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Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by Clostridium botulinum, cleaves proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, thereby triggering flaccid paralyses, which are responsible for botulism. BoNT is classified into seven serotypes (BoNT/A-G); BoNT/A and BoNT/B are used as medical therapeutics and anti-wrinkle reagents. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of BoNT/CD, a mosaic toxin of BoNT/C and BoNT/D, to assess its potential as a therapeutic alternative for BoNT/A. In a cultured neuron assay, BoNT/CD cleaved syntaxin and SNAP-25 with higher efficacy than BoNT/C and BoNT/A. Intramuscularly administrated BoNT/CD induced dose-dependent muscle paralysis, and the paralysis lasted ~21 days in a mouse digit abduction score assay (BoNT/A-induced paralysis lasted ~30 days). BoNT/C failed to induce local paralysis without systemic toxicity. Multiple alignment analyses of the amino acid sequences of the receptor binding domain (HC) of eight BoNT/CDs and two BoNT/Ds showed sequence clustering in five groups. Comparing BoNT/CD strain 003-9 (BoNT/CD003-9) and strain 6813 (BoNT/CD6813) showed that both BoNT/CDs displayed similar efficacies in cultured neurons, but BoNT/CD003-9 displayed higher efficacy in a mouse model than BoNT/CD6813. These findings suggest that BoNT/CD may be a potential alternative for patients who do not respond to existing BoNT-based therapeutics.

This data article features four figures showing the correlations between the biomass of fish and scallop landed in Okhotsk subprefecture (Hokkaido, Japan) and airfreights from Memanbetsu Airport, a dominant airport in the subprefecture. Total landings of fish and scallop were collected from Hokkaido government office website while the airfreight data were acquired from the Memanbetsu Airport management office. The second and third figures in this data article are in a matrix heatmap format and a line graph, representing the statistical monthly data of airfreights from the airport and fish and scallop landings in the subprefecture; data were gathered from 2009 to 2018. Data were gathered from 2009 to 2018. The airfreight data reflect the increase and decrease in the total fish or scallop landings in the subprefecture. A Pearson's correlation coefficient and cross-correlation statistics between monthly airfreight and monthly fish landings were performed to assess their correlation and annual periodic relationship. This article also provides a data figure that shows an increasing active opening ratio to secure human resources in the motor truck transportation industry in Japan. This may be due to a workforce shortage in this trade. Annual data on the active opening ratio for jobs in Japan from 2001 to 2018 were collected from the open data available on the website of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

This article describes the inhibitory effects of extracts from 25 plants harvested in Sri Lanka against tyrosinase and collagenase. Inhibitors of these enzymes are common ingredients in cosmetics and medications, which help protect the skin against hyperpigmentation and premature aging. The article also discusses the polyphenol content of the extracts, which is well known to possess antioxidant properties. The extract data from the following plants, which have a long history in Sri Lankan traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, have been provided: English name, “local name in Sri Lanka,” (scientific name). Indian copperleaf plant, “kuppameniya,” (Acalypha indica); red sandalwood, “madatiya”, (Adenanthera pavonina); balipoovu plant, “polpala,” (Aerva lanata); snap ginger, “heen araththa,” (Alpinia calcarata); bael fruit, “beli,” (Aegle marmelos); coastal waterhyssop, “lunuwila,” (Bacopa monnieri); porcupine flower, “katu karandu,” (Barleria prionitis); balloon-vine plant, “wel penera,” (Cardiospermum halicacabum); water caltrop, “Katupila,” (Flueggea leucopyrus); Indian sarsparilla, “iramusu,” (Hemidesmus indicus); malabar nut plant, “adhatoda,” (Justicia adhatoda); wood apple, “divul,” (Limonia acidissima); holy basil plant, “maduruthala,” (Ocimum tenuiflorum); emblic myrobalan plant, “nelli,” (Phyllanthus emblica); long pepper plant,”thippili,” (Piper longum); country borage plant, “kapparawalliya,” (Plectranthus amboinicus); common sesban, “wel murunga,” (Sesbania sesban); turkey berry, “gona batu,” (Solanum rudepannum Dunal); purple fruited pea eggplant,”welthibbatu,” (Solanum trilobatum); black plum, “madan,” (Syzygium cumini); crape jasmine, “wathusudda,” (Tabernaemontana divaricate); purple tephrosia, “pila,” (Tephrosia purpurea); Chinese chaste tree, “nika,” (Vitex negundo); and arctic snow, “suduidda,” (Wrightia antidysenterica). The inhibitory effects of these plant extracts on tyrosinase and collagenase, as well as polyphenol contents in the extracts, are detailed in Table 1.

This article describes the effects of extracts of several plants collected in Sri Lanka on the cell number of human skin fibroblasts. This study especially focuses on the plants traditionally used in indigenous systems of medicine in Sri Lanka, such as Ayurveda, as described below (English name, “local name in Sri Lanka,” scientific name). Bougainvillea plant, “bouganvilla,” Bougainvillea grabla (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [1], purple fruited pea eggplant,”welthibbatu,” Solanum trilobatum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [2], country borage plant, “kapparawalliya,” Plectranthus amboinicus (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [3], malabar nut plant, “adhatoda,” Justicia adhatoda (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [4], long pepper plant,”thippili,” Piper longum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [5], holy basil plant, “maduruthala,” Ocimum tenuiflorum (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [6], air plant, “akkapana,” Kalanchoe pinnata (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [7], plumed cockscomb plant, “kiri-henda,” Celosia argentea (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [8], neem plant,”kohomba,” Azadirachta indica (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [9], emblic myrobalan plant, “nelli,” Phyllanthus emblica (Nature׳s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [10]. Human skin fibroblast cells were treated with various concentration of plant extracts (0–3.0%), and the cell viability of cells were detected using calcein assay. The cell viabillity profiles are provided as line graphs. Keywords: Cell number, Fibroblasts, Calcein assay, Traditional plant, Medical herb

We analyzed the volatile compounds produced by serotype D Clostridium botulinum (D-CB16) in trypticase peptone/yeast extract/glucose (TYG) medium using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The volatile compounds were captured by solid-phase microextraction and applied to GC/MS for separation and identification of the compounds in TYG medium with or without the cultivation of C. botulinum D-CB16. Thirty-five and 34 volatile compounds were identified in media without and with D-CB16 cultivation, respectively. Of the compounds identified in the medium with the strain, twenty-one were not detected in the original medium, indicating that these were produced by C. botulinum D-CB16. Keywords: Clostridium botulinum, Volatile compounds, Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, Food poisoning, Botulism

This article describes the effects of extracts of several plants collected in Sri Lanka on the number of human skin keratinocytes. This study especially focuses on the plants traditionally used in indigenous systems of medicine in Sri Lanka, such as Ayurveda, as described below (English name, “local name in Sri Lanka,” scientific name). Neem plant,”kohomba,” Azadirachta indica (Sujarwo et al., 2016; Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [1,2], emblic myrobalan plant, “nelli,” Phyllanthus emblica (Singh et al., 2011; Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [3,4], malabar nut plant, “adhatoda,” Justicia adhatoda (Claeson et al., 2000; Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [5,6], holy basil plant, “maduruthala,” Ocimum tenuiflorum ( Cohen et al., 2014; Nature’s Beauty Creations Ltd., 2014) [7,8]. The expression profiles are provided as line graphs. Keywords: Cell number, Keratinocytes, Calcein assay, Traditional plant, Medical herb

This article describes free radical-scavenging activities of extracts of several plants harvested in Sri Lanka through the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. These plants have traditionally been used in the indigenous systems of medicine in Sri Lanka, such as Ayurveda, as described below. (English name, “local name in Sri Lanka,” (scientific name)).bougainvillea plant, “bouganvilla,” (Bougainvillea grabla), purple fruited pea eggplant,”welthibbatu,” (Solanum trilobatum) [1], country borage plant, “kapparawalliya,” (Plectranthus amboinicus) [2], malabar nut plant, “adhatoda,” (Justicia adhatoda) [3], long pepper plant,”thippili,” (Piper longum) [4], holy basil plant, “maduruthala,” (Ocimum tenuiflorum) [5], air plant, “akkapana,” (Kalanchoe pinnata) [6], plumed cockscomb plant, “kiri-henda,” (Celosia argentea) [7], neem plant,”kohomba,” (Azadirachta indica) [8], balipoovu plant, “polpala,” (Aerva lanata) [9], balloon-vine plant, “wel penera,” (Cardiospermum halicacabum) [10], emblic myrobalan plant, “nelli,” (Phyllanthus emblica) [11], indian copperleaf plant, “kuppameniya,” (Acalypha indica) [12], spreading hogweed plant, “pita sudu sarana,” (Boerhavia diffusa) [13], curry leaf plant, “karapincha,” (Murraya koenigii) [14], indian pennywort plant, “gotukola,” (Centera asiatica) [15], jewish plum plant, “ambarella,”(Spondias dulcis) [16]. Keywords: Antioxidative activity, DPPH radical-scavenging assay, Traditional plant, Medical herb

The data provided herein include flow-mediated vasodilation responses, represented by changes in arterial diameter, and blood pressure in young adults after a single oral dose of edible emu oil or placebo (cross-over design). Ten healthy men and 10 healthy women participated. Increased blood flow in the antebrachial region was induced by inflating a pressure cuff and subsequently releasing the pressure by deflating the cuff. After the release, the arterial diameter was continuously monitored for 110 sec using ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The changes in the arterial diameter from 20 to 110 sec post-cuff deflation are described in line graphs and tables. In addition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure data are provided in a table.

This data article provides gene expression profiles, determined by using real-time PCR, of fibroblasts and keratinocytes treated with 0.01% and 0.001% extracts of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum), sri lankan local name “maduruthala”, 0.1% and 0.01% extracts of malabar nut plant (Justicia adhatoda), sri lankan local name “adayhoda” and 0.003% and 0.001% extracts of emblic myrobalan plant (Phyllanthus emblica), sri lankan local name “nelli”, harvested in Sri Lanka. For fibroblasts, the dataset includes expression profiles for genes encoding hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1), hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2), versican, aggrecan, CD44, collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen, type III, alpha 1 (COL3A1), collagen, type VII, alpha 1 (COL7A1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), acid ceramidase, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3). For keratinocytes, the expression profiles are for genes encoding HAS1, HAS2, HYAL1, HYAL2, versican, CD44, IL-1α, cox2, TGF-β, AQP3, Laminin5, collagen, type XVII, alpha 1 (COL17A1), integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6), ceramide synthase 3 (CERS3), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 1 (ELOVL1), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4 (ELOVL4), filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), and keratin 1 (KRT1). The expression profiles are provided as bar graphs. Keywords: Real-time PCR, Gene expression profile, Fibroblast, Keratinocyte, Holy basil extract, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Maduruthala, Malabar nut plant extract, Justicia adhatoda, Adayhoda, Emblic myrobalan extract, Phyllanthus emblica, Nelli

This data article reports the chemical properties (moisture, pH, salinity, and soluble solid content) and colors of fermenting materials in salmon fish sauce products. The fish sauce was produced by mixing salt with differing proportions of raw salmon materials and fermenting for three months; the salmon materials comprised flesh, viscera, an inedible portion, and soft roe. Chemical properties and colors of the unrefined fish sauce (moromi), and the refined fish sauce, were analyzed at one, two, and three months following the start of fermentation. Data determined for all products are provided in table format. Keywords: Fish sauce, Chum salmon, Fermentation, Chemical properties, Color

Fish sauce is a brownish liquid seasoning with a characteristic flavor that is produced in Asian countries and limited areas of Europe. The types of fish and shellfish and fermentation process used in its production depend on the region from which it derives. Variations in ingredients and fermentation procedures yield end products with different smells, tastes, and colors. For this data article, we employed an electronic panel (e-panel) technique including an electronic nose (e-nose), electronic tongue (e-tongue), and electronic eye (e-eye), in which smell, taste, and color are evaluated by sensors instead of the human nose, tongue, and eye to avoid subjective error. The presented data comprise clustering of 46 commercially available fish sauce products based separate e-nose, e-tongue, and e-eye test results. Sensory intensity data from the e-nose, e-tongue, and e-eye were separately classified by cluster analysis and are shown in dendrograms. The hierarchical cluster analysis indicates major three groups on e-nose and e-tongue data, and major four groups on e-eye data.

Dried scallop is used in Chinese, Japanese, and French cuisines for its unique flavor and taste. The quality of dried scallop is rated according to its clear, shiny brown color, developed by the Maillard reaction between sugars and amino acids. This article reports the colors, represented by L* and a* values, and chemical composition (water, salinity, Brix, proteins, and amino acids) of dried scallop products. The dried scallops were produced in Tokoro, Sarufutsu, and Saroma in Hokkaido, Japan. The color of the dried scallops had values of 45.7–52.0 for L* and 2.31–5.08 for a*. The salinity of the products was 15.1–17.7%. The amino acid contents were 1350.8–1668.6 mg/100 g. The data collected here are provided in table format. The data can serve as a reference for commercial dried scallop products to determine product quality. Keywords: Quality of products, Dried scallop, Seasoning ingredient, Browning

This data article provides the free amino acid contents of Japanese basket clams from different areas of Lake Abashiri and Abashirigawa River, which belong to the same water system. Abashirigawa River flows into the south side of Lake Abashiri and then runs out from the northeast side of the lake. Clams were caught in three different areas in Lake Abashiri (Memanbetsu, Yobito, and Katayama) and from one site at Abashirigawa River (Sancho). Free amino acids in the edible portion of the clams were analyzed using an automated amino acid analyzer. The clams showed high contents in β-alanine, alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. The clams caught in the river contains relatively higher amino acid contents. The analyzed data are provided in table format. Keywords: Free amino acid, Japanese basket clams, Habitat

This data article describes the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) responses, represented by changes in arterial diameter, and blood pressure changes in young adults after a single oral dose of camu camu (Myrciaria dubia) pericarp extract or placebo (cross-over design). Ten healthy men and 10 healthy women participated in this study. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment was used to monitor arterial diameter changes, indicative of FMD, for 110 s after the administration of the camu camu extract or placebo. In addition, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were recorded.

This data article provides gene expression profiles, determined by using real-time PCR, of fibroblasts and keratinocytes treated with 0.01% and 0.001% extracts of neem plant (Azadirachta indica), local name “Kohomba” in Sri Lanka, harvested in Sri Lanka. For fibroblasts, the dataset includes expression profiles for genes encoding hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1), hyaluronidase-2 (HYAL2), versican, aggrecan, CD44, collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), collagen, type III, alpha 1 (COL3A1), collagen, type VII, alpha 1 (COL7A1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), acid ceramidase, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and aquaporin 3 (AQP3). For keratinocytes, the expression profiles are for genes encoding HAS1, HAS2, HYAL1, HYAL2, versican, CD44, IL-1α, cox2, TGF-β, AQP3, Laminin5, collagen, type XVII, alpha 1 (COL17A1), integrin alpha-6 (ITGA6), ceramide synthase 3 (CERS3), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 1 (ELOVL1), elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 4 (ELOVL4), filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), and keratin 1 (KRT1). The expression profiles are provided as bar graphs. Keywords: Real-time PCR, Gene expression profile, Fibroblast, Keratinocyte, Neem extract, Azadirachta indica, Kohomba

This data article provides the results of skin sensitization testing for emu and macadamia nut oil on 20 participants (ages 22â59 years old), including 3 men and 17 women. The test was carried out by performing a standard patch test using a Finn Chamber on Scanpor tape. The oils were applied to the participant's back using the tape and left in place for 24Â h. After 1- and 24-h from removal of the tape, the reaction of the participant's skin was judged based on a scoring method recommended by Japanese Patch Test Research Group. Results are shown in table format. Keywords: Emu, Macadamia nut, Safety, Patch test

This data article reports on the chemical properties of commercial fish sauce products associated with the fish sauce taste and flavor. All products were analyzed in triplicate. Dried solid content was analyzed by moisture analyzer. Fish sauce salinity was determined by a salt meter. pH was measured using a pH meter. The acidity was determined using a titration assay. Amino nitrogen and total nitrogen were evaluated using a titration assay and Combustion-type nitrogen analyzer, respectively.The analyzed products originated from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Italy. Data on the chemical properties of the products are provided in table format in the current article. Keywords: Fish sauce, Chemical property, Salinity, Protein digestion, Fermented foods

This data article provides spatiotemporal patterns of the foundation of Japanese companies in China. The data for companies in the food manufacturing, wholesaling, and service industries were collected from published lists of Chinese companies founded through the investment of Japanese companies. The data are provided in a matrix heatmap format, a two-dimensional visualization of data using color to represent the magnitude of two variables: year of foundation and area in China where the company is located. Keywords: China, Japan, Industry, Heatmap

This data article describes Internet activities in Japan related to entry into the Chinese market from 2004 to 2015 using data obtained from mining Google Trends. The search volumes were processed and correlated with statistical annual data on the number of Chinese companies founded by investment from Japanese companies. Relative search volumes generated by Google Trends reflect the increase and decrease in the number of Chinese companies founded by Japanese companies in the âreal world.â The correlation between relative search volumes generated by Google Trends and foundation of companies in the âreal worldâ in the study period (2004â2015) was statistically significant. Keywords: China, Japan, Google Trends, Data mining

This data article describes a sensory evaluation of potatoes used in food processing from the Tokachi, Kamikawa, and Abashiri geographic areas of Hokkaido, Japan, performed by untrained young adults. We gathered sensory data on potatoes from the four cultivars âToyoshiro,â âKitahime,â âSnowden,â and âPoroshiri.â The sensory evaluation was performed on steamed potatoes from each cultivar; these potatoes were harvested from each of the three geographic areas. Table 1 provides the data from the evaluation of the five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami), as well as the evaluation of the egumi taste, which is a Japanese term indicating a taste that is acrid, astringent, and slightly bitter. Keywords: Potato, Sensory evaluation, Tastes, Cultivars

This data article provides the weights, specific gravities and chemical compositions (moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate) of potato tubers, for food processing use, from the Tokachi, Kamikawa and Abashiri areas of Hokkaido, Japan. Potato tubers of four cultivars (‘Toyoshiro’, ‘Kitahime’, ‘Snowden’ and ‘Poroshiri’) were employed in the current study. The weights and specific gravities of potato tubers from each cultivar, harvested from three areas, were measured, and those of near average weight and specific gravity from each group were analyzed for their chemical composition. In this article, weight, specific gravity, and chemical composition data are provided in tables.

Clostridium botulinum produces the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). Previously, we provided evidence for the “building-block” model of botulinum toxin complex (TC). In this model, a single BoNT is associated with a single nontoxic nonhemagglutinin (NTNHA), yielding M-TC; three HA-70 molecules are attached and form M-TC/HA-70, and one to three “arms” of the HA-33/HA-17 trimer (two HA-33 and one HA-17) further bind to M-TC/HA-70 via HA-17 and HA-70 binding, yielding one-, two-, and three-arm L-TC. Of all TCs, only the three-arm L-TC caused hemagglutination. In this study, we determined the solution structures for the botulinum TCs using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The mature three-arm L-TC exhibited the shape of a “bird spreading its wings”, in contrast to the model having three “arms”, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. SAXS images indicated that one of the three arms of the HA-33/HA-17 trimer bound to both HA-70 and BoNT. Taken together, these findings regarding the conformational changes in the building-block architecture of TC may explain why only three-arm L-TC exhibited hemagglutination.

This article relates to data concerning the number of passengers using buses operating in Abashiri city, Hokkaido, Japan, from 2013 to 2018. Data on the number of passengers for three lines—the shopping line, the Tokyo NODAI line, and the Hagoromo-danchi line—were collected by counting the passengers getting on and off the buses at each stop. The survey was conducted for one week each in February, June, and September of each year of the study period. The data showing the number of customers getting on, getting off, or passing each bus stop are provided in Microsoft Excel Worksheets. Keywords: Public transportation, Bus, City planning, Abashiri city, Japan

This data article provides atomic force microscopy (AFM) amplitude images of botulinum toxin complex (TC) molecules produced by Clostridium botulinum serotype D strain. C. botulinum produces different-sized TC molecules, such as a complex of botulinum neurotoxin and nontoxic nonhemagglutinin proteins (M-TC) and complex of M-TC and hemagglutinin subcomplex (L-TC). In this data article, the M and L-TC produced by serotype D strain 4947 were imaged by AFM. The M-TC molecule had a globular structure with a 30.5-nm diameter and a 2.1-nm height, while the L-TC molecule had a distinct structure in which several spheres were connected to a globular structure that was 40.7 nm in diameter and 3.5 nm in height. Keywords: Clostridium botulinum, Botulinum toxin complex, Atomic force microscopy, Protein structure

This data article features a figure and tables that show the correlations among brand value by Brand Valuation (Interbrand Japan, Inc. Tokyo, Japan), market capitalization, and the consolidated overseas sales ratios of Japanese companies. The figure shows the scatter plot for market capitalization vs. brand value for Japanese companies. The lines in the plot show the regression fits for two groups of companies (domestic and global) with consolidated overseas sales ratios below or above 30%, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between brand value and market capitalization are calculated for global and domestic companies separately. Additionally, cross-tabulation statistics and Chi-square test of independence for brand values and consolidated overseas sales ratios were performed to assess their correlation.

Here, we present data on the effects of emu oil, obtained from emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) fat deposits, on melanogenesis in B16F1 murine melanoma cells. The cells were cultured in media containing different concentrations of emu oil, and the melanin content of these cells was measured using a microplate reader. Next, melanin content was measured for cells cultured with α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This article reports the different melanin contents as μg melanin/mg cellular protein, by using bar graphs with error bars. The present data imply that emu oil reduces the cellular melanin production.

Serotype C and D of Clostridium botulinum produce botulinum toxin complex (TC), which is comprised of botulinum neurotoxin, nontoxic nonhemagglutinin, and hemagglutinins (HAs). The TC is capable of aggregating equine erythrocytes via interaction between one of the HAs, namely HA-33, and sugar chains on the cell surface. This hemagglutination is inhibited by specific sugars. In this data article, we used four TCs from serotype C and D strains. The hemagglutination-inhibiting effects of 18 sugars and 8 glycoproteins were studied. The purified TC was mixed with the sugar to enable binding of the sugar to the TC; then, the erythrocytes were added to the mixture. Specific binding between the sugar and TC resulted in inhibition of cell aggregation. Here, data illustrating the inhibitory effects of various sugars and glycoproteins against hemagglutination induced by TC of C. botulinum serotypes C and D are presented.

This article describes the analysis of volatile compounds in fermented materials used for salmon fish sauce production via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Ten types of fish sauces were produced from raw salmon materials, including various proportions of flesh, viscera, inedible portion (heads, fins, and backbones), and soft roe, by mixing them with salt and allowing them to ferment for up to three months. The volatile compounds were captured by a solid-phase microextraction method and then applied to GC/MS for separation and identification of the compounds in the fish sauce products. The number of volatile compounds identified in the starting materials varied from 15 to 29 depending on the ingredients. The number of compounds in the final fish sauce products was reduced by 3.4–94.7% of that in the original material. The retention times and names of the identified compounds, as well as their relative peak areas, are provided in a Microsoft Excel Worksheet. Keywords: Fish sauce, Volatile compound, Flavor, GC/MS

In Japan, there are two taxa of the genus Salicorniaplants; S. europaeaL. distributed in Hokkaido and S. herbaceaL. distributed on the coast of Inland Sea of Seto. To estimate the polymorphism of the Salicorniaplants, we statistically analyzed the morphological features and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) of five groups from three populations found at Lake Tofutsu and Lake Notori in Hokkaido and Okayama Prefecture on the coast of Inland Sea of Seto. The morphological features, such as plant length, segment number, length and number of branches, and incidence of the secondary branches showed variations among locations. The morphological plasticity of Salicorniaplants was also observed at different plant densities. Thereby these features were difficult to use for identifying the populations. On the other hand, the genotype based on the RAPD markers implied five groups : two groups from the Notori population, two groups from the Tofutsu population and one group from the Okayama population. Additionally the Notori and Tofutsu populations were identified as genotypically related, and different from the Okayama population. The RAPD method, which is one of the simplest and fastest molecular techniques, was found useful for identifying the type of Salicorniaplant.

Extracellular matrices regulate biological processes at the level of cells, tissues, and in some cases, entire multicellular organisms. The subphylum Urochordata exemplifies the latter case, where animals are partially or completely enclosed in "houses" or "tunics". Despite this common strategy, we show that the house proteome of the appendicularian, Oikopleura, has very little in common with the proteome of the sister class, ascidian, Ciona. Of 80 identified house proteins (oikosins), ∼half lack domain modules or similarity to known proteins, suggesting de novo appearance in appendicularians. Gene duplication has been important in generating almost 1/3 of the current oikosin complement, with serial duplications up to 8 paralogs in one family. Expression pattern analyses revealed that individual oikosins are produced from specific fields of cells within the secretory epithelium, but in some cases, migrate up to at least 20 cell diameters in extracellular space to combine in defined house structures. Interestingly, peroxidasin and secretory phospholipase A(2) domains, implicated in innate immune defence are secreted from the anlage associated with the food-concentrating filter, suggesting that this extra-organismal structure may play, in part, such a role in Oikopleura. We also show that sulfation of proteoglycans is required for the hydration and inflation of pre-house rudiments into functional houses. Though correct proportioning in the production of oikosins would seem important in repetitive assembly of the complex house structure, the genomic organization of oikosin loci appears incompatible with common enhancers or locus control regions exerting such a coordinate regulatory role. Thus, though all tunicates employ extracellular matrices based on a cellulose scaffold as a defining feature of the subphylum, they have evolved radically different protein compositions associated with this common underlying structural theme.