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K Kotera

Publications and source records attributed to K Kotera.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Measurement of the K0 charge radius and a CP-violating asymmetry and a search for CP-violating E1 direct photon emission in the rare decay KL--> pi+ pi- e+ e-.

Using the complete KTeV data set of 5,241 candidate K(L)--> pi(+) pi(-) e(+) e(-) decays (including an estimated background of 204 +/- 14 events), we have measured the coupling g(CR)= 0.163 +/- 0.0149(stat) +/- 0.023(syst) of the CP conserving charge radius process and from it determined a K(0) charge radius of = [-0.077 +/- 0.007(stat) +/- 0.011(syst)]fm(2). We have determined a first experimental upper limit of 0.04 (90% C.L.) /g(e1)/ / /g(M1)/ of the couplings for the E1 and M1 direct photon emission processes. We also report the measurement of /g(M1)/ including a vector form factor /g(M1)/(1 + (a(1)/a(2))/((M(2)(p)-(M(2)(k))= 2M(K)E(gamma*)), where vector /g(M1)/= 1.11+/- 0.12(stat) +/- 0.08(syst) and a(1)/a(2) = [-0.744 +/- 0.027(stat) +/- 0.032(syst)] GeV(2)/c(2). Finally, a CP-violating asymmetry of [13.6 +/- 1.4(stat) +/- 1.5(syst)]% in the CP and T odd angle phi between the decay planes of the e(+) e(-) and pi(+) pi(-) pairs in the K(L) center of mass is reported.

Journal Article↗

Observation of the decay xi0 --> sigma+ mu- nu(mu).

The xi0 muon semileptonic decay has been observed for the first time with nine identified events using the KTeV beam line and detector at Fermilab. The decay is normalized to the xi0 beta decay mode and yields a value for the ratio of decay rates gamma(xi0 --> sigma+ mu- nu(mu))/gamma(xi0 --> sigma+ e- nu(e)) of [1.8(-0.5)(+0.7)(stat) +/- 0.2(syst)] x 10(-2). This is in agreement with the SU(3) flavor symmetric quark model.

Journal Article↗

Nuclear localisation of glutathione S-transferase pi is an evaluation factor for drug resistance in gynaecological cancers.

AIMS: Nuclear glutathione S-transferase pi (GST7pi) has been reported to protect cancer cells against anticancer drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of nuclear GSTpi in gynaecological cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out an immunohistochemical analysis of GSTpi, and examined the correlation between nuclear GSTpi: expression and prognosis in 43 epithelial ovarian cancers. We compared expression levels before and after chemotherapy in uterine cervical cancers and endometrial cancers. RESULTS: The 5-year progression-free survival rate of the nuclear GSTpi-positive group was lower than that of the cytoplasmic GSTpi-positive group, and was significantly lower than that of the negative group (14.3% vs 34.8% vs 66.7%; P = 0.041). The expression of nuclear GSTpi was compared before and after chemotherapy in uterine cervical and endometrial cancers. In eight out of 12 cases (66.7%), the expression turned positive after the chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that nuclear localisation of GSTpi is associated with drug resistance. The nuclear localisation of GSTpi in tumour cells is a useful prognosticator, and may contribute to the selection of anticancer drugs for gynaecological cancers.

Adult↗

A determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa parameter |V us| using KL decays.

We present a determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa parameter |V(us)| based on new measurements of the six largest K(L) branching fractions and semileptonic form factors by the KTeV (E832) experiment at Fermilab. We find |V(us)|=0.2252+/-0.0008(KTeV)+/-0.0021(ext), where the errors are from KTeV measurements and from external sources. We also use the measured branching fractions to determine the CP violation parameter |eta(+-)|=(2.228+/-0.005(KTeV)+/-0.009(ext))x10(-3).

Journal Article↗

Search for the rare decay K(L)-->pi(0)e(+)e(-).

The KTeV/E799 experiment at Fermilab has searched for the rare kaon decay K(L)-->pi(0)e(+)e(-). This mode is expected to have a significant CP violating component. The measurement of its branching ratio could support the standard model or could indicate the existence of new physics. This Letter reports new results from the 1999-2000 data set. One event is observed with an expected background at 0.99+/-0.35 events. We set a limit on the branching ratio of 3.5x10(-10) at the 90% confidence level. Combining with the previous result based on the data set taken in 1997 yields the final KTeV result: BR(K(L)-->pi(0)e(+)e(-))<2.8x10(-10) at 90% C.L.

Journal Article↗

Measurements of the Decay KL-->e+ e- mu+ mu-.

The KTeV experiment at Fermilab has isolated a total of 132 events from the rare decay K(L)-->e+ e- mu+ mu-, with an estimated background of 0.8 events. The branching ratio of this mode is determined to be [2.69+/-0.24(stat)+/-0.12(syst)]x10(-9), with a radiative cutoff of M(2)(ee mu mu)/M(2)(K)>0.95. The first measurement using this mode of the parameter alpha from the D'Ambrosio-Isidori-Portolès (DIP) model of the K(L)gamma*gamma* vertex yields a result of -1.59+/-0.37, consistent with values obtained from other decay modes. Because of the limited statistics, no sensitivity is found to the DIP parameter beta. We use this decay mode to set limits on CP and lepton violation.

Journal Article↗

[Newly developed detection system for serum Helicobacter pylori antibodies using ELISA and its clinical significance].

Using ELISA, a specific and sensitive system that detects serum immunoglobulin G antibodies against all soluble antigens of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has been developed. This system is used at three different concentrations of Hp antigens coated on the solid phase of the ELISA. Anti-Hp antibodies were judged positive when the difference in the ELISA values between high and middle or middle and low concentrations of antigen were over the specific values. For the ELISA system, called the three point antigen method, sensitivity and specificity of urease activity were 86.9% and 70.8%, respectively. Positive rate for antibodies to serum Helicobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients was higher than that in healthy subjects.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Functional significance of K+ and Cl- channels in volume regulation in proximal tubular cells.

Using the patch-clamp technique to cultured opossum kidney (OK) cells, we measured the activities of K+ channel and Cl- conductance during hyposmotic stress. The results are as follows: 1) A 50% lowered osmolarity of bath media induced a biphasic change of the membrane potential (EM): early hyperpolarization and late depolarization. The former transient response was abolished by removing Ca2+ from the cellular media, whereas the latter slow response was blocked by DIDS. 2) The hyposmosis-induced change of EM was due to K+ channels activated by cytosolic Ca2+. 3) In hyposmotic media, Cl- current was effectively increased, and this effect was abolished by Cl- channel blockers. 4) The hyposmosis-induced Cl- conductance was inhibited in the cytosolic acid media. In the alkaline media, it was enhanced even without hyposmotic stress. We conclude that the hyposmosis-induced activation of Cl- conductance, being stimulated by alkaline cell pH and inhibited by acid cell pH, may contribute to the ion transport and cell volume regulation along with the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel.

Animals↗

Role of pH-sensitive ion channels in regulation of cell volume in opossum kidney cells.

Applying the patch-clamp technique to cultured opossum kidney (OK) cells, we investigated effects of pH on the activation of Cl- channels induced by a hyposmotic shock. The Cl- conductance of cell membranes was measured in 145 mM NMG-Cl solution with the whole-cell configuration. Under control conditions, the Cl- conductance was almost negligible. When the cell was exposed to a hyposmotic medium, the Cl- conductance was remarkably elevated. This conductance change was reversibly inhibited by Cl- channel inhibitors, such as DIDS. The activation (pHi) from 7.3 to 7.0, but not influenced by changing the bath pH (pHe). We conclude that the Cl- channel activation by a hyposmotic challenge is highly sensitive to pHi.

4,4'-Diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-Disulfonic Acid↗

Acid-induced two-step depolarization in the peritubular membrane of bullfrog kidney proximal tubules.

Using ion-selective microelectrode technique, we investigated acid-induced changes of peritubular membrane potential (EM) and intracellular activity of Na+ and H+ ((Na)i and pHi) in the proximal tubule of perfused bullfrog kidney in vivo. When peritubular pH was reduced at constant PCO2, EM was depolarized in two steps: i.e., an initial sharp fall followed by an additional deeper fall. This was termed as the acid-induced two-step depolarization. During this change, pHi was decreased gradually from 7.4 to 6.9 in response to 1/10 HCO3- reduction (pH from 7.7 to 6.7), whereas (Na)i was increased after a transient decrease. This result supports the peritubular rheogenic HCO3- exit coupled to Na+ movement during the initial depolarization period. Complete removal of peritubular HCO3- at constant pH produced a less marked initial depolarization with a transient rise of pHi, followed by a partial repolarization without appreciable change in (Na)i. Peritubular SITS administration inhibited these depolarization responses to the acid perfusion. The above findings suggest that 1) the initial part of the two-step EM depolarization produced by low HCO3- or HCO(3-)-free perfusion resulted mainly from the peritubular rheogenic exist of HCO3-, 2) the magnitude of initial depolarization would also be affected by pHi, and 3) the subsequent delayed changes of EM were mainly determined by the pHi-sensitive K+ conductance of the peritubular membrane.

4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfo↗

[Clinical significance of the measurement of serum pepsinogen group I and II by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay].

We have developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for pepsinogen group I and II (PG I.II) in human serum, and clinical significance of serum pepsinogen measurement was evaluated. Serum PG I.II levels in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer were higher than those in normal healthy subjects. On the other hand, serum PG I levels in patients with pernicious anemia were significantly low levels. In both gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, serum PG I.II levels at active stage were higher than healing stage. These results suggested that the measurement of PG I.II levels was useful for screening or monitoring test for the injury of gastric and duodenal mucosa.

Adolescent↗

Ion-selective microelectrodes to study proton and bicarbonate transport in the renal epithelium.

We have developed several kinds of ISM, and obtained valuable information. The method presented provides (1) the data in situ, and (2) simultaneous data of the membrane potential and the selected ionic activities. Both of these give the driving forces for ion fluxes across the individual membrane border. They provide not only the knowledge of ionic status in minute spaces but also the relationship between different ionic species which are measured simultaneously in the living cell. Further information could also be available by employing this ISM method in combination with the relevant techniques, such as patch-clamp and fluorescent dye techniques.

Animals↗

Relationship between cytosolic activities of calcium and pH in frog proximal tubules.

To examine the effect of acid-base changes on the cytosolic calcium activity, (Ca)i, we used ion-selective microelectrodes in doubly perfused preparations of bullfrog kidney proximal tubule. For analyzing the time course of changes in (Ca)i and cytosolic pH (pHi) in response to peritubular acid or alkali perfusion and high K+, low Na+, or low Ca2+ perfusion single-barreled PVC-resin Ca2(+)-selective microelectrodes and double-barreled pH-sensitive microelectrodes were inserted into the cells. Control values (mean +/- S.E., number of observations) of (Ca)i and pHi averaged 17.2 +/- 1.0 nM (n = 25) and 7.39 +/- 0.01 (n = 25), respectively. Peritubular perfusion with a low pH perfusate (low HCO3-, pH 6.7) was found to reduce (Ca)i to about 4 nM in association with a moderate degree of cell acidification (to pH 7.09) and depolarization of the peritubular membrane potential (control -60 mV to experimental approximately -40 mV). Further, peritubular alkalinization (high HCO3- 30 mM, pH 8.0) induced a transient elevation of (Ca)i and hyperpolarization. In contrast, the peritubular perfusion of high K+ solution induced a rise of (Ca)i and pHi with membrane depolarization, while low Na+ perfusion decreased (Ca)i and pHi. These results support the view that 1) the experimentally induced changes in the membrane potential may be ascribed in large part of alterations of pH-sensitive conductance across the peritubular membrane, and 2) the cell pH and extracellular Ca2+ affect the cytosolic Ca2+ of the proximal tubule.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Effects of H+ and HCO3- secretion on mucus gel pH in isolated antral mucosa of bullfrog stomach.

To study the mechanism of self-protection of the gastric surface epithelium, we measured the pH gradient of the mucus gel layer in the isolated bullfrog antral mucosa with pH-sensitive microelectrodes in the Ussing chamber preparation. Under the control condition of 15mM HCO3- and 1.5% CO2 serosal perfusion, the pH on the interface between luminal solution and mucus gel layer (pHLMI) was 6.04 +/- 0.12 (n = 7), and the pH on the interface between the mucus gel layer and epithelial cell (pHMEI) was 5.69 +/- 0.13 (n = 7). When gastric acid secretion was stimulated by histamine (10(-4) M), the pHLMI became 5.43 +/- 0.12 (n = 4) and the pHMEI 4.40 +/- 0.18 (n = 4). Inhibition of acid secretion by cimetidine (10(-4) M) raised the pHLMI to 6.51 +/- 0.07 (n = 7) and the pHMEI to 6.23 +/- 0.08 (n = 7). Omeprazole (10(-4) M) also raised the pHLMI and the pHMEI to 6.78 +/- 0.13 (n = 7) and 6.56 +/- 0.13 (n = 7), respectively. These data suggested that the H+ ions secreted from the oxyntic cells were able to diffuse to the lateral side within the mucus gel layer, affecting the local pH just above the surface epithelial cells. Under high serosal HCO3- condition (45mM HCO3- and 1.5% CO2 in serosal side), the pHLMI and the pHMEI were elevated to 7.22 +/- 0.10 (n = 7) and 6.92 +/- 0.10 (n = 7), respectively. This result suggested that HCO3- secretion, which was served to neutralize the invading acid, depended upon the supply of HCO3- from the serosal medium. Thus, the serosal HCO3- would be working not only in the acid-protection, but also in the maintenance of pH gradient across the mucus gel layer.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

The effect of cAMP on ion transport in the proximal tubular cells in bullfrog kidney.

UNLABELLED: Using a direct cellular micropuncture technique with double-barreled ion-selective microelectrodes, we investigated the effect of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (db-cAMP) on the membrane potential and the transport of Na+, K+, and H+ in doubly-perfused bullfrog proximal tubules. The peritubular membrane potential difference (EM) and the intracellular K+, Na+ activities ((K)i, (Na)i) or intracellular and luminal pH were monitored continuously after peritubular administration of db-cAMP (10(-3)-10(-4)M). RESULTS: 1) db-cAMP hyperpolarized the EM by 8.0 mV with an increase of (K)i by 4.8 mEq/l; 2) the peritubular administration of high K+ (13.5 and 50 mM) solutions depolarized the EM by 11.5 and 41.5 mV, respectively. The high K+ perfusate with db-cAMP produced a depolarization to the same level as that in simple high K+ perfusion without db-cAMP; 3) db-cAMP transiently blocked the luminal acidification concomitantly with a cellular alkalinization by about 0.1 pH; and 4) db-cAMP caused a decrease of (Na)i by 5.0 mEq/l. CONCLUSIONS: 1) cAMP causes an increase of K+ permeability in the peritubular membrane; 2) cAMP induces a cytosol alkalosis by enhancing incorporation of H+ into the subcellular vesicles, thus favoring the activation of Na+/K+ pump; and 3) cAMP, in effect, suppresses the Na+/H+ exchange mechanism in the luminal membrane and transiently blocks the proximal urinary acidification.

Animals↗