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All-metal 3D printing fabrication technologies provide an attractive alternative for direct manufacturing of waveguide components due to fast and cost-effective prototyping and the possibility to fabricate geometries which cannot be fabricated with traditional machining techniques. In radio astronomy, waveguide components in radio receivers are operated at cryogenic temperatures and inside a cryostat under vacuum conditions. In this paper, we report on the design, fabrication by 3D printing and testing at room and cryogenic temperatures of a corrugated horn to be used in astronomical receivers operating in the 35–50-GHz band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BaZrO3 doped GdBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductor was prepared by pulsed layer deposition using a KrF excimer laser, which showed isotropic characteristics of critical current density, JC, for magnetic-field orientations, ∼4.0×109 A m-2 at 1.0 T. Microstructural and morphological characterization of resulting artificial pinning centers were conducted by transmission electron microscopy and electron tomography, which confirmed the presence of one-dimensional artificial pinning centers, BaZrO3 nanorods. Since there is noticeable anisotropy from GdBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductor without doping BaZrO3, the pinning observed for all magnetic-field orientations are due to the high density and high dispersion of these BaZrO3 nanorods with very wide angular distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a striking example of mirror asymmetry in Gamow-Teller (GT) β -decay using the nuclear shell-model including isospin-nonconserving (INC) forces in the sd -shell region. We show that the large mirror asymmetry between 26P and 26Na GT β -decay can be accurately reproduced by introducing T = 1 , J ≠ 0 INC forces related to the s 1 / 2 orbit, while the usual J = 0 INC force, commonly adopted to describe isospin-symmetry breaking, does not work. We further show that the calculated distribution of summed GT strength for the 26P β -decay is in good agreement with the experimental data. Our results support the conclusion that 26P is a nucleus with proton-halo structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which reported the electrical properties of selenium- and zinc-doped Ga[sub0.5]In[sub0.5]P and (A[sub0.5]Ga[sub0.5][sub0.5]In[sub0.5]P grown by atmospheric pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Materials and methods used; Effect of the buffer layer on the Hall measurement; Details on the doping of selenium and zinc.

Osteoclasts are multinucleated giant cells differentiated from monocyte-macrophage-lineage cells under stimulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B (RANK) ligand (RANKL) produced by osteoblasts and osteocytes. Although it has been reported that nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in this process, the mechanism by which these labile molecules promote osteoclast differentiation are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the formation and function of 8-nitro-cGMP, a downstream molecule of NO and ROS, in the process of osteoclast differentiation in vitro . 8-Nitro-cGMP was detected in mouse bone marrow macrophages and osteoclasts differentiated from macrophages in the presence of RANKL. Inhibition of NO synthase suppressed the formation of 8-nitro-cGMP as well as RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation from macrophages. On the other hand, RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation was promoted by addition of 8-nitro-cGMP to the cultures. In addition, 8-nitro-cGMP enhanced the mRNA expression of RANK, the receptor for RANKL. However, 8-bromo-cGMP, a membrane-permeable derivative of cGMP, did not have an effect on either RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation or expression of the RANK gene. These results suggest that 8-nitro-cGMP is a novel positive regulator of osteoclast differentiation, which might help to explain the roles of NO and ROS in osteoclast differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate isospin-symmetry breaking effects in the sd -shell region with large-scale shell-model calculations, aiming to understand the recent anomalies observed in superallowed Fermi β -decay. We begin with calculations of Coulomb displacement energies (CDE's) and triplet displacement energies (TDE's) by adding the T = 1 , J = 0 isospin nonconserving (INC) interaction into the usual isospin-invariant Hamiltonian. It is found that CDE's and TDE's can be systematically described with high accuracy. A total number of 122 one- and two-proton separation energies are predicted accordingly, and locations of the proton drip-line and candidates for proton-emitters are thereby suggested. However, attempt to explain the anomalies in the superallowed Fermi β -decay fails because these well-fitted T = 1 , J = 0 INC interactions are found no effects on the nuclear matrix elements. It is demonstrated that the observed large isospin-breaking correction in the 32 Cl β -decay, the large isospin-mixing in the 31 Cl β -decay, and the small isospin-mixing in the 23 Al β -decay can be consistently understood by introducing additional T = 1 , J = 2 INC interactions related to the s 1 / 2 orbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of high temperature superconductors, pulsed laser deposition derived GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ sample with BaHfO 3 nanoparticles has been reported to achieve high current density and good I C -B-θ characteristics at high temperatures. Herein, we have carried out a thorough nanostrucural characterization of BaHfO 3 nanoparticles embedded in GdBCO matrix using scanning transmission electron microscopy, with an emphasis on the dispersion behavior, morphologies and nanostrain, to understand the role of BaHfO 3 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pairing from different fermions, neutrons and protons, is unique in nuclear physics. The fingerprint for the isoscalar T = 0 neutron–proton (np) pairing has however remained a question. We study this exotic pairing mode in excited states of rotating N ≈ Z nuclei by applying the state-of-the-art shell-model calculations for 88 Ru and the neighboring 90,92 Ru isotopes. We show that the T = 0 np pairing is responsible for the distinct rotational behavior between the N = Z and N > Z nuclei. Our calculation suggests a gradual crossover from states with mixed T = 1 and T = 0 pairing near the ground state to those dominated by the T = 0 np pairing at high spins. It is found that the T = 0 np pairing plays an important role in enhancing the high-spin collectivity, thereby reducing shape variations along the N = Z line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently proposed effective shell-model interaction, the pairing-plus-multipole Hamiltonian with the monopole interaction obtained by empirical fits starting from the monopole-based universal force (PMMU), is systematically applied to nuclei of the pfs/2g9/2 shell region. It is demonstrated that the calculation describes reasonably well a wide range of experimental data, including not only the low-lying and high-excitation spectra, El transitions, quadrupole moments, and magnetic moments, but also the binding energies, for Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, and Se isotopes with A = 64-80. In particular, a structure of the neutron-rich Ge and Se isotopes is discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied electronic transport and magnetic properties of α-(In1-xFex)2O3 alloy films. Temperature dependence of resistivity of the films showed semiconducting behavior of conductivity. Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed. Relatively high coercive fields indicated that observed ferromagnetism in α-(In1-xFex)2O3 films were not arisen from magnetic metallic iron nano-precipitates. Remanence measurement revealed the Curie temperature of 520 K and 620 K for α-(In0.52Fe0.48)2O3 and α-(In0.23Fe0.77)2O3 films, corresponding to a weakening of superexchange interactions in these alloys (with less magnetic iron cations) with respect to canted antiferromagnet α-Fe2O3. Nevertheless, Curie temperatures remain much higher than 300 K, and semiconducting behavior with low activation energy in resistivity for middle composition alloy, exhibiting combined multi-functionality of room ferromagnetism and semiconducting properties, in corundum alloys such as α-(Ga1-xFex)2O3 or α-Fe2-xTixO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an ultrasonographic assay for determining plasma progesterone concentration (P4) as < 1 ng/ml or ≥ 1 ng/ml, the corpus luteum (CL) area and P4 were measured in 1094 multiparous Holstein cows. The area-measuring function and frozen images were used to outline and measure CL imaged via ultrasonography, and CL area was estimated as a polygon of a continuation straight line. A significant correlation was found between CL area and P4 (p < 0.001), and this analysis resulted in the following correlation equation: y = -0.35 + 1.02x (r = 0.81). According to the correlation equation, a CL area of 1.3 cm² indicated a P4 of 1 ng/ml. Based on this relationship, each animal was categorized into one of six groups, groups differed based on CL area, and the area ranges were as follows: < 1.3 cm² (Group A), 1.3-2.2 cm² (Group B), 2.3-3.2 cm² (Group C), 3.3-4.2 cm² (Group D), 4.3-5.2 cm² (Group E) and > 5.2 cm² (Group F). For each group, the proportion of cows whose P4 was 1 ng/ml or more was 1.5% in Group A, 83.3% in Group B, 76.6% in Group C, 96.6% in Group D, 99.2% in Group E and 100% in Group F. There was a significant difference between Group A and the other five groups, and between Groups B or C and Groups D, E or F (p < 0.005). These results indicate that a functional CL does not exist when the CL area is less than 1.3 cm² and that it exists when the CL area is 3.3 cm² or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a preliminary study of neutron resonance absorption imaging to investigate the spatial distribution of constituent elements in borosilicate glasses containing simulated high-level radioactive waste, in which elemental inhomogeneities affect the physical and chemical stabilities of the glass. Dips generated by the resonance absorptions of Rh, Pd, Na, Gd, Cs, and Sm were observed in the neutron transmission spectra of the glass samples. The spatial distributions of these elements were obtained from the neutron transmission images at the resonance energies. The distributions of Rh and Pd visualized the sedimentation of these platinum group elements. In contrast, the lanthanides (Gd and Sm) and Cs were uniformly dispersed. These results show that neutron resonance absorption imaging is a promising tool for characterizing borosilicate glasses and investigating the vitrification mechanism of high-level radioactive waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror energy differences (MEDs) and triplet energy differences (TEDs) in the T = 1 analogue states are important probes of isospin-symmetry breaking. Inspired by the recent spectroscopic data of 66Se, we investigate these quantities for A = 66-78 nuclei with large-scale shell-model calculations. For the first time, we find clear evidence suggesting that the isospin nonconserving (INC) nuclear force has a significant effect for the upper fp shell region. Detailed analysis shows that, in addition to the INC force, the electromagnetic spin-orbit interaction plays an important role for the large, negative MED in A = 66 and 70 and the multipole Coulomb term contributes to the negative TED in all the T = 1 triplet nuclei. The INC force and its strength needed to reproduce the experimental data are compared with those from the G-matrix calculation using the modern charge-dependent nucleon-nucleon forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological systems have often to perform binary decisions under highly dynamic and noisy environments, such as during cell-fate determination. These decisions can be implemented by two main bifurcation mechanisms based on the transitions from either monostability or oscillation to bistability. We compare these two mechanisms by using stochastic models with time-varying fields and by establishing asymptotic formulas for the choice probabilities. Different scaling laws for decision sensitivity with respect to noise strength and signal timescale are obtained, supporting a role for oscillatory dynamics in performing noise-robust and temporally tunable binary decision-making. This result provides a rationale for recent experimental evidences showing that oscillatory expression of proteins often precedes binary cell-fate decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a unified realistic shell-model Hamiltonian employing the pairing plus multipole Hamiltonian combined with the monopole interaction constructed starting from the monopole-based universal force by Otsuka etal. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 104,012501 (2010)]. It is demonstrated that our proposed model can consistently describe a large amount of spectroscopic data as well as binding energies in the pf and pf5/2g9/2 shell spaces and could serve as a practical shell model for even heavier mass regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents This study aimed to develop a polymerase chain reaction ( PCR)-based sexing and effective semen collection methods for black-headed and straw-necked ibis species. However, most birds are not sexually dimorphic, that is, the sexes appear similar. Therefore, the gender should be determined before semen collection. DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 11 black-headed and 4 straw-necked ibis. The sex was determined after PCR amplification of the EE0.6 region of W-chromosome. The PCR products were separated using gel electrophoresis. A single band indicated the presence of the EE0.6 region and that the individual was a female, while no band indicated that the individual was a male. Further, the single bands from seven specimens were amplified. Semen collection was performed by massage or a combination of massage with electro-ejaculation and was attempted during all four seasons. The semen was successfully collected in March from male straw-necked ibis using the massage method. Limited motility, viability and concentration of straw-necked ibis sperm were observed. The sperm length was 180 μm and that of the nucleus was 30 μm with acrosome located at the tip of the nucleus. Thus, the PCR-based sexing proved to be an accurate molecular sexing method for black-headed and straw-necked ibis. Furthermore, we successfully collected semen and observed the stained sperm nucleus and acrosome of the straw-necked ibis sperm. We propose that the use of this PCR methodology can be applied as a routine method for sex determination and semen collection in ibis species for future ecological research. However, considering our limited success, further studies on semen collection method are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We investigated morphologies and the dispersions BaZrO3 act as pinning center by STEM-tomography. [•] BaZrO3 particles have polyhedral morphology with random orientation. [•] Homogeneous dispersion of BaZrO3 within the matrix at high density. [•] These BZO particles may have been acting as the most effective pinning center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation aims to establish the reason(s) why dairy cows with high somatic cell counts (SCCs; >100,000 cells/ml) are less fertile than cows with low SCCs alone. The objective of Study One was to determine whether differences in steroid hormone profiles could explain the low incidence of ovulation in cows with combined High SCC and lameness. Between 30 and 80 days post-partum, animals were scored for SCC and lameness and three groups were formed: Healthy (n =22), High SCC alone (n =12) or High SCC + Lame (n =9). The ovarian follicular phases of all cows were synchronised by administering gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) followed seven days later by prostaglandin F2alpha (PG). Milk samples were collected daily throughout the entire study period; twice daily during the follicular phase, blood samples were taken and the ovaries were monitored using ultrasonography. Progesterone concentrations were similar in all three groups during each of five specific time periods, i.e. throughout the five days before PG injection, the peri-ovulatory period, on Day 5 and on Day 7, and during the mid luteal phase 12–17 days after ovulation (P >0.13). Mean plasma oestradiol concentrations monitored every 12h during the 36h period before ovulation were similar in all groups (Healthy, 2.80±0.30pg/ml; High SCC alone, 3.82±0.48pg/ml; High SCC+Lame 2.94±0.51pg/ml; P =0.175). The objective of Study Two was to establish whether cows with High SCC (scored and synchronised as above) display different behaviours, especially the intensity and timing of oestrus. Intervals from PG to the onset of oestrus or to the first stand-to-be-mounted (STBM) were longer for the High SCC cows than the Low SCC animals (n =8 and 20; P =0.011 and 0.002, respectively). Also, cows with High SCC tended to have a less intense oestrus and a lower maximum oestrus score per 30-min period than Low SCC cows (P =0.063 and 0.066, respectively). In conclusion, High SCC±lameness did not affect progesterone or twice daily oestradiol profiles but the onset of oestrus was delayed and oestrus tended to be less intense in cows with High SCC. These factors could explain low fertility associated with High SCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For mirror nuclei with masses A=42-95, the effects of isospin-nonconserving nuclear forces are studied with the nuclear shell model using the Coulomb displacement energy and triplet displacement energy as probes. It is shown that the characteristic behavior of the displacement energies can be well reproduced if the isovector and isotensor nuclear interactions with J=0 and T=1 are introduced into the f7/2 shell. These forces, with their strengths being found consistent with the nucleon-nucleon scattering data, tend to modify nuclear binding energies near the N=Z line. At present, no evidence is found that these forces are needed for the upper fp shell. Theoretical one- and two-proton separation energies are predicted accordingly, and locations of the proton drip line are thereby suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polarized inelastic neutron scattering under a magnetic field is used to get a microscopic insight into the spin resonance of the heavy fermion superconductor CeCoIn5. The resonance line shape is found to depend on the neutron polarization: Some of the spectral weight is common to the two polarization channels while the remaining part is distributed equally between them. This is evidence for the spin resonance being a degenerate mode with three fluctuation channels: A Zeeman split contribution and an additional longitudinal mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anomaly in Coulomb energy differences (CEDs) between the isospin T = 1 states in the odd-odd N = Z nucleus 70Br and the analogue states in its even-even partner 70Se has remained a puzzle. This is a direct manifestation of isospin-symmetry breaking in effective nuclear interactions. Here, we perform large-scale shell-model calculations for nuclei with A = 66 to 78 using the new filter diagonalization method based on the Sakurai-Sugiura algorithm. The calculations reproduce well the experimental CED. The observed negative CED for A = 70 are accounted for by the cross-shell neutron excitations from the fp shell to the g9/2 intruder orbit with the enhanced electromagnetic spin-orbit contribution at this special nucleon number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the structure and characteristics of elastomeric bearings, elastomeric design and quality control procedures. It describes the types of elastomeric bearing including horizontal force dispersal bearings and seismic isolation bearings. It states that elastomeric bearings of the horizontal force dispersal type and lead-rubber type use natural rubber. Confirmatory tests for elastomeric bearing capacity are discussed.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of a chronic stressor, lameness, on reproductive parameters. Seventy cows 30–80 days post-partum were scored for lameness and follicular phases synchronized with GnRH followed seven days later by prostaglandin (PG). Fifteen Lame animals did not respond to GnRH ovarian stimulation. Milk progesterone for 5 days prior to PG was lower in the remaining Lame cows than Healthy herdmates. Fewer Lame cows ovulated (26/37 versus 17/18; P = 0.04) and the interval from PG to ovulation was shorter in Lame cows. In Subset 1 (20 animals), the LH pulse frequency was similar in ovulating animals (Lame and Healthy) but lower in Lame non-ovulators. An LH surge always preceded ovulation but lameness did not affect the interval from PG to LH surge onset or LH surge concentrations. Before the LH surge, estradiol was lower in non-ovulating cows compared to those that ovulated and estradiol concentrations were positively correlated with LH pulse frequency. In Subset 2 (45 cows), Lame ovulating cows had a less intense estrus than Healthy cows, although Lame cows began estrus and stood-to-be-mounted earlier than Healthy cows. In conclusion, we have identified several parameters to explain poor fertility in some chronically stressed animals. From 30 to 80 days post-partum, there was a graded effect that ranged from 29% Lame cows with absence of ovarian activity, whereas another 21% Lame cows failed to express estrus or ovulate a low estrogenic follicle; in 50% cows, many reproductive parameters were unaffected by lameness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate large mirror energy differences (MED) between high-spin states in the mirror nuclei 67Se and 67As. By employing large-scale shell model calculations, we show that the electromagnetic spin-orbit interaction and the Coulomb monopole radial term are important for the observed large MED in this mirror pair. It is clarified that this large MED is attributed to the proton pair excitations from the p3/2 and f7/2 orbits to the g9/2 orbit and the spin alignment of the g9/2 protons at high spins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purine is a general term for purine nucleotides, nucleosides, bases, and nucleic acid. The amount of purine nucleotides, nucleosides, and bases in purine-rich cauliflower was determined with the use of LC-MS and HPLC, and the ratio of these molecules were compared with in raw and in heated condition. Total purine content of raw and heated cauliflower was 42.6 and 43.2 mg/100 g, respectively. Nucleotide content was increased from 0.02 to 50.8 μmol/100 g, and nucleoside content was decreased from 12.4 to 7.7 μmol/100 g, by heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: TiN nanocomposite powders with various morphologies were synthesized by DC arc-plasma method from Ti–Si ingot under N2–H2–Ar atmosphere. Microstructures of powders were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscopy with compositional analysis, then morphologies by three-dimensional electron tomography. It was found that the powders were consisted of TiN nanoparticles covered by Ti5Si3 nanoparticles, which possibly suppressed the growth of facets and controlled the final morphologies of TiN–Ti5Si3 nanocomposite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the predictive significance of nodal calcification in terms of the therapeutic option of (131)I therapy in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients.Methods: We reviewed 19 computed tomography (CT) examinations of PTC patients on receiving (131)I therapy for the presence of nodal calcification, and compared the (131)I whole-body scintigraphy and (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT findings. The metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) were divided into three groups: A, those with calcification; B, those without calcification but belonging to patients who had calcified mLNs; C, those without calcification and belonging to patients who had no calcified mLNs. The incidences of (131)I accumulation and maximum standardised uptake values (SUV max) in the three groups were compared.Results: A total of 70 mLNs were evaluated. Twelve mLNs belonged to group A, 13 to group B and 45 to group C. The incidences of (131)I accumulation were significantly higher in groups A (100%) and B (100%) than in group C (11.1%) (p < 0.0001 for both). The SUVmax was significantly lower in groups A (4.1 +/- 1.9) and B (3.9 +/- 1.4) than in group C (7.1 +/- 4.4) (p = 0.01, p = 0.002, respectively).Conclusions: Our results indicated that calcification in mLNs related to the ability of (131)I accumulation and less dedifferentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: TiN–Ag nanocomposite was synthesized by dc arc-plasma method. Microstructures of TiN–Ag nanocomposite were carefully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscopy, and nano-morphologies by three-dimensional electron tomography. It was found that the surface of nanocrystalline TiN matrix was densely covered by finely dispersed Ag nanoparticles, and it was found that they were physically attached but not chemically bonded from their orientation relationships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To study the effect of bacteria in the uterus on the fate of the corpus luteum (CL), Arcanobacterium pyogenes was inoculated into the uteri of cows on Day 3 (Day 0=day of spontaneous ovulation). Plasma concentrations of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α (PGFM), 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2 (PGEM) and progesterone (P4) were determined. In five cows, the developing CL regressed and first-wave dominant follicles, which normally become atretic, ovulated (Group OV) after bacterial inoculation. In another five cows (Group NOV) and five control cows, the developing CL did not regress and first-wave dominant follicles did not ovulate. In Group OV, PGFM concentrations increased by 126.2pg/mL (from 36.8±7.8pg/mL on Day 3 to 163±37.2pg/mL on Day 6), with an increase ratio of 5.8-fold. Conversely, in Group NOV, PGFM had a greater increase of 198.4pg/mL (from 128.2±27.8pg/mL on Day 3 to 326.6±115.1pg/mL on Day 5), but the increase ratio was only 2.3-fold. Although PGEM tended to increase in both groups, raw increases and increase ratios were small. Bacterial inoculation into the uterus stimulated the release of prostaglandins and affected the fate of the CL; in that regard, the CL was affected more by PGF2α than by PGE2, and the increase ratio of PGF2α was more important than the raw increase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: GABAergic interneurons play central roles in the regulation of neuronal activity in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA). They are also suggested to be the principal targets of the brainstem noradrenergic afferents which are involved in the enhancement of the BLA-related memory. In addition, behavioral stress has been shown to impair noradrenergic facilitation of GABAergic transmission. However, the noradrenaline (NA) effects in the BLA have not been differentiated among medium- to large-sized GABAergic neurons and principal cells, and remain to be elucidated in terms of their underlying mechanisms. Glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) is a biosynthetic enzyme of GABA and is specifically expressed in GABAergic neurons. To facilitate the study of the NA effects on GABAergic neurons in live preparations, we generated GAD67–green fluorescent protein (GFP) knock-in mice, in which GFP was expressed under the control of an endogenous GAD67 gene promoter. Here, we show that GFP was specifically expressed in GABAergic neurons in the BLA of this GAD67–GFP knock-in mouse. Under whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in vitro, we identified a certain subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in the BLA chiefly on the basis of the electrophysiological properties. When depolarized by a current injection, these neurons, which are referred to as type A, generated action potentials at relatively low frequency. We found that NA directly excited type-A cells via α1-adrenoceptors, whereas its effects on the other types of neurons were negligible. Two ionic mechanisms were involved in this excitability: the activation of nonselective cationic conductance and the suppression of the resting K+ conductance. NA also increased the frequency of spontaneous IPSCs in the principal cells of the BLA. It is suggested that the NA-dependent excitation of type-A cells attenuates the BLA output for a certain period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The growth mechanism and morphology of Ge precipitates in an Al–Ge alloy was characterized by a combination of in-situ transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional electron tomography. Anisotropic growth of rod-shaped Ge precipitates was observed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy over different time periods, and faceting of the precipitates was clearly seen using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and three-dimensional electron tomography. This anisotropic growth of rod-shaped Ge precipitates was enhanced by vacancy concentration as proposed previously, but also by surface diffusion as observed during the in-situ experiment. Furthermore, a variety of precipitate morphologies was identified by three-dimensional electron tomography. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We encountered a case of cervical spinal cord injury associated with cervical vertebral dislocation fracture that occurred in a patient with concomitant ossification of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. The cervical vertebrae were injured by hyperextension in a car accident. On admission, shearing fracture was noted in the OALL region and vertebral body OPLL region over the posterior column at the fourth cervical level, but no dislocation or neurological findings were noted. Restlessness occurred and caused dislocation several hours after admission, leading to complete injury of the cervical spinal cord. The patient died of complications after 3 weeks. Vertebral body fracture complicated by both OALL and OPLL is very rare, and only four cases have been reported. Since vertebral injury causes delayed fracture/dislocation after a symptom-free interval in cases with ligament ossification, accurate clinical evaluation early after injury and early fixation are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The abrupt structure change from the nuclei of to those of is investigated by means of shell model calculations. Basic features of all even–even and odd–odd nuclei under consideration are well reproduced. A sudden jump of nucleons into the upper shell at is found to be the main reason for the cause of the qualitative structure difference. It is argued that the structure change can be viewed as a decisive change of the mean field, or a phase transition, along the line. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Large-scale shell model calculations were carried out for N ∼ Z Ga-As nuclei with isospin invariant pairing plus QQ interaction. A particle alignment mechanism was investigated by focusing on the role of the g9/2 orbital. The proton-neutron pairing with isospin zero and angular momentum 9 was found to play an important role in these N ∼ Z nuclei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations of the p53 gene are detected frequently in oesophageal dysplasia and cancer. It is unclear whether Lugol-unstained lesions (LULs) with non-dysplastic epithelium (NDE) are precursors of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). To study the genetic alterations of NDE in the multistep process of oesophageal carcinogenesis, we determined the relationship between p53 mutations and LULs-NDE. Videoendoscopy with Lugol staining was performed prospectively in 542 oesophageal cancer-free subjects. Lugol-unstained lesions were detected in 103 subjects (19%). A total of 255 samples, including 152 LULs (NDE, 137; dysplasia, 15) and 103 paired samples of normal staining epithelium, were obtained from 103 subjects. After extraction of DNA and polymerase chain reaction analysis, direct sequencing method was applied to detect mutations of the p53 gene. The p53 mutation was detected in five of 137 samples with LULs-NDE (4%) and in five of 15 samples with dysplasia (33%). A hotspot mutation was found in 20% of LULs-NDE with p53 mutation and in 40% of dysplasia with p53 mutation. In contrast, no p53 mutations were found in 103 paired NDE samples with normal Lugol staining. In biopsy samples from oesophageal cancer-free individuals, the p53 missense mutations containing a hotspot mutation were found in NDE, which was identified as an LUL. These findings suggest that some LULs-NDE may represent the earliest state of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Japanese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 81-year-old man was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the prostate at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University School of Medicine, Japan, in 2012. Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, is an immune checkpoint inhibitor and has been used in the treatment of advanced melanoma, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma in Japan since 2014 ([2]). [Extracted from the article]

Background: Cyclosporine A (CsA) has been widely used in children with steroid dependent and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (NS) because of its efficacy in relieving these patients from systemic side effects of steroids. However, its long term use is controversial, since chronic CsA induced nephropathy (CsAN) may develop in a considerable number of patients. Aims and Methods: In order to clarify the risk factors for the development of CsAN, the clinical characteristics of children with steroid dependent or steroid resistant NS taking CsA (target blood trough levels 50–150 ng/ml) for more than six months, managed at a single centre, were retrospectively analysed. Results: Thirteen of 30 children (24 boys and 6 girls) taking CsA (mean duration 43 months, range 6–144) had CsAN defined as the presence of CsA associated arteriopathy with or without striped tubulointerstitial lesions. The multivariate analysis revealed that CsA treatment for more than 36 months and an age younger than 5 years at the start of CsA treatment were independent risk factors for the development of CsAN. The univariate analysis also showed that patients with CsAN had more frequent relapses during CsA treatment than those without CsAN. Conclusion: An alternative treatment should be seriously considered after a 36 month administration of CsA in order to prevent CsAN. Data also suggest that CsA treatment in children younger than 5 years should be avoided if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, subcritical crack growth in granite was investigated experimentally using the double torsion (DT) test. The orthorhombic elastic properties of granite, caused by the preferred orientation of pre-existing microcracks, were used to estimate the crack velocities and the stress intensity factors. The results showed that the crack velocity in granite varied depending on its direction of propagation. The fastest crack velocities for a given water vapor pressure were obtained when the crack propagated in the direction parallel to the plane in which the crack density of the pre-existing microcracks was the highest. Hence, subcritical crack growth in granite is affected by pre-existing microcracks. It was shown that the crack velocity was high when the water vapor pressure was high. From the results obtained under different temperatures and water vapor pressures, values of the activation energy for subcritical crack growth were estimated. The crack velocity under any given temperature, water vapor pressure, and stress intensity factor can be predicted theoretically if the activation energy is accurately estimated. The activation energy in granite is higher than that in glass. Cracks propagate in a straight line in glass, whereas they do not form a straight line in rocks due to the heterogeneity. The total length and surface area of cracks in rocks are therefore greater than those of straight cracks in glass. The larger activation energies in rocks are due to their heterogeneity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Unusual morphologies of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) fabricated by the microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In particular, the presence and distribution of wedge-shaped carbon films, consisting of amorphous carbon and CNFs, were observed by three-dimensional electron tomography (3D-ET), and their growth mechanisms were modeled. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed the presence of amorphous carbon on carbon nanofibers. Wedge-shaped carbon films are most likely caused by the bridging of individual CNFs by amorphous carbon from plasmarized carbon. The combination of 3D-ET and HRTEM clearly provides a successful strategy for determining 3D morphologies with characteristic sizes on the nanometer scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Subcritical crack growth is one of the main causes of time-dependent behavior in rocks. Double torsion (DT) tests have often been used to study subcritical crack growth in rocks. There are three methods used for the DT test, each with different loading conditions: the constant load (CL) method, the constant displacement (CDR) method, and the load relaxation (RLX) method. The RLX method is convenient, because the wide range of data of subcritical crack growth can be obtained with a single experimental run. In this study, subcritical crack growth in andesite was investigated using RLX method of the DT test. To determine the appropriate shape for the guide groove in DT specimens, tests were performed using rectangular, semi-circular, and triangular section grooves. The level of reproducibility of the test results was highest for specimens with a rectangular groove. Hence, this is an appropriate guide groove shape for DT specimens. DT tests were also performed for different water vapor pressures to investigate the effects on subcritical crack growth. The results showed that crack growth was facilitated at higher water vapor pressures. Additionally, the activation energy for subcritical crack growth in andesite was determined from the experimental results, and the crack velocity values for various temperature, humidity, and stress conditions were calculated theoretically. The crack velocity can be predicted from theory for various environmental and stress conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The competition between the isovector () and isoscalar () proton–neutron () correlations in nuclei is investigated by calculating their correlation energies with a realistic effective interaction which reproduces observed nuclear properties very well, in a strict shell model treatment. It is shown in the realistic shell model that the double-differences of binding energies ( being the binding energy) are good indicators of the and correlations. Each of them, however, originates in plural kinds of correlations with or . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Excitation-current-density and temperature-dependent cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were measured for rocksalt-structured MgxZn1-xO films with x = 0.92–0.61. A deep UV luminescence (DUVL) band was predominantly observed in an energy range of 4.91–5.86 eV for all the films at 6–300 K. The analysis based on a rate equation model confirms that the DUVL band is attributed to the near-band-edge emission. Temperature-dependent CL spectra were quantified in terms of peak energy shifts and full width at half maximum values. Relatively high equivalent internal quantum efficiencies of 2.5%–11% were obtained for the RS-MgxZn1-xO films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pairing transition at finite temperature was investigated by the shell model and BCS calculations. The definitive signature of pairing transition is identified by a “transition temperature” Tt estimated from a “thermal” odd–even mass difference, while there is no sharp phase transition because of the finiteness of nucleus. It is found that Tt is in good agreement with predictions of critical temperature Tc in the BCS approximation, and the pairing correlations almost vanish at two points of the transition temperature T≈2Tt. The BCS calculations show that the critical temperature Tc increases with increasing deformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We sought to clarify pathological features and genetic alterations in colorectal carcinomas with characteristics of nonpolypoid growth. Colorectal carcinomas resected at Showa University Hospital in Tokyo included 86 with characteristics of polypoid growth (PG) and 21 with those of nonpolypoid growth (NPG). Mutations of APC, Ki-ras, and p53 genes, as well as microsatellite instability (MSI), were analysed using fluorescence-based polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). Carcinomas with an NPG pattern were smaller than PG tumours (P<0.0001). Carcinomas with a PG pattern were more likely to harbour Ki-ras mutations (36%) than NPG tumours (0%; P<0.0001). Mutation types in the APC gene differed significantly between PG and NPG carcinomas (P=0.0189), including frameshift mutations in 66% of PG carcinomas but no NPG carcinomas. Presence of a p53 mutation at a 'hot spot' also was more likely in PG carcinomas (37%) than in NPG carcinomas (0%; P=0.0124). No significant difference in presence of MSI was evident between carcinomas with PG and NPG patterns. In conclusion, significant genetic differences were evident between carcinomas with PG and NPG patterns. Genetic changes in NPG carcinomas differed from those of the conventional adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Assuming that some nonpolypoid growth lesions transform rapidly into advanced carcinomas, 20% of all colorectal carcinomas may progress in this manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of structural and analytical investigation by transmission electron microscopy was carried out to characterize carbides formed at two types of boundaries in strain-relieved 9Cr-steel, prior-austenite grain boundary (PAGB) and small-angle grain boundary of subgrain boundary (martensite-lath boundary). Structural characterization by selected-area electron diffraction pattern revealed the presence of fine V-rich MC- and coarse Cr-base M23C6-type carbides at prior-austenite grain boundaries, while fine Mo-base M2C- and coarse M23C6-type carbides at small-angle grain boundaries. Analytical investigation, spectral and mapping analysis, by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the elemental composition and distribution of carbides at both boundaries. The composition of M23C6-type carbides at both boundaries were almost the same. Even though the processes of M23C6-type carbide formation are expected to be different from each other, the origin of similarities in compositions is ascribed to being the stable phase of M23C6-type carbides. The formation mechanisms of these carbides at different boundaries are also proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A method of global–local analysis is developed for quasi-static equilibrium problems for granular media. The two-scale modeling based on mathematical homogenization theory enables us to formulate two separate boundary value problems in terms of macro- and microscales. The macroscale problem governs the equilibrium of a global structure composed of granular assemblies, while the microscale one is posed for the particulate nature of a local structure with the friction-contact mechanism between particles. The local structure is identified with a periodic representative volume element, or equivalently, a unit cell, over which averaging is performed. The mechanical behavior of unit cells is analyzed by a discrete numerical model, in which spring and friction devices connect rigid particles, whereas the continuum-based finite element method is used for the macroscopic one. Representative numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed two-scale analysis method for granular materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantitative characterizations of nanostructures in FePt granular thin films were achieved by transmission electron microscopy with various analytical methods. Significant amounts of Fe and Pt atoms are dissolved within the matrix of Al2O3 in the as-deposited states. These solutioned Fe and Pt atoms play important roles of the structural changes during thermal annealing process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A combination of structural analysis and analytical investigation by transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate precipitated carbides on 2Cr-steel. Spectral and image analysis by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and energy-filtered images in a transmission electron microscopy revealed compositions of precipitated carbides from both boundaries. The presence of concentration gradient of alloy elements within the precipitated carbide, were shown by EDS and energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the rate-controlling process should be governed by not only the diffusion of depletion layer but also that of alloy elements within the carbides. It is therefore necessary to consider these phenomena to model the rate-controlling process, for further discussion of the growth mechanisms of the carbides in steels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

1. E5564, a lipid A analogue that potently antagonises lipopolysaccharide, is being developed to treat sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacterial infections. The pharmacokinetic profile of E5564 is independent of dose between 0.1 and 1 mg kg -1 . The distribution volume of E5564 is slightly larger than the total plasma volume, and the terminal elimination half-life is about 5 h. 2. Following 14 C-E5564 administration (0.5 mg kg -1 ), radioactivity rapidly accumulates in the liver and spleen. The half-life of E5564 in the liver is 5.1 h, which is similar to that in the plasma. At 48 weeks after dosing, 35.27% of the administered radioactivity was still present in the liver. Cumulative urinary and faecal excretion of radioactivity for up to 48 weeks after administration were 3.86 and 67.17% of the dose, respectively. 3. The results of mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis reveal that the main hepatic metabolite is di-dephosphorylated E5564. The half-life of di-dephosphorylated E5564 in the liver is 87.4 days, which is similar to that for the hepatic radioactivity. 4. The results indicate that E5564 is rapidly taken up by the liver, is metabolized via dephosphorylation pathways to form dephosphorylated E5564 and is mainly excreted in the faeces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C57BL/10 (B10; H2b) bone marrow-derived myeloid dendritic cells (DC) propagated in GM-CSF + IL-4 were transduced with r adenoviral (Ad) vectors encoding either control neomycin-resistance gene (Ad-Neo) or murine IL-4 (Ad-IL-4) on day 5 of culture following CD11c immunomagnetic bead purification. Both Ad-Neo- and Ad-IL-4-transduced DC displayed upregulated surface MHC class II and costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86). Ad-IL-4 DC secreted higher levels of bioactive IL-12p70 after CD40 ligation or LPS stimulation than either Ad-Neo or unmodified DC. Only Ad-IL-4 DC produced IL-12p70 in primary MLR, in which they induced augmented proliferative responses of naïve allogeneic C3H/HeJ (C3H; H2k) T-cells. Compared with Ad-Neo DC, Ad-IL-4 DC were also more effective in priming naïve allogeneic recipients to exhibit specifically enhanced anti-donor T-cell proliferative and CTL responses. T-cells primed in vivo 7 days previously with Ad-IL-4 DC displayed enhanced secretion of Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) but also higher Th1 cytokine (IFNγ) production following ex vivo challenge with donor alloAg. Moreover, pretreatment of vascularized heart graft recipients with i.v. Ad-IL-4 DC, 1 week before transplant, significantly accelerated rejection and antagonized the therapeutic effect of anti-CD40L (CD154) mAb. These data contrast markedly with recently reported inhibitory effects of autologous Ad-IL-4 DC on autoimmune inflammatory disease.Gene Therapy (2003) 10, 143–152. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3301872 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]