Effect on emotional behavior and stress by inhalation of the essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa

Various effects have been reported in the literature for the essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa (EOCO), such as antibacterial and antifungal activity. In this study, we examined the effect of EOCO on emotional behavior and stress-induced biomarkers. Male ICR mice, aged 5 weeks at the start of each experiment, were individually housed in cages for 1 week. After placing each mouse in a glass container and exposing it to EOCO for 90 min, we then investigated the influence on emotional behavior using the elevated-plus maze (EPM) test, which is one of the evaluation methods for anxiolytic-like behavior. Significant anxiolytic-like effects were observed for the 7.0 mg/L air EOCO (P < 0.05). After the EPM test, mice were dissected and changes in the stress-induced biomarkers within the brain were investigated by examining the amounts of fast nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) and activity regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) gene expression, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and galactokinase 1 (GLK1) protein expression. Significant increases were observed in the amount of NGFR after inhalation of 7.0 mg/L air EOCO (P < 0.05). These results indicate that EOCO has both anxiolytic-like and stress mitigation effects.

Effect on Emotional Behavior and Stress by Inhalation of the Essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa

Various effects have been reported in the literature for the essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa (EOCO), such as antibacterial and antifungal activity. In this study, we examined the effect of EOCO on emotional behavior and stress-induced biomarkers. Male ICR mice, aged 5 weeks at the start of each experiment, were individually housed in cages for 1 week. After placing each mouse in a glass container and exposing it to EOCO for 90 min, we then investigated the influence on emotional behavior using the elevated-plus maze (EPM) test, which is one of the evaluation methods for anxiolytic-like behavior. Significant anxiolytic-like effects were observed for the 7.0 mg/L air EOCO ( P<0.05). After the EPM test, mice were dissected and changes in the stress-induced biomarkers within the brain were investigated by examining the amounts of fast nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) and activity regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) gene expression, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and galactokinase 1 (GLK1) protein expression. Significant increases were observed in the amount of NGFR after inhalation of 7.0 mg/L air EOCO ( P<0.05). These results indicate that EOCO has both anxiolytic-like and stress mitigation effects.

Design of the polarization multi-pass Thomson scattering system

A novel configuration of the multi-pass Thomson scattering (TS) system is proposed to improve the time resolution and accuracy of electron temperature measurements by use of a polarization control technique. This configuration can realize a perfect coaxial multi-passing at each pass, and the number of round trips is not limited by the optical configuration. To confirm the feasibility of the new method, we installed this system in the GAMMA 10 plasma system. As a result, the integrated scattering signal of the double-pass configuration is about two times larger than that of the single-pass configuration. These results are in good agreement with the design.

A new frequency-multiplied interferometer system in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror

A new interferometer is installed on the west anchor cell of the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror. In GAMMA 10, we have used a heterodyne-type interferometer with a 70-GHz IMPATT oscillator and a 150-MHz oscillator for frequency modulation. The new interferometer consists of a 17.5-GHz phase locked dielectric resonator oscillator and a 37.5-MHz temperature-compensated crystal oscillator, as well as frequency multipliers. The main motivation for the new interferometer using frequency multipliers is to achieve a stable and cost effective interferometer. Direct anchor heating experiments with new anchor ion cyclotron range of frequency antennas in both the west and the east anchor cells are carried out. Density increases in both anchor cells are clearly observed using the new interferometer.

Development of polarization-controlled multi-pass Thomson scattering system in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror

In the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror, the typical electron density is comparable to that of the peripheral plasma of torus-type fusion devices. Therefore, an effective method to increase Thomson scattering (TS) signals is required in order to improve signal quality. In GAMMA 10, the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG)-TS system comprises a laser, incident optics, light collection optics, signal detection electronics, and a data recording system. We have been developing a multi-pass TS method for a polarization-based system based on the GAMMA 10 YAG TS. To evaluate the effectiveness of the polarization-based configuration, the multi-pass system was installed in the GAMMA 10 YAG-TS system, which is capable of double-pass scattering. We carried out a Rayleigh scattering experiment and applied this double-pass scattering system to the GAMMA 10 plasma. The integrated scattering signal was made about twice as large by the double-pass system.

Mucosal eosinophilia and recurrence of nasal polyps - new classification of chronic rhinosinusitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophils and nasal polyps are believed to affect the surgical outcome of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS is classified based on the presence of nasal polyps in western countries. The majority of patients with CRS with nasal polyps (CRS with NP) are characterized by predominantly eosinophilic inflammation. However, Asian patients with CRS with NP show characteristics indicative of neutrophilic inflammation. Therefore, are eosinophils or nasal polyps more important for the classification of CRS?

METHODS

A prospective cohort study conducted from April 2007 to March 2008 classified patients with CRS based on the presence of nasal polyps and mucosal eosinophilia. The recurrence rate of nasal polyps was compared between the groups. Recurrence rate was analysed as a time-dependent variable by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Eosinophilic inflammation was found in 59.6% of patients with CRS with NP. Patients with mucosal eosinophilia had higher polyp recurrence rate than patients without mucosal eosinophilia, whereas patients with nasal polyps did not have higher polyp recurrence rate than patients without nasal polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of mucosal eosinophilia is a more important factor than nasal polyps for classifying CRS in terms of the surgical outcome.

Variability of parvovirus B19 genotype 2 in plasma products with different compositions in the inactivation sensitivity by liquid-heating

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Our previous report showed that parvovirus B19 genotype 1 in different solutions derived from plasma preparations showed different heat-sensitivity patterns during liquid-heating. In this study, we similarly examined B19 genotype 2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two plasma samples one containing B19 genotype 1 and the other genotype 2 DNA were used. Four process samples collected immediately before the heat treatment step in the manufacture of albumin, immunoglobulin, haptoglobin and antithrombin preparations were spiked with B19 and subsequently treated at 60°C for 10 h. A low pH immunoglobulin solution was also spiked with B19 and treated at room temperature for 14 days. Infectivity was then measured.

RESULTS

B19 genotype 2, similar to genotype 1, showed three patterns of inactivation: (i) a rapid inactivation in the albumin and immunoglobulin preparations, (ii) a slow inactivation in the haptoglobin preparation and (iii) only limited inactivation in the antithrombin preparation. Its sensitivity in the low pH immunoglobulin solutions also resembled that of genotype 1.

CONCLUSION

Both genotypes 1 and 2 of B19 varied in sensitivity to liquid-heating and low pH among different plasma preparations.

[Recurrent right atrium thrombus in long term follow-up after repair of atrial septal defect; report of a case]

A 76-year-old woman with recurrent ball-like thrombus in right atrium after primary repair of atrial septal defect (ASD) and tricuspid annuloplasty was successfully treated by surgical resection and strict management of anticoagulation and antiarrhythmics. A routine follow-up echocardiography, 27 months after initial operation, showed a swinging ball mass looks like a myxoma in the right atrium. Intra-operative findings showed the mass attached the free wall of right atrium with a 5 mm stalk, which was far from the ASD patch, initial suture lines, and the tricuspid annulus. Histological examination revealed the round and smooth mass was thrombus. She was successfully discharged 13 days after the 2nd operation without any complaint. A postoperative laboratory check demonstrated normal coagulability. Despite the patient was prescribed warfarin potassium and aspirin, the follow-up echocardiography at 3 months showed a recurrent thrombus in the right atrium. However the strict anticoagulation therapy with warfarin potassium and aspirin induced thrombolysis and prevent any embolic event, 1 month later. It is important to continue a strict anticoagulant therapy and prevent arrhythmia to avoid recurrence thrombus.

Manometric evaluation of oral function with a hand-held balloon probe

Tongue pressure measured with a disposable hand-held balloon probe has been used for assessing tongue function; however, no diagnostic standard for assessing other oral functions exists currently. In this study, to develop a method for multifactorial manometric evaluation of oral functions, 20 men and 20 women (21-32 years of age) were instructed to apply 7-s maximal voluntary muscular effort on a hand-held balloon probe placed against the anterior and lateral parts of the palate, buccal surface of the molars on the habitual chewing side and labial surface of the anterior teeth for measuring anterior and posterior tongue, cheek and lip pressures (LPs), respectively. Intra-session reproducibility was determined by three repeated measurements, and associations between the obtained and the conventional data on oral diadochokinesis were tested. The men exhibited higher values of all the pressure types. Further, both genders showed a positive correlation between anterior and posterior tongue pressures (PTPs) (P < 0·05), but only the women exhibited positive correlations between anterior tongue and cheek pressures, cheek and PTPs, anterior tongue and LPs, and cheek and LPs (P < 0·05). No statistically significant correlation was found between the pressures and the number of syllabic articulations, except between LP and the number of /pa/ articulations in the women (r = 0·524, P < 0·05). In conclusion, the balloon probe method enables objective manometric evaluation of oral functions and could be an effective tool for clinical epidemiological studies and evidence-based decision-making in nursing care.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for characterisation of hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on CT in chronic liver diseases

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this prospective study was to elucidate the efficacy of using contrast-enhanced ultrasound to characterise focal hepatic lesions appearing non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT in chronic liver diseases.

METHODS

The study population included 22 patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis, who between them had 27 focal hepatic lesions smaller than 20 mm (mean 13.9 ± 3.4) that appeared non-hypervascular on contrast-enhanced CT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound with perflubutane microbubble agent (Sonazoid, 0.0075 ml kg(-1)) was performed prior to ultrasound-guided needle biopsy, and intensity analysis was done for hepatic lesions in the early phase (-60 s) and late phase (600 s post injection).

RESULTS

All seven early-phase hyperenhanced lesions were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 20 lesions iso- or hypoenhanced during the early phase consisted of 11 regenerative nodules (RNs) and 9 HCCs. HCC was more frequent in early-phase hyperenhanced lesions than in iso- or hypoenhanced lesions (p=0.0108). Both late-phase hypoenhanced lesions were HCCs, whereas 25 late-phase isoenhanced lesions consisted of 11 RNs and 14 HCCs. The enhancement patterns of the 11 RNs included isoenhanced appearance in both the early and late phases in 8 lesions, and early-phase hypoenhancement combined with late-phase isoenhancement in the remaining 3. Both of these enhancement patterns (i.e. either iso-iso or hypo-iso) were found in 9 malignant lesions, 9 (75%) of the 12 well-differentiated HCCs.

CONCLUSION

Hypervascularity on contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid strongly suggested HCC regardless of non-hypervascularity on CT, and late-phase hypoenhancement was another possible finding of HCC. However, characterisation of hepatic lesions with other enhancement patterns was difficult using our technique.

Two dimensional density and its fluctuation measurements by using phase imaging method in GAMMA 10

Two dimensional (2D) plasma image analysis is useful to study the improvement of plasma confinement in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. We have constructed a 2D interferometer system with phase imaging method for studying 2D plasma density distribution and its fluctuation measurement in the tandem mirror GAMMA 10. 2D profiles of electron density and its fluctuation have been successfully obtained by using this 2D phase imaging system. We show that 2D plasma density and fluctuation profiles clearly depends on the axial confining potential formation with application of plug electron cyclotron heating in GAMMA 10.

Operation of a 500 MHz high temperature superconducting NMR: towards an NMR spectrometer operating beyond 1 GHz

We have begun a project to develop an NMR spectrometer that operates at frequencies beyond 1 GHz (magnetic field strength in excess of 23.5 T) using a high temperature superconductor (HTS) innermost coil. As the first step, we developed a 500 MHz NMR with a Bi-2223 HTS innermost coil, which was operated in external current mode. The temporal magnetic field change of the NMR magnet after the coil charge was dominated by (i) the field fluctuation due to a DC power supply and (ii) relaxation in the screening current in the HTS tape conductor; effect (i) was stabilized by the 2H field-frequency lock system, while effect (ii) decreased with time due to relaxation of the screening current induced in the HTS coil and reached 10(-8)(0.01 ppm)/h on the 20th day after the coil charge, which was as small as the persistent current mode of the NMR magnet. The 1D (1)H NMR spectra obtained by the 500 MHz LTS/HTS magnet were nearly equivalent to those obtained by the LTS NMR magnet. The 2D-NOESY, 3D-HNCO and 3D-HNCACB spectra were achieved for ubiquitin by the 500 MHz LTS/HTS magnet; their quality was closely equivalent to that achieved by a conventional LTS NMR. Based on the results of numerical simulation, the effects of screening current-induced magnetic field changes are predicted to be harmless for the 1.03 GHz NMR magnet system.

Serum selenium and risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men

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Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest that low selenium levels are associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer, although results are conflicting. We examined the association between serum selenium levels and risk of prostate cancer in men who received a prostate biopsy in our hospital. Methods: Our prospective study included 82 patients who received a prostate biopsy based on elevated PSA levels over 4.0ng/ml. Serum from each patient was sampled to determine the selenium level at the time of biopsy. Of these, 47 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer (case group) and no malignant lesions in the biopsy specimen were detected in the remains, 35 patients (control group). Results: The mean serum selenium levels in the case and control group were 120.4 (SD, 14.4) ng/mL and 118.5 (SD, 16.1) ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.588). Serum selenium levels at biopsy were not associated with risk of prostate cancer diagnosis. In the case group, the mean serum selenium levels in patients diagnosed with 6 or less in Gleason score and 7 or more were 121.0 (SD, 9.9) ng/mL (n = 14) and 120.1 (SD, 16.1) ng/mL (n = 33), respectively (p = 0.851). Serum selenium levels at biopsy were not associated with Gleason score in the case group. An inverse association between serum selenium and PSA levels at biopsy was observed (p = 0.030). No correlation was observed between serum selenium level and age at biopsy. Conclusions: From this study, serum selenium level cannot predict the result of prostate biopsy. The inverse association between serum selenium and PSA levels may suggest that low selenium levels are associated with an increased incidence of prostate cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Extent of hepatitis E virus elimination is affected by stabilizers present in plasma products and pore size of nanofilters

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate the physico-chemical properties of hepatitis E virus (HEV) with regard to inactivation/removal, we have studied four isolates with respect to sensitivity to heat during liquid/dry-heating as well as removal by nanofiltration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatitis E virus in an albumin solution or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was liquid-heated at 60 degrees C for a preset time. HEV in a freeze-dried fibrinogen containing stabilizers was also dry-heated at 60 or 80 degrees C for a preset time. In addition, to clarify the removal of HEV, the purified virus in PBS was filtered using several types of virus-removal filter (nanofilters) that have different pore sizes. HEV infectivity or genome equivalents before and after the treatments were assayed by a semiquantitative cell-based infectivity assay or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, respectively.

RESULTS

Hepatitis E virus isolates in albumin solutions were inactivated slowly at 60 degrees C for 5 h and the resultant log reduction factor (LRF) was from 1.0 to > or = 2.2, whereas the virus in PBS was inactivated quickly to below the detection limit and the LRF was > or = 2.4 to > or = 3.7. The virus in a freeze dried fibrinogen containing trisodium citrate dihydrate and l-arginine hydrochloride as stabilizers was inactivated slowly and the LRF was 2.0 and 3.0, respectively, of the 72 h at 60 degrees C, but inactivated to below the detection limit within 24 h at 80 degrees C with an LRF of > or = 4.0. The virus in PBS was also confirmed as to be approximately 35 nm in diameter by nanofiltration. These results are useful for evaluating viral safety against HEV contamination in blood products.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of HEV to heat was shown to vary greatly depending on the heating conditions. On the other hand, the HEV particles were completely removed using 20-nm nanofilters. However, each inactivation/removal step should be carefully evaluated with respect to the HEV inactivation/removal capacity, which may be influenced by processing conditions such as the stabilizers used for blood products.

Upgrade of the analyzer design for multipoint measurements by a gold neutral beam probe on the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror

The study of the mechanisms of both transport and fluctuations is one of the main issues of fusion plasma researches. Spatial fluctuation structure measurements are important for studying of cross correlation between the two fluctuations. Gold neutral beam probe systems are used in GAMMA 10 tandem mirror plasma device. Currently, the plasma potential and its fluctuations cannot be measured at different radial positions simultaneously. This paper presents the upgrade design of the 45 degrees electrostatic energy analyzer for the simultaneous multipoint measurements of plasma parameters.

Study of radial potential fluctuations by using a gold neutral beam probe system

A study of fluctuation is one of the main issues in fusion plasma researches. The potential and its fluctuation are measured by a gold neutral beam probe (GNBP) in the tandem mirror GAMMA10. Since there is no stable isotope ((197)Au approximately 100%), there are little measurement errors. GNBP system can measure the potential with about +/-30 V of error. The time and spatial resolutions are estimated to be about 3 micros and 5 mm, respectively. During the formation of axial confining potentials, the radial profiles of the potential and its fluctuation were successfully measured in GAMMA10. GNBP is a useful tool for the study of radial potential fluctuation directly in plasmas.

Radial density profile measurement by using the multichannel microwave interferometer in GAMMA 10

Plasma density radial profile measurements are an important study for fusion plasma researches. We reconstructed a multichannel microwave interferometer for radial plasma electron density and density fluctuation measurements with both changing the transmission horn position and using the Teflon lens by only using this system in a single plasma shot. By using this system, we can successfully measure the radial density and density fluctuation spectra in a single plasma shot.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography: A Recent Application for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma has a decisive influence on the prognosis of cirrhotic patients, and the use of imaging modalities is essential for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasound plays a major role among them, because it provides real-time and non-invasive observation by a simple and easy technique. In addition, ultrasound-guided needle puncture methods are frequently required for the diagnosis and/or treatment process of hepatocellular carcinoma. The development of digital technology has led to the detectability of blood flow by color Doppler ultrasound, and the sensitivity for tumor vascularity has shown remarkable improvement with the introduction of microbubble contrast agents. Moreover, near real-time three-dimensional ultrasound images are now available. These advancements in the ultrasound field have led to rapid progress in hepatocellular carcinoma management, and continuing advances are expected. This article reviews the current application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice.JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2008 Jul-Sep;47(171):156-166.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography: a recent application for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma has a decisive influence on the prognosis of cirrhotic patients, and the use of imaging modalities is essential for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasound plays a major role among them, because it provides real-time and non-invasive observation by a simple and easy technique. In addition, ultrasound-guided needle puncture methods are frequently required for the diagnosis and/or treatment process of hepatocellular carcinoma. The development of digital technology has led to the detectability of blood flow by color Doppler ultrasound, and the sensitivity for tumor vascularity has shown remarkable improvement with the introduction of microbubble contrast agents. Moreover, near real-time three-dimensional ultrasound images are now available. These advancements in the ultrasound field have led to rapid progress in hepatocellular carcinoma management, and continuing advances are expected. This article reviews the current application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma in clinical practice.

Gene expression of 5-fluorouracil metabolic enzymes in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-tumor tissue

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a basic agent used in chemotherapy. The aim of this study is to investigate the gene expression of 5-FU anabolic and catabolic enzymes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-tumor tissue, respectively to increase our knowledge of resistant mechanisms to 5-FU in HCC. The relative mRNA level of orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT), ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and target enzyme thymidylate synthase (TS), were analyzed in 30 matched samples of HCC (T) and non-tumor tissue (NT) using quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of OPRT, RNR-M1, RNR-M2 and TS is significantly higher in T compared with in NT (1.3-fold increase, 1.6-fold, 7.1-fold, 1.9-fold, respectively), but that of DPD showed no difference between T and NT. Our results show that HCC should not be treated with 5-FU alone because of its instability in liver.

Characterization of V-defects in InGaN single quantum well films at the nanometer level by high-spatial-resolution cathodoluminescence spectroscopy

We have developed a new scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a Schottky emission (SE) gun that produces a high probe current at an acceleration voltage of less than 5 kV and a cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopic system (SE-SEM-CL) equipped with an SE gun and a newly designed parabolic mirror that has a very short working distance of 9 mm in order to enhance the spatial resolution of CL spectroscopy. We have studied CL spectral variations in the vicinity of V-defects in InGaN single quantum well (SQW) film by measuring its CL spectra at the nanometer level, using our SE-SEM-CL system. It has been found that the peak intensity and peak wavelength of the CL peak around 454 nm assigned to the quantum wells emission of the InGaN SQW layer significantly change in the vicinity of the V-defects. We have considered that the change in the peak wavelength is mainly caused by a change in the In content in the InGaN SQW layer. Our SE-SEM-CL has a spatial resolution of less than 40 nm for the InGaN SQW layer.

The function of RNAi in plant development

The morphological phenotype of mutations in genes required for posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS) or RNA interference (RNAi) in Arabidopsis demonstrates that this process is critical for normal development. One way in which RNAi contributes to gene regulation is through its involvement in the biogenesis of trans-acting small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These endogenous siRNAs are derived from noncoding transcripts that are cleaved by a microRNA (miRNA) and mediate the silencing of protein-coding transcripts. Some protein-coding genes are also subject to miRNA-initiated transitive silencing. Several developmentally important transcription factors regulated by these silencing mechanisms have been identified.

Effect of fluoride ions on apatite crystal formation in rat hard tissues

Fluoride is widely believed to be a useful chemical substance for preventing dental caries. However, the mechanism underlying crystal perforation in the tooth enamel and the effect of fluoride on hard tissues are unclear. To clarify the mechanism of the biological action of fluoride in the mineralization process, we examined the hard tissues of rats having received water containing a relatively low fluoride level. Electron microscopy revealed that fluoride ions could interrupt the crystal nucleation process, resulting in crystal perforation in the developing tooth enamel and the presence of amorphous minerals in bone crystals. Furthermore, the results of enzymatic analyses indicated that fluoride directly interfered with the synthesis of carbonic anhydrase by the enamel-forming cells, rather than being directly involved in the crystal formation. From the results, we would like to provide a possible mechanism of crystal perforation in the enamel induced by fluoride intake. Also, we would like to suggest that regardless of its amount, fluoride intake has harmful effects on both tooth and bone formation.

117 EFFECT OF STEPWISE DILUTION ON THE VIABILITY OF FROZEN - THAWED BOVINE OOCYTES MATURED IN VITRO

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of stepwise dilution on the viability of frozen–thawed bovine oocytes matured in vitro. Oocytes matured in vitro were denuded and equilibrated in modified TCM-199 (m199: 11 mmol L-1 HEPES, 9 mmol L-1 Na-HEPES, 5 mmol L-1 NaHCO3, 20% (v/v) calf serum) supplemented with 10% (v/v) glycerol for 15 min at room temperature (RT). Then they were exposed to m199 with 10% glycerol and 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose and loaded into 0.25-mL plastic straws. The straws were sealed and seeded at -6�C, cooled at the rate of 0.33�C min-1 to -25�C, and plunged into LN2. For thawing, the straws were first held in air at RT for 10 s, followed by immersion in 30�C water for 10 s. In the first experiment, frozen-thawed oocytes were subjected to cryoprotectants in 5 different manners of dilution. In the non-step dilution, the oocytes (n = 60) were put into m199 for 5 min. In the single-step dilution, the oocytes (n = 37) were transferred to 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose in m199 for 5 min. In the two-step dilution, the oocytes (n = 56) were transferred to 0.5 and then 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose in m199 for 5 and 5 min, respectively. In the three-step dilution, the oocytes (n = 57) were transferred to 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose in m199 for 1, 5, and 5 min, respectively. In the four-step dilution, the oocytes (n = 52) were transferred to 1.0, 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25 mol L-1 sucrose in m199 for 1, 1, 5, and 5 min, respectively. After dilution, all of the oocytes were washed twice in TCM-199 supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum for 5 min and cultured for 1 h to assess the morphology. The rate of morphological normal oocytes in the four-step dilution (94.2%) was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher than that in other groups (non-, single-, two-, and three-step dilution: 61.7%, 73.0%, 78.6%, and 77.2%). In the second experiment, non-frozen (control, n = 170) and frozen–thawed oocytes (n = 145) with four-step dilution were fertilized and cultured in vitro (Kuwayama 1992 J. Reprod. Fert. 96, 187–193). To assess fertilization, some of the oocytes were fixed at 10 h after insemination. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were determined on Day 2 and Day 8 after fertilization (Day 0), respectively. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) between control and frozen–thawed oocytes in the fertilization rate (88.0% vs. 93.1%). Some of the frozen–thawed oocytes cleaved and developed to blastocysts (44.0% and 11.2%), although the rates were significantly (P &lt; 0.01) lower than those in control (71.7% and 35.0%). These results indicate that stepwise dilution of frozen–thawed oocytes improves the recovery of oocytes with normal morphology, and that the oocytes maintain the abilities to be fertilized and develop to blastocysts.

397 LONG-TERM CULTURE OF BOVINE SECONDARY FOLLICLES IN MEDIA CONTAINING BSA, FCS, PLASMA, AND FOLLICULAR FLUID

Bovine oocytes within early antral follicles 0.4–0.7 mm in diameter (oocyte: 90–99 �m in diameter) grow to a final size of 120 �m after culture for 2 weeks. However, there has been little success in culturing oocytes in secondary follicles. The aim of this study was to establish a long-term culture system to support the growth of bovine oocytes within secondary follicles. We examined the effect of bovine serum albumin (BSA), heat-treated fetal calf serum (FCS), bovine plasma (Pl), and bovine follicular fluid (FF) on follicular development and oocyte growth. Bovine secondary follicles 150–200 �m in diameter were collected mechanically from bovine ovaries. In the first experiment, secondary follicles were embedded in collagen gels and cultured in �MEM supplemented with 0.1 mg mL-1 sodium pyruvate, 0.08 mg mL-1 kanamycin, 0.05 mM β-mercaptoethanol, 25 or 50 ng mL-1 FSH, and 3 mg mL-1 BSA, 5% FCS, 5% Pl, or 5% FF for 4 weeks. Secondary follicles formed an antrum and the mean diameters of follicles increased significantly in all groups (P &lt; 0.05; Student&apos;s t-test) other than the BSA-supplemented one. Integrity of the follicles cultured in BSA- and Pl-supplemented media was maintained better than in other groups, and supplementation with 25 ng mL-1 FSH was more effective than 50 ng mL-1 FSH (P &lt; 0.05; chi-square test). Moreover, the antra were maintained in the Pl-supplemented medium. In the BSA- and Pl-supplemented groups with 25 ng mL-1 FSH, 46% (11/24) and 48% (11/23) of normal-looking oocytes were recovered, and their mean diameters were 75.3 � 3.8 and 91.9 � 2.7 �m, respectively, which were significantly larger than before culture (59.8 � 3.5 �m (P &lt; 0.05); Student&apos;s t-test). On the other hand, only 0–7% of the oocytes showed normal morphology in FCS- and FF-supplemented media after 4 weeks. In the second experiment, secondary follicles were cultured in BSA- or Pl-supplemented medium with 25 ng mL-1 FSH for 8 weeks to produce fully grown oocytes. About 30% of the oocytes showed normal morphology in both groups, although they had not reached full size. The diameters of oocytes cultured in BSA- or Pl-supplemented media were 98.8 � 2.1 and 97 � 1.8 �m, respectively. Some of the oocytes from BSA-supplemented medium were denuded, whereas the oocytes were enclosed by cumulus cells in Pl-supplemented medium. These results suggest that bovine secondary follicles can be efficiently cultured in BSA- or Pl-supplemented medium with 25 ng mL-1 FSH in collagen gels over one month.

107 DEVELOPMENT OF VITRIFIED BOVINE SECONDARY AND PRIMORDIAL FOLLICLES IN SCID MICE

The bovine ovary contains a large number of follicles at the different developmental stages. The objectives of this study were to establish the optimal vitrification condition for bovine secondary and primordial follicles, and to examine the developmental ability of vitrified follicles by xenotransplantation to SCID (severe combined immune deficiency) mice. In the first experiment, secondary follicles 150–200 �m in diameter were dissected individually from the ovarian cortex. The follicles were exposed to equilibration solution containing 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG), 7.5% DMSO, and 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) in modified (HEPES-buffered) TCM-199 medium (m199) at room temperature (RT) for 15 min. They were randomly allocated to 6 experimental groups, treated with the vitrification solution containing 15% EG, 15% DMSO, 20% FCS, and 0 or 0.5 M sucrose (Suc) in m199 at RT for 1 or 30 min or at 4�C for 30 min, and then put on the Cryotop (Kitazato Supply, Tokyo, Japan) and directly plunged into liquid nitrogen (LN2). For warming, vitrified follicles with 0.5 M Suc were put in m199 supplemented with 1 M Suc and 20% FCS at 38.5�C, and then transferred to m199 supplemented with 0.5 M Suc and 20% FCS at RT for 5 min. Vitrified follicles without Suc were warmed in Suc-free medium in the same manner. After washing, they were fixed and examined histologically. In the secondary follicles vitrified in 0 M and 0.5 M Suc-containing solutions after treatment at RT for 1 min, 59% (10/17) and 91% (10/11) of oocytes showed normal morphology, respectively. In the follicles vitrified after 30 min treatment, 63–100% of the oocytes showed abnormal cytoplasm and/or pyknotic nuclei, regardless of temperature and Suc contents. In the second experiment, tissues containing 40 to 50 primordial follicles (1 mm � 1 mm � 0.5 mm) were dissected from the ovarian cortex. Sixteen tissues were allocated to 4 groups, equilibrated at RT for 5 or 15 min in the equilibration solution, treated with the vitrification solution containing 0 or 0.5 M Suc at RT for 1 min, and then put on the Cryotop and plunged into LN2. After warming and washing in a similar manner, they were examined histologically. After treatment with the equilibration solution for 5 min followed by Suc-free vitrification solution, 82 � 5% (mean � SEM of 4 tissues) of primordial follicles showed normal morphology, and the rate was significantly higher than for other groups (P &lt; 0.05, Student&apos;s t-test). In the third experiment, secondary follicles and primordial follicles vitrified by each best method were transplanted under the kidney capsule of SCID mice for 1 and 6 months, respectively, and examined histologically. After transplantation of 40 secondary follicles into 4 mice, about 40% of the follicles developed to the antral stage. After transplantation of 8 tissues containing primordial follicles into 3 mice, 2 or more follicles developed to the antral stage in each mouse. These results indicate that bovine secondary and primordial follicles can be vitrified without losing their developmental capacity to the antral stage.

Observation and control of transverse energy-transport barrier due to the formation of an energetic-electron layer with sheared ExB flow

Off-axis electron-cyclotron heating in an axisymmetric barrier mirror produces a cylindrical layer with energetic electrons, which flow through the central cell and into the end region. The layer, producing a localized bumped ambipolar potential Phi(C), forms a strong shear of radial electric fields E(r) and peaked vorticity with the direction reversal of E(r)xB sheared flow near the Phi(C) peak. Intermittent vortexlike turbulent structures near the layer are suppressed in the central cell by this actively produced transverse energy-transport barrier; this results in T(e) and T(i) rises surrounded by the layer.

The rubble-pile asteroid Itokawa as observed by Hayabusa

During the interval from September through early December 2005, the Hayabusa spacecraft was in close proximity to near-Earth asteroid 25143 Itokawa, and a variety of data were taken on its shape, mass, and surface topography as well as its mineralogic and elemental abundances. The asteroid's orthogonal axes are 535, 294, and 209 meters, the mass is 3.51 x 10(10) kilograms, and the estimated bulk density is 1.9 +/- 0.13 grams per cubic centimeter. The correspondence between the smooth areas on the surface (Muses Sea and Sagamihara) and the gravitationally low regions suggests mass movement and an effective resurfacing process by impact jolting. Itokawa is considered to be a rubble-pile body because of its low bulk density, high porosity, boulder-rich appearance, and shape. The existence of very large boulders and pillars suggests an early collisional breakup of a preexisting parent asteroid followed by a re-agglomeration into a rubble-pile object.

Touchdown of the Hayabusa Spacecraft at the Muses Sea on Itokawa

After global observations of asteroid 25143 Itokawa by the Hayabusa spacecraft, we selected the smooth terrain of the Muses Sea for two touchdowns carried out on 19 and 25 November 2005 UTC for the first asteroid sample collection with an impact sampling mechanism. Here, we report initial findings about geological features, surface condition, regolith grain size, compositional variation, and constraints on the physical properties of this site by using both scientific and housekeeping data during the descent sequence of the first touchdown. Close-up images revealed the first touchdown site as a regolith field densely filled with size-sorted, millimeter- to centimeter-sized grains.