Showing papers by "Akita Prefectural University published in 2001"

Biochemical and Genetic Analysis of the Effects of Amylose-Extender Mutation in Rice Endosperm

Abstract: Biochemical analysis of amylose-extender (ae) mutant of rice (Oryza sativa) revealed that the mutation in the gene for starch-branching enzyme IIb (BEIIb) specifically altered the structure of amylopectin in the endosperm by reducing short chains with degree of polymerization of 17 or less, with the greatest decrease in chains with degree of polymerization of 8 to 12 The extent of such change was correlated with the gelatinization properties of the starch granules, as determined in terms of solubility in urea solution The ae mutation caused a dramatic reduction in the activity of BEIIb The activity of soluble starch synthase I (SSI) in the ae mutant was significantly lower than in the wild type, suggesting that the mutation had a pleiotropic effect on the SSI activity In contrast, the activities of BEI, BEIIa, ADP-Glc pyrophosphorylase, isoamylase, isoamylase, pullulanase, and Suc synthase were not affected by the mutation Therefore, it is stressed that the function of BEIIb cannot be complemented by BEIIa and BEI These results strongly suggest that BEIIb plays a specific role in the transfer of short chains, which might then be extended by SS to form the A and B1 chains of amylopectin cluster in rice endosperm

Increased Cysteine Biosynthesis Capacity of Transgenic Tobacco Overexpressing an O-Acetylserine(thiol) Lyase Modifies Plant Responses to Oxidative Stress

Abstract: O -Acetylserine(thiol) lyase (OASTL), a key enzyme of plant sulfur metabolism, catalyzes the formation of Cys from sulfide and O -acetylserine. The biosynthesis of Cys is regarded as the exclusive function of sulfur reduction in plants, and a key limiting step in the production of glutathione (GSH), a thiol implicated in various cellular functions, including sulfur transport, gene expression, scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. To examine whether an increased capacity for cysteine (Cys) biosynthesis alters cellular responses to such stresses, we studied the differential changes in thiol levels and ROS scavenging of transgenic tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum ) plants expressing the wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) OASTL gene, cys1 , to SO 2 and to the ROS generator, methyl viologen. Intracellular Cys and GSH contents were generally higher in cys1 transgenics than in controls under normal growth conditions, but became especially elevated in transgenic plants after SO 2 exposure. An examination of differences in the ROS scavenging system of the transgenic plants also demonstrated the specific accumulation of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase transcripts, known to be induced by Cys or GSH, and elevated cellular superoxide dismutase activities. The transgenic plants accordingly showed dramatic reductions in the extent of both foliar and photooxidative damage in response to acute SO 2 , as well as reduced levels of chlorosis and membrane damage following methyl viologen treatment. Overall, our results imply that OASTL plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of Cys and GSH that are required for regulation of plant responses to oxidative stress.

Degradation of chlorinated dibenzofurans and dibenzo-p-dioxins by two types of bacteria having angular dioxygenases with different features.

Abstract: Two kinds of bacteria having different-structured angular dioxygenases—a dibenzofuran (DF)-utilizing bacterium, Terrabacter sp. strain DBF63, and a carbazole (CAR)-utilizing bacterium, Pseudomonas sp. strain CA10—were investigated for their ability to degrade some chlorinated dibenzofurans (CDFs) and chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs) (or, together, CDF/Ds) using either wild-type strains or recombinant Escherichia coli strains. First, it was shown that CAR 1,9a-dioxygenase (CARDO) catalyzed angular dioxygenation of all mono- to triCDF/Ds investigated in this study, but DF 4,4a-dioxygenase (DFDO) did not degrade 2,7-diCDD. Secondly, degradation of CDF/Ds by the sets of three enzymes (angular dioxygenase, extradiol dioxygenase, and meta-cleavage compound hydrolase) was examined, showing that these enzymes in both strains were able to convert 2-CDF to 5-chlorosalicylic acid but not other tested substrates to the corresponding chlorosalicylic acid (CSA) or chlorocatechol (CC). Finally, we tested the potential of both wild-type strains for cooxidation of CDF/Ds and demonstrated that both strains degraded 2-CDF, 2-CDD, and 2,3-diCDD to the corresponding CSA and CC. We investigated the sites for the attack of angular dioxygenases in each CDF/D congener, suggesting the possibility that the angular dioxygenation of 2-CDF, 2-CDD, 2,3-diCDD, and 1,2,3-triCDD (10 ppm each) by both DFDO and CARDO occurred mainly on the nonsubstituted aromatic nuclei.

Wood species effects on the characteristics of liquefied wood and the properties of polyurethane films prepared from the liquefied wood

Abstract: Polyurethane (PU) films were prepared by solution-casting through co-polymerization between liquefied wood (LW) and polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (PMDI) at [NCO]/[OH] ratios of 1.0 and 1.2. The LWs tested were made from six wood species through liquefaction using glycerol–polyethylene glycol (PEG) co-solvent, in the presence of sulfuric acid at 150°C. The viscosity of the LWs at 25°C varied from 1.37 to 2.31 Pa s with the wood species, whereas the hydroxyl number, moisture content, and amount of dissolved woody components (DWC) were almost constant. The PU films prepared from LW with high viscosity were found to be more rigid than the films prepared from LW with low viscosity. The increase in the viscosity contributed to the increases in the crosslink density of the PU films. Varying the viscosity is a way to control the mechanical properties of PU films at a constant [NCO]/[OH] ratio.

Adsorption capacities and related characteristics of wood charcoals carbonized using a one-step or two-step process

Abstract: Sugi (Cryptomeria japonlca D. Don) wood powder was carbonized at varying temperatures by a onestep process up to 1000‡C and a two-step process using wood charcoal as the raw material up to 1600‡C. This study was conducted to evaluate the adsorptive properties of wood charcoal and discuss the mechanism of its adsorptive function in relation to the physical and anatomical characteristics of wood after carbonization. Anatomical characteristics of carbonized wood materials were directly observed under heating using an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM); the cell wall structures were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The largest weight losses were observed at the highest temperatures, in both the one-step and twostep processes but leveled off above 800‡C. Shrinkages in the tangential, radial, and longitudinal directions increased with carbonization temperature, peaking at 1000‡C. Direct observations by ESEM showed distinct shrinkage at around 400‡C. The first trial observations by HRTEM on the changes in the ultrastructure of cell walls of wood charcoals were done, and it was assumed to affect the formation of micropores. Adsorption was found to follow the Langmuir isotherm model. With the one-step carbonization process, the iodine adsorption capacities of the carbonized wood powders increased with increasing carbonization temperature, peaking at 800‡C, but decreased at higher temperatures. The wood powder carbonized at 1000‡C with the two-step process showed the highest capacity, but further heating up to 1400‡C drastically decreased the adsorption. The shrinkage of cells was related to the increases and decreases in its specific surface area. Specific surface area and total pore volume were evidently related to the adsorptive properties.

Low aquaporin content and low osmotic water permeability of the plasma and vacuolar membranes of a CAM plant Graptopetalum paraguayense: comparison with radish.

Abstract: Aquaporin facilitates the osmotic water transport across biomembranes and is involved in the transcellular and intracellular water flow in plants. We immunochemically quantified the aquaporin level in leaf plasma membranes (PM) and tonoplast of Graptopetalum paraguayense, a Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plant. The aquaporin content in the Graptopetalum tonoplast was approximately 1% of that of radish. The content was calculated to be about 3 microg mg(-1) of tonoplast protein. The level of PM aquaporin in Graptopetalum was determined to be less than 20% of that of radish, in which an aquaporin was a major protein of the PM. The PM aquaporin was detected in the mesophyll tissue of Graptopetalum leaf by tissue print immunoblotting. The osmotic water permeability of PM and tonoplast vesicles prepared from both plants was determined with a stopped-flow spectrophotometer. The water permeability of PM was lower than that of the tonoplast in both plants. The Graptopetalum PM vesicles hardly showed water permeability, although the tonoplast showed a relatively high permeability. The water permeability changed depending on the assay temperature and was also partially inhibited by a sulfhydryl reagent. Furthermore, measurement of the rate of swelling and shrinking in different mannitol concentrations revealed that the protoplasts of Graptopetalum showed low water permeability. These results suggest that the low content of aquaporins in PM and tonoplast is one of the causes of the low water permeability of GRAPTOPETALUM: The relationship between the water-storage function of succulent leaves of CAM plants and the low aquaporin level is also discussed.

Design and experimental results of small-scale rotary engines

Abstract: A research project is currently underway to develop small-scale internal combustion engines fueled by liquid hydrocarbons. The ultimate goal of the MEMS Rotary Internal Combustion Engine Project is to develop a liquid hydrocarbon fueled MEMS-size rotary internal combustion micro-engine capable of delivering power on the order of milli-watts. This research is part of a larger effort to develop a portable, autonomous power generation system with an order of magnitude improvement in energy density over alkaline or lithium-ion batteries. The rotary (Wankel-type) engine is well suited for the fabrication techniques developed in the integrated chip (IC) community and refined by the MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) field. Features of the rotary engine that lend itself to MEMS fabrication are its planar construction, high specific power, and self-valving operation. The project aims at developing a "micro-rotary" engine with an 3 epitrochoidal-shaped housing under 1 mm in size and with a rotor swept volume of 0.08 mm 3. To investigate engine behavior and design issues, larger-scale "mini-rotary" engines have been fabricated from steel. Mini-rotary engine chambers are approximately 1000 mm 3 to 1700 mm 3 in size and their displacements range from 78 mm 3 to 348 mm 3. A test bench for the mini-rotary engine has been developed and experiments have been conducted with gaseous-fueled mini-rotary engines to examine the effects of sealing, ignition, design, and thermal management on efficiency. Preliminary testing has shown net power output of up to 2.7 W at 9300 RPM. Testing has been performed using hydrogen-air mixtures and a range of spark and glow plug designs as the ignition source. Iterative design and testing of the miniengine has lead to improved sealing designs. These particular designs are such that they can be incorporated into the fabrication of the micro-engine. Design and fabrication of a first generation meso-scale rotary engine has been completed using a SiC molding process developed at Case Western Reserve University. The fabrication of the micro-rotary engine is being conducted in U.C. Berkeley's Microfabrication Laboratory. Testing of the mini-engine has lead to the conclusion that there are no fundamental phenomena that would prevent the operation of the micro-engine. However, heat loss and sealing issues are key for efficient operation of the micro-engine, and they must be taken into account in the design and fabrication of the micro-rotary engine. The mini-rotary engine design, testing, results and applications will be discussed in this paper. NOMENCLATURE

Micron, a microsatellite-targeting transposable element in the rice genome.

Abstract: We have isolated a new family of mobile elements, Micron, which occur within microsatellites dispersed throughout the rice (Oryza sativa) genome. The first of these segments, Micron 001, was found in a microsatellite consisting of a (TA)n sequence upstream of the rice phytochrome A (phyA) gene. PCR analysis of related rice species suggests that Micron 001 integrated into this microsatellite locus prior to the divergence of the two wild species O. rufipogon and O. barthii from a common ancestor. Micron elements are short (393-bp), possess subterminal inverted repeats and the single strands have the potential to form stable secondary structures via several internal repeats. Aside from the absence of terminal inverted repeats, these characteristics resemble those of MITEs (Miniature Inverted-Repeat Transposable Elements). We estimate that 100-200 copies of Micron-related sequences are present in the rice nuclear genome, while the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes lack this sequence. Nineteen homologs of Micron 001 exhibited extremely high nucleotide sequence conservation (greater than 90%), suggesting a recent spread of Micron elements within the genus Oryza. Surprisingly, nucleotide sequence alignments showed that all of the Micron elements are flanked on both sides by microsatellite sequence consisting mainly of (TA)n. Twenty-three elements were mapped to seven separate chromosomes. Therefore Micron elements form a family of dispersed, highly conserved repeats. This is the first report of a transposable element that targets microsatellite loci.

Rheological Properties and Orientational Distributions of Dilute Ferromagnetic Spherocylinder Particle Dispersions.

Abstract: We have investigated the rheological properties and the orientational distributions of particles of a dilute colloidal dispersion, which is composed of ferromagnetic spherocylinder particles, subject to a simple shear flow. The governing equation of an orientational distribution function has been derived from the balance of the torques acting on a particle in an applied magnetic field. After a spherical harmonic expansion, an approximate solution to the governing equation has been found by Galerkin's method. The results obtained are summarized as follows. The orientational distribution function has a sharper peak for a stronger magnetic field, and the position of the peak changes from the flow direction to the magnetic field direction as the magnetic field comes to govern the shear flow. Since the orientation of the particle is highly restricted in the field direction as the magnetic field becomes strong, the viscosity increases significantly. The particles with a larger aspect ratio lead to the larger increment in the viscosity, since they induce a larger resistance in a flow field.

Axially loaded glued-in hardwood dowels

Abstract: The failure load of axially loaded hardwood dowels glued-in parallel to the grain direction of the jointed timber parts is considered. Two simple theoretical solutions using linear elastic fracture mechanics/ideal plasticity and linear elastic stress analysis, taking into account the finite shear stiffness of the bond line are, presented and compared with experimental results. Theory shows that bond line shear strength is the governing strength property for ductile joints and fracture energy is the governing strength property for brittle joints. Bond line shear strength and fracture energy are determined by means of curve-fitting.

Potassium-Selective, Halloysite-Rich Soils Formed in Volcanic Materials from Northern California

Abstract: Several subsoil horizons of Andic Haploxeralfs, formed in volcanic ejecta under a xeric moisture regime in northern California, retain large amounts of exchangeable K + and show high K + saturation. The relationships between clay mineralogy, mineral charge characteristics, and exchangeable K + -Ca 2+ selectivity were examined. Clay mineralogy and surface charge were assessed by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), 27 Al-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, total elemental analysis, surface area measurements, and determination of K + -Ca 2+ selectivity coefficients. Kaolin minerals with a tubular morphology comprise 75 to 91% of the clay-size fraction in the subsoil horizons. Kaolinite was prevalent in the surface horizons, while halloysite concentrations and the degree of halloysite hydration increased with depth. No detectable amounts of 2:1 layer silicates, 1:1-2:1 mixed-layer clays, or zeolites (e.g., clinoptilolite) were found in the clay-size fraction of the subsoil horizons. Soil samples dominated by halloysite showed a strong selectivity for K + . The clay fractions (<2 μm) have cation-exchange capacity (CEC) values ranging from 19 to 26 cmol e kg -1 and surface areas from 90 to 112 m 2 g -1 . The variable and permanent charge components were 11 and 20 cmol e kg -1 , respectively. The 27 Al-NMR spectrum of the halloysite-rich clay indicates a poorly ordered kaolin and a tetrahedral Al content of =2%. While a disordered halloysite may be responsible for the high surface area, CEC, and K + selectivity displayed by these soils, the contribution from 2:1 layer silicates and 1:1-2:1 mixed-layer clays in the silt and sand fractions and Fe oxide surface coatings must also be considered.

Lateral dominance of legs in maximal muscle power, muscular endurance, and grading ability.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine lateral dominance in maximal muscle power, muscular endurance, and grading ability, using isokinetic mulscular strength in knee extension and flexion. The subjects were 50 healthy male students whose ages ranged from 19 to 23 years (M height: 173.6+/-6.2 cm, M weight: 67.2+/-6.8 kg). Their dominant legs for power exertion and for functional use were based on questionnaire items selected from those used in previous studies. The angular velocities of extension and flexion for exerting maximal muscle power were 60, 180, and 300 x sec.(-1). A continuous exertion 30 times at an angular velocity of 180 sec.(-1) was used as the load for muscular endurance. For grading ability, 25%, 50% and 75% of the maximal muscle strength at angular velocities of 60 and 180 x sec.(-1) were the required values, and the difference between these values and the exerted muscular strength was evaluated. The dominant leg and nondominant leg were compared for both power exertion and functional use. There was no lateral dominance in maximal muscle power and muscular endurance. In muscular endurance, especially, some subjects showed one leg superior in power exertion and some superior in functional use. Lateral dominance was noted across maximal muscle power and muscular endurance in grading ability. The dominant leg tended to be better than the nondominant leg in functional use. However, lateral dominance was not remarkable for flexing motion and in exertion for a short time.

Finite element simulation of piezoelectric transformers

Abstract: Piezoelectric transformers are nothing but ultrasonic resonators with two pairs of electrodes provided on the surface of a piezoelectric substrate in which electrical energy is carried in the mechanical form. The input and output electrodes are arranged to provide the impedance transformation, which results in the voltage transformation. As they are operated at a resonance, the electrical equivalent circuit approach has traditionally been developed in a rather empirical way and has been used for analysis and design. The present paper deals with the analysis of the piezoelectric transformers based on the three-dimensional finite element modelling. The PIEZO3D code that we have developed is modified to include the external loading conditions. The finite element approach is now available for a wide variety of the electrical boundary conditions. The equivalent circuit of lumped parameters can also be derived from the finite element method (FEM) solution if required. The simulation of the present transformers is made for the low intensity operation and compared with the experimental results. Demonstration is made for basic Rosen-type transformers in which the longitudinal mode of a plate plays an important role; in which the equivalent circuit of lumped constants has been used. However, there are many modes of vibration associated with the plate, the effect of which cannot always be ignored. In the experiment, the double resonances are sometimes observed in the vicinity of the operating frequency. The simulation demonstrates that this is due to the coupling of the longitudinal mode with the flexural mode. Thus, the simulation provides an invaluable guideline to the transformer design.

Iron-Mediated regulation of alkaline proteinase production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: We analyzed the regulation by iron of alkaline proteinase (AP) production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extracellular AP production was detected from the mid-logarithmic to the stationary phase by an antibody-based assay system, and was strongly repressed by iron in the medium. This repression was shown by Northern hybridization and primer extension to occur at the level of transcription. The primer extension analysis revealed that the start point of transcription of AP gene was the nucleotide position -84 from the start point of translation. Furthermore, we investigated whether this transcriptional repression involved PvdS protein. Using the mutant strain of pvdS, the alternative sigma factor gene revealed that the PvdS protein is required for the full expression of AP, and a previous study showed that expression of pvdS is also repressed by iron. Therefore, we thought that one mechanism of repression of AP production operated through reduction of the PvdS protein level. Purified AP decomposed the transferrin, and released iron from it. Purified AP added to the medium containing transferrin as the only iron source enhanced the growth of P. aeruginosa. Moreover, mutation in the AP gene decreased the growth rate in the medium containing the transferrin as the only iron source. These results clearly indicated that AP expression should occur in a free-iron-deficient environment and emphasized the importance of AP to iron acquisition in the infection site.

Quantification of the carbazole 1,9a‐dioxygenase gene by real‐time competitive PCR combined with co‐extraction of internal standards

Abstract: The fluorogenic probe assay, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and co-extraction with internal standard cells were combined to develop a rapid, sensitive, and accurate quantification method for the copy number of a target carbazole 1,9a-dioxygenase gene (carAa) and the cell number of Pseudomonas sp. strain CA10. The internal standard DNA was modified by replacement of a 20-bp long region with one for binding a specific probe in fluorogenic PCR (TaqMan). The resultant DNA fragment was similar to the corresponding region of the intact carAa gene in terms of G+C content. When used as a competitor in the PCR reaction, the internal standard DNA was distinguishable from the target carAa gene by two specific fluorogenic probes with different fluorescence labels, and was automatically detected in a single tube using the ABI7700 sequence detection system. To minimize variations in the efficiency of cell lysis and DNA extraction between the samples, the co-extraction method was combined. A mini-transposon was used to introduce competitor DNA into the genome of other pseudomonads, and the resultant construct was used as the standard cell. After the addition of a fixed amount of the internal standard cells to soil samples, total DNA was extracted (co-extraction). Using this method, the copy number of the carAa gene and the cell number of strain CA10 in soil samples could be quantified rapidly.

ESR studies of radicals generated by ultrasonic irradiation of lignin solution. An application of the spin trapping method

Abstract: An electron spin resonance (ESR) method combined with a spin trapping reagent was successfully applied to trap and characterize unstable radicals which were generated by ultrasonic irradiation of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution of hardwood, Fagus crenata lignin. It was found, consequently, that a secondary carbon radical, ∼CH· was trapped as the nitroxide spin adduct when the DMSO solution was subjected to ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of a spin trapping reagent: 2, 4, 6-tri-tert-butylnitrosobenzene (BNB) at 50 °C for 60 minutes under vacuum. This means that the alkyl phenyl ether bonds known as lignin linkage bonds were homolytically scissoned by the ultrasonic irradiation, although the phenoxy radical, Ph-O· as the counter radical of the secondary carbon radical was not trapped by the BNB spin trap. Further, the data showed that the primary carbon radical, ∼OCH2 · is trapped by the BNB to form the corresponding spin adduct, indicating that the hydrogen abstraction from the ortho methoxy group in the syringyl and/or guaiacyl moiety is induced by the secondary carbon radical when irradiated. Based on these findings it was concluded that the Ph-O· radicals produced by the homolytic rupture of the alkyl phenyl ether bonds were not trapped by the BNB spin trap. This suggests that large steric hindrances operate between the syringyl with two methoxy moieties and/or guaiacyl with a methoxy moiety at the ortho position, and the BNB molecule bearing two bulky ortho tert-butyl groups.

Adsorption Equilibrium Equation of Carboxylic Acids on Anion-Exchange Resins in Water.

Abstract: The adsorption of propionic acid and benzoic acid on anion-exchange resins was analyzed, and an adsorption equilibrium equation of carboxylic acids was proposed. The adsorption of carboxylic acids on the anion-exchange resins was considered to be the sum of the physical adsorption of the molecule and the ion-exchange adsorption of the ion, which were independent of each other. For the physical adsorption of carboxylic acids, it was conformed to the Freundlich equation. For the ion-exchange adsorption of carboxylate ions, the equilibrium equation corresponded well with the experimental results for wide ranges of concentration and pH. The equation contains a selectivity coefficient S A Cl for the chloride ion versus the carboxylate ion, which was considered essentially a constant. The influent of the bicarbonate ion from carbon dioxide in air could also be expressed by the additional equilibrium equation with the selectivity coefficient S HCO 3 Cl for the chloride ion versus the bicarbonate ion. Consequently, an adsorption equilibrium equation can estimate the equilibrium adsorption amounts. Even the effect of a coexisting bicarbonate ion is inconsequential when the parameters of the Freundlich isotherm equation and the selectivity coefficients of the carboxylate ion and the bicarbonate ion in each resin are determined in advance.

Structure and soft magnetic properties of bulk Fe-Al-Ga-P-C-B-Si glassy alloys prepared by consolidating amorphous powders

Abstract: Structure and soft magnetic properties of the bulk Fe 70 Al 5 Ga 2 P 9.65 C 5.75 B 4.6 Si 3 glassy alloy prepared by pulse current sintering with uniaxial pressure were investigated. The sample consolidated in the temperature range of the supercooled liquid region consists only of amorphous phase and has a very high relative density of 99%. The flux density under applied field of 800 A/m ( B 800 ), maximum permeability ( μ max ) and coercive force ( H c ) for the sample sintered at 703 K in as-made state are 1.08 T, 7600 and 12.0 A/m, respectively. B 800 and μ max are improved to 1.17 T and 8000 by annealing at 723 K for 3.6 ks. The soft magnetic properties of the bulk Fe-based glassy alloy are superior to those of the bulk Fe-Si-B alloy consolidated amorphous powders. It is considered that the high relative density and good soft magnetic properties for the bulk Fe-based glassy alloy depend upon its high structural homogeneity originated from its high deformability, that is based on the viscous flow arisen from the appearance of supercooled liquid region.

QTL Mapping for Enzyme Activity and Thermostability of β-Amylase in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract: We investigated the QTLs for the enzyme activity and thermostability in β-amylase in barley using two doubled haploid line (DHL) populations. QTLs for the enzyme activity were detected on chromosomes 1H and 2H in the Steptoe/Morex DHLs and on chromosome 5H in the Harrington/TR306 DHLs, respectively. Some of these QTLs were close to the QTLs for the diastatic power and grain protein which represent malt quality characteristics. We observed two QTLs for the thermostability in the Steptoe/Morex DHLs. Position of one major QTL was the same as that of the β-amylase structural gene locus on chromosome 4H, suggesting that thermostability is controlled by multiple alleles of the locus. The other QTL with a negligible effect was located on the short arm of chromosome 2H. However, no QTLs were observed in the Harrington/TR306 DHLs because the difference in the thermostability value in the DHLs was not appreciable.

Activation of HIV-1-specific immune responses to an HIV-1 vaccine constructed from a replication-defective adenovirus vector using various combinations of immunization protocols.

Abstract: We constructed a recombinant replication defective adenovirus vector containing the env gene (Ad-Bal) derived from macrophage-trophic HIV-1 (HIV-1 Bal). We then immunized mice with this vector using several administration routes and protocols, and examined the immune response. When the Ad-Bal viral vector (over 1 × 107 pfu) was injected subcutaneously, both humoral and cell-mediated immunities were induced. However, immune response induced by the Ad-Bal vector alone was weaker than that induced by the recombinant vaccinia viral vector. We then employed the following three immunization protocols: (l) DNA vaccination followed by immunization with the Ad-Bal; (2) vaccination using the Ad-Bal vector followed by DNA vaccination; and (3) DNA vaccination followed by Ad-Bal infection and passive transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) infected with the Ad-Bal. Among the three protocols, the last gave the strongest humoral and cell-mediated immunity. These results suggest that the combination of DNA vaccination, Ad-Bal vector infection and passive transfer of Ad-Bal-infected DCs can induce strong immunity against HIV-1 Bal.

Biological Evaluation of 5-Substituted Pyrimidine Derivatives as Inhibitors of Brassinosteroid Biosynthesis

Abstract: A series of 5-substituted pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized, and their ability to inhibit brassinosteroid biosynthesis was tested. The biological activity of these compounds was evaluated by the cress stem elongation method. Among the synthesized compounds, α-(4-chlorophenyl)-α-phenyl-5-pyrimidinemethanol (DPPM 4) exhibited potent inhibitory activity for retarding cress stem elongation in the light. This inhibition was reversed by the application of 10 nM brassinolide, but not by 1 μM GA3. DPPM 4 also affected Arabidopsis growth in the dark. DPPM 4-treated Arabidopsis had phenotypes like those of brassinosteroid-deficient mutants, with short hypocotyls and open cotyledons, in the dark. These biological changes were restored by the co-application of 10 nM brassinolide, but not by 1 μM GA3, suggesting that the primary site of action of DPPM 4 was the brassinosteroid biosynthetic pathway.

Design and pilot production of a “spiral-winder” for the manufacture of cylindrical laminated veneer lumber

Abstract: A new spiral-winder was developed for continuous manufacturing of cylindrical laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and a suitable resin adhesive for this cylindrical LVL manufacturing system was investigated. This phase was followed by trial manufacturing and evaluation of cylindrical LVL with the optimum resin adhesive identified. The results are summarized as follows. (1) The shortest gelation time was recorded with a mixture of two commercial resorcinol based resins (DF-1000 and D-33) at a weight ratio of 25∶75. (2) Bath temperature had a remarkable effect on the gelation time of the adhesive mix. (3) High bonding strength was recorded by 25∶75 DF-1000/D-33 adhesive mix at a high press temperature despite a short pressing duration. Based on the results of items (1) to (3), 25∶75 DF-1000/ D-33 is recommended for use in the new spiral-winder. (4) The mechanical properties of cylindrical LVL could be improved by using 25∶75 DF-1000/D-33 with wider veneer width and longer pressing time. (5) The mechanical properties, especially the modulus of rupture, of the cylindrical LVL manufactured require further improvement for practical structural application.

Preparation of the bulk Fe–Al–Ga–P–C–B–Si glassy alloys in a ringed form by copper mold casting

Abstract: The bulk Fe–Al–Ga–P–C–B–Si glassy alloy in a ringed form with the outer diameter of 10 mm, the inner diameter of 6 mm and the thickness of 1 mm was prepared by copper mold casting This bulk alloy sample was composed of a single amorphous phase and had a supercooled liquid region of 59 K, which was the same as that of the melt-spun ribbon The saturation magnetization, the coercivity and the maximum permeability of the bulk amorphous alloy sample in as-made state were about 12 T, 22 A/m and 110 000, respectively These good soft magnetic properties of the bulk sample depend upon its high structural homogeneity based on large glass forming ability In addition, the core loss for the Fe-based bulk amorphous alloy is lower than that of a nonoriented 35% Si steel in as-made state at the frequency of 50–60 Hz It is, therefore, concluded that the Fe–Al–Ga–P–C–B–Si glassy alloy will be one of the useful industrial materials

Low core losses of nanocrystalline Fe–Zr–Nb–B soft magnetic alloys with high magnetic flux density

Abstract: The soft magnetic properties of the nanocrystalline Fe–Zr–Nb–B alloys, which are mixed Fe–Zr–B alloy with negative magnetostriction and Fe–Nb–B alloy with positive one, have been investigated. The magnetostriction and the grain size of the Fe–Zr–Nb–B alloys show intermediate values between those of the Fe–Zr–B and Fe–Nb–B alloys. The soft magnetic properties are strongly affected by Zr+Nb amount and Zr/Nb ratio. The best soft magnetic properties have been obtained for the Fe85.5Zr2Nb4B8.5 alloy. The alloy shows a high permeability of 60 000 at 1 kHz, a high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.64 T and zero-magnetostriction, simultaneously. The alloy also exhibits a very low core loss of 0.09 W/kg at 1.4 T and 50 Hz, which is extremely lower than that of Fe–Si–B amorphous, and good thermal stability of the core loss. The nanocrystalline Fe–Zr–Nb–B alloy is therefore suitable for a core material for pole transformers.