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A sounding-rocket program called the Chromospheric Lyman-Alpha Spectro-Polarimeter (CLASP) is proposed to be launched in the summer of 2014. CLASP will observe the solar chromosphere in Ly-alpha (121.567 nm), aiming to detect the linear polarization signal produced by scattering processes and the Hanle effect for the first time. The polarimeter of CLASP consists of a rotating half-waveplate, a beam splitter, and a polarization analyzer. Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) is used for these optical components, because MgF2 exhibits birefringent property and high transparency at ultraviolet wavelength. The development and comprehensive testing program of the optical components of the polarimeter is underway using the synchrotron beamline at the Ultraviolet Synchrotron Orbital Radiation Facility (UVSOR). The first objective is deriving the optical constants of MgF2 by the measurement of the reflectance and transmittance against oblique incident angles for the s-polarized and the p-polarized light. The ordinary refractive index and extinction coefficient along the ordinary and extraordinary axes are derived with a least-square fitting in such a way that the reflectance and transmittance satisfy the Kramers-Krönig relation. The reflection at the Brewster's Angle of MgF2 plate is confirmed to become a good polarization analyzer at Ly-alpha. The second objective is the retardation measurement of a zeroth-order waveplate made of MgF2. The retardation of a waveplate is determined by observing the modulation amplitude that comes out of a waveplate and a polarization analyzer. We tested a waveplate with the thickness difference of 14.57 um. The 14.57 um waveplate worked as a half-waveplate at 121.74 nm. We derived that a waveplate with the thickness difference of 15.71 um will work as a half-waveplate at Ly-alpha wavelength. We developed a prototype of CLASP polarimeter using the MgF2 half-waveplate and polarization analyzers, and succeeded in obtaining the modulation patterns that are consistent with the theoretical prediction. We confirm that the performance of the prototype is optimized for measuring linear polarization signal with the least effect of the crosstalk from the circular polarization.

The Bcl-2 gene is the first member of a rapidly expanding family of genes that regulate apoptosis. Bcl-2 has been shown to repress cell death triggered by a diverse array of stimuli including chemotherapy and @c-irradiation. Chemotherapy of feline lymphoma is generally carried out with antineoplastic drugs, which are reported to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. However, the precise apoptotic signals, induced by chemotherapeutic drugs against feline tumors have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we have evaluated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL in FT-1 upon in vitro treatment with these drugs. In the present study, full length of feline Bcl-xL gene was sequenced, and the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL mRNAs in feline lymphoma cell line (FT-1) cultured with doxorubicin, prednisolone or vincristine were investigated. Feline Bcl-xL clone was 1163 base pairs in length and encoded 233 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence was 99.1%, 98.7%, 96.1%, 97.4%, 97.0% and 97.9% homologous to predicted Bcl-xL of dog, human, mouse, pig, rat and sheep, respectively. The levels of Bcl-2 transcripts at 24h incubation in FT-1 stimulated with doxorubicin (0.3@mg/ml), prednisolone (0.2@mg/ml) and vincristine (5ng/ml) were increased to about 41.0-, 62.0- and 11.1-fold to those in non-stimulated FT-1, respectively. On the other hand, the level of Bcl-xL transcripts at 24h incubation in FT-1 stimulated by doxorubicin and prednisolone were significantly increased about 4.2- and 5.8-folds to the controls and inducible level of Bcl-xL by vincristine was decreased about 0.35-folds.

Full-length canineHSP70cDNA was sequenced and the expression ofHSP70mRNA was investigated. The full-length cDNA sequence of the HSP70 gene (2322 bp) contained a single long open reading frame (1920 bp) coding a protein of 640 amino acids. The amino acid sequence of the canineHSP70gene shared about 90–95% sequence similarity with bovine, human and mouseHSP70proteins. Southern blot analysis with HSP70 probe gave three distinct bands of 9.4 kb, 5 kb and 4.4 kb inBamHI digests and two distinct bands of 19 kb and 4 kb inEcoRI digests. CanineHSP70mRNA was detectable in canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stomach but not in liver, kidney, spleen, small intestine, large intestine and skin of dogs.

A nonsporulating isolate from a dog with dermatophytosis was identified as Trichophyton rubrumby molecular analysis. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene from the isolate indicated more than 99% sequence similarity with other human and canine isolates of T. rubrum. The molecular typing suggested that isolates of T. rubrumfrom human and canine sources were genetically identical.

Using cDNA from a CRFK cell line as a template, PCR amplification was performed with the Ub1S and poly(dT) primers to isolate feline ubiquitin genes. Sequencing of the 495 bp PCR fragment revealed that the putative amino acids induced by this fragment gave a fusion protein consisting of a ubiquitin polypeptide (76 amino acids) and an extension protein of ribosomal proteins L40 (52 amino acids). The putative amino acid sequence of ubiquitin was identical to those of humans, rats and pigs. The recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)–feline ubiquitin fusion proteins were produced in Escherichia coliand purified. The fusion proteins had a molecular weight of about 42 kDa and were detected by immunoblot assay with rabbit anti-ubiquitin antiserum. The mRNAs from heat-shocked and non-heat-shocked cells were subjected to RT-PCR (Ub1S and poly(dT) primers) analysis. The molecular weights of the ubiquitinated proteins in heat-shocked CFRK cells were between 18 kDa and 24 kDa by immunoblot assay. These results suggested that there were more ubiquinated proteins in the heat-shocked CRFK cells than in the pre-heat-shocked cells.

Molecular investigation of 110 clinical isolates of non-lipid-dependent Malassezia pachydermatisfrom dogs and cats was carried out by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and chitin synthase 2 (CHS2) gene sequence analyses. The RAPD analysis indicated that the clinical isolates of M. pachydermatisconstituted four distinct genetic types (A, B, C and D). Moreover, the results from CHS2gene analysis completely agreed with those from the RAPD analyses. The clinical isolates of M. pachydermatiswere obtained from normal external ears, lesions of atopic dermatitis, flea allergic dermatitis, otitis externa, pyoderma and seborrheic dermatitidis in dogs and cats. Type A consisted of 93 clinical isolates as well as the ex-neotype strain of M. pachydermatis. The isolates of type A M. pachydermatisoriginated from lesions of all kinds of diseases. They were predominant on dog and cat skin. The other types, B, C, and D were isolated mainly from otitis externa.

The nucleotide sequences of CAP59 genes from five serotypes of Cryptococcus neoformans were analyzed for their phylogenetic relationships. Approximately 600-bp genomic DNA fragments of the CAP59 gene were amplified from each isolate by PCR and sequenced. The CAP59 nucleotide sequences of C. neoformans showed more than 90% similarity among the five serotypes. By phylogenetic analysis, their sequences were divided into three clusters: serotypes A and AD, serotypes B and C, and serotype D. In addition, the results of reduced amino acid sequences were similar to the nucleotide sequence data. These data revealed that serotype AD was genetically close to serotype A rather than serotype D, although it had been considered to be a mixed type of serotype A and D by serological analysis. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequences of the serotype B and C isolates of C. neoformans were very similar to each other. These results indicated that serotype B and C isolates belonging to C. neoformans var. gattii were genetically homogeneous and closely related. The molecular analysis of the CAP59 gene will provide useful information for the differentiation of serotypes of C. neoformans and for an understanding of their phylogenetic relationships.

Nucleotide sequences of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene were analysed for the phylogenetic relation between Trichophyton violaceum and T. rubrum, including two isolates of T. raubitschekii and one isolate of T. rubrum var. nigricans. About 620-bp genomic DNA fragments of the CHS1 gene were amplified from these dermatophytes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The CHS1 nucleotide sequences of these dermatophytes showed more than 95% similarity between the species. The phylogenetic analysis of their sequences revealed that T. rubrum was genetically distinct from T. violaceum. The specific restriction endonuclease site for HinfI was present in the CHS1 gene sequence of T. rubrum but not in that of T. violaceum. A molecular analysis of CHS1 genes will provide useful information for the identification of these Trichophyton species and the understanding of their evolution.

Nucleotide sequences of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene were analysed for the phylogenetic relation between Trichophyton violaceumand T. rubrum, including two isolates of T. raubitschekiiand one isolate of T. rubrumvar. nigricans. About 620-bp genomic DNA fragments of the CHS1gene were amplified from these dermatophytes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The CHS1nucleotide sequences of these dermatophytes showed more than 95% similarity between the species. The phylogenetic analysis of their sequences revealed that T. rubrumwas genetically distinct from T. violaceum. The specific restriction endonuclease site for HinfI was present in the CHS1gene sequence of T. rubrumbut not in that of T. violaceum.A molecular analysis of CHS1genes will provide useful information for the identification of these Trichophytonspecies and the understanding of their evolution.

Sporothrix(Ophiostomatales) comprises species that are pathogenic to humans and other mammals as well as environmental fungi. Developments in molecular phylogeny have changed our perceptions about the epidemiology, host-association, and virulence of Sporothrix. The classical agent of sporotrichosis, Sporothrix schenckii, now comprises several species nested in a clinical clade with S. brasiliensis, S. globosa, and S. luriei. To gain a more precise view of outbreaks dynamics, structure, and origin of genetic variation within and among populations of Sporothrix, we applied three sets of discriminatory AFLP markers (#3 EcoRI-GA/MseI-TT, #5 EcoRI-GA/MseI-AG, and #6 EcoRI-TA/MseI-AA) and mating-type analysis to a large collection of human, animal and environmental isolates spanning the major endemic areas. A total of 451 polymorphic loci were amplified in vitrofrom 188 samples, and revealed high polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.1765–0.2253), marker index (MI = 0.0001–0.0002), effective multiplex ratio (E = 15.1720–23.5591), resolving power (Rp = 26.1075–40.2795), discriminating power (D = 0.9766–0.9879), expected heterozygosity (H = 0.1957–0.2588), and mean heterozygosity (Havp = 0.000007–0.000009), demonstrating the effectiveness of AFLP markers to speciate Sporothrix. Analysis using the program structureindicated three genetic clusters matching S. brasiliensis(population 1), S. schenckii(population 2), and S. globosa(population 3), with the presence of patterns of admixture amongst all populations. AMOVA revealed highly structured clusters (PhiPT = 0.458–0.484, P < 0.0001), with roughly equivalent genetic variability within (46–48 %) and between (52–54 %) populations. Heterothallism was the exclusive mating strategy, and the distributions of MAT1-1or MAT1-2idiomorphs were not significantly skewed (1:1 ratio) for S. schenckii(χ2 = 2.522; P = 0.1122), supporting random mating. In contrast, skewed distributions were found for S. globosa(χ2 = 9.529; P = 0.0020) with a predominance of MAT1-1isolates, and regional differences were highlighted for S. brasiliensiswith the overwhelming occurrence of MAT1-2in Rio de Janeiro (χ2 = 14.222; P = 0.0002) and Pernambuco (χ2 = 7.364; P = 0.0067), in comparison to a higher prevalence of MAT1-1in the Rio Grande do Sul (χ2 = 7.364; P = 0.0067). Epidemiological trends reveal the geographic expansion of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis due to S. brasiliensisvia founder effect. These data support Rio de Janeiro as the centre of origin that has led to the spread of this disease to other regions in Brazil. Our ability to reconstruct the source, spread, and evolution of the ongoing outbreaks from molecular data provides high-quality information for decision-making aimed at mitigating the progression of the disease. Other uses include surveillance, rapid diagnosis, case connectivity, and guiding access to appropriate antifungal treatment.

We present an overview and instrumental details of the solar XUV Doppler Telescope (XDT) launched in January 1998 with the S520CN-22 sounding rocket of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science. The XDT observes nearly single-temperature solar corona at 1.8 MK with angular resolution of ≈ 5′′ pixel size, together with the ability to detect the coronal velocity field with a full-Sun field of view. By use of normal incidence optics whose primary and secondary mirrors are coated with multilayer materials in two sectors, the XDT takes images of the Sun in a set of shorter and longer wavelength bands around the Fe xiv 211.3 Å emission line. Summation of a pair of images in the two bands provides an image of the 1.8 MK-corona while the difference between the two provides velocity images of the Fe xiv-emitting plasma. A brief description on the observation sequence together with the flight result is also given.

A strain of Fusarium solaniwas isolated from a dog showing many cutaneous and submucosal nodules and pyogranulomatous kidney lesions. Clinical isolates from this systemic infection were identified using microscopic examination and confirmed by molecular analysis.

A nonsporulating isolate from a dog with dermatophytosis was identified as Trichophyton rubrum by molecular analysis. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene from the isolate indicated more than 99% sequence similarity with other human and canine isolates of T. rubrum. The molecular typing suggested that isolates of T. rubrum from human and canine sources were genetically identical.

A strain of Fusarium solani was isolated from a dog showing many cutaneous and submucosal nodules and pyogranulomatous kidney lesions. Clinical isolates from this systemic infection were identified using microscopic examination and confirmed by molecular analysis.

Molecular investigation of 110 clinical isolates of non-lipid-dependent Malassezia pachydermatis from dogs and cats was carried out by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and chitin synthase 2 (CHS2) gene sequence analyses. The RAPD analysis indicated that the clinical isolates of M. pachydermatis constituted four distinct genetic types (A, B, C and D). Moreover, the results from CHS2 gene analysis completely agreed with those from the RAPD analyses. The clinical isolates of M. pachydermatis were obtained from normal external ears, lesions of atopic dermatitis, flea allergic dermatitis, otitis externa, pyoderma and seborrheic dermatitidis in dogs and cats. Type A consisted of 93 clinical isolates as well as the ex-neotype strain of M. pachydermatis. The isolates of type A M. pachydermatis originated from lesions of all kinds of diseases. They were predominant on dog and cat skin. The other types, B, C, and D were isolated mainly from otitis externa.

Nucleotide sequences of chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene were analysed for the phylogenetic relation between Trichophyton violaceum and T. rubrum, including two isolates of T. raubitschekii and one isolate of T. rubrum var. nigricans. About 620-bp genomic DNA fragments of the CHS1 gene were amplified from these dermatophytes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The CHS1 nucleotide sequences of these dermatophytes showed more than 95% similarity between the species. The phylogenetic analysis of their sequences revealed that T. rubrum was genetically distinct from T. violaceum. The specific restriction endonuclease site for HinfI was present in the CHS1 gene sequence of T. rubrum but not in that of T. violaceum. A molecular analysis of CHS1 genes will provide useful information for the identification of these Trichophyton species and the understanding of their evolution.