Electroproductions of Light Λ\Lambda- and Σ\Sigma-Hypernuclei

Theoretical estimations of production cross sections of light $\Lambda$ and $\Sigma$ hypernuclei in $(e,e'K^{+})$ reactions at around CEBAF energies are given. Because of dominant spin-flip amplitudes and large momentum transfers, unnatural parity states and stretched states of hypernuclei are favorably excited. They are compared with quasifree hyperon productions.Comment: 12 pages in Latex(6 figures are available on reques

Can We Extract Lambda-Lambda Interaction from Two-Particle Momentum Correlation ?

We analyze the invariant mass spectrum of Lambda-Lambda in $^{12}C(K^-,K^+ Lambda Lambda)$ reaction at P(K^+)=1.65 GeV/c by using a combined framework of IntraNuclear Cascade (INC) model and the correlation function technique. The observed enhancement at low-invariant masses can be well reproduced with attractive Lambda-Lambda interactions with the scattering length either in the range a = -6 \sim -4 fm (no bound state) or a = 7 \sim 12 fm (with bound state). We also discuss Lambda-Lambda correlation functions in central relativistic heavy-ion collisions as a possible way to eliminate this discrete ambiguity.Comment: 4 Pages, LaTeX with psfig, embedded 4 ps figures. Talk given at KEK-Tanashi Int. Symp. on "Physics of Hadrons and Nuclei", 14-17 Dec. 1998, Tokyo, Japan, Nuclear Physics A, to appea

Dietary Lactoferrin Alleviates Age-Related Lacrimal Gland Dysfunction in Mice

BACKGROUND: Decrease in lacrimal gland secretory function is related to age-induced dry eye disease. Lactoferrin, the main glycoprotein component of tears, has multiple functions, including anti-inflammatory effects and the promotion of cell growth. We investigated how oral administration of lactoferrin affects age-related lacrimal dysfunction. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Twelve-month-old male C57BL/6Cr Slc mice were randomly divided into a control fed group and an oral lactoferrin treatment group. Tear function was measured at a 6-month time-point. After euthanasia, the lacrimal glands were subjected to histological examination with 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) antibodies, and serum concentrations of 8-OHdG and hexanoyl-lysine adduct (HEL) were evaluated. Additionally, monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. The volume of tear secretion was significantly larger in the treated group than in the control. Lactoferrin administration reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and the MCP-1 and TNF-α expression levels. Serum concentrations of 8-OHdG and HEL in the lactoferrin group were lower than those in the control group and were associated with attenuated 8-OHdG immunostaining of the lacrimal glands. CONCLUSION: Oral lactoferrin administration preserves lacrimal gland function in aged mice by attenuating oxidative damage and suppressing subsequent gland inflammation