Tibial condylar valgus osteotomy (TCVO) for osteoarthritis of the knee: 5-year clinical and radiological results

According to one line of thought only propositions can be part of one’s evidence, since only propositions can serve the central functions of our ordinary concept of evidence. Ram Neta has challenged this argument. In this paper I respond to Neta’s challenge

Expression of the immunoreactive buckwheat major allergenic storage protein in Lactococcus lactis

Proteins from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) are strong allergens that can cause serious symptoms, including anaphylaxis, in patients with hypersensitivity. In this study, we successfully developed a modified lactic acid bacterial vector (pNSH) and a recombinant strain of Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 (NZ9000) that produced a major allergenic storage protein of buckwheat, Fagag1 (61.2 kDa, GenBank accession number AF152003), with or without a green fluorescent protein (GFP) tag. GFP fluorescence allows for rapid, simple, and accurate measurement of target protein expression by microscopy or fluorimetry. We describe a convenient method for production of rGFP-Fagag1 fusion and rFagag1 proteins with a good yield in an advantageous probiotic host. We found that in vitro treatment of splenocytes isolated from buckwheat crude protein-immunized mice with rFagag1 increased the expression of allergic inflammation cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17 F. Because it was less antigenic, rGFP-Fagag1 protein from NZ9000 might be of limited use; however, rFagag1 from NZ9000 evoked a robust response as measured by induction of IL-4 and IL-17 F expression levels. The observed allergic activity is indicative of a Th2 cell-mediated immune response and is similar to the effects induced by exposure to buckwheat crude protein. Our results suggest that expression of rFagag1 in NZ9000 may facilitate in vivo applications of this system aimed at improving the specificity of immunological responses to buckwheat allergens.ArticleAPPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY. 97(8):3603-3611 (2013)journal articl

Rapid formation of nanostructures in Au films using a CO₂ laser

We systematically investigate the formation of nanostructures in magnetron-sputtered Au films using a CO₂ laser. By comparing the optical properties and surface morphologies of Au films on different kinds of substrates before and after laser irradiation with different laser powers and irradiation times, we find that the nanostructures are most rapidly formed in the Au film with 5 nm thickness on a thin glass substrate. With the laser power of 6 W and a beam diameter of ∼10 mm at the Au film, only a few tens of seconds of irradiation time is sufficient to induce nanostructures with the area size of ∼10 mm in the 5 nm Au film on a thin glass substrate

A New 100-GHz Band Front-End System with a Waveguide-Type Dual-Polarization Sideband-Separating SIS Receiver for the NRO 45-m Radio Telescope

We developed a waveguide-type dual-polarization sideband-separating SIS receiver system of the 100-GHz band for the 45-m radio telescope at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, Japan. This receiver is composed of an ortho-mode transducer and two sideband-separating SIS mixers, which are both based on the waveguide technique. The receiver has four intermediate frequency bands of 4.0--8.0 GHz. Over the radio frequency range of 80--120 GHz, the single-sideband receiver noise temperatures are 50--100 K and the image rejection ratios are greater than 10 dB. We developed new matching optics for the telescope beam as well as new IF chains for the four IF signals. The new receiver system was installed in the telescope, and we successfully observed the 12CO, 13CO and C18O emission lines simultaneously toward the Sagittarius B2 region to confirm the performance of the receiver system. The SSB noise temperature of the system, including the atmosphere, became approximately half of that of the previous receiver system. The Image Rejection Ratios (IRRs) of the two 2SB mixers were calculated from the 12CO and HCO+ spectra from the W51 giant molecular cloud, resulting in > 20 dB for one polarization and > 12 dB for the other polarization.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figures, Accepted for publication in PASJ, version with high resolution figures is available via http://www.nro.nao.ac.jp/library/report/list.htm

Expression of a Biologically Active GFP-alpha(S1)-Casein Fusion Protein in Lactococcus lactis

In this study, we successfully developed a recombinant strain of Lactococcus lactis NZ9000 (NZ9000) that produced green fluorescent protein fused to alpha(S1)-casein (GFP-alpha(S1)Cas). A modified lactic acid bacterial vector (pNZ8148#2) was constructed by inserting genes for GFP and alpha(S1)-casein, a major cow's milk allergen, and the resulting vector, pNZ8148#2-GFP-alpha(S1)Cas, was applied to the expression of recombinant GFP-alpha(S1)Cas protein (rGFP-alpha(S1)Cas) in NZ9000. After inducing expression with nisin, the production of rGFP-alpha(S1)Cas was confirmed by confocal laser microscopic analysis, and the expression conditions were optimized based on fluorescent analysis and western blotting results. Moreover, the in vitro treatment of splenocytes isolated from alpha-casein (a parts per thousand yen70 % alpha(S)-casein)-immunized mice with rGFP-alpha(S1)Cas resulted in increased IL-13 mRNA expression. The observed allergic activity is indicative of the Th2-cell mediated immune response and is similar to the effects induced by exposure to alpha-casein. Our results suggest that the expression of rGFP-alpha(S1)Cas in NZ9000 may facilitate in vivo applications of this system aimed at improving the specificity of immunological responses to specific milk allergen.ArticleCURRENT MICROBIOLOGY. 64(6):569-575 (2012)journal articl

New 60-cm Radio Survey Telescope with the Sideband-Separating SIS Receiver for the 200 GHz Band

We have upgraded the 60-cm radio survey telescope located in Nobeyama, Japan. We developed a new waveguide-type sideband-separating SIS mixer for the telescope, which enables the simultaneous detection of distinct molecular emission lines both in the upper and lower sidebands. Over the RF frequency range of 205-240 GHz, the single-sideband receiver noise temperatures of the new mixer are 40-100 K for the 4.0-8.0 GHz IF frequency band. The image rejection ratios are greater than 10 dB over the same range. For the dual IF signals obtained by the receiver, we have developed two sets of acousto-optical spectrometers and a telescope control system. Using the new telescope system, we successfully detected the 12CO (J=2-1) and 13CO (J=2-1) emission lines simultaneously toward Orion KL in 2005 March. Using the waveguide-type sideband-separating SIS mixer for the 200 GHz band, we have initiated the first simultaneous 12CO (J=2-1) and 13CO (J=2-1) survey of the galactic plane as well as large-scale mapping observations of nearby molecular clouds.Comment: 15 pages, 15 figures, Accepted for publication in PASJ, version with high resolution figures is available via http://www.nro.nao.ac.jp/~nakajima/vst1_2sb.pd

ALS mutations in the TIA-1 prion-like domain trigger highly condensed pathogenic structures

筋萎縮性側索硬化症（ALS）の発症機構の一端を解明 --タンパク質の高密度な凝縮構造が鍵--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2022-09-13.T cell intracellular antigen-1 (TIA-1) plays a central role in stress granule (SG) formation by self-assembly via the prion-like domain (PLD). In the TIA-1 PLD, amino acid mutations associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Welander distal myopathy (WDM), have been identified. However, how these mutations affect PLD self-assembly properties has remained elusive. In this study, we uncovered the implicit pathogenic structures caused by the mutations. NMR analysis indicated that the dynamic structures of the PLD are synergistically determined by the physicochemical properties of amino acids in units of five residues. Molecular dynamics simulations and three-dimensional electron crystallography, together with biochemical assays, revealed that the WDM mutation E384K attenuated the sticky properties, whereas the ALS mutations P362L and A381T enhanced the self-assembly by inducing β-sheet interactions and highly condensed assembly, respectively. These results suggest that the P362L and A381T mutations increase the likelihood of irreversible amyloid fibrillization after phase-separated droplet formation, and this process may lead to pathogenicity

Sodium p-Toluenesulfinate Enhances the Bonding Durability of Universal Adhesives on Deproteinized Eroded Dentin

The effects of deproteinization using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the subsequent application of an antioxidant (sodium p-toluenesulfinate, STS) onto the bonding durability of universal adhesives on eroded dentin were investigated. Untreated sound dentin served as the control, whereas eroded dentin, which had been prepared by pH-cycling in 1% citric acid and a remineralization solution, was either untreated, deproteinized with a 10% NaOCl gel or deproteinized with the 10% NaOCl gel and subsequently treated with an STS-containing agent. The dentin surfaces were bonded using a universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Scotchbond Universal or G-Premio Bond), and the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) test was performed after 24 h or 10,000 thermal cycles. The µTBS data were statistically analyzed using a three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests. The lowest µTBS was measured on untreated eroded dentin (p 0.05), but the highest µTBS was obtained if deproteinization was followed by the application of STS. Thermocycling significantly decreased µTBS in all groups (p 0.05). This indicated that deproteinization, followed by the application of STS, could enhance the bonding durability of universal adhesives on eroded dentin

Inhibitory/Suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide nanocapsules as simple oral delivery devices for preventing atopic dermatitis in mice

Advance online publication 6 January 2015Here, we report a simple and low-cost oral oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) delivery system targeted to the gut Peyer's patches (PPs). This system requires only Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium, calcium chloride, ODNs, and basic laboratory equipment. ODN nanocapsules (ODNcaps) were directly delivered to the PPs through oral administration and were taken up by macrophages in the PPs, where they induced an immune response. Long-term continuous oral dosing with inhibitory/suppressive ODNcaps (iODNcaps, "iSG3caps" in this study) was evaluated using an atopic dermatitis mouse model to visually monitor disease course. Administration of iSG3caps improved skin lesions and decreased epidermal thickness. Underlying this effect is the ability of iSG3 to bind to and prevent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6, thereby blocking the interleukin-4 signaling cascade mediated by binding of allergens to type 2 helper T cells. The results of our iSG3cap oral delivery experiments suggest that iSG3 may be useful for treating allergic diseases.ArticleMOLECULAR THERAPY. 23(2):297-309 (2015)journal articl