X-ray waveguide mode in resonance with a periodic structure

We present a novel concept for x-ray waveguiding based on electromagnetism in photonic crystals, using a waveguide consisting of a pair of claddings sandwiching a core with a periodic structure. By confining the x rays undergoing multiple interference in the core by total reflection, a characteristic waveguide mode whose field distribution matches the periodicity of the core is formed. The distinctively low propagation loss enables the single-mode propagation of x rays. This concept opens broad application possibilities in x-ray physics from coherent imaging to x-ray quantum optics.

Detection of Hsp60 (Gro-EL)-like proteins in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio species by western immunoblotting analysis

Detection of heat shock proteins in Vibrio parahaemolyticus was investigated by SDS-PAGE and Western immunoblotting procedure using an anti-Hsp 60 antibody. Results indicate that V. parahaemolyticus elicited at least one Hsp 60 (GroEL)-like protein with apparent molecular weight of about 58,000 (58 kDa) when submitted to a heat shift from 30 to 42 degrees C. Kanagawa phenomenon-positive and -negative strains of V. parahaemolyticus responded the same way. Six other Vibrio species also showed an increased synthesis of GroEL-like (58 kDa) protein after heat shock, while synthesis of 58 kDa protein of V. alginolyticus was at a similar level before and after heat shock. Vibrio nereis showed an increased synthesis of a 60 kDa GroEL-like protein.

[In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of sulopenem, a new penem antibiotic]

The in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of sulopenem, a new penem, were evaluated in comparison with imipenem (IPM), meropenem (MEPM), ceftazidime (CAZ) and flomoxef (FMOX). Sulopenem had broad and potent antibacterial spectra against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus vulgaris, Morganella morganii, Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter freundii. Sulopenem showed concentration-dependent bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. Morphological observation using phase-contrast microscope revealed that sulopenem induced spherical cell formation with E. coli and K. pneumoniae at lower concentrations and bacteriolysis at higher concentrations. Therapeutic efficacies of sulopenem against systemic infections in mice were almost equal to those of imipenem against Streptococcus pneumoniae. While its therapeutic efficacies were superior to those of meropenem, ceftazidime and flomoxef against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, they were inferior to those of imipenem/cilastatin against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and A. calcoaceticus.

[Synergism of ciprofloxacin and roxithromycin to Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm]

Synergism of ciprofloxacin (CPFX) and roxithromycin (RXM) to bacterial biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. Measurement of antibacterial activities and morphological observation with a scanning electron-microscope suggested that RXM eradicated the biofilms by unknown mechanism and thereby enhanced the bactericidal activity of CPFX to P. aeruginosa in biofilms.