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The uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by terrestrial ecosystems is critical for moderating climate change1. To provide a ground-based long-term assessment of the contribution of forests to terrestrial CO2uptake, we synthesized in situ forest data from boreal, temperate and tropical biomes spanning three decades. We found that the carbon sink in global forests was steady, at 3.6 ± 0.4 Pg C yr−1in the 1990s and 2000s, and 3.5 ± 0.4 Pg C yr−1in the 2010s. Despite this global stability, our analysis revealed some major biome-level changes. Carbon sinks have increased in temperate (+30 ± 5%) and tropical regrowth (+29 ± 8%) forests owing to increases in forest area, but they decreased in boreal (−36 ± 6%) and tropical intact (−31 ± 7%) forests, as a result of intensified disturbances and losses in intact forest area, respectively. Mass-balance studies indicate that the global land carbon sink has increased2, implying an increase in the non-forest-land carbon sink. The global forest sink is equivalent to almost half of fossil-fuel emissions (7.8 ± 0.4 Pg C yr−1in 1990–2019). However, two-thirds of the benefit from the sink has been negated by tropical deforestation (2.2 ± 0.5 Pg C yr−1in 1990–2019). Although the global forest sink has endured undiminished for three decades, despite regional variations, it could be weakened by ageing forests, continuing deforestation and further intensification of disturbance regimes1. To protect the carbon sink, land management policies are needed to limit deforestation, promote forest restoration and improve timber-harvesting practices1,3.

University of Oslo 66 (UiO-66) is a metal–organic framework (MOF) with a high acetone gas adsorption capacity and selectivity. However, the sensor characteristics remain unclear mainly because conventional solvothermal synthesis leads to UiO-66 particle aggregation, impeding stable sensor signal acquisitions. To counter the agglomeration of UiO-66 particles, particle conditioning by solvothermal synthesis using acetic acid and dispersion solution by ultrasonic application were used for uniform particle deposition. This process successfully formed a uniform particle film on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors via the electrostatic spray method. Using the QCM measuring method, the fabricated UiO-66 sensors exhibited a reversible and stable signal response to acetone gas concentrations spanning several hundred parts per billion to parts per million, whereas the conventional zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-based sensor did not show a stable sensor signal. Additionally, the UiO-66 sensor sensitivity was positively correlated with the amount of UiO-66 particle coating, confirming that UiO-66 directly affects acetone gas adsorption and desorption. During the adsorption evaluation using UiO-66 particles, acetone gas desorption at 25 ± 3 °C became more pronounced upon reaching adsorption saturation, indicating its characteristics as a sensor material. To evaluate the adsorption strength of UiO-66, we performed density functional theory calculations. The estimated adsorption enthalpy between UiO-66 and acetone molecules was lower than those of ZIF-based MOFs with proven acetone sensor characteristics, thereby confirming the high acetone adsorption performance of UiO-66. Such a lower adsorption energy of UiO-66 suggests that superior sensor sensitivity may have been obtained owing to the high adsorption characteristic of UiO-66 on acetone molecules. These findings indicate that UiO-66 can be used as an adsorbent and sensor material for acetone gas, indicating its potential for various applications.

ABSTRACTTo determine the change in nutrient absorption capacity with stand development, we aimed to clarify the changes in fine root characteristics with stand development and stand characteristics. Stand characteristics (stand age, maximum tree height, tree density and basal area) and fine root characteristics were examined in three fir-wave stands that aged sequentially along the slope in a subalpine Abiesforest in central Japan. The biomass, length, surface area and N content of fine roots did not change, but the specific root length (SRL) decreased with stand development, i.e. distance from the upper side of each transect. On the other hand, we observed an increase in fine root biomass with stand characteristics, i.e. maximum tree height and basal area of the Abiescommunity, while a decrease in SRL was also observed. These changes resulted in an increase in surface area and N content of fine roots. However, the surface area of absorptive roots that were <0.5 mm in diameter did not change with stand characteristics. Thus, we suggest that the nutrient absorption capacity of the subalpine Abiescommunity increased with aboveground biomass from the viewpoint of comprehensive activity of fine roots, but not from the viewpoint of fine root morphology. We further confirmed that the ratios of surface area and N content of fine roots to basal area decreased with stand development. Future research is needed to understand the actual effect of surface area and N content of fine roots on the maintenance of aboveground organs.

To evaluate the long-term safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy with TO-204, a standardized house dust mite (HDM) allergen extracts, we conducted a multicenter, open label clinical trial.

By considering trade-offs and complementarity between carbon removal from the atmosphere by forests and emission reduction by wood use, we developed a forest-sector carbon integrated model for Japan. We discuss mitigation measures for Japan based on model projections. The integrated model included the forest model and the wood use model. Based on three scenarios (baseline, moderate increase, and rapid increase) of harvesting and wood use, the integrated model projected mitigation effects including carbon removal by forests and emission reduction through the wider use of wood, until 2050. Results indicate that forests will not become a source of net carbon emissions under the three scenarios considered. The baseline scenario is most effective for mitigating climate change, for most periods. However, the sum total of carbon removal in forests and carbon emission reductions by wood use under the rapid increase scenario exceeded the one of the moderate increase scenario after 2043. This was because of strong mitigation activities: promoting replanting, using new high-yield varieties, and wood use. The results also indicated that increases in emission reduction due to greater wood use compensated for 67.9 % of the decrease of carbon removal in 2050, for the rapid increase scenario. The results show that carbon removal in forests is most important in the short term because of the relative youth of the planted forests in Japan, and that mitigation effects by material and energy substitution may become greater over the longer term.

AbstractBy considering trade-offs and complementarity between carbon removal from the atmosphere by forests and emission reduction by wood use, we developed a forest-sector carbon integrated model for Japan. We discuss mitigation measures for Japan based on model projections. The integrated model included the forest model and the wood use model. Based on three scenarios (baseline, moderate increase, and rapid increase) of harvesting and wood use, the integrated model projected mitigation effects including carbon removal by forests and emission reduction through the wider use of wood, until 2050. Results indicate that forests will not become a source of net carbon emissions under the three scenarios considered. The baseline scenario is most effective for mitigating climate change, for most periods. However, the sum total of carbon removal in forests and carbon emission reductions by wood use under the rapid increase scenario exceeded the one of the moderate increase scenario after 2043. This was because of strong mitigation activities: promoting replanting, using new high-yield varieties, and wood use. The results also indicated that increases in emission reduction due to greater wood use compensated for 67.9 % of the decrease of carbon removal in 2050, for the rapid increase scenario. The results show that carbon removal in forests is most important in the short term because of the relative youth of the planted forests in Japan, and that mitigation effects by material and energy substitution may become greater over the longer term.

Abstract: The level of organic carbon found in soil is the result of the balance between litter input to the soil and decomposition. Litter input to the soil is closely related to net primary production (NPP); at equilibrium, the NPP is equal to the litter input to soil. Plant litter input to a depth of 30 cm in the mineral soil was estimated for Japanese forest using the Rothamsted Carbon model (RothC) and an average value of soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and was compared with estimated litter inputs from the NPP dataset from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis of the input SOC was also conducted in order to reveal the sensitivity and uncertainty of the model to input SOC. The litter carbon input calculated using RothC and that derived from MODIS NPP were positively correlated, but the mean estimated litter input from RothC was 17.2% smaller than that estimated from MODIS. Mapping the normalized difference revealed spatial biases in the difference. The discrepancy was probably because of the different temperature controls for the MODIS algorithm and the RothC model, and also our simple assumption in the RothC calculation. This comparison reveals a close link between litter inputs estimated from SOC data and litter inputs estimated from satellite-based NPP data. The discrepancies between the estimates merit further study.

AbstractThe level of organic carbon found in soil is the result of the balance between litter input to the soil and decomposition. Litter input to the soil is closely related to net primary production (NPP); at equilibrium, the NPP is equal to the litter input to soil. Plant litter input to a depth of 30 cm in the mineral soil was estimated for Japanese forest using the Rothamsted Carbon model (RothC) and an average value of soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and was compared with estimated litter inputs from the NPP dataset from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). A Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis of the input SOC was also conducted in order to reveal the sensitivity and uncertainty of the model to input SOC. The litter carbon input calculated using RothC and that derived from MODIS NPP were positively correlated, but the mean estimated litter input from RothC was 17.2% smaller than that estimated from MODIS. Mapping the normalized difference revealed spatial biases in the difference. The discrepancy was probably because of the different temperature controls for the MODIS algorithm and the RothC model, and also our simple assumption in the RothC calculation. This comparison reveals a close link between litter inputs estimated from SOC data and litter inputs estimated from satellite-based NPP data. The discrepancies between the estimates merit further study.

AbstractSoil CO2production seasonality at a number of depths was investigated in a temperate forest in Japan and in a tropical montane forest in Thailand. The CO2production rates were evaluated by examining differences in the estimated soil CO2flux at adjacent depths. The temperate forest had clear temperature seasonality and only slight rainfall seasonality, whereas the tropical montane forest showed clear rainfall seasonality and only slight temperature seasonality. In the temperate forest, the pattern of seasonal variation in soil respiration was similar at all depths, except the deepest (0.65 m–), and respiration was greater in summer and less in winter. The contribution of the shallowest depth (around 0.1 m) was more than 50% of total soil-surface CO2flux all year round, and the annual mean contribution was about 75%. CO2production mostly appeared to increase with temperature in shallower layers. In contrast, in the tropical forest, soil CO2production seasonality appeared to differ with depth. The CO2production rate in the shallowest layer was high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. Soil CO2production at greater depths (0.4 and 0.5 m–) showed the opposite seasonality to that in the shallower layer (around 0.1 m). As a result, the contribution from the shallow depth was greatest in the tropical forest during the rainy season (more than 90%), whereas it decreased during the dry season (about 50%). CO2production appeared to be controlled by soil water at all depths, and the different ranges of water saturation seemed to cause the difference in seasonality at each depth. Our results suggest the importance of considering the vertical distribution of soil processes, particularly in areas where soil water is a dominant controller of soil respiration.

Soil CO2production seasonality at a number of depths was investigated in a temperate forest in Japan and in a tropical montane forest in Thailand. The CO2production rates were evaluated by examining differences in the estimated soil CO2flux at adjacent depths. The temperate forest had clear temperature seasonality and only slight rainfall seasonality, whereas the tropical montane forest showed clear rainfall seasonality and only slight temperature seasonality. In the temperate forest, the pattern of seasonal variation in soil respiration was similar at all depths, except the deepest (0.65 m–), and respiration was greater in summer and less in winter. The contribution of the shallowest depth (around 0.1 m) was more than 50% of total soil-surface CO2flux all year round, and the annual mean contribution was about 75%. CO2production mostly appeared to increase with temperature in shallower layers. In contrast, in the tropical forest, soil CO2production seasonality appeared to differ with depth. The CO2production rate in the shallowest layer was high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. Soil CO2production at greater depths (0.4 and 0.5 m–) showed the opposite seasonality to that in the shallower layer (around 0.1 m). As a result, the contribution from the shallow depth was greatest in the tropical forest during the rainy season (more than 90%), whereas it decreased during the dry season (about 50%). CO2production appeared to be controlled by soil water at all depths, and the different ranges of water saturation seemed to cause the difference in seasonality at each depth. Our results suggest the importance of considering the vertical distribution of soil processes, particularly in areas where soil water is a dominant controller of soil respiration.

AbstractSoil CO2levels reflect CO2production and transport in soil and provide valuable information about soil CO2dynamics. However, extracting information from soil CO2profiles is often difficult because of the complexity of these profiles. In this study, we constructed a simple numerical model that simulated soil CO2dynamics and performed sensitivity analyses for CO2production rates, soil water content and temperature, and gas diffusivity at the soil surface to clarify the relationships among these parameters. Increased soil surface CO2flux did not always coincide with higher soil CO2concentrations; increased CO2production at shallow depths had little effect on soil CO2concentrations, while the opposite may be true for high levels of soil water content. Higher soil CO2concentration did not always coincide with greater soil surface CO2flux; under high soil water conditions, soil surface CO2flux sometimes decreased despite increased soil CO2concentration. Increases in soil water content did not always enhance both soil surface CO2flux and soil CO2concentration. Under high soil water conditions, increases in soil water content could lower soil surface CO2flux and increase soil CO2concentration. Increases in soil temperature resulted in greater soil surface CO2flux and higher soil CO2concentration in our simulation (extremely high temperatures were not assumed in this study). Gas diffusivity in very shallow layers did affect, albeit weakly, soil CO2concentration. The findings of this study may help direct future observations and aid in the interpretation of their results.

AbstractTropical forests, like boreal forests, are considered key ecosystems with regard to climate change. The temperature sensitivity of soil CO2production in tropical forests is unclear, especially in eastern Asia, because of a lack of data. The year-round variation in temperature is very small in tropical forests such that it is difficult to evaluate the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2production using field observations, unlike the conditions that occur in temperate and boreal forests. This study examined the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2production in the tropical hill evergreen forest that covers northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar; this forest has small temperature seasonality. Using an undisturbed soil sample (0.2m diameter, 0.4m long), CO2production rates were measured at three different temperatures. The CO2production (SR, mg CO2m–2s–1) increased exponentially with temperature (T, °C); the fitted curve was SR = 0.023 e0.077T, with Q10= 2.2. Although still limited, our result supports the possibility that even a small increase in the temperature of this region might accelerate carbon release because of the exponential sensitivity and high average temperature.

Abstract: Tropical forests, like boreal forests, are considered key ecosystems with regard to climate change. The temperature sensitivity of soil CO2 production in tropical forests is unclear, especially in eastern Asia, because of a lack of data. The year-round variation in temperature is very small in tropical forests such that it is difficult to evaluate the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2 production using field observations, unlike the conditions that occur in temperate and boreal forests. This study examined the temperature sensitivity of soil CO2 production in the tropical hill evergreen forest that covers northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar; this forest has small temperature seasonality. Using an undisturbed soil sample (0.2 m diameter, 0.4 m long), CO2 production rates were measured at three different temperatures. The CO2 production (SR, mg CO2 m−2 s−1) increased exponentially with temperature (T, °C); the fitted curve was SR = 0.023 e0.077T, with Q10 = 2.2. Although still limited, our result supports the possibility that even a small increase in the temperature of this region might accelerate carbon release because of the exponential sensitivity and high average temperature.

Abstract Q10 is the most important index of soil respiration, and is essential for accurate prediction of soil carbon response to global warming. The response of soil carbon storage is an issue on global and regional scales. In this study, published Q10 values of soil respiration in Japanese forests were examined (n = 44). The Q10 values ranged from 1.30 to 3.45, and the mean value was 2.18 (SD = 0.61, median = 2.02). These results were slightly lower than those of global compilations. The number of studies of Q10 values is still lacking, especially with regard to those in managed forests, those in northeast Japan, and those using modern measurement techniques such as infrared gas analysis. For accurate prediction of soil carbon dynamics and storage in Japanese forests, more such studies are required.

AbstractQ10is the most important index of soil respiration, and is essential for accurate prediction of soil carbon response to global warming. The response of soil carbon storage is an issue on global and regional scales. In this study, published Q10values of soil respiration in Japanese forests were examined (n= 44). The Q10values ranged from 1.30 to 3.45, and the mean value was 2.18 (SD = 0.61, median = 2.02). These results were slightly lower than those of global compilations. The number of studies of Q10values is still lacking, especially with regard to those in managed forests, those in northeast Japan, and those using modern measurement techniques such as infrared gas analysis. For accurate prediction of soil carbon dynamics and storage in Japanese forests, more such studies are required.

AbstractSoil temperature is one of the most important factors governing biological activity in the soil. This study was conducted to investigate how forest clear-cutting changes soil temperature. Soil temperatures at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0m depths were measured in two neighboring forest watersheds (35°12′N, 140°06′E) in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, from 1994 to 2000. One watershed was clear-cut 5 years after the observations began. After clear-cutting, the annual mean soil temperature at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0m depths rose by about 2.2, 2.0, 1.7, and 1.4°C, respectively. The maximum respective soil temperatures rose by about 3.2, 3.0, 2.2, and 1.8°C. The minimum soil temperature rose slightly (<1°C). The range of temperatures increased by 3.0, 2.4, 1.6, and 1.4°C, respectively. In our study, forest clear-cutting raised maximum and average soil temperatures but hardly changed minimum soil temperature. This is probably because solar radiation dominated in the summer season and increased soil temperature; on the other hand, net long-wave radiation, and releases of latent and sensible heat from the soil surface, were predominant in the cool season.

Soil temperature is one of the most important factors governing biological activity in the soil. This study was conducted to investigate how forest clear-cutting changes soil temperature. Soil temperatures at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 m depths were measured in two neighboring forest watersheds (35°12″N, 140°06″E) in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, from 1994 to 2000. One watershed was clear-cut 5 years after the observations began. After clear-cutting, the annual mean soil temperature at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 m depths rose by about 2.2, 2.0, 1.7, and 1.4°C, respectively. The maximum respective soil temperatures rose by about 3.2, 3.0, 2.2, and 1.8°C. The minimum soil temperature rose slightly (≪1°C). The range of temperatures increased by 3.0, 2.4, 1.6, and 1.4°C, respectively. In our study, forest clear-cutting raised maximum and average soil temperatures but hardly changed minimum soil temperature. This is probably because solar radiation dominated in the summer season and increased soil temperature; on the other hand, net long-wave radiation, and releases of latent and sensible heat from the soil surface, were predominant in the cool season.

Soil respiration and soil carbon dioxide (CO 2) concentration were investigated in a tropical monsoon forest in northern Thailand, from 1998 to 2000. Soil respiration was relatively high during the rainy season and low during the dry season, although interannual fluctuations were large. Soil moisture was widely different between the dry and wet seasons, while soil temperature changed little throughout the year. As a result, the rate of soil respiration is determined predominantly by soil moisture, not by soil temperature. The roughly estimated annual soil respiration rate was 2560?g?C?m -2?year -1. The soil CO 2 concentration also increased in the rainy season and decreased in the dry season, and showed clearer seasonality than soil respiration did.

AbstractSoil respiration and soil carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration were investigated in a tropical monsoon forest in northern Thailand, from 1998 to 2000. Soil respiration was relatively high during the rainy season and low during the dry season, although interannual fluctuations were large. Soil moisture was widely different between the dry and wet seasons, while soil temperature changed little throughout the year. As a result, the rate of soil respiration is determined predominantly by soil moisture, not by soil temperature. The roughly estimated annual soil respiration rate was 2560 g C m–2year−1. The soil CO2concentration also increased in the rainy season and decreased in the dry season, and showed clearer seasonality than soil respiration did.

An electron beam (EB) treatment of gaseous trichloroethylene (TCE) in air was studied as a purification method of off-gases containing gaseous chloroethylenes. The model air containing TCE at input concentrations of 5–75 ppmv, detected mostly in actual off-gases, was irradiated with 1-MeV EBs in a gas-flow vessel at 10 L/min under the conditions of atmospheric pressure, 298 K, and different H2O contents. The decomposition of 75 ppmv TCE was also examined in humid air under different O2contents of 1 × 103–2.1 × 105ppmv. In the existence of H2O and O2contents with = 3 × 102ppmv and = 5 × 103ppmv, respectively, the decomposition ratios of TCE were enhanced and TCE was decomposed into 83.0 ± 1.5% of dichloroacetyl chloride (DCAC) and 17.5 ± 0.6% of carbonyl chloride (COCl2) independently of the input TCE concentrations based on the carbon balance. Trichloroethylene of 5–75 ppmv was effectively decomposed by the OH radical through Cl-radical chain oxidation under the above-mentioned air conditions.

In this study, we developed a new method for evaluating vertical profiles of CO2gas diffusivity and CO2gas production in soil samples. The CO2flux at the boundary and the steady‐state CO2gas profile are measured under two boundary gas conditions. The differential form of Fick's second law can then be used to calculate the gas diffusion coefficients and CO2production rate. This method was applied to an undisturbed forest soil sample in the laboratory. Both gas diffusion coefficients and CO2production rates decreased with increasing depth. The relative gas diffusion coefficients ranged between 0.03 and 0.15, and the CO2production rates ranged between 2.1 × 10−8and 4.7 × 10−8kg CO2m3s−1at 20°C. Unsteady changes in the CO2concentration profile in the soil column, and flux from the soil surface were successfully simulated with these values.

Activation of phospholipase C-γ2 (PLCγ2) is the critical step in B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-coupled calcium signaling. Although genetic dissection experiments on B cells have demonstrated that Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and Syk are required for activating PLCγ2, the exact activation mechanism of PLCγ2 by these kinases has not been established. We identify the tyrosine residues 753, 759, 1197, and 1217 in rat PLCγ2 as Btk-dependent phosphorylation sites by using an in vitrokinase assay. To evaluate the role of these tyrosine residues in phosphorylation-dependent activation of PLCγ2, PLCγ2-deficient DT40 cells were reconstituted with a series of mutant PLCγ2s in which the phenylalanine was substituted for tyrosine. Substitution of all four tyrosine residues almost completely eliminated the BCR-induced PLCγ2 phosphorylation, indicating that these residues include the major phosphorylation sites upon BCR engagement. Cells expressing PLCγ2 with a single substitution exhibited some extent of reduction in calcium mobilization, whereas those expressing quadruple mutant PLCγ2 showed greatly reduced calcium response. These findings indicate that the phosphorylations of the tyrosine residues 753, 759, 1197, and 1217, which have been identified as Btk-dependent phosphorylation sites in vitro, coordinately contribute to BCR-induced activation of PLCγ2.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, approximately 10, 50, and 100 ppm) in air and nitrogen was irradiated with electron beams in both the presence and absence of water. The absorbed doses ranged from 1.2 to 18.0 kGys. An absorbed dose of 18 kGy led to approximately 90% decomposition of CCl4at a concentration of 10 ppm in dry air. The presence of water lowered the decomposition rate in air by 20%, but not in nitrogen. Negative oxygen ions (O2-) formed upon the irradiation of wet air played a role in the oxidation of CCl4. Water molecules became negative cluster ions (O2-(H2O)n) with negative oxygen ions, which depressed the oxidation.

The decomposition of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) in model air gases (concentration, around 100 ppm) by electron beam (EB) and ?-ray irradiation was studied using batch-type glass reactors of 500 ml volume. The addition effect of water on the decomposition was also investigated. In dry air, one-pass EB irradiation (10.7 kGy s-1) induced only 65% decomposition, even at 32 kGy, but the ?-ray irradiation (2 kGy h-1) or EB multi-pass irradiation (1.33 kGy s-1) decomposed CH2Cl2100% at 32 kGy. Water addition (4 ml) enhanced the decomposition percentage to 96% at 16 kGy, even by one-pass irradiation. In dry air, the formation of CO2, CO, phosgene and chloroform was confirmed. The mechanism for the above addition effect was considered as well as for the multi-pass irradiation effect.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) has been shown to play a role in normal B-lymphocyte development. Defective expression of Btk leads to human and murine immunodeficiencies. However, the exact role of Btk in the cytoplasmic signal transduction in B cells is still unclear. This study represents a search for the substrate for Btk in vivo. We identified one of the major phosphoproteins associated with Btk in the preB cell line NALM6 as the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), the gene product responsible for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which is another hereditary immunodeficiency with distinct abnormalities in hematopoietic cells. We demonstrated that WASP was transiently tyrosine-phosphorylated after B-cell antigen receptor cross-linking on B cells, suggesting that WASP is located downstream of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. An in vivo reconstitution system demonstrated that WASP is physically associated with Btk and can serve as the substrate for Btk. A protein binding assay suggested that the tyrosine-phosphorylation of WASP alters the association between WASP and a cellular protein. Furthermore, identification of the phosphorylation site of WASP in reconstituted cells allowed us to evaluate the catalytic specificity of Btk, the exact nature of which is still unknown.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) has been shown to play a role in normal B-lymphocyte development. Defective expression of Btk leads to human and murine immunodeficiencies. However, the exact role of Btk in the cytoplasmic signal transduction in B cells is still unclear. This study represents a search for the substrate for Btk in vivo. We identified one of the major phosphoproteins associated with Btk in the preB cell line NALM6 as the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), the gene product responsible for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, which is another hereditary immunodeficiency with distinct abnormalities in hematopoietic cells. We demonstrated that WASP was transiently tyrosine-phosphorylated after B-cell antigen receptor cross-linking on B cells, suggesting that WASP is located downstream of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases. An in vivo reconstitution system demonstrated that WASP is physically associated with Btk and can serve as the substrate for Btk. A protein binding assay suggested that the tyrosine-phosphorylation of WASP alters the association between WASP and a cellular protein. Furthermore, identification of the phosphorylation site of WASP in reconstituted cells allowed us to evaluate the catalytic specificity of Btk, the exact nature of which is still unknown.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a critical component in the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR)-coupled signaling pathway. Its deficiency in B cells leads to loss or marked reduction in the BCR-induced calcium signaling. It is known that this BCR-induced calcium signaling depends on the activation of phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), which is mediated by Btk and another tyrosine kinase Syk and that the SH2 and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of Btk play important roles in this activation process. Although the importance of the PH domain of Btk has been explained by its role in the membrane targeting of Btk, the functional significance of the SH2 domain in the calcium signaling has remained merely a matter of speculation. In this report, we identify that one of the major Btk-SH2 domain-binding proteins in B cells is BLNK (B-cell linker protein) and present evidences that the interaction of BLNK and the SH2 domain of Btk contributes to the complete tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCγ.

A pilot-scale test for electron beam treatment of flue gas (12,000m3N/hr) from coal-fired boiler was conducted by Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Chubu Electric Power Company and Ebara Corporation, in the site of Shin-Nagoya Thermal Power Plant in Nagoya, Japan. During 14 months operation, it was proved that the method is possible to remove SO2and NOXsimultaneously in wide concentration range of SO2(250–2,000ppm) and NOX(140–240ppm) with higher efficiency than the conventional methods, with appropriate operation conditions (dose, temperature etc.). The pilot plant was easily operated with well controllability and durability, and was operated for long period of time without serious problems. The byproduct, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, produced by the treatment was proved to be a nitrogenous fertilizer with excellent quality.

Deficiencies of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of human X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA). The distinctive phenotype observed in B-cell deficiency indicates the crucial role of Btk in B-cell development. This report describes a nationwide study of Btk deficiency in Japan, covering 51 XLA patients (35 independent families). Along with the identification of mutations, the resulting protein products were characterized by an in vitro kinase assay and a Western blot analysis. Thirty-one of the families were found to have mutations in the coding region of Btk. Although mutations were not found in the cDNA of 4 families, the Btk transcripts of these patients were greatly reduced. The identification of several novel missense mutations, in combination with the result of other studies, clarified the presence of two (missense) mutation hot spots, one in the SH1 and the other in the PH domain. The absence of kinase activity seen in 32 of the families underscored the importance of Btk protein analysis as a diagnostic indicator of XLA. The protein analysis also clarified the different effects of missense mutations on kinase activity and protein stability.

The B-cell defect in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is caused by mutations in the gene for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Using the anti-BTK monoclonal antibody (48-2H), a flow cytometric analysis of intracytoplasmic BTK protein expressed in monocytes was successfully performed. To examine the possible identification of XLA patients and female carriers by this assay, we studied 41 unrelated XLA families with (35) or without (6) known BTK mutations. A flow cytometric assay showed deficient expression of the BTK protein in 40 of 41 patients, complete BTK deficiency in 35, and partial BTK deficiency in 5. One patient exhibited a normal level of BTK expression. All 6 patients with partial BTK deficiency or normal BTK expression had missense BTK mutations. The cellular mosaicism of BTK expression in monocytes from obligate carriers was clearly shown in 35 of 41 families. The results suggested that most BTK mutations in XLA might result in deficient expression of the BTK protein. We conclude that deficient expression of BTK protein can be evaluated by a flow cytometric assay, and the clinical usefulness and limitations in diagnosis of XLA patients and carriers are discussed.

Abstract: The effect of radiation pasteurization of sugar cane bagasse and rice straw and fermentation using various strains of fungi were studied for upgrading of cellulosic wastes. The initial contamination by fungi and aerobic bacteria both in bagasse and straw was high. The doses of 30 kGy for sterilization and 8 kGy for elimination of fungi were required. Irradiation effect showed that rice straw contained comparatively radioresistant microorganisms. It was observed that all the fungi (Hericium erinacium, Pleurotus djamor, Ganoderma lucidum, Auricularia auricula, Lentinus sajor-caju, Coriolus versicolor, Polyporus arcularius, Coprinus cinereus) grow extending over the entire substrates during one month after inoculation in irradiated bagasse and rice straw with 3% rice bran and 65% moisture content incubated at 30°C. Initially, sugar cane bagasse and rice straw substrates contained 39.4% and 25.9% of cellulose, 22.9% and 26.9% of hemicellulose, and 19.6% and 13.9% of lignin + cutin, respectively. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) values decreased significantly in sugar cane bagasse fermented byG. lucidum, A. auricula andP. arcularius, and in rice straw fermented by all the 8 strains of fungi. Acid detergent fibre (ADF) values also decreased in bagasse and rice straw fermented by all the fungi.P. arcularius, H. erinacium, G. lucidum andC. cinereus were found to be the most effective strains for delignification of sugar cane bagasse.

Protein interaction cloning method was used to identify a novel molecule, Sab, which binds to the SH3 domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), the deficient cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase in human X-linked agammaglobulinemia and murine X-linked immunodeficiency. Immunoprecipitation using the anti-Sab antibody identified the protein product of the gene as a 70 kDa molecule. While Sab does not have a proline-rich sequence, it was shown to bind to Btk through the commonly conserved structure among SH3 domains. Remarkably, Sab exhibited a high preference for binding to Btk rather than to other cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, which suggests a unique role of Sab in the Btk signal transduction pathway.

Radiation decomposition and aerosol formation of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were examined to get information on a treatment of industrial off-gas. Model gases, air containing aromatic VOCs, chloroethenes and 1,2-dichloroethane, were sealed in batch reactors and irradiated with electron beam (EB) and gamma ray. For aromatic VOCs, G-values of decomposition in gamma ray irradiation were about 1.5 times larger than those in EB irradiation. The ratios of aerosol formation to decomposed aromatic VOCs were ranged from 30 to 66% on the basis of carbon. For chloroethenes except monochloroethylene, G-values of decomposition were 6 to 45 times larger than those of aromatic VOCs and the irradiated product was mainly gaseous compound. The G-values of decomposition in EB irradiation increased markedly with increase of chlorine atom in a molecule, while those in gamma ray irradiation were almost kept constant.

A new apparatus that determines the gas diffusion coefficient in soil after establishing steady state gas conditions was developed. The CO2concentration is kept constant above and below the soil sample to establish the steady state conditions. The sample column is 60 cm long with an inner diameter of 20 cm. The gas diffusion coefficients of sandy soil were measured at 10 cm intervals using this apparatus while controlling the soil water content. The ratios of gas diffusion coefficients in soil and air,Ds/D0, with different soil water conditions were determined.

A new apparatus that determines the gas diffusion coefficient in soil after establishing steady state gas conditions was developed. The CO2concentration is kept constant above and below the soil sample to establish the steady state conditions. The sample column is 60 cm long with an inner diameter of 20 cm. The gas diffusion coefficients of sandy soil were measured at 10 cm intervals using this apparatus while controlling the soil water content. The ratios of gas diffusion coefficients in soil and air,Ds/D0, with different soil water conditions were determined.

We performed hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAI) on 86 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, 61 patients) or unresectable recurrent HCC after hepatectomy (25 patients). As drug therapy, 250 mg of 5-fluorouracil was injected daily for 14 days using a reservoir embedded in the subcutaneous layer. During this period, 0.4 mg/kg of doxorubicin and 0.12 mg/kg of mitomycin C suspended in Lipiodol Ultra-Fluide were also injected twice intra-arterially. This was defined as one course of HAI, and it was repeated every 3 months. In the patients with unresectable HCC, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 31.5%, 22.4%, and 10.7%, respectively, and the numbers of cases showing a complete response (CR), a partial response (PR), a minor response (MR), no change (NC), and progressive disease (PD) according to the Criteria for the Evaluation of the Clinical Effects of Solid Cancer Chemotherapy established by the Japan Society for Cancer Therapy were 1 (1.6%), 20 (32.8%), 5 (8.2%), 28 (45.9%), and 7 (11.5%), respectively. On the other hand, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of the patients with unresectable recurrent HCC were 69.6%, 34.8%, and 14.9%, respectively. The rate of catheter patency after 1 year was 64.1%, and the mean catheter-patency period was 311.9 days. Patients in group A (CR+PR,n=21) survived significantly longer than those in group B (MR+NC+PD,n=40;P<0.05).

We compute the Isgur-Wise function using the heavy quark effective theory formulated on the lattice. The kinetic energy term of the heavy quark is included to the action as well as the terms remaining in the infinite mass limit. The classical velocity of the heavy quark is renormalized on the lattice and we determine the renormalized velocity non-perturbatively using the energy-momentun dispersion relation. The slope of the Isgur-Wise function at zero recoil is obtained at β = 6.0 on a 243 ×48 lattice and the size of O(1/mQ)-correction is estimated.

We investigate the effects of low-lying fermion eigenmodes on the QCD partition function in the ∈-regime. The fermion determinant is approximated by a truncated product of low-lying eigenvalues of the overlap Dirac operator. With two flavors of dynamical quarks, we observe that the lattice results for the lowest eigenvalue distribution, eigenvalue sum rules and partition function reproduce the analytic predictions of Leutwyler and Smilga, which strongly depend on the topological charge of the background gauge configuration. The values of the chiral condensate extracted from these measurements are consistent. For one dynamical quark flavor, on the other hand, we find an apparent disagreement among the different determinations of the chiral condensate. This may suggest the failure of the ∈-expansion in the absence of a massless Nambu-Goldstone boson.

We present a quenched calculation of meson correlators using the overlap fermion with very small masses, 2.6–13 MeV. In this region, the pion Compton wavelength is larger than our lattice size (L ≃ 1.23 fm), and the system is in the so-called ɛ-regime of chiral perturbation theory. We find that the scalar and pseudo-scalar correlators are accurately approximated by a few hundred low-lying fermion eigenmodes in this regime, whereas the axial-vector correlator contains significant contributions from higher eigenmodes. We also compute the disconnected pseudo-scalar correlator, which is well saturated with low-lying modes. Matching these lattice data with the one-loop expressions for the correlators in quenched chiral perturbation theory, we evaluate the decay constant Fπ and the chiral condensate Σ, as well as the parameters m22 and α, which describe the artifacts of the quenched approximation.

Ti thin films have been grown on SiO2glass layers at 350°C by ultrahigh vacuum magnetron sputtering with a small amount of H2O, H2or O2gas introduction to investigate the influence of adsorption on the crystallographic orientation of the Ti films. In situreflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and ex situX-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that a water vapor introduction at the beginning of sputter deposition promotes a highly preferred (002) orientation, whereas H2gas or O2gas introduction does not affect the orientation. These results indicate that the increase of water chemisorption on the substrate by H2O gas introduction and reduction of the surface free energy enhance the self-assembly of the Ti atoms toward the most stable C-axis orientation.