Reconstruction of quark mass matrices in the NNI form from the experimental data

We examined the question that what is a general form of quark mass matrices which is achieved by the transformation that leaves the left-handed gauge interaction invariant. In particular, we analyzed in detail the Fritzsch-type and the Branco-Silva-Marcos-type parametrization. Both parametrizations contain ten parameters and can be expressed by the experimental data. We explicitly reconstructed quark mass matrices in terms of quark masses and CKM parameters for the Fritzsch-type parametrization.Comment: 17 pages and 4 figure

Quantum effects for the neutrino mixing matrix in the democratic-type model

We investigate the quantum effects for the democratic-type neutrino mass matrix given at the right-handed neutrino mass scale $m_R$ in order to see (i) whether $\theta_{23}=-\pi/4$ predicted by the model is stable to explain the atmospheric neutrino anomaly, (ii) how $\theta_{12}$ and $\theta_{13}$ behave, and (iii) whether the predicted Dirac CP phase $\delta$ keeps maximal size, at the weak scale $m_Z$. We find that, for the (inversely) hierarchical mass spectrum with $m_1\sim m_2$, $\theta_{23}$ and $\theta_{13}$ are stable, while $\theta_{12}$ is not so, which leads to the possibility that the solar neutrino mixing angle can become large at $m_Z$ even if it is taken small at $m_R$. We also show that $\delta$ keeps almost maximal for the above mass spectrum, and our model can give the large CP violation effect in the future neutrino oscillation experiments if the solar neutrino puzzle is explained by the large mixing angle MSW solution.Comment: LaTeX, 21 pages, 2 figures, some mistakes correcte

Effect of dioxins on regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression by aryl hydrocarbon receptor: a neurotoxicology study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Dioxins and related compounds are suspected of causing neurological disruption. Epidemiological studies indicated that exposure to these compounds caused neurodevelopmental disturbances such as learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which are thought to be closely related to dopaminergic dysfunction. Although the molecular mechanism of their actions has not been fully investigated, a major participant in the process is aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This study focused on the effect of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure on the regulation of TH, a rate-limiting enzyme of dopamine synthesis, gene expression by AhR.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>N2a-Rβ cells were established by transfecting murine neuroblastoma Neuro2a with the rat AhR cDNA. TH expression induced by TCDD was assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Participation of AhR in TCDD-induced TH gene expression was confirmed by suppressing AhR expression using the siRNA method. Catecholamines including dopamine were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. A reporter gene assay was used to identify regulatory motifs in the promoter region of TH gene. Binding of AhR with the regulatory motif was confirmed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Induction of TH by TCDD through AhR activation was detected at mRNA and protein levels. Induced TH protein was functional and its expression increased dopamine synthesis. The reporter gene assay and EMSA indicated that AhR directly regulated TH gene expression. Regulatory sequence called aryl hydrocarbon receptor responsive element III (AHRE-III) was identified upstream of the TH gene from -285 bp to -167 bp. Under TCDD exposure, an AhR complex was bound to AHRE-III as well as the xenobiotic response element (XRE), though AHRE-III was not identical to XRE, the conventional AhR-binding motif.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results suggest TCDD directly regulate the dopamine system by TH gene transactivation via an AhR-AHRE-III-mediated pathway. The AhR- mediated pathway could have a particular AhR-mediated genomic control pathway transmitting the effects of TCDD action to target cells in the development of dopaminergic disabilities.</p

Assessment of energy expenditure using doubly labeled water, physical activity by accelerometer and reported dietary intake in Japanese men with type 2 diabetes: A preliminary study

The aim of the present study was to determine the total energy expenditure, physical activity and dietary intake of men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and control participants without type 2 diabetes mellitus who were matched for age and body mass index. The participants in the present study were 12 well‐controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 10 controls, aged 40–75 years, with a body mass index <30 kg/m2. Total energy expenditure under free‐living conditions was assessed using the doubly labeled water method, and physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Dietary intake was assessed using a self‐recorded food intake diary during the measurement period. Participants were instructed to record their dietary intake over 3 days, including 2 weekdays. Total energy expenditure was not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.153), nor were energy (P = 0.969) or macronutrient intakes. In conclusion, when age and body mass index are matched, total energy expenditure and self‐reported energy intake are not significantly different between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy controls