Using Ex Situ and In Situ HERFD-XANES to Reveal the Superior Oxidation and Reduction Cycling of Ceria Nanocubes Dispersed in Silica Aerogel

The oxygen storage capacity of ceria-based catalytic materials is influenced by their size, morphology, and surface structure, which can be tuned using surfactant-mediated synthesis. In particular, the cuboidal morphology exposes the most reactive surfaces; however, when the capping agent is removed, the nanocubes can agglomerate and limit the available reactive surface. Here, we study ceria nanocubes, lanthanum-doped ceria nanocubes, and ceria nanocubes embedded inside a highly porous silica aerogel by high-energy resolution fluorescence detection-X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy at the Ce L3 edge. In situ measurements showed an increased reversibility of redox cycles in ceria nanocubes when embedded in the aerogel, demonstrating enhanced reactivity due to the retention of reactive surfaces. These aerogel nanocomposites show greater improvement in the redox capacity and increased thermal stability of this catalytic material compared to the surfactant-capped nanocubes. Ex situ measurements were also performed to study the effect of lanthanum doping on the cerium oxidation state in the nanocubes, indicating a higher proportion of Ce4+ compared to that of the undoped ceria nanocubes.

Approaching Theoretical Performances of Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation by Cobalt-Nitrogen Moieties

Electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been intensively studied for environmentally benign applications. However, insufficient understanding of ORR 2 e- -pathway mechanism at the atomic level inhibits rational design of catalysts with both high activity and selectivity, causing concerns including catalyst degradation due to Fenton reaction or poor efficiency of H2 O2 electrosynthesis. Herein we show that the generally accepted ORR electrocatalyst design based on a Sabatier volcano plot argument optimises activity but is unable to account for the 2 e- -pathway selectivity. Through electrochemical and operando spectroscopic studies on a series of CoNx /carbon nanotube hybrids, a construction-driven approach based on an extended "dynamic active site saturation" model that aims to create the maximum number of 2 e- ORR sites by directing the secondary ORR electron transfer towards the 2 e- intermediate is proven to be attainable by manipulating O2 hydrogenation kinetics.

Photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy at the I20-scanning beamline at diamond light source

A scanning multi-crystal x-ray emission spectrometer to perform photon-in/photon-out spectroscopy at the I20-Scanning beamline at Diamond Light Source is described. The instrument, equipped with three analyzer crystals, is based on a 1 m Rowland circle spectrometer operating in the vertical plane. The energy resolution of the spectrometer is of the order of 1 eV, having sufficient resolving power to overcome the core-hole lifetime broadening of most of the transition metalsK-edges. Examples showing the capability of the beamline for performing high energy resolution fluorescence detection x-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS), non-resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy are presented. The comparison of the Zn and MnK-edge HERFD-XANES of ZnO and MnO withab initiocalculations shows that the technique provides enhanced validation of the models by making subtle spectral features more visible.

Redox state and photoreduction control using X-ray spectroelectrochemical techniques - advances in design and fabrication through additive engineering

The design and performance of an electrochemical cell and solution flow system optimized for the collection of X-ray absorption spectra from solutions of species sensitive to photodamage is described. A combination of 3D CAD and 3D printing techniques facilitates highly optimized design with low unit cost and short production time. Precise control of the solution flow is critical to both minimizing the volume of solution needed and minimizing the photodamage that occurs during data acquisition. The details of an integrated four-syringe stepper-motor-driven pump and associated software are described. It is shown that combined electrochemical and flow control can allow repeated measurement of a defined volume of solution, 100 µl, of samples sensitive to photoreduction without significant change to the X-ray absorption near-edge structure and is demonstrated by measurements of copper(II) complexes. The flow in situ electrochemical cell allows the collection of high-quality X-ray spectral measurements both in the near-edge region and over an extended energy region as is needed for structural analysis from solution samples. This approach provides control over photodamage at a level at least comparable with that achieved using cryogenic techniques and at the same time eliminates problems associated with interference due to Bragg peaks.

Single-ion magnetism in the extended solid-state: insights from X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy

Large single-ion magnetic anisotropy is observed in lithium nitride doped with iron. The iron sites are two-coordinate, putting iron doped lithium nitride amongst a growing number of two coordinate transition metal single-ion magnets (SIMs). Uniquely, the relaxation times to magnetisation reversal are over two orders of magnitude longer in iron doped lithium nitride than other 3d-metal SIMs, and comparable with high-performance lanthanide-based SIMs. To understand the origin of these enhanced magnetic properties a detailed characterisation of electronic structure is presented. Access to dopant electronic structure calls for atomic specific techniques, hence a combination of detailed single-crystal X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies are applied. Together K-edge, L_2,3-edge and Kβ X-ray spectroscopies probe local geometry and electronic structure, identifying iron doped lithium nitride to be a prototype, solid-state SIM, clean of stoichiometric vacancies where Fe lattice sites are geometrically equivalent. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure and angular dependent single-crystal X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy measurements determine Fe^I dopant ions to be linearly coordinated, occupying a D_6h symmetry pocket. The dopant engages in strong 3dπ-bonding, resulting in an exceptionally short Fe–N bond length (1.873(7) Å) and rigorous linearity. It is proposed that this structure protects dopant sites from Renner–Teller vibronic coupling and pseudo Jahn–Teller distortions, enhancing magnetic properties with respect to molecular-based linear complexes. The Fe ligand field is quantified by L_2,3-edge XAS from which the energy reduction of 3d_z² due to strong 4s mixing is deduced. Quantification of magnetic anisotropy barriers in low concentration dopant sites is inhibited by many established methods, including far-infrared and neutron scattering. We deduce variable temperature L₃-edge XAS can be applied to quantify the J = 7/2 magnetic anisotropy barrier, 34.80 meV (∼280 cm⁻¹), that corresponds with Orbach relaxation via the first excited, M_J = ±5/2 doublet. The results demonstrate that dopant sites within solid-state host lattices could offer a viable alternative to rare-earth bulk magnets and high-performance SIMs, where the host matrix can be tailored to impose high symmetry and control lattice induced relaxation effects.

Taking advantage of synchrotron light source methods, we present the geometric and electronic structure of iron doped in lithium nitride.

Temperature reversible synergistic formation of cerium oxyhydride and Au hydride: a combined XAS and XPDF study

In situ studies on the physical and chemical properties of Au in inverse ceria alumina supported catalysts have been conducted between 295 and 623 K using high energy resolved fluorescence detection X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy and X-ray total scattering. Precise structural information is extracted on the metallic Au phase present in a 0.85 wt% Au containing inverse ceria alumina catalyst (ceria/Au/alumina). Herein evidence for the formation of an Au hydride species at elevated temperature is presented. Through modelling of total scattering data to extract the thermal properties of Au using Grüneisen theory of volumetric thermal expansion it proposed that the Au Hydride formation occurs synergistally with the formation of a cerium oxyhydride. The temperature reversible nature, whilst remaining in a reducing atmosphere, demonstrates the activation of hydrogen without consumption of oxygen from the supporting ceria lattice.

The electronic structure, surface properties, and in situ N2O decomposition of mechanochemically synthesised LaMnO3

The use of mechanochemistry to prepare catalytic materials is of significant interest; it offers an environmentally beneficial, solvent-free, route and produces highly complex structures of mixed amorphous and crystalline phases. This study reports on the effect of milling atmosphere, either air or argon, on mechanochemically prepared LaMnO3 and the catalytic performance towards N2O decomposition (deN2O). In this work, high energy resolution fluorescence detection (HERFD), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), X-ray emission, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to probe the electronic structural properties of the mechanochemically prepared materials. Moreover, in situ studies using near ambient pressure (NAP)-XPS, to follow the materials during catalysis, and high pressure energy dispersive EXAFS studies, to mimic the preparation conditions, have also been performed. The studies show that there are clear differences between the air and argon milled samples, with the most pronounced changes observed using NAP-XPS. The XPS results find increased levels of active adsorbed oxygen species, linked to the presence of surface oxide vacancies, for the sample prepared in argon. Furthermore, the argon milled LaMnO3 shows improved catalytic activity towards deN2O at lower temperatures compared to the air milled and sol-gel synthesised LaMnO3. Assessing this improved catalytic behaviour during deN2O of argon milled LaMnO3 by in situ NAP-XPS suggests increased interaction of N2O at room temperature within the O 1s region. This study further demonstrates the complexity of mechanochemically prepared materials and through careful choice of characterisation methods how their properties can be understood.

Toward an Internally Consistent Model for Hg(II) Chemical Speciation Calculations in Bacterium-Natural Organic Matter-Low Molecular Mass Thiol Systems

To advance the scientific understanding of bacteria-driven mercury (Hg) transformation processes in natural environments, thermodynamics and kinetics of divalent mercury Hg(II) chemical speciation need to be understood. Based on Hg L_III-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic information, combined with competitive ligand exchange (CLE) experiments, we determined Hg(II) structures and thermodynamic constants for Hg(II) complexes formed with thiol functional groups in bacterial cell membranes of two extensively studied Hg(II) methylating bacteria: Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132. The Hg EXAFS data suggest that 5% of the total number of membranethiol functionalities (Mem-RS_tot = 380 ± 50 μmol g^-1 C) are situated closely enough to be involved in a 2-coordinated Hg(Mem-RS)₂ structure in Geobacter. The remaining 95% of Mem-RSH is involved in mixed-ligation Hg(II)-complexes, combining either with low molecular mass (LMM) thiols like Cys, Hg(Cys)(Mem-RS), or with neighboring O/N membrane functionalities, Hg(Mem-RSRO). We report log K values for the formation of the structures Hg(Mem-RS)₂, Hg(Cys)(Mem-RS), and Hg(Mem-RSRO) to be 39.1 ± 0.2, 38.1 ± 0.1, and 25.6 ± 0.1, respectively, for Geobacter and 39.2 ± 0.2, 38.2 ± 0.1, and 25.7 ± 0.1, respectively, for ND132. Combined with results obtained from previous studies using the same methodology to determine chemical speciation of Hg(II) in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM; Suwannee River DOM) and 15 LMM thiols, an internally consistent thermodynamic data set is created, which we recommend to be used in studies of Hg transformation processes in bacterium-NOM-LMM thiol systems.

Delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy: comparison between invaginated pancreatogastrostomy and pancreatojejunostomy

Background

The association between delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and pancreatic reconstruction technique remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the occurrence of DGE differs between pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) and pancreaticogastrostomy (PG).

Methods

A total of 83 patients who underwent subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy was retrospectively analyzed, and the factors associated with clinically relevant DGE were explored. These patients were divided into a PG group and a PJ group according to the pancreatic reconstruction. DGE occurrence and its association with intra-abdominal complications was compared between the two types of pancreatic reconstruction.

Results

The overall incidence of DGE was 27.7%. Intra-abdominal complications including pancreatic fistula were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. In addition, DGE with intra-abdominal complications tended to be more frequent in PG, despite the fact that intra-abdominal complications occurred at a similar frequency in both groups.

Conclusions

Intra-abdominal complications were strongly associated with DGE. As to the pancreatic reconstruction, DGE developed more frequently in the PG than in the PJ. We speculate that intra-abdominal complications affected patients with PG more and resulted in frequent occurrence of DGE.

Zinc 1s Valence-to-Core X-ray Emission Spectroscopy of Halozincate Complexes

The Zn 1s valence-to-core (VtC) X-ray emission spectra of seven ionic liquids have been measured experimentally and simulated on the basis of time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Six of the ionic liquids were made by mixing [C₈C₁Im]X and Zn(II)X₂ at three different ZnX₂ mole fractions (0.33, 0.50, or 0.67) for X = Cl or Br, and a further ionic liquid was made by mixing [P_6,6,6,14]Cl and a mole fraction of ZnCl₂ of 0.33. Calculations were performed for the [ZnX₄]^2-, [Zn₂X₆]^2-, and [Zn₄X₁₀]^2- ions to capture the expected metal complex speciation. The VtC emission spectra showed three bands arising from single-electron processes that can be assigned to emission from ligand p-type orbitals, zinc d-orbitals, and ligand s-type orbitals. For all seven ionic liquids, the highest occupied molecular orbital arises from the ligand p orbitals, and the spectra for the different size metal complexes for the same X were found to be very similar, in terms of both relative peak intensities and peak energies. For both experiments and TDDFT calculations, there was an energy difference of 0.5 eV between the Cl-based and Br-based metal complexes for the ligand s and p orbitals, while the Zn 3d orbital energies were relatively unaffected by the identity of the ligand. The TDDFT calculations find that for the ions with symmetrically equivalent zinc atoms ([Zn₂X₆]^2- and [Zn₄X₁₀]^2-), the most appropriate core-ionized reference state has a core-hole that is localized on a single zinc atom. In this framework, the spectra for the larger ions can be viewed as a sum of spectra for the tetrahedral complex with a single zinc atom with small variations in the structure of the coordinating ligands. Because the spectra are relatively insensitive to small changes in the geometry of the ligands, this is consistent with the small variation in the spectra measured in the experiment.

Extracting structural information of Au colloids at ultra-dilute concentrations: identification of growth during nanoparticle immobilization

Sol-immobilization is increasingly used to achieve supported metal nanoparticles (NPs) with controllable size and shape; it affords a high degree of control of the metal particle size and yields a narrow particle size distribution. Using state-of-the-art beamlines, we demonstrate how X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) techniques are now able to provide accurate structural information on nano-sized colloidal Au solutions at μM concentrations. This study demonstrates: (i) the size of Au colloids can be accurately tuned by adjusting the temperature of reduction, (ii) Au concentration, from 50 μM to 1000 μM, has little influence on the average size of colloidal Au NPs in solution and (iii) the immobilization step is responsible for significant growth in Au particle size, which is further exacerbated at increased Au concentrations. The work presented demonstrates that an increased understanding of the primary steps in sol-immobilization allows improved optimization of materials for catalytic applications.

The scanning four-bounce monochromator for beamline I20 at the Diamond Light Source

A description of the technical and design details of a scanning four-bounce crystal monochromator that has recently been commissioned for the Versatile X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) beamline at Diamond Light Source is presented. This device consists of two independent rotary axes of unique design which are synchronized using a multiple read-head encoder system. This monochromator is shown to be capable of maintaining the flux throughput of the Bragg axes without the need of any external feedback mechanism from 4 to 20 keV. The monochromator is currently equipped with cryogenically cooled crystals with the upstream axis consisting of two independent Si(111) crystals and a pair of channel-cut crystals in the downstream axis. The possibility of installing an additional Si(311) crystal-set to extend the energy range to 34 keV is incorporated into the preliminary design of the device. Experimental data are presented showing the exceptional mechanical stability and repeatability of the monochromator axes.

The Spectroscopy Village at Diamond Light Source

This manuscript presents the current status and technical details of the Spectroscopy Village at Diamond Light Source. The Village is formed of four beamlines: I18, B18, I20-Scanning and I20-EDE. The village provides the UK community with local access to a hard X-ray microprobe, a quick-scanning multi-purpose XAS beamline, a high-intensity beamline for X-ray absorption spectroscopy of dilute samples and X-ray emission spectroscopy, and an energy-dispersive extended X-ray absorption fine-structure beamline. The optics of B18, I20-scanning and I20-EDE are detailed; moreover, recent developments on the four beamlines, including new detector hardware and changes in acquisition software, are described.

Mercury capture on a supported chlorocuprate(ii) ionic liquid adsorbent studied using operando synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Mercury scrubbing from gas streams using a supported 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chlorocuprate(ii) ionic liquid ([C₄mim]₂[Cu₂Cl₆]) has been studied using operando EXAFS. Initial oxidative capture as [HgCl₃]^- anions was confirmed, this was then followed by the unanticipated generation of mercury(i) chloride through comproportionation with additional mercury from the gas stream. Combining these two mechanisms leads to net one electron oxidative extraction of mercury from the gas with increased potential capacity and efficiency for supported ionic liquid mercury scrubbers.

Abstract P1-07-15: The outcomes for super elderly patients over 80 years old after breast cancer surgery

(Purpose)

Considering the dramatic increase in average life expectancy throughout the world, the management of super-elderly patients over 80 years old (SEP) with breast cancer has become a global issue. However, there have been few clinical trials for SEP until now. The reasons for this were a small population, unpredictable prognosis, a large number of non-cancer-related deaths and a lower function of multiple organs in SEP. Surgical treatment or post-operative treatment based on evidence of clinical trials for SEP has also not been unclear. We hypothesized that the outcome of SEP with breast cancer compared with other ages were similarly depended on the breast cancer subtypes.

The aim of this study was to clarify the breast cancer related survival (BRS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate at 5years for SEP according to breast cancer subtype.

(Methods)

We retrospectively analyzed 407 patients over 80 years old at initial operation between April, 1994 and April 2015 from 4 institutions of Chiba Youth Breast Oncology Research Group.

Overall, 366 patients with stage I to Stage IIIc were included.

41 patients with Stage 0 or IV were excluded in this study.

We compared the clinical characteristics, OS and BRS rates among the breast cancer subtype: such as ER positive HER2 negative (ER group), ER negative HER2 negative (TN group), ER negative HER2 positive (HER2 group) and ER positive HER2 positive (ER/HER2 group).

Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors of Tumor size, Lymph node, Ly, ER, HER2 and characteristics, associated with the OS and BRS.

(Results)

The median age of the 366 patients was 83 years (range 80-96 years).The median follow-up duration was 32 months (range, 2-120).

During the follow-up period, 25 (9.4%) patients in the ER group, 19 (27.5%) in TN group, 4 (22.2%) in HER2 group and 2 (20.0%) patients in ER-HER2 group died.

The 5 year OS and BRS rates were 89.2%, 97.1% in ER group, 64.6%, 81.2% in TN group, 61.5%,33.3% in HER2 group and 83.3%, 100% in ER-HER2 group, respectively.

Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that ER was one prognostic factor to OS and BRS.

ER positive patients treatment with Aromatase inhibitor had significantly longer survival rates than treatment with Tamoxifen or no treatment (p=0.05).

There were no significant differences in OS or BRS of TN patients according to the use of chemotherapy (n=7) versus non treatment (n=61).

(Conclusions)

The prognosis and clinical course of super elderly patients with breast cancer depended on subtype.

Adjuvant therapy for ER group was one prognostic factor to OS and BRS.

Citation Format: Nakamura R, Matsuzaki H, Sakamoto M, Suda K, Hayama S, Sangai T. The outcomes for super elderly patients over 80 years old after breast cancer surgery. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-15.

Prevalence of Salmonella, Yersinia and Campylobacter spp. in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in Japan

To estimate the public and animal health risk that alien species pose, the prevalence of Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter spp. in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor, n = 459) and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata, n = 153), which are abundant alien species in Japan, was investigated in urban and suburban areas of Japan. Salmonella enterica was detected from 29 samples [26 raccoons, 5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8–3.5%; three masked palm civets, 2.0%, 95% CI 4.2–0%]. Many of the isolates belonged to serovars that are commonly isolated from human gastroenteritis patients (e.g. S. Infantis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Thompson). The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that 26.9 % of the isolates from raccoons were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, whereas none of the isolates from masked palm civets were resistant. Yersinia sp. was detected from 193 samples (177 raccoons, 38.6%, 95% CI 43.0–34.1%; 16 masked palm civets, 10.5%, 95% CI 15.3–5.6%). All virulent Yersinia strains belonged to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, which was isolated from seven (1.5%, 95% CI 2.6–0.4%) raccoons and six (3.9%, 95% CI 7.0–0.8%) masked palm civets. According to the detection of virulence factors, all the Y. pseudotuberculosis isolates belonged to the Far Eastern systemic pathogenicity type. Campylobacter spp. was detected from 17 samples (six raccoons, 1.3%, 95% CI 2.3–0.3%; 11 masked palm civets, 7.2%, 95% CI 11.3–3.1%). Among these, three isolates from raccoons were identified as C. jejuni. These results showed that these pathogens can be transmitted by human activities, other wild animals, and the environment to feral raccoons and masked palm civets, and vice versa. As these animals have omnivorous behaviour and a wide range of habitats, they can play an important role in the transmission of the enteric pathogens.

Multiple early bronchioloalveolar carcinomas in both lungs

We treated a 49-year-old woman with synchronous multiple bronchioloalveolar carcinomas (BAC). Multiple bilateral 'ground-glass' opacities were detected by computed tomography (CT). We performed partial lung resection, and the pathologic diagnosis was atypical adenomatous hyperplasia. Two and one-half years later, a lesion showed enlargement, and was resected along with some others. The histopathologic diagnosis was multiple early BAC. High-resolution CT is likely to detect increasing numbers of similar cases.

Histologic Changes in Thyroid Glands from Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in Tokyo Bay, Japan: Possible Association with Environmental Contaminants

We compared morphologic changes in thyroid glands of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from the Tokyo Bay and Lake Biwa areas in Japan with presence of residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs). Prominent morphologic changes in thyroid glands included increased density of small follicles and increased number of epithelial cells surrounding follicular lumens. The extent of morphologic changes in the thyroid gland was higher in cormorants captured from Tokyo Bay than in those captured from Lake Biwa. Increased thyroid change in cormorants from the Tokyo Bay area was associated with significantly higher levels of PCDFs and Co-PCBs. Thus, we suggest that morphologic changes in thyroid glands from the cormorants are associated with increased levels of dioxin contamination in Japan.

Structural studies of ammonia and metallic lithium-ammonia solutions

The technique of hydrogen/deuterium isotopic substitution has been used to extract detailed information concerning the solvent structure in pure ammonia and metallic lithium-ammonia solutions. In pure ammonia we find evidence for approximately 2.0 hydrogen bonds around each central nitrogen atom, with an average N-H distance of 2.4 A. On addition of alkali metal, we observe directly significant disruption of this hydrogen bonding. At 8 mol % metal there remains only around 0.7 hydrogen bond per nitrogen atom. This value decreases to 0.0 for the saturated solution of 21 mol % metal, as all ammonia molecules have then become incorporated into the tetrahedral first solvation spheres of the lithium cations. In conjunction with a classical three-dimensional computer modeling technique, we are now able to identify a well-defined second cationic solvation shell. In this secondary shell the nitrogen atoms tend to reside above the faces and edges of the primary tetrahedral shell. Furthermore, the computer-generated models reveal that on addition of alkali metal the solvent molecules form voids of approximate radius 2.5-3.0 A. Our data therefore provide new insight into the structure of the polaronic cavities and tunnels, which have been theoretically predicted for lithium-ammonia solutions.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in livers of birds from Japan

Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and non- and mono-ortho-chlorine-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like PCBs) were measured in livers of 17 species of birds collected from Japan. Birds were grouped according to their feeding habits as granivores, piscivores, omnivores, and predators for discussions. Livers of granivores contained relatively low concentrations of PCDD/DFs (80-660 pg/g) followed in increasing order by omnivores (2,300-8,000 pg/g), piscivores (61-12,000 pg/g) and predators (480-490,000 pg/g on a fat weight basis). Especially, one species of predatory bird (mountain hawk eagle) contained elevated concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs, and the measured concentration is one of the highest reported to date. Homolog and congener patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs varied among species; hence, the results suggested that feeding habits, specific elimination, and metabolism influence contamination pattern. Concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs were in the order of granivores (32-83 ng/g) < predators [excluding mountain hawk eagle] (32-2,500 ng/g) < piscivore (61-12,000 ng/g) < omnivores (1,800-67,000 ng/g on a fat weight basis). Mountain hawk eagle contained the highest concentration of dioxin-like PCBs (55,000 ng/g fat weight). 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) toxic equivalents (TEQs) ranged from 53-450,000 pg/g fat weight. 23478-PeCDF, 2378-TCDD/TCDF, and PCB congeners IUPAC 126 and 77 were major contributors to TEQs in birds. To our knowledge, this is the first study of PCDD/DFs and dioxin-like PCBs in livers of several species of Japanese birds.

Chlorinated persistent organic pollutants in black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) from Hokkaido, Japan

Concentrations and patterns of several chlorinated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs) and DDTs, HCHs, CHLs and HCB were determined in black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) from breeding grounds in Hokkaido, Japan. Subcutaneous fat of five adult gulls was analyzed, which had different concentrations of target compounds, whereas gull eggs contained similar concentrations of target compounds. Similar congener profiles were found between adult gulls and eggs. The concentrations of non-ortho PCBs varied from 3.4 to 13.5 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in the fat of black-tailed gulls and from 2.4 to 7.4 ng/g lw in their eggs. 2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs occurred at relatively lower concentrations than non-ortho PCB congeners in both adult gulls and eggs. The total TEQs (toxic equivalents, PCDD/Fs+ non-ortho PCB) ranged from 0.26 to 1.0 ng/g lw in adult gulls and ranged from 0.19 to 0.58 ng/g lw in eggs.

Postcranial skeleton of a macaque trained for bipedal standing and walking and implications for functional adaptation

The postcranial skeleton of a Japanese macaque that had been trained for bipedalism over an 11-year period was studied. Considerable modifications in the hindlimb bones caused by bipedal postural and locomotor behaviour were observed. Changes occurred in joint morphology, articular dimensions and shape-dependent strength of long bones, reflecting the causal relationship between function and morphology. However, the conditions under which the modifications are developed are somewhat different from those in humans, as the monkey's bipedalism is distinct from that of humans. The modifications seem to result from a compromise between functional requirements and the genetically determined anatomy of the essentially quadrupedal monkey.

A case of cleft palate in a Kuril seal (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri), from Hokkaido, Japan

A male pup Kuril seal (Phoca vitulina stejnegeri) from Hokkaido, Japan, was observed with a unilateral and total cleft of the primary palate. Complications included a supernumerary tooth, hypoplasia and asymmetry of the face, and deformation of the eyeball and external auditory meatus. An accompanying pneumonia may have resulted from water flowing into the respiratory system due to imperfect closure of the nostril by the cleft. No other abnormalities were found.

Monkey performance: the development of bipedalism in trained Japanese monkeys

A series of studies collaborated by the Suo-sarumawashi (Japanese Monkey Performance) revealed the potential for bipedalism in Japanese monkey. The long-term training which aimed at stable upright posture introduced marked lumbar lordosis in monkeys. This feature is comparable to the humans' condition not only morphologically, but also functionally. The developed lordosis was retained even in normal pronograde posture of the monkeys. Bone remodeling in the postcranial skeleton also evidenced functional adaptations for stresses induced by sustained bipedalism. Postcrania of a trained monkey showed highly increased structural strength of bones and relatively large articular dimensions. Despite such adaptations, modifications of hindlimb bones were rather distinctive from humans' condition. This indicates a compromise between functional necessity and genetically determined anatomy. The hindlimb of Japanese monkey seemed to be more specialized for quadrupedal locomotion in many aspects compared to the vertebral column.

Immunophenotypic difference of keratin expression in normal mammary glandular cells from five different species

The immunohistochemical reactivity of human, monkey, shrew, rat and mouse normal mammary glands was examined using methacarn-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens and acetone-fixed frozen sections using the avidinbiotin-peroxidase method for cell phenotype comparison. Actin was visualized using anti-smooth muscle actin antibody and keratin expression was determined by employing 12 different monoclonal antibodies. All these antibodies cross-reacted specifically with the species examined. Basal (myoepithelial) cells from all species showed muscle-specific actin according to reactivity with HHF35 monoclonal antibody. Keratin expression showed significant phenotypic differences among species. In human and monkey, AEL-KS2, KL1, CK8.13, AE3 and 34BE12 stained luminal cells as well as basal cells. AE1, RPN1165, CK4.62, 35BE11, M20 and RPN1162 labeled only luminal cells whereas 312C8-1 preferentially bound to basal cells. In shrews, AEL-KS2, CK8.13 and AE3 reacted to both cell types, AE1 reacted only with luminal cells, and 35BE12 and 312C8-1 selectively stained basal cells. In rodents, AEL-KS2 reacted to both cell types, CK8.13, AE3, 34BE12 and 312C8-1 stained rat basal cells, and 34BE12 and 312C8-1 reacted to mouse basal cells. The data represents cytoskeletal differences among species.

Curvature of the lumbar spine as a consequence of mechanical necessities in Japanese macaques trained for bipedalism

If trained to walk bipedally at a juvenile age and over periods of some months or years, Japanese monkeys gradually acquire a pronounced lordosis of the lumbar spine. This lordosis persists even in the 'normal', pronograde posture of these animals. It is due to a relative increase of the ventral lengths of the vertebral bodies. This morphological change is clearly an adaptation to the mechanical necessities of the upright body posture. Our result is in complete accordance with the development of a lordosis in human children between 1 and 5 years, as described recently by others.

Three-dimensional analysis of the arterial pattern of the upper limbs in Lorisiformes (Prosimiae, Primates)

A study of the arterial patterns of the upper limbs in Lorisiformes (Prosimiae), especially those of the rete mirabile and their correlating arteries, was carried out by three-dimensional arteriographic analysis. The rete displayed at least two types of plexiform distribution: (1) a vascular bundle in Lorisidae, which consists of a division of the main artery into a principal trunk surrounded upwards by about 50 small arteries, and (2) a simple network pattern in Galagidae, which, at most, is composed of simple vascular networks of the nature of a few widely scattered anastomoses. The arterial patterns of the upper limb in Lorisiformes are basically the same, but the position of divergence and the number and size of the vessels in the rete differ. The arterial patterns of the upper limbs in Lorisiformes closely resemble the development of the vessels in the 21- to 23-mm stages of human embryonic growth. In this study, we observed some similarity in the patterns between the rete mirabile and the superficial brachial artery in man.