria in membranous nephropathy remains uncertain. This study was undertaken to analyze the pathogenic role of slit diaphragm in proteinuria in experimental membranous nephropathy.MethodsThe expression and the localization of slit diaphragm–associated molecules (nephrin, podocin, and CD2AP) and other podocyte-associated molecules (podocalyxin and α3 integrin) in passive and active Heymann nephritis were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. The interaction of slit diaphragm–associated molecules was investigated by the dual-labeling immunofluorescence method. The mRNA expression of these molecules was also analyzed.ResultsShifts in nephrin and podocin staining patterns, from linear to granular, were detected in the early stages of passive Heymann nephritis. These shifts were not parallel, and the dissociation of these molecules was detected by the dual-labeling immunofluorescence method in passive and active Heymann nephritis. Western blot analyses with sequentially solubilized materials indicated that the nephrin-rich fraction changed from being partly detergent-resistant to being predominantly detergent-soluble. This change did not occur with podocin. Nephrin excreted into urine was already detected in the early stages of passive Heymann nephritis. Decreased mRNA expression of nephrin and podocin was observed before the onset of proteinuria. By contrast, no extensive change in the expression of α3 integrin was observed in this study.ConclusionNephrin is dissociated from podocin and excreted into urine in the early stages of Heymann nephritis. The reduced expression of nephrin and podocin, along with their dissociation, may contribute to the development of proteinuria in Heymann nephritis

Mutational History of a Human Cell Lineage from Somatic to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

The accuracy of replicating the genetic code is fundamental. DNA repair mechanisms protect the fidelity of the genome ensuring a low error rate between generations. This sustains the similarity of individuals whilst providing a repertoire of variants for evolution. The mutation rate in the human genome has recently been measured to be 50-70 de novo single nucleotide variants (SNVs) between generations. During development mutations accumulate in somatic cells so that an organism is a mosaic. However, variation within a tissue and between tissues has not been analysed. By reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), their genomes and the associated mutational history are captured. By sequencing the genomes of polyclonal and monoclonal somatic cells and derived iPSCs we have determined the mutation rates and show how the patterns change from a somatic lineage in vivo through to iPSCs. Somatic cells have a mutation rate of 14 SNVs per cell per generation while iPSCs exhibited a ten-fold lower rate. Analyses of mutational signatures suggested that deamination of methylated cytosine may be the major mutagenic source in vivo, whilst oxidative DNA damage becomes dominant in vitro. Our results provide insights for better understanding of mutational processes and lineage relationships between human somatic cells. Furthermore it provides a foundation for interpretation of elevated mutation rates and patterns in cancer

Fractalkine expression and the recruitment of CX3CR1+ cells in the prolonged mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Fractalkine expression and the recruitment of CX3CR1+ cells in the prolonged mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.BackgroundWe established the reversible and the prolonged models of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN) with anti-Thy 1 antibody 1-22-3. However, the essential factors leading to the prolonged glomerular alterations have not been identified.MethodsThe expressions of several chemokines and cytokines were compared in the reversible and the prolonged models. Expression of fractalkine and the number of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1-positive cells in the glomeruli in the prolonged model were significantly higher than those in the reversible model. Then, the localization of fractalkine and the characteristics of CX3CR1+ cells were analyzed in glomeruli. To elucidate the significance of the fractalkine expression, we analyzed the expression in the model treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonist, candesartan.ResultsImmunostaining of fractalkine was detected on endothelial cells on the fifth day, and fractalkine staining also was detected in the mesangial area on day 14. Major parts of the CX3CR1+ cells in the glomeruli were macrophages, especially ED3+ cells. Candesartan treatment ameliorated the glomerular morphological findings at six weeks after disease induction. Although the treatment did not ameliorate the morphological finding at two weeks, decreased expression of fractalkine and CX3CR1+ were already detected at two weeks in rats treated with candesartan.ConclusionsFractalkine expression and the recruitment of CX3CR1+ cells in glomeruli might play an important role in the development of the prolonged disease. These expressions could be predictors of the prolonged disease of the mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Na依存性PiトランスポーターNpt2cは、KlothoノックアウトマウスPi恒常性において成長期と成熟期では異なる作用を有する

SLC34A3/NPT2c/NaPi-2c/Npt2c is a growth-related NaPi cotransporter that mediates the uptake of renal sodium-dependent phosphate (Pi). Mutation of human NPT2c causes hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria. Mice with Npt2c knockout, however, exhibit normal Pi metabolism. To investigate the role of Npt2c in Pi homeostasis, we generated α-klotho−/−/Npt2c−/− (KL2cDKO) mice and analyzed Pi homeostasis. α-Klotho−/− (KLKO) mice exhibit hyperphosphatemia and markedly increased kidney Npt2c protein levels. Genetic disruption of Npt2c extended the lifespan of KLKO mice similar to that of α-Klotho−/−/Npt2a−/− mice. Adult KL2cDKO mice had hyperphosphatemia, but analysis of Pi metabolism revealed significantly decreased intestinal and renal Pi (re)absorption compared with KLKO mice. The 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 concentration was not reduced in KL2cDKO mice compared with that in KLKO mice. The KL2cDKO mice had less severe soft tissue and vascular calcification compared with KLKO mice. Juvenile KL2cDKO mice had significantly reduced plasma Pi levels, but Pi metabolism was not changed. In Npt2cKO mice, plasma Pi levels began to decrease around the age of 15 days and significant hypophosphatemia developed within 21 days. The findings of the present study suggest that Npt2c contributes to regulating plasma Pi levels in the juvenile stage and affects Pi retention in the soft and vascular tissues in KLKO mice

下総台地西部における完新世後半の植物化石群と植生史

[論文] Articl

Differential remodelling of peroxisome function underpins the environmental and metabolic adaptability of diplonemids and kinetoplastids

The remodelling of organelle function is increasingly appreciated as a central driver of eukaryotic biodiversity and evolution. Kinetoplastids including Trypanosoma and Leishmania have evolved specialized peroxisomes, called glycosomes. Glycosomes uniquely contain a glycolytic pathway as well as other enzymes, which underpin the physiological flexibility of these major human pathogens. The sister group of kinetoplastids are the diplonemids, which are among the most abundant eukaryotes in marine plankton. Here we demonstrate the compartmentalization of gluconeogenesis, or glycolysis in reverse, in the peroxisomes of the free-living marine diplonemid, Diplonema papillatum. Our results suggest that peroxisome modification was already under way in the common ancestor of kinetoplastids and diplonemids, and raise the possibility that the central importance of gluconeogenesis to carbon metabolism in the heterotrophic free-living ancestor may have been an important selective driver. Our data indicate that peroxisome modification is not confined to the kinetoplastid lineage, but has also been a factor in the success of their free-living euglenozoan relatives