Supersymmetry and discrete transformations on S^1 with point singularities

We investigate N-extended supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics on a circle with point singularities. For any integer n, N=2n supercharges are explicitly constructed and a class of point singularities compatible with supersymmetry is clarified. Key ingredients in our construction are n sets of discrete transformations, each of which forms an su(2) algebra of spin 1/2. The degeneracy of the spectrum and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking are briefly discussed.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figure

Preparation of DNA/Gold Nanoparticle Encapsulated in Calcium Phosphate

Biocompatible DNA/gold nanoparticle complex with a protective calcium phosphate (CaP) coating was prepared by incubating DNA/gold nanoparticle complex coated by hyaluronic acid in SBF (simulated body fluid) with a Ca concentration above 2 mM. The CaP-coated DNA complex was revealed to have high compatibility with cells and resistance against enzymatic degradation. By immersion in acetate buffer (pH 4.5), the CaP capsule released the contained DNA complex. This CaP capsule including a DNA complex is promising as a sustained-release system of DNA complexes for gene therapy

Distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus in a patient using oral contraceptives: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We report the case of a patient with distal migration of a floating carotid thrombus caused by oral contraceptives.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 48-year-old woman using oral contraceptives suffered from dysarthria and gait disturbance. Examinations, including ultrasound and cerebral arteriogram, revealed a floating thrombus at the left carotid bifurcation with no stenosis. Despite antithrombotic therapy, the floating carotid thrombus migrated to the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, resulting in a severe stroke.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some floating thrombi are resistant to conservative therapy and have a risk of distal migration, which may cause a major stroke in the acute stage.</p

Supersymmetry in quantum mechanics with point interactions

We investigate supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics with point interactions. We clarify a class of point interactions compatible with supersymmetry and present N=2 supersymmetric models on a circle with two point interactions as well as a superpotential. A hidden su(2) structure inherent in the system plays a crucial role to construct the N=2 supercharges. Spontaneous breaking of supersymmetry due to point interactions and an extension to higher N-extended supersymmetry are also discussed.Comment: 12 pages, no figures. Some sections are improved and new references are adde

Muscle Fiber Type-Predominant Promoter Activity in Lentiviral-Mediated Transgenic Mouse

Variations in gene promoter/enhancer activity in different muscle fiber types after gene transduction was noticed previously, but poorly analyzed. The murine stem cell virus (MSCV) promoter drives strong, stable gene expression in hematopoietic stem cells and several other cells, including cerebellar Purkinje cells, but it has not been studied in muscle. We injected a lentiviral vector carrying an MSCV-EGFP cassette (LvMSCV-EGFP) into tibialis anterior muscles and observed strong EGFP expression in muscle fibers, primary cultured myoblasts, and myotubes isolated from injected muscles. We also generated lentiviral-mediated transgenic mice carrying the MSCV-EGFP cassette and detected transgene expression in striated muscles. LvMSCV-EGFP transgenic mice showed fiber type-dependent variations in expression: highest in types I and IIA, intermediate in type IID/X, and lowest in type IIB fibers. The soleus and diaphragm muscles, consisting mainly of types I and IIA, are most severely affected in the mdx mouse model of muscular dystrophy. Further analysis of this promoter may have the potential to achieve certain gene expression in severely affected muscles of mdx mice. The Lv-mediated transgenic mouse may prove a useful tool for assessing the enhancer/promoter activities of a variety of different regulatory cassettes

Effect of calcium phosphate compound (MZF-CaP) with and without fluoride in preventing bone loss in ovariectomized rats

Zinc (Zn) has been shown to inhibit osteoclast differentiation, promote osteoblast activity, and enhance the bone formation. Zinc-containing calcium phosphate (Zn-TCP) implanted in rabbit femoral defect was demonstrated to stimulate bone formation. Other studies demonstrated that calcium phosphate compounds (MZF-CaP) incorporating magnesium (Mg2+), zinc and fluoride (F-) when administered either by injection or orally were effective in preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) induced by estrogen deficiency (ovariectomy) in a rat model. The objective of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of similar compound, with F (MZF-CaP-L, MZF-CaP-H) and without F (MZ-CaP-L), when injected in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MZF-CaP-L and MZ-CaP-L were prepared by precipitation at 90oC and MZF-CaP-H was prepared by sintering MZF-CaP-L at 900oC. The release of the ions from acidic buffer was determined. Suspensions of Zn-TCP, MZF-CaP-H, MZF-CaP-L and MZ-CaP-L (617 μg in 0.2 ml of 1% sodium alginate saline solution) were injected intramuscularly under anesthesia into 5-week-old OVX rats on Zn-deficient diet. One week after surgery, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the rat femurs were measured using X-ray CT. The injections and X-ray CT and Zn ion plasma measurements were repeated every week for 12 weeks. The rats were sacrificed and the femurs removed after 12 weeks. Bone mechanical strength was evaluated using the three-point bending test. MZ-CaP-L (without F), compared to the other compounds, showed the highest increase in the Zn2+ ion plasma concentration, and the highest BMD, BMC and mechanical strength

Extended supersymmetry and its reduction on a circle with point singularities

We investigate $N$-extended supersymmetry in one-dimensional quantum mechanics on a circle with point singularities. For any integer $n$, $N=2n+1$ supercharges are explicitly constructed in terms of discrete transformations, and a class of singularities compatible with supersymmetry is clarified. In our formulation, the supersymmetry can be reduced to $M$-extended supersymmetry for any integer $M<N$. The degeneracy of the spectrum and spontaneous supersymmetry breaking are also studied.Comment: 36 pages, 5 figures, 2 table

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation presenting with steroid-responsive higher brain dysfunction: case report and review of the literature

A 56-year-old man noticed discomfort in his left lower limb, followed by convulsion and numbness in the same area. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed white matter lesions in the right parietal lobe accompanied by leptomeningeal or leptomeningeal and cortical post-contrast enhancement along the parietal sulci. The patient also exhibited higher brain dysfunction corresponding with the lesions on MRI. Histological pathology disclosed β-amyloid in the blood vessels and perivascular inflammation, which highlights the diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-related inflammation. Pulse steroid therapy was so effective that clinical and radiological findings immediately improved

Selective Gene Transfer to the Retina Using Intravitreal Ultrasound Irradiation

This paper aims to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ultrasound (US) irradiation for green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid transfer into the rabbit retina using a miniature US transducer. Intravitreal US irradiation was performed by a slight modification of the transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy system utilizing a small probe. After vitrectomy, the US probe was inserted through a scleral incision. A mixture of GFP plasmid (50 μL) and bubble liposomes (BLs; 50 μL) was injected into the vitreous cavity, and US was generated to the retina using a SonoPore 4000. The control group was not exposed to US. After 72 h, the gene-transfer efficiency was quantified by counting the number of GFP-positive cells. The retinas that received plasmid, BL, and US showed a significant increase in the number (average ± SEM) of GFP-positive cells (32 ± 4.9; n = 7; P < 0.01 ). No GFP-positive cells were observed in the control eyes (n = 7). Intravitreal retinal US irradiation can transfer the GFP plasmid into the retina without causing any apparent damage. This procedure could be used to transfer genes and drugs directly to the retina and therefore has potential therapeutic value