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A NiZn ferrite film (3 mm thick) was deposited at 90 °C by the spin-spray ferrite plating from an aqueous solution onto a 50 Ω microstrip line formed on an epoxy printed circuit board (PCB). A strong magnetic loss was caused by the ferrite film in a GHz range, δP[SUBloss] reaching 67% attenuation at 3 GHz, the upper limit of our measurement. Furthermore, the reflection loss was very weak, S[SUB11] being smaller than 7%. Thus plated NiZn ferrite films hold strong promise to be actually applied to a type of thin film electromagnetic noise suppressors; the films can be directly deposited onto noise sources (semiconductor elements or electronic circuits) to attenuate conducted-electromagnetic noises in the GHz range. Because the plated NiZn ferrite film was magnetically isotropic in film plane, the noise suppressors will be isotropic, attenuating noise electromagnetic waves radiated from any directions. The NiZn ferrite film was also plated on a flat glass substrate as a standard, which exhibited natural resonance frequency of f[SUBr] = 500 MHz and initial real permeability of μ' = 50. Compared to these values, the film on the PCB had higher f[SUBr] of 850 MHz, though reduced in μ' to 40. But the spectrum of the imaginary permeability μ'' shifted to a higher frequency range. This facilitated the strong magnetic loss at the high frequencies. The higher f[SUBr] for the film on the PCB may be attributed to the undulated columnar structure of the film which was observed by scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power loss (P[sub cv]) was analyzed by combining two methods. The first, P[sub cv], is divided into hysteresis loss (P[sub h]) and residual loss (P[sub r]) from the frequency dependence of the power loss according to the method of Otsuki et al., and, second, the loss factors are attributed to domain wall motion (P[sub w]) and the rotation magnetization (P[sub rot]) by adapting the method proposed by Visser et al. It was found that P[sub w] coincides with P[sub h] in the lower frequency range, but the difference between them becomes significant as frequency goes up. The higher value of P[sub w], in comparison with P[sub h] in the higher frequency range, can be attributed to the enhancement of loss due to the dynamic motion of the domain wall (P[sub wd]) by raising the frequency. The hysteresis loss dominates P[sub cv] in the frequency range below 500 kHz, while P[sub wd] becomes predominant factor in the higher frequency range more than 500 kHz. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact ensemble of high density nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond is essential to sense various external fields with a high precision at the nanoscale. Here, defects in type IIa and type Ib diamonds induced by 28MeV electron irradiation at 77K were studied by combining the positron annihilation spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. It is shown that the electron irradiation at 77K can significantly enhance the NV center formation by directly converting 24% vacancies into the NV centers, indicating that it is an efficient way to produce the high density NV centers in the type Ib diamond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the article, the authors present an administrative data analysis of osteoporosis assessment and treatment following a fracture in older adults. Other topics include the efforts to bridge the gap between an event of fracture and osteopororis evaluation, the use of bisphosphonates as first-line therapy for osteoporosis, and other treatments like parathyroid hormones, calcitonin, and bisphosphonate.

Cases of Sparganum mansoni, caused by the plerocercoid larva of the tapeworm S. mansoni, occur throughout the world, particularly in Asian, Middle Eastern, and European countries. However, cases of infection with this parasite are rarely seen in Japan. Here, we present a case of a 61-year-old woman with a solitary subcutaneous nodule in left inner aspect of the thigh, from which a long, slender, whitish worm was surgically removed. The parasite was histopathologically identified as S. mansoni. Serological testing confirmed cure of the infection after surgical removal of the parasite. The authors advocate immunoserological examination in case of S. mansoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variant selection of lenticular martensite transformed from austenite in an Fe–25Ni–0.5C alloy uniaxially compressed at 973K was investigated quantitatively. It was found that four variants with habit planes closely parallel to the compression plane were favorably formed. Preferential growth along elongated austenite grains parallel to the compression plane was proposed for the selection of variants since it involves fewer disturbances at the austenite grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors ( PPARs) are nuclear receptors, which regulate not only adipogenesis and proliferation/differentiation but also the immune response of cells. Because topical application of the activators of some PPAR isoforms improved clinical symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis ( AD), we investigated the role of PPAR activators using a murine AD model in NC/Nga mice; to the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously reported. Methods Activators of three PPAR isoforms (α, β/δ, γ) were topically applied on inflamed skin in a murine AD model that was developed by repeated topical application of mite antigen in NC/Nga mice. The efficacy of each topical PPAR activator was evaluated immunologically and serologically. Results Topical application of the PPARα activator, but not of the activators of PPARβ/δ or PPARγ, improved clinical dermatitis, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis, and alleviated the elevation of serum IgE levels. In addition, PPARα expression was downregulated in the epidermis in our murine AD model, as is seen in patients with AD. Conclusions Topical application of PPARα activator could be a potent therapeutic agent for patients with AD and could take the place of topical steroid treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We and others have reported that human NF-κB inhibitor-like-1 (NFKBIL1) was a putative susceptible gene for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its precise role in the pathogenesis of RA is still largely unknown. In this study, we generated transgenic mice expressing human NFKBIL1 (NFKBIL1-Tg) and examined whether NFKBIL1 plays some role(s) in the development of autoimmune arthritis. In both a collagen-induced arthritis model and a collagen antibody-induced arthritis model, NFKBIL1-Tg mice showed resistance to arthritis compared to control mice, indicating that the gene product of NFKBIL1 was involved in the control of thusly induced arthritis. Total spleen cells of NFKBIL1-Tg mouse showed decreased proliferation to mitogenic stimuli, consistent with its resistance to arthritis. Unexpectedly, purified T cells of NFKBIL1-Tg mouse showed increased proliferation and cytokine production. This apparent discrepancy was accounted for by the impaired functions of antigen-presenting cells of NFKBIL1-Tg mouse; both T/B cell-depleted spleen cells and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells of the Tg mouse induced less prominent proliferation and IL-2 production of T cells. Furthermore, dendritic cells (DCs) derived from NFKBIL1-Tg mouse showed lower expression of co-stimulatory molecules and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines when they were activated by lipopolysaccharide. Taken together, these results indicated that NFKBIL1 affected the pathogenesis of RA at least in part through the regulation of DC functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the study on computer-assisted high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as cardiac intervention to atrial septum. It says that nine anesthesized rabbits were used, in which their beating heart were placed under a water-filled tank, while HIFU tranducer together with diagnostic ultrasound probe were used to create a hole on the atrial septum. Results show that eight out of nine had a successful created hole and that atrioventricular block also occurred.

Endoscopic resection is curative for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) limited to the lamina propria. Endoscopic resection is not recommended for superficial ESCC invading muscularis mucosa or submucosa, however, because of the high frequency of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in such patients. Methods to more accurately predict LNM by analysis of endoscopically resected specimens are needed. Patients with superficial ESCC who underwent surgery without prior chemoradiotherapy ( n= 110) were retrospectively examined to determine whether LNM correlated with immunohistochemical parameters and conventional histological parameters, including depth of invasion and vascular permeation. Cancer cell expression of claudins-1, 5, and 7, E-cadherin, β-catenin, and matrix metalloproteinase 7 was evaluated. Univariate analysis revealed that LNM correlated with claudin-5 expression, but not any other immunohistochemical parameter examined. Multivariate analysis revealed three independent risk factors for LNM: aberrant claudin-5 expression in cancer cells (odds ratio; OR [95% confidence interval]= 4.61[1.44–14.77]), depth of submucosal invasion greater than 200 µm (3.55 [1.02–13.17]), and positive lymphatic permeation (3.34 [1.22–9.15]). LNM was found in one of 29 (3.4%) patients with none of these three risk factors, and in 32 of 81 (39.5%) patients with one or more of these risk factors. In superficial ESCC, routine analysis of claudin-5 expression in cancer cells together with depth of invasion and lymphatic permeation may be useful for predicting LNM and thereby reducing the number of patients undergoing additional surgery after successful endoscopic resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fetal alcohol exposure is known to induce cell death through apoptosis. We found that colivelin (CLN), a novel peptide with the sequence SALLRSIPAPAGASRLLLLTGEIDLP, prevents this apoptosis. Our initial experiment revealed that CLN enhanced the viability of primary cortical neurons exposed to alcohol. We then used a mouse model of fetal alcohol exposure to identify the intracellular mechanisms underlying these neuroprotective effects. On embryonic day 7 (E7), weight-matched pregnant females were assigned to the following groups: (1) ethanol liquid diet 25% (4.49% v/v) ethanol derived calories; (2) pair-fed control; (3) normal chow; (4) ethanol liquid diet combined with administration (i.p.) of CLN (20 μg/20 g body weight); and (5) pair-fed combined with administration (i.p.) of CLN (20 μg/20 g body weight). On E13, fetal brains were collected and assayed for TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining, caspase-3 colorimetric assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Meso scale discovery electrochemiluminescence. CLN blocked the alcohol-induced decline in brain weight and prevented alcohol-induced: apoptosis, activation of caspase-3 and increases of cytosolic cytochrome c, and decreases of mitochondrial cytochrome c Analysis of proteins in the upstream signaling pathway revealed that CLN down-regulated the phosphorylation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Moreover, CLN prevented alcohol-induced reduction in phosphorylation of BAD protein. Thus, CLN appears to act directly on upstream signaling proteins to prevent alcohol-induced apoptosis. Further assessment of these proteins and their signaling mechanisms is likely to enhance development of neuroprotective therapies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Elevation of intracranial soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) levels has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Intracellular events in neurons, which lead to memory loss in AD, however, remain elusive. Humanin (HN) is a short neuroprotective peptide abolishing Aβ neurotoxicity. Recently, we found that HN derivatives activate the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling axis. We here report that an HN derivative named colivelin completely restored cognitive function in an AD model (Tg2576) by activating the JAK2/STAT3 axis. In accordance, immunofluorescence staining using a specific antibody against phospho- (p-) STAT3 revealed that p-STAT3 levels in hippocampal neurons age-dependently decreased in both AD model mice and AD patients. Intracerebroventricular administration of Aβ1–42 downregulated p-STAT3 whereas passive immunization with anti-Aβ antibody conversely restored hippocampal p-STAT3 levels in Tg2576 mice, paralleling the decrease in the brain Aβ burden. Aβ1–42 consistently modulated p-STAT3 levels in primary neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 axis not only induced significant loss of spatial working memory by downregulating an acetylcholine-producing enzyme choline acetyltransferase but also desensitized the M1-type muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Thus, we propose a novel theory accounting for memory impairment related to AD: Aβ-dependent inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 axis causes memory loss through cholinergic dysfunction. Our findings provide not only a novel pathological hallmark in AD but also a novel target in AD therapy.Molecular Psychiatry (2009) 14, 206–222; doi:10.1038/mp.2008.105; published online 23 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed a micro-magnetometry with a 2.5μm spatial resolution based on micro X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) technique in order to study magnetic properties of dot arrays for bit-patterned media. This micro-magnetometer was applied to the magnetic characterization of Co–Pt dot arrays fabricated by ion beam etching. As the dot size became small, the intensity of XMCD drastically decreased for dots fabricated by Ga-focused ion beam. This suggested that the dot edges were damaged magnetically by implantation of Ga ions. The damaged width of the dot edge was estimated to be about 13nm from the decrease in XMCD intensities. This damaged edge width agreed with the ion-implanted area estimated by Monte-Carlo simulation. The less-damaged effect of Ar ion etching was verified by the XMCD measurement of Co–Pt dots with diameter of 20 and 70nm. It was concluded that ions with inertness, lower energy and smaller atomic number should be used to fabricate dot arrays with an areal density of 1Tbit/in2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We examined the characteristics of upper gastrointestinal disorders induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The questionnaire investigation was performed over a five year period. A study was performed on 354 patients (161 men and 193 women with mean ages of 66.0 and 70.7 years, respectively) who developed NSAIDs associated upper GI disorders: 21 patients had AGML, 212 had gastric ulcer, 63 had duodenal ulcer, 17 had gastroduodenal ulcers and 41 other cases. About 75 % of patients received NSAIDs for orthopedic conditions. Sixty percent of gastric disorders induced by NSAIDs affected the antrum or angulus of the stomach. The incidence of disorders of the gastric antrum was significantly higher in women than in men whilst the incidence of disorders on the gastric angulus was significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with abdominal pain was significantly lower in patients over 65 years old than in those under 65 years old, and the proportion of patients with hematemesis or melena was significantly higher in patients over 80 years old than in those under 80 years old (p < 0.05). The time taken to achieve the healing stage was significantly longer in patients with greater than 3 months NSAIDs ingestion compared to patients that had received NSAIDs for less than 3 months (p < 0.05). Patients 65 years old and over with continuous NSAIDs use had asymptomatic ulcers, and patients 80 years old and over had hemorrhagic ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No N-body gravitating systems have been considered to emit periodic gravitational waves because of their chaotic orbits when (or more). We employ a figure-eight orbit as a specific model for a three-body system in order to illustrate that some triple stars are capable of generating periodic waves. This illustration would imply that a certain class of N-body gravitating systems may be relevant to the gravitational wave generation. We show also that the total angular momentum of this three-body system is not carried away by gravitational waves. A waveform generated by this system is volcano-shaped and thus different from that of a binary system. Finally, by evaluating the radiation reaction time-scale, we give an order-of-magnitude estimate of merging event rates. The estimate suggests that figure-eight sources, which require carefully prepared initial states, may be too rare to detect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to influence a number of cell types, and regulate various biologic activities including cell migration, proliferation, and survival. In a recent study, we found that, in vivo, HGF suppresses allergic airway inflammation, i.e. the infiltration of inflammatory cells including eosinophils into the airway, and further, that HGF reduces Th2 cytokine levels; however, the directly physiologic role of HGF with eosinophils remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the potential of recombinant HGF to regulate the factor-induced chemotaxis of human eosinophils. Methods: Eosinophils were isolated from subjects with mild eosinophilia by modified CD16-negative selection. After culture with or without recombinant HGF, esoinophil chemotaxis was measured by Boyden chamber and KK chamber. Results: Treatment with HGF prevented eotaxin or prostaglandin D2 (PGD2)-induced chemotaxis of eosinophils. Moreover, we demonstrated that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases as well as the enhancement of Ca2+ influx, which are indispensable for eosinophil chemotaxis, were attenuated by HGF treatment. Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggest that in allergic diseases, HGF not only mediates eosinophils through the inhibition of Th2 cytokines, but also regulates the function of eosinophils directly, provides further insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of allergic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diminished leptin signaling to the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus (ARH) may induce calorie restriction (CR)-specific neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptation, which is potentially relevant to the effect of CR. The present study investigated whether restoration of leptin signaling to the ARH could reverse CR-induced alterations in neuropeptide gene expression in rats. Male F344 rats, fed ad libitum or a 30% CR diet from 6 weeks of age, received leptin or vehicle intracerebroventricularly for 14 days via osmotic mini-pumps implanted in the subcutis at 34 weeks of age. The messenger RNA levels were quantified by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using total RNA extracted from microdissected tissues containing the ARH. The results indicated that leptin administration reversed the upregulated expression of neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein genes in CR rats, suggesting the possibility of a role for the leptin-ARH pathway in the effect of CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ophthalmic solution on latanoprost induced intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in glaucoma patients. Methods: Examination was conducted on 16 eyes of 16 glaucoma patients who had been given only latanoprost for at least 6 weeks. The NSAID ophthalmic solution, sodium 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl) phenylacetate sesquihydrate, was additionally given for 12 weeks into one eye (NSAID group), while sodium hyaluronic acid ophthalmic solution was administered into the other eye (control group) in a double masked fashion. The IOP measurement was performed before the start of additional administration of ophthalmic solutions, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 1 2 weeks alter the start of additional administration, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks alter discontinuing additional administration. Results: No significant difference was observed in the IOPs before additional administration of ophthalmic solution between the NSAID group and the control group. Following the additional administration of ophthalmic solution, lop in the NSAID group was consistently higher than that in the control group, and a maximum difference in OP between the two groups was 1.08 (SD 1.75) mm Hg (p = 0.03). This trend was observed even after additional administration was discontinued. Conclusion: NSAID ophthalmic solution may partly affect IOP reduction by latanoprost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, features, and pathogenesis of microscopic injuries to the cardiac conduction system caused by cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Design: : Prospective study.Setting: Autopsy unit of the university.Patients: Victims who had been transferred to the emergency room due to cardiac arrest arising from nontraumatic cause plus age-matched control patients.Interventions: None.Measurement and Main Results: The cardiac conduction system of 80 hearts without gross injury from patients who had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to nontraumatic causes was examined. Of these 80 patients, seven (9%) showed fresh injuries, including a lesion that had gone unreported in the previous literature. Localized hemorrhage without inflammatory reaction was evident in six of these patients. Three of the six patients showed hemorrhage in the sinoatrial node, whereas the other three patients showed hemorrhage in the atrioventricular conduction system. The remaining one patient showed localized dissection of the atrioventricular node artery with the appearance of red blood cells in the false lumen. There was no significant difference with regard to age, gender, cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, whether victim had received electrical shock treatment, whether victim had received anticoagulants, and the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation between the seven patients with fresh injuries and the other 73 patients. Fracture of the sternum or rib was found in only one of the seven patients but in 14 of the 73 patients. No pathologic lesions were found in the 30 control patients who did not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Conclusions: It can be presumed that injuries to the conduction system do occur in limited regions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Minute differences in the location of the cardiac silhouette or cardiac conduction system also need to be considered, rather than just the severity of force to the anterior chest, when determining the pathogenesis of these injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A Co–Pt film with large magnetic anisotropy at room temperature deposition was studied in terms of magnetic and structural properties. A high Ar gas pressure deposition of the Co–Pt film with a high crystal orientation could realize excellent magnetic properties such as a high perpendicular coercivity and a large magnetic anisotropy. This deposition technique of the Co–Pt film could form physically isolated and magnetically weak coupled grains. Magnetization reversal mechanism of the Co–Pt film deposited at a high Ar gas pressure was revealed to be a rotational mode, while the Co–Pt film deposited at low gas pressure seemed to be a magnetic domain wall motion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

T-cell infiltration into human cancer tissues can be a manifestation of host immune responses to cancer cells. The present study was undertaken to explore the clinicopathological significance of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells using 371 consecutively sampled human colorectal carcinomas. By univariate analysis, we noted that the survival curves by intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells became separated only after 1 to 2 years postoperation. Multivariate analyses revealed that the beneficial effect of this factor becomes significant only after a longer (more than 2 year), but not after a shorter (less than 2 year) follow-up period. Furthermore, the number of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells was significantly higher in patients alive for more than 5 years than in patients who either died of cancer after a curative operation or patients who underwent a noncurative operation. Patients' cancer-specific death long after a curative operation is thought to be caused by the growth of micrometastases in other organs or near the primary sites. The effects of intraepithelial CD8(+) T cells, therefore, may be mediated by suppression of micrometastasis, rather than suppression of growth in the primary tumour. In conclusion, our data support a hypothesis on the presence of systemic immunosurveillance against micrometastasis of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Our aims were to establish a canine model of rapid gastrointestinal transit, and to test the effects of muscarinic receptor antagonists (atropine, pirenzepine, AF-DX116, and darifenacin), and an NOS inhibitor, l-nitro-N-arginine (l-NNA) in this model. For gastric emptying and small bowel transit, 99m Tc-labelled DTPA were added to a meal of skimmed milk (236 mL) that contained 2.4 g of magnesium hydroxide. Regional colonic transit was measured by 111 In-labelled beads placed in a capsule that released isotope in the proximal colon. Scintiscans were taken at regular intervals and indices of transit were calculated. Drugs were administrated intravenously. Gastric emptying, small bowel and colonic transit were rapid. Atropine and darifenacin (a selective M 3 antagonist) delayed gastric emptying and colonic transit, the selective M 1 and M 2 muscarinic antagonists did not. The muscarinic blockers did not slow small bowel transit. l-NNA delayed small bowel and colonic transit but did not slow gastric emptying. A model suitable for the preclinical study of antidiarrhoeals was established. M 3 receptors are important in the control of gastric emptying and colonic transit, and NOS inhibition slowed small bowel and colonic transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Sarles et al reported a case of particular pancreatitis with hypergammaglobulinaemia, similar cases have been noted, which has led to the concept of an autoimmune related pancreatitis or so-called "autoimmune pancreatitis". The clinical characteristics are: (i) increased levels of serum gammaglobulin or IgG; (ii) presence of autoantibodies; (iii) diffuse enlargement of the pancreas; (iv) diffusely irregular narrowing images of the main pancreatic duct; (v) fibrotic changes with lymphocyte infiltration; (vi) no or only mild symptoms; (vii) rare pancreatic calcification or pancreatic cysts; (viii) occasional association with other autoimmune diseases; and (ix) effective steroid therapy. In addition to various systemic autoimmune diseases, diabetes mellitus or bile duct lesions responsive to steroid therapy are often observed. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the mitochondrial DNA sequence of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) strains and other laboratory strains of inbred mouse to deduce the ancestral strain of SAM. Key features of SAM; Methodology used; Results and discussion.

ABSTRACT Even if the luminosity distance as a function of redshift is obtained accurately using, for example, Type Ia supernovae, the equation of state of the Universe cannot be determined uniquely, as it depends on one free parameter Ο[sub k0]=k/(a[sub 0][sup 2]H[sub 0 ][sup 2]), where a[sub 0] and H[sub 0] are the present scalefactor and the Hubble parameter, respectively. This degeneracy might be resolved if, for example, the time variations of the redshift of quasars are measured as proposed recently by Loeb. Therefore, the equation of state of the Universe (or the metric of the Universe) might be determined in future without any theoretical assumption on the matter content of the Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determine the alternating current (ac) losses for a stack of Bi2223/Ag superconducting tapes as function of the angle between the applied ac magnetic field and the tape face. Method of measuring ac losses using the Bean critical-state model; General qualitative behavior of the calculated loss.

A new type of oxide composite film was proposed as perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The storage layer is composed of Co-Pt and Ti-oxide. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, the film exhibited a well isolated fine granular structure with small and uniform Co-Pt grains surrounded by TiO2. More sufficient segregation by TiO2 was realized from the beginning of the layer growth compared with other oxide addition film, resulting in a magnetically weak coupled structure. This film has a relatively large magnetic anisotropy constant (Ku) and saturation magnetization (Ms) of more than 5 × 106 erg/cm³ and about 800 emu/cm³, respectively. The structure was brought about by a high sputtering gas pressure of Co-Pt-TiO2 film deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline Ni0.34Cu0.12Zn0.56Fe1.98O4 with different grain sizes up to 39 μm was investigated. At the frequency of 50 kHz, both the hysteresis loss under the excitation condition of 150 mT and the initial permeability decreased with increasing grain size. These results were interpreted in terms of the contribution of grain boundaries and pores inside the grains to the domain wall pinning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study of a 57-year-old Japanese woman presented with a history of labial erosion and oral ulcers for three months. The patient's clinical symptoms and laboratory examinations revealed a diagnosis pemphigus vulgaris (PV). She had large, painless ecchymoses on left upper and right lower extremities which are consistent with acquired haemophilia. Her coagulopathy and mucocutaneous manifestations gradually improved after the start of treatment with rituximab.

A letter to the editor is presented about the role of a small cardiogenic embolus in acute cerebral infarction limited to putamen.

Abstract: This study aimed to survey the effects of removable partial denture (RPD) wearing on periodontal conditions of both abutment and non-abutment teeth. The periodontal conditions changed in the 5 years following RPD placement. Tooth mobility of non-abutment teeth improved despite poor oral hygiene. This improvement might be related to the RPD placement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Editorial. Emphasizes the possibility of a gastric disease induced by Helicobacter pylori infection and enterochromaffin-like cell carcinoid tumor. Why the pylori infection enhances carcinoid tumor infection more in Mongolian gerbil than in humans; Importance of suppression of acid secretion in Mongolian gerbils by Helicobacter pylori; Prevalence of gastric ulcer.

Editorial. Introduces a study on the anatomical location of enterochromaffin-like cells, parietal cells and chief cells in the stomach demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, from the June 1999 issue of the `Journal of Gastroenterology.'

AIM: To compare incidence of iridial pigmentation prospectively induced by long term treatment with latanoprost and isopropyl unoprostone (hereafter, unoprostone) in Japanese patients with glaucoma. METHODS: Patients with glaucoma treated with prostaglandin (PG) related ophthalmic solutions were sequentially enrolled. Patients treated for more than 30 months with PG related ophthalmic solutions were subjected to analysis. The entry criteria were no history of intraocular surgery, laser iridotomy, and/or laser trabeculoplasty within 12 months before and after the enrolment; and no history of uveitis; no changes in antiglaucoma drugs within 6 months before and after the enrolment. Photographs of the irides were taken under the same conditions and three glaucoma specialists evaluated the iridial pigmentation with masking of patient information. The correlation of iridial pigmentation with the background factors and the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after the treatment were investigated. RESULTS: 48 eyes in 48 patients satisfied the enrolment criteria (25 eyes in the latanoprost group, 23 eyes in the unoprostone group). At the end of the follow up period, iridial pigmentation was present in 15 patients (60.0%) in the latanoprost group and seven patients (30.4%) in the unoprostone group. The correlation between development of iridial pigmentation and age, sex, concurrent use of other ophthalmic solutions, and IOP reduction was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of iridial pigmentation induced by latanoprost or unoprostone is high in the case of long term treatment. Iridial pigmentation did not affect PG related ophthalmic solution induced IOP reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Suggests that Helicobacter pylori eradication should be considered as the first-line therapy for active peptic ulcer disease, according to a study published in the November 2000 issue of the `Journal of Gastroenterology.'

We fabricated a Pt/ZnO Schottky photodiode based on single-crystal substrates grown by the hydrothermal growth method. We measured the electrical properties and the spectral responsivity in UV region. The responsivity was 0.1 W/A and there was a sharp cutoff wavelength corresponding to the band gap of ZnO. The fabricated diode can be used as a visible-blind sensor. We also investigated the performance of the diode for the incidence of X-rays and observed the signal obtained. We demonstrated the potential of the ZnO device for ionizing radiation.In addition, we investigated the effects of irradiating the photodiode with high energy protons. For a sample irradiated with ∼1015 protons/cm2, the dark currents were observed to increase by a factor of 10. Moreover, the behavior of the forward currents significantly changed. In the current-voltage measurement 2 months after irradiation, the dark current decreased to the same level as that before irradiation. This behavior of the dark current may indicate that the defects generated by proton irradiation had been annihilated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Expression of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue 1 (MALT1) is inactivated in oral carcinoma patients with worse prognosis. However, the role in carcinoma progression is unknown. Unveiling genes under the control of MALT1 is necessary to understand the pathology of carcinomas.Methods: Gene data set differentially transcribed in MALT1-stably expressing and -marginally expressing oral carcinoma cells was profiled by the microarray analysis and subjected to the pathway analysis. Migratory abilities of cells in response to MALT1 were determined by wound-healing assay and time-lapse analysis.Results: Totally, 2933 genes upregulated or downregulated in MALT1-expressing cells were identified. The subsequent pathway analysis implicated the inhibition of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-β signalling gene expression, and highlighted the involvement in the cellular movement. Wound closure was suppressed by wild-type MALT1 (66.4%) and accelerated by dominant-negative MALT1 (218.6%), and the velocities of cell migration were increased 0.2-fold and 3.0-fold by wild-type and dominant-negative MALT1, respectively.Conclusion: These observations demonstrate that MALT1 represses genes activating the aggressive phenotype of carcinoma cells, and suggest that MALT1 acts as a tumour suppressor and that the loss of expression stimulates oral carcinoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Expression of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue 1 (MALT1) is inactivated in oral carcinoma patients with worse prognosis. However, the role in carcinoma progression is unknown. Unveiling genes under the control of MALT1 is necessary to understand the pathology of carcinomas.Methods:Gene data set differentially transcribed in MALT1-stably expressing and -marginally expressing oral carcinoma cells was profiled by the microarray analysis and subjected to the pathway analysis. Migratory abilities of cells in response to MALT1 were determined by wound-healing assay and time-lapse analysis.Results:Totally, 2933 genes upregulated or downregulated in MALT1-expressing cells were identified. The subsequent pathway analysis implicated the inhibition of epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-β signalling gene expression, and highlighted the involvement in the cellular movement. Wound closure was suppressed by wild-type MALT1 (66.4%) and accelerated by dominant-negative MALT1 (218.6%), and the velocities of cell migration were increased 0.2-fold and 3.0-fold by wild-type and dominant-negative MALT1, respectively.Conclusion:These observations demonstrate that MALT1 represses genes activating the aggressive phenotype of carcinoma cells, and suggest that MALT1 acts as a tumour suppressor and that the loss of expression stimulates oral carcinoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal hypouricemia (MIM 220150) is an inherited disorder characterized by low serum uric acid levels and has severe complications such as exercise-induced acute renal failure and urolithiasis. We have previously reported that URAT1/SLC22A12 encodes a renal urate-anion exchanger and that its mutations cause renal hypouricemia type 1 (RHUC1). With the large health-examination database of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, we found two missense mutations (R198C and R380W) of GLUT9/SLC2A9 in hypouricemia patients. R198C and R380W occur in highly conserved amino acid motifs in the “sugar transport proteins signatures” that are observed in GLUT family transporters. The corresponding mutations in GLUT1 (R153C and R333W) are known to cause GLUT1 deficiency syndrome because arginine residues in this motif are reportedly important as the determinants of the membrane topology of human GLUT1. Therefore, on the basis of membrane topology, the same may be true of GLUT9. GLUT9 mutants showed markedly reduced urate transport in oocyte expression studies, which would be the result of the loss of positive charges in those conserved amino acid motifs. Together with previous reports on GLUT9 localization, our findings suggest that these GLUT9 mutations cause renal hypouricemia type 2 (RHUC2) by their decreased urate reabsorption on both sides of the renal proximal tubule cells. However, a previously reported GLUT9 mutation, P412R, was unlikely to be pathogenic. These findings also enable us to propose a physiological model of the renal urate reabsorption via GLUT9 and URAT1 and can lead to a promising therapeutic target for gout and related cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

: The treatment of functional dyspepsia is controversial.: The purpose of this paper is to clarify the initial effect of prokinetic, acid suppression and antianxiety treatment for functional dyspepsia patients.: Sixty-four functional dyspepsia patients withoutHelicobacter pyloriinfection were randomly assigned to 15 mg/day of mosapride, 40 mg/day of famotidine, or 30 mg/day of tandospirone during an 8-week treatment. Individual functional dyspepsia symptoms were evaluated with 4 cm visual analogue scale before and at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment.: Among 64 enrolled patients, 62 completed the study. Within 2 weeks, visual analogue scale score in the mosapride-treated group decreased from 2.29 ±0.14 to 1.57 ± 0.20; in the famotidine from 2.04 ± 0.16 to 1.09 ± 0.12 (mean ± S.E.). Therefore, there were significant improvements of functional dyspepsia symptoms in mosapride- and famotidine-treated patients (P <0.01). Furthermore, famotidine was significantly more effective than mosapride (P < 0.05). On the contrary, visual analogue scale score in the tandospirone therapy was 2.23 ± 0.20 and 2.13 ± 0.22 before and at 2 weeks, respectively, without any significant improvement.: A treatment regimen of famotidine at 40 mg/day had a significant favourable effect on the clinical outcome in functional dyspepsia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative evaluation was made on effects of primary quinoline insolubles (PQI) on the elemental rate processes of mesophase sphere formation from a coal tar pitch. An original coal tar pitch containing 3 wt.% PQI and a PQI free coal tar pitch derived from the original pitch were heated at 703 K for various periods of time. Time dependent changes in number/volume-based concentrations and radius distribution of mesophase spheres were quantified through microscopic observation and an image analysis. The quantified results were further analyzed by a kinetic model considering the three rate processes; generation, growth and coalescence of spheres. The model analysis revealed that PQI increases the total frequency of sphere generation by five times, decreases the rate constant of coalescence by an order of magnitude, and decreases the linear growth rate to less than half. It was also found that PQI delays the commencement of the sphere generation and expands the time period of the generation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]