We applied PCR to the rapid detection of metallo-beta-lactamase gene, blaIMP, in clinically isolated gram-negative rods. A total 54 high-level ceftazidime-resistant strains (MICs, > 128 micrograms/ml) were subjected analyses with blaIMP-specific primers, since blaIMP-bearing clinical isolates tested our previous study always demonstrated resistance ceftazidime. Twenty-two blaIMP-positive including 9 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, 2 Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, 1 putida, and...

A total of 3,700 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from 17 general hospitals in Japan 1992 to 1994. Of these isolates, 132 carbapenem-resistant strains subjected DNA hybridization analysis with the metallo-beta-lactamase gene (blaIMP)-specific probe. Fifteen carrying identified five different geographical areas. Three P. demonstrated high-level imipenem resistance (MIC, > or = 128 micrograms/ml), two exhibited low-level < 4 and rest between. These results revealed that...

Escherichia coli contains a major cold shock protein, CspA (or CS7.4), whose production is predominantly induced at low temperatures. This bacterium known to possess five additional genes, each encoding protein highly similar (referred as the family). Here we identified gene that encodes cold-shock-inducible analog of and CspB. newly cloned cspG located 22 min on E. genetic map, apart from other cspA family genes. Its product (70 amino acids) 73 77% identical CspB (71 acids), respectively....

Expression of the Escherichia coli kdpABC operon, which is responsible for a high-affinity potassium-uptake system, regulated in response to change medium osmolarity. In this study, we clarified structure and function promoter including its regulatory sequence at molecular level. The canonical -35 -10 regions determined were not fully functional, i.e. addition them, cis-acting located upstream region was essential full activation promoter. This demonstrated be target site trans-acting...

Summary The proteins KdpD and KdpE are crucial to the osmotic regulation of kdpABC operon that is responsible for high‐affinity K + ion transport system in Escherichia coli. We demonstrated previously response regulator, KdpE, capable undergoing Phosphorylation mediated by sensory protein kinase, KdpD. In this study, we obtained biochemical evidence supporting view when phosphorylated, it takes on an active form exhibits relatively high affinity promoter, which turn results activation...

Summary The proteins KdpD and KdpE are regulatory factors critically involved in the osmotic regulation of kdpABC operon that is responsible for a high‐affinity transport system Escherichia coli. In this study, we obtained biochemical evidence supporting view protein sensory kinase exhibits autophosphorylation KdpE‐phosphotransfer characteristics. During course such studies established procedure purifying large quantities. We also developed preparing cytoplasmic membrane enriched with vitro...

The transcriptional factors, OmpR and EnvZ, are crucially involved in the osmotic regulation of ompF ompC expression Escherichia coli. DNA binding ability positive regulator, OmpR, is modulated through its phosphorylation dephosphorylation mediated by EnvZ response to medium osmolarity. In this study, two examples a novel type mutant ompR allele, ompR96A ompR115S, whose phenotype OmpF- OmpC- irrespective osmolarity, were characterized. These mutations result amino acid conversions, Glu96 Ala...

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause severe infections, such as toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). The transmission and pathogenesis of TSLS are poorly understood, information is needed to develop prevention strategies. Four cases were identified in which the organism was transmitted among patients with their family members. DNA macrorestriction endonuclease analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated spread S. clones that caused Although 14 persons related case-patients...

It has been generally recognized that the fatigue crack growth rate in Stage II (b) regime is little influenced by microstructure and strength of steels. In order to retard control heavy steel plate, this study investigates effects morphology distribution martensite phase a ferrite matrix on behavior. Steels with various martensitic are prepared laboratory, their rates measured. As result, an elongated banded structure shows highest resistance thickness direction. The improved less than one...

The authors reported that the steel with an elongated and banded martensitic structure in a ferrite matrix has significantly high resistance to fatigue crack growth thickness direction. In this paper, effects of area fraction, hardness, aspect ratio martensite similar morphology distribution on properties are investigated. As result, rate decreases increasing martensite. This corresponds enhancement deflection branching. path can be attributed two mechanisms concerned increase decrease...

We examine the trends in cash usage Japan and its substitution with noncash payment methods, such as credit cards electronic money, using both aggregate individual household survey data. find that hoarding accounts for much 42% of total circulation Japan. Behind this finding lies an unstable semi-log demand function after late 1990s a stable log-log from 1995 to 2016. also extent possible decreases because day-to-day transactions is not large. Our back-of-the-envelope estimate maximum...

It has been generally recognized that the fatigue life of welded joints is little influenced by strength steels owing to high-stress concentration and tensile residual stress near weld toe. In this paper, improvement using steel with high resistance crack growth (ferrite/martensite (F/M) steel) investigated. F/M a microstructure an elongated banded martensite phase distributed in ferrite matrix rate about one-half one-tenth thickness direction, compared conventional steel. As result,...

We investigate the effects of unconventional monetary policy on bank lending, using a bank-firm loan-level matched dataset from 1999 to 2015 by extracting exogenous changes in policies over past 20 years Japan. find that an increase share assets held Bank Japan boosts lending firms with higher credit risks banks lower liquidity ratios and risk appetites while expansion base does not have such effects. Furthermore, we interest rate cuts stimulate risky leverage.

This paper proposes a method for identifying quantitative and qualitative monetary policy shocks in the balance sheet operations of central bank. The is agnostic flexible as it relies on no assumptions how size composition bank’s will respond after bank makes decision. We identify two types “anticipated” that best portend current future paths these instruments response to them. obtain evidence easing have expansionary effects economy while do not.