Chicken CD1 genes are located in the MHC: CD1 and endothelial protein C receptor genes constitute a distinct subfamily of class-I-like genes that predates the emergence of mammals

Mammals have several major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-like genes. Although some of them are assumed to have originated before the emergence of mammals, the origin of class-I-like genes is poorly understood. We analyzed here the recently released chicken draft genome sequence and identified two families of class-I-like genes: CD1 and PROCR (the gene for the endothelial protein C receptor). Chickens have two CD1 genes, designated CD1.1 and CD1.2, located in tandem ∼840 bp apart from each other. Chicken CD1.1 and CD1.2 are neither group 1- nor group 2-like, indicating that the two groups of CD1 emerged in a mammalian lineage. Although the database provides no information as to their chromosomal localization, we found that chicken CD1 genes are located adjacent to the previously characterized MHC B system contig on chromosome 16. We confirmed the linkage of CD1 to the B system by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. Chickens have a single copy of PROCR. Among known class-I-like genes, PROCR is most closely related to CD1, indicating that CD1 and PROCR constitute a distinct subfamily of class-I-like genes that predates the emergence of mammals

Fundamental Properties and Durability of Concrete with Gasification Molten Slag as Fine Aggregate

The proportion of electricity generated by coal-fired thermal power plants has been rising in Japan as a result of the nuclear plant accident caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Coal-fired electricity generation has a large environment impact, so the commercial application of integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) has been promoted. IGCC is an efficient generating method combining a steam turbine and a gas turbine. However, IGCC plants generate coal gasification molten slag (CGMS) and it is necessary to establish effective utilization methods for this slag for further promotion of IGCC technology. In this paper, the fresh properties, hardened properties and durability of concrete containing CGMS as fine aggregate are investigated. The results show that, in comparison with concrete using conventional fine aggregate, the air content introduced by an air-entraining agent is lower and bleeding is increased when CGMS is used as a fine aggregate. As for the hardened properties, compressive strength is slightly lower, while freeze-thaw resistance is significantly reduced. In additional tests, it is found possible to improve freeze-thaw resistance by increasing the air conten

Study on the Practical Use of Urea to Reduce Drying Shrinkage of Concrete by Spraying Urea Solution under Cold Environment

Concrete cracking caused by drying shrinkage adversely affects the durability of a structure. The results of past research has shown that drying shrinkage can be reduced by adding urea as an admixture to the concrete. However, mixing various admixtures at the factory increases the costs for equipment and labor. To reduce drying shrinkage more easily and inexpensively, the urea solution can be applied to the concrete surface by soaking or brushing. However, urea solutions are not suitable for use in cold weather because urea in solution crystallizes at low temperatures. This study attempted to solve this problem by mixing antifreeze, which resists freezing, with a urea solution. It was found that the crystallization temperature of urea can be lowered by mixing the urea solution the antifreeze. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the antifreeze/urea solution reduced drying shrinkage for both mortar and concrete

Study on fundamental properties of the spraying Ultra High Strength Fiber Reinforced Concrete cured at normal temperature

In this study, the hardened properties and spraying characteristics of ultra high strength fiber-reinforced mortar mixed with copper fibers along with nylon fibers and polypropylene fibers are examined. The chemical fibers are added in the expectation that they will prevent cracking during initial curing. It is confirmed that, even with the addition of chemical fibers, the fresh properties of the mortar are similar to those of formulations containing only copper fibers. It is also found spray-application of this formulation achieves sufficient application thickness and that on-site application would be possible

Durability of concrete with Belite-Gehlenite clinker as fine aggregate

The Japanese cement industry uses large quantities of industrial waste and by-products as raw materials in the production of cement clinker. Although the amount of industrial waste generated annually has remained almost constant, domestic demand for cement has been falling. In order to maintain the amount of waste re-used by the cement industry, there is a need to explore new ways of utilizing clinker besides in cement production. The proportion of waste used in the production of Belite-Gehlenite clinker featured in this study is about twice as much as in normal clinker. Previous studies have shown that when clinker is used as aggregate in mortar and concrete, clinker hydration products fill cracks as they occur for added self-healing performance. In this study, in addition to the basic characteristics of concrete containing Belite-Gehlenite clinker as fine aggregate, the resistance to cracking of specimens made with the concrete is investigated. Compared with concrete using natural sand, it is confirmed that compressive strength is improved, drying shrinkage is reduced, carbonation is suppressed, and freeze-thaw resistance is maintained. It is also demonstrated that resistance to cracking is improved

Development of sulfuric-acid resistant concrete with reduced carbon emissions

A recent social problem in Japan is the corrosion of concrete structures at sewerage facilities caused by sulfuric acid in the sewage, causing the structures to deteriorate before their expected life span. At the same time, low-carbon concretes using reduced amounts of cement are being developed as a response to concerns about global warming.The production of cement emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, so it is being replaced by blast furnace slag and fly ash, which are industrial by-products. In this study, low-carbon concretes with good sulfuric acid resistance are developed by replacing cement with various proportions of blast furnace slag fine powder, and fly ash. In particular, the concrete with 20% cement, 20% water-binder ratio has a high compressive strength of 60 N/mm2 or more and shows good resistance to sulfuric acid as demonstrated by a reduced mass change rate and neutralization depth in sulfuric acid immersion tests

The role of matrix metalloproteinase in the intimal sarcoma-like cells derived from endarterectomized tissues from a chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patient.

Sarcoma-like cells (SCLs) were derived from endarterectomized tissue of a single chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patient during incubation of those thrombi at second passage as described at our previous report. These cells had malignant potential, with an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14), leading to tumor emboli within pulmonary arteries in in vivo studies. The purpose of this study was to perform a more detailed evaluation of the characteristics of SCLs, and to elucidate the role of the increased expression of MMP-14 expression in the growth and death of these cells. In order to elucidate the characteristics of SCLs and to confirm the protein expression of MMP-14, three-dimentional culture, invasion assays, a Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical studies were performed. To examine the role of MMP-14 in tumorigenesis, the metalloproteinase inhibitor, batimastat, was administered to SCID mice which were subcutaneously injected with SCLs. Those mice were sacrificed on day 14 and the tumor volume was evaluated. A Western blot analysis showed the increased expression of MMP-14 in comparison to the expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). Immunohistochemistry showed that SCLs were positive for vimentin, MMP-14, MMP-2 and CD44. However, endothelial markers, such as CD31 and von Willebrand factor (vWF), were negative. The in vivo studies demonstrated that batimastat could suppress the growth of the subcutaneous tumors formed by the SCLs. This study suggested that MMPs had critical roles on the pathological activities of SCLs and that batimastat might have anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on these cells