Development of hybrid LRT model to estimate sulfur deposition in Japan

We have developed a hybrid long-range transport (LRT) model to estimate long-term sulfur deposition amounts in Japan. This model combines a trajectory model for the LRT with an Eulerian model for the short-range transport and deposition. The hybrid model shows the ability to predict concentrations influenced by large nearby sources, which the trajectory model we previously developed consistently underestimated. The hybrid model is designed as an engineering model, which allows for long-term estimation without the requirements of detailed data on meteorology, surface condition, and emission over the whole domain, and huge computer resources required for comprehensive Eulerian models.     

Dosimetry of Atomic Bomb Radiation in Hiroshima by Thermoluminescence of Roof Tiles

Thermoluminescence dosimetry is a powerful tool for obtaining the distribution of gamma dose, heretofore unknown, from the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Roof tiles irradiated by the bombs show intense thermoluminescence, and the radiation dose for samples irradiated below 100 r by the bomb can be measured by this method.     

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Asarina procumbens Mill.

Summary

This paper reports on protocols for plant regeneration and transformation of Asarina procumbens Mill. (syn. Antirrhinum asarina L.). Asarina is an ornamental plant, in this study we successfully achieved shoot regeneration from stem explants on MS medium supplemented with zeatin. Furthermore, the transformation system was established via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation with stem segments. The A. tumefaciens strains EHA105, GV2260 and GV3101 each harbouring binary vector pSMAK251 containing uidA and npt II genes were used in this establishment. Kanamycin-resistant shoots regenerated directly on the selection medium containing 2 mg l^–1 zeatin, 100 mg l^–1 kanamycin, and 250 mg l^–1 cefotaxime six weeks after co-cultivation. Fifty to 73% of regenerated shoots showed GUS expression through the histochemical GUS expression analysis. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed the existence of npt II and uid A genes in these GUS expressed transformed plants. This is the first report of successful genetic transformation in Asarina procumbens Mill.     

Optimal timing for canine artificial insemination with frozen semen and parentage testing by microsatellite markers in superfecundency

Parentage testing was performed in sixteen litters by canine artificial inseminations with frozen semen from different sires on Days 5 and 7 after the LH surge. It became apparent that only 25% of dams had superfecundation, but 43.8% of dams were whelped after insemination only on Day 5 after the LH surge and 31.3% of dams after insemination only on Day 7. Of the total 87 puppies, 46% were born after insemination on Day 5 after the LH surge and 54% after insemination on Day 7. This result strongly suggested that canine artificial insemination with frozen semen could be sufficiently successful also on Days 5 and 7 after the LH surge.     

An occurrence of Salmonella typhimurium infection in sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Seven sika deer (Cervus nippon) in a herd of 30 deer in a park died. Upon examination of three dead deer, Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from the organs and intestinal contents. Histopathological examination revealed catarrhal enteritis and focal necroses in the liver. Immunohistochemically, Salmonella antigen of O4 was detected in the enteric lesions. The case was diagnosed as S. Typhimurium infection in the sika deer. Because of the importance of Salmonella in public health, fecal and soil samples were continuously collected from the paddock. However, no Salmonella was isolated from any samples collected after medication of the deer and thorough disinfection of the immediate environment.     

Larval survival,development and growth in the horsehair crab,Erimacrus isenbeckii,cultured under different photoperiod conditions

Larval sinking causes larval mass mortality during seed production in the horsehair crab, Erimacrus isenbeckii. Under normal light conditions, horsehair crab larvae generally show negative phototactic behaviour and sink in their rearing seawater. It has been proposed that culturing larvae in the dark may prevent larval sinking. Herein, we examined the effect of photoperiods on horsehair crab larval survival and development to facilitate the development of larval rearing techniques that prevent sinking. Newly hatched larvae were reared with Artemia to the first crab stage in 2‐L beakers under five photoperiods: 0L:24D, 6L:18D, 12L:12D, 18L:6D and 24L:0D. Larvae survived and molted to the first crab stage under all tested photoperiod conditions. The survival rate improved with increasing light period, whereas the developmental period for each larval stage decreased with increasing light period. Longer light periods increased the carapace length at the first crab stage. Our results suggest that larvae could be cultured to the first crab stage in large‐scale tanks under constant darkness. However, significantly improved larval performance under longer photoperiodic conditions indicates a need for developing alternative culture techniques to control larval behaviour in the seed production tank.     

Overview and initial results of the very long baseline interferometry space observatory programme

High angular resolution images of extragalactic radio sources are being made with the Highly Advanced Laboratory for Communications and Astronomy (HALCA) satellite and ground-based radio telescopes as part of the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) Space Observatory Programme (VSOP). VSOP observations at 1.6 and 5 gigahertz of the milli-arc-second-scale structure of radio quasars enable the quasar core size and the corresponding brightness temperature to be determined, and they enable the motions of jet components that are close to the core to be studied. Here, VSOP images of the gamma-ray source 1156+295, the quasar 1548+056, the ultraluminous quasar 0014+813, and the superluminal quasar 0212+735 are presented and discussed.     

Promoting Effects of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes on Induction of Hepatic Preneoplastic Lesions by Diethylnitrosamine in Rats

The effects of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on induction of hepatic preneoplastic lesions by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) were investigated in male Fischer rats. A single dose of STZ was injected intravenously either 2 weeks before or after initiation with DEN. The blood glucose levels were significantly elevated from 1 week after STZ-injection until autopsy. The numbers of GST-P positive foci at 1 week after DEN administration in the STZ-injected rats were similar to those in the non-diabetic rats. In contrast, both the numbers and areas of GST-P positive foci > 2 mm in diameter 8 weeks after DEN administration were increased significantly in the rats treated with STZ after DEN exposure compared with the non-diabetic control rats. The results suggest that hepatic preneoplastic lesions initiated with DEN are promoted by STZ treatment-inducing diabetes.