Effects of the K+→π+ννˉK^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar{\nu} and of other processes on the mixing hierarchies in the four-generation model

We analyze in the four-generation model the first measurement of the branching ratio of rare kaon decay $K^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar{nu}$, along with the other processes of $K_L-K_S$ mass difference $\Delta m_K$, CP-violating parameter $\epsilon_K, B_d-\bar{B_d}$ mixing, $B_s-\bar{B_s}$ mixing, $B(K_L\to\mu\bar{\mu})$, and the upper bound values of $D^0-\bar{D^0}$ mixing and $B(K_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu})$, and try to search for mixing of the fourth generation in the hierarchical mixing scheme of the Wolfenstein parametrization. Using the results for the mixing of the fourth generation, we discuss predictions of the $D^0-\bar{D^0}$ mixing ($\Delta m_D$) and the branching ratio of directly CP-violating decay process $K_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu}$, and the effects on the CP asymmetry in neutral B meson decays and the unitarity triangle.Comment: 29 pages written in LaTex. 6 figures(drawn on LaTeX). Revised from "$K^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar{\nu}$ in the four-generation model" of the same Authors(TOKUSHIMA 99-1, January 1999). A minor chang

CP violation effect in long-baseline neutrino oscillation in the four-neutrino model

We investigate CP-violation effect in the long-baseline neutrino oscillation in the four-neutrino model with mass scheme of the two nearly degenerate pairs separated with the order of 1 eV, by using the data from the solar neutrino deficit, the atmospheric neutrino anomaly and the LSND experiments along with the other accelerator and reactor experiments. By use of the most general parametrization of the mixing matrix with six angles and six phases, we show that the genuine CP-violation effect could attain as large as 0.3 for $\Delta P(\nu_\mu\to\nu_\tau) \equiv P(\nu_\mu\to\nu_\tau) - P(\bar{\nu_\mu}\to\bar{\nu_\tau})$ and that the matter effect is negligibly small such as at most 0.01 for $\Delta P(\nu_\mu\to\nu_\tau)$ for $\Delta m^2 = (1-5)\times 10^{-3} {\rm eV}^2$, which is the mass-squared difference relevant to the long-baseline oscillation.Comment: 21 pages in LaTeX, 9 ps figures. Some changes in the Introduction and Reference

New Physics in CP Asymmetries and Rare B Decays

We review and update the effects of physics beyond the standard model on CP asymmetries in B decays. These asymmetries can be significantly altered if there are important new-physics contributions to \bqbqbar mixing. This same new physics will therefore also contribute to rare, flavor-changing B decays. Through a study of such decays, we show that it is possible to partially distinguish the different models of new physics.Comment: 42 pages, plain TeX (macros included), 1 figure (included). A few sentences added, references updated. Present manuscript is now identical to the version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of MPPa-2, a novel mouse transcript detected in a differential screen of pituitary libraries

We identified a novel isoform transcript, MPP alpha-2, of the mouse Mg(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase (MPP) alpha gene. The amino acid sequence encoded by MPP alpha-2 differs from the previously known MPP alpha-1 sequence only at the carboxyl terminal region. Northern and in situ hybridization analysis revealed differential expression patterns of these two transcripts in the embryo and in the adult organism, suggesting an elaborate regulation of the MPP alpha gene

Discovery of a Featureless X-Ray Spectrum in the Supernova Remnant Shell of G330.2+1.0

We report here on the first pointed X-ray observation of the supernova remnant (SNR) G330.2+1.0. The X-ray morphology is characterized by an extended shell. Its X-ray spectrum is well represented by a single power-law function with a photon index of $\gamma\simeq 2.8$ and interstellar absorption of $n_{\rm H}\simeq2.6\times 10^{22}$[cm$^{-2}$]. We interpret this emission as synchrotron radiation from accelerated electrons at the SNR shock, as seen in SN 1006. The surface brightness of the X-ray emission is anti-correlated with the radio emission, and the power-law spectrum is dominated at the western shell where the radio emission is weak. The co-existence of two distinct (radio bright/X-ray faint and radio faint/X-ray bright) shells in a single supernova remnant challenges our understanding of the particle acceleration and radiation mechanisms in different interstellar environments. The object may be a good target for searching TeV gamma-rays and molecular gas surrounding the blast shock. We also report on the nature of a bright point-like source (AX J1601-5143) to the south of the SNR.Comment: PASJ, in pres

Role of the Functional Toll-Like Receptor-9 Promoter Polymorphism (-1237T/C) in Increased Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease:A Case-Control Study

Inflammation induced by infectious and noninfectious triggers in the kidney may lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD). Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) a receptor for CpG DNA is involved in activation of immune cells in renal disease and may contribute to chronic inflammatory disease progression through an interleukin-6 (IL-6) dependent pathway. Previous studies indicate that -1237T/C confers regulatory effects on TLR-9 transcription. To date the effect of TLR-9 polymorphisms on ESRD remains unknown. We performed a case-control study and genotyped 630 ESRD patients and 415 controls for -1237T/C, -1486T/C and 1635G/A by real-time PCR assays and assessed plasma concentration of IL-6 by ELISA. Haplotype association analysis was performed using the Haploview package. A luciferase reporter assay and real-time PCR were used to test the function of the -1237T/C promoter polymorphism. A significant association between -1237T/C in TLR-9 and ESRD was identified. The TCA, TTA and CCA haplotype of TLR-9 were associated with ESRD. ESRD patients carrying -1237TC had a higher mean plasma IL-6 level when compared with -1237TT. The TLR-9 transcriptional activity of the variant -1237CC allele is higher than the -1237TT allele. The results indicate that in a Han Chinese population the presence of the C allele of -1237T/C in the TLR-9 gene increases susceptibility towards development of ESRD. In vitro studies demonstrate that -1237T/C may be involved in the development of ESRD through transcriptional modulation of TLR-9

Reasons for Tooth Extractions in Japan: The Second Nationwide Survey

BACKGROUND: More than 10 years have passed since the first nationwide study on the reasons for tooth extraction in Japan. In the present study, we conducted the second nationwide survey to update the previous data. METHODS: This was a descriptive study. A sample population consisting of 5,250 dentists was selected by systematic random sampling using the 2018 membership directory of the Japan Dental Association. The reason for each permanent tooth extraction was documented by each dentist during a period of 1 week from June 4 to June 10, 2018. A questionnaire was provided for documentation. Reasons for tooth extraction were categorised into 6 groups as follows: caries, periodontal disease, fracture, orthodontics, impacted teeth, and others. RESULTS: A total of 2345 identified dentists responded to the questionnaire (recovery rate: 44.8%). Information on 7809 extracted teeth from 6398 patients was obtained. Periodontal disease was the main reason for tooth extraction for both sexes (men: 40.4%, women: 34.9%). Caries accounted for 30.2% of tooth extractions among men and 29.0% among women. Periodontal disease was predominant in the groups older than 55 years of age. Dental fracture accounted for 16.8% of tooth extractions among men and 19.2% among women. CONCLUSIONS: Caries and periodontal disease are still the main reasons for tooth extraction in Japan. Moreover, dentists should note that fractures accounted for approximately one-fifth of permanent tooth extractions after the age of 45 years

Self-Reported Diabetes Mellitus and Tooth Extraction Due to Periodontal Disease and Dental Caries in the Japanese Population

Diabetes mellitus is closely related to oral health. We aimed to determine the relationship between diabetes mellitus and tooth extraction due to periodontal disease and dental caries. Japan’s second nationwide survey data collected from 4 June to 10 June 2018 was used to identify reasons for tooth extraction among patients aged > 40 years. General dentists collected information on patients who underwent tooth extraction procedures, and the presence of diabetes mellitus was determined through interviews. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the reasons for tooth extraction, including periodontal disease and dental caries. In total, 2345 dentists responded to the survey (response rate 44.8%). We analyzed data on 4625 extracted teeth from 3750 patients (1815 males and 1935 females). Among patients with self-reported diabetes mellitus, 55.4% had extractions due to periodontal disease compared to 46.7% of such extractions among those without self-reported diabetes mellitus. Self-reported diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with tooth extraction due to periodontal disease. No significant differences were observed in dental caries according to self-reported diabetes mellitus status. This study provides further evidence of a significant association between diabetes mellitus and tooth extraction due to periodontal disease

Macrocytosis may be associated with mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients: a prospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Macrocytosis occurs in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients; however, its significance is unknown. The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence and distribution of macrocytosis, to identify its clinical associations and to determine if macrocytosis is associated with mortality in stable, chronic hemodialysis patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a single-centre prospective cohort study of 150 stable, adult CHD patients followed for nine months. Macrocytosis was defined as a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) > 97 fl. We analyzed MCV as a continuous variable, in tertiles and using a cutoff point of 102 fl.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean MCV was 99.1 ± 6.4 fl, (range 66-120 fl). MCV was normally distributed. 92 (61%) of patients had an MCV > 97 fl and 45 (30%) > 102 fl. Patients were not B12 or folate deficient in those with available data and three patients with an MCV > 102 fl had hypothyroidism. In a logistic regression analysis, an MCV > 102 fl was associated with a higher Charlson-Age Comorbidity Index (CACI) and higher ratios of darbepoetin alfa to hemoglobin (Hb), [(weekly darbepoetin alfa dose in micrograms per kg body weight / Hb in g/L)*1000]. There were 23 deaths at nine months in this study. Unadjusted MCV > 102 fl was associated with mortality (HR 3.24, 95% CI 1.42-7.39, P = 0.005). Adjusting for the CACI, an MCV > 102 fl was still associated with mortality (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.07-5.71, P = 0.035).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Macrocytosis may be associated with mortality in stable, chronic hemodialysis patients. Future studies will need to be conducted to confirm this finding.</p