Synthesis and characterization of Polyaniline composite with Shell membrane

Polyaniline (PANI) and shell membrane composites have been synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of shell membrane. Combination of surfactant, PANI, and shell membrane allows production of conductive textile with smooth surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements suggest that the oxidation degree of PANI was affected by the initial ratio of shell membrane vs. monomer amount. The PANI/shell membrane composites were characterized with UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity of the composites was measured with four-probe method. The surface of the composites was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal stability of the composites was discussed with the result of thermogravimetric analysis.     

Importance of AC-rich Element on Pea Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Gene 1 Promoter for Expression Induced by Nonpathogenic Attack

Regulatory elements in the promoter of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase gene 1 of pea (PSPAL1) in response to nonpathogenic attack were identified by in vivo footprinting analysis. The footprints determined AC-rich sequences, Box-I and Box-II, that were conserved at similar positions in the phenylpropanoid gene promoters from several plants. To reveal the functions of the AC-rich sequence in nonpathogen-responsiveness, we constructed Box-I-deletion PSPAL1 promoter (dB-1) with GUS reporter gene and transformed it into tobacco plant. The dB-1 had reduced basal expression and a complete loss of nonpathogen-responsiveness. These results indicate the essentiality of Box-I for PSPAL1 activation induced by nonpathogenic attack. Received 27 October 1999/ Accepted in revised form 25 November 1999     

Localization of major yolk protein in the digestive tract of the sea urchin <Emphasis Type="Italic">Strongylocentrotus intermedius</Emphasis>

In the present study, we examined the localization of the major yolk protein (MYP) in the intestine of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius. First, partial MYP complementary DNA was isolated from the sea urchin intestine. The expression level of MYP messenger RNA (mRNA) along the sea urchin digestive tract is highest in the intestine, so we performed in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis using this tissue. No MYP mRNA was detected in the luminal epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue, or coelomic epithelium by in situ hybridization analysis. Positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in the luminal epithelium, inner epithelium and connective tissue, the signal being strongest in the latter. We conclude that MYP synthesized in the inner epithelial cells is moved to and stored in connective tissue and the luminal epithelium, before being secreted into the body cavity and the inner digestive cavity of the sea urchin.     

Identification of gentian cultivars using SCAR markers based on intron-length polymorphisms of flavonoid biosynthetic genes

Gentian is one of the most important ornamental flowers in Japan. Gentiana triflora, G. scabra and their interspecific hybrids are the main breeding materials. Gentian cultivars are easily proliferated vegetatively, therefore it is important to develop a reliable discrimination method to prevent the illegal propagation and distribution of various high-value cultivars. Here, we report five sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers based on the length polymorphisms in introns of four gentian flavonoid biosynthetic genes. These SCAR markers effectively discriminated nine gentian cultivars and nine breeding lines. This method could be applied in identifying gentian cultivars/lines and therefore will aid in protecting breeders’ rights.     

Lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal musculature in a calf

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a newborn calf presenting with extended swelling within its right flank, in addition to its therapeutic planning. Ultrasonograms of the bilateral flanks identified thinning of the external and internal oblique abdominal muscles in whole areas of the abdominal walls. A right lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal muscular structures was diagnosed ultrasonographically. The right flank abdominal hernia was successfully reconstructed through a modified Mayo mattress suture. This allowed the overlapping of the two very thin structures of the abdominal walls, resulting in the creation of a thicker structure of the right lateral abdominal walls. Reconstruction of the abdominal walls using this method could prevent re-protrusion of the viscera during calf growth.     

Distribution of immunoglobulin-positive cells in the spleen and kidney of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

SUMMARY: The distribution of surface immunoglobulin-positive (sIg⁺) cells in the spleen, the head-kidney, and the trunk-kidney of adult Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus was investigated by a flow cytometric analysis using a monoclonal antibody FB17 against flounder immunoglobulin M. Although the percentage of sIg⁺ cells varied among organs, a good correlation was revealed between the percentage in the head-kidney and that in the trunk-kidney ( r = 0.996, P < 0.001). In contrast, no correlation was obtained between the percentage of sIg⁺ cells in the spleen and the head-kidney or trunk-kidney. The head-kidney and the trunk-kidney contained cells bearing fewer sIg that were stained dimly by FB17 in addition to brightly stained sIg⁺ cells regarded as mature B cells, while the spleen contained only sIg⁺ cells stained brightly. Moreover, the immunocytochemical analyses showed that the head-kidney contains plasma cells with strongly stained cytoplasm in addition to B cells with stained cell surface, which suggests that the cells with fewer sIg detected by flow cytometric analysis are presumed to be at a stage during the processes of differentiation to plasma cells. These results suggest that there are some differences between the spleen and kidney in the role of the immune system and it is considered that differentiation of B cells to plasma cells occurs in the kidney.