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Presents a study which identified the control factors controlling the growth of native silicon oxide on silicon surfaces. Factors that are required for growth of native oxide both in air and in ultrapure water at room temperature; Description of wafers used in the experiment; Growth of native oxide in air.

Presents information on a study which discussed changes of the structural and electrical properties brought about by an in situ plasma supply during growth of undoped and boron doped low-pressure chemical vapor deposition poly-silicon film and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition films. Structural property; Effects of plasma supply on improvement of the surface roughness; Electrical property.

3D image recording has reached an increasing impact on the field of cultural heritage. Applications include documentation of the state of conservation and dimensions of an object, the archaeological survey of artefacts, the dissemination of museum collections and sites, and packaging designing, among others. The 3D image acquisition techniques most commonly used are laser or structured light scanning and, increasingly, close range digital photogrammetry. In this work a 3D digitization casestudy is presented in order to explore the advantages and possibilities of close range digital photogrammetry respect to scanning techniques in documentation of heritage objects. Free and lowcost software used by these techniques were tested and the quality of the results obtained in each case is analyzed. The potentiality of close range digital photogrammetry to enhance the resolution of the 3D recording is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which examined growth of crystalline zirconium dioxide films on silicon. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

We investigated the evolutionary relationship between spawning behaviour and sperm motility traits among Tanganyikan mouth-brooding cichlid species that have developed diverse mating behaviours and male sexual traits. Mouth-brooding behaviour is common among these fish, but different species demonstrate a range of spawning behaviours, bower construction, male sexual traits and timing of gamete release. We observed spawning behaviours and compared sperm motility traits of 28 Tanganyikan mouth-brooding cichlids to elucidate the evolutionary correlations between these traits. Sperm longevity was considerably longer in bower-building species that construct crater-shaped spawning sites compared with species that do not build bowers. Male bower builders released sperm in the pit of the bower prior to spawning, and the time from ejaculation to fertilization was longer. Conversely, most mouth-brooding cichlids deposited semen directly into the female buccal cavity, and spawned eggs were immediately picked up to be placed inside the cavity; thus, the time from ejaculation to fertilization was short. These observations suggest that increased sperm longevity is favoured in bower builders. Comparative phylogenetic analyses suggested that bower-building behaviour and greater time from ejaculation to fertilization are associated with the extension of sperm longevity, whereas sperm competition rank does not play a major role. In addition, bower-building behaviour preceded the emergence of increased sperm longevity. These results indicate that the extension of sperm longevity as a result of the emergence of bower builders may have acted as an evolutionary attractor for sperm longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both internal and external oxidative stresses act on DNA and can induce carcinogenesis. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8- OHdG) is an indicator of oxidative stress and it leads to transversion mutations and carcinogenesis. 8- OHdG is excision-repaired by 8- OHdG DNA glycosylase ( OGG1). The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect of oxidative DNA damage and repair enzymes on esophageal carcinogenesis. The levels of 8- OHdG and OGG1 were immunohistochemically evaluated in resected specimens, including squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) in 97 patients with esophageal cancer. Higher levels of 8- OHdG in normal esophageal epithelium were associated with a higher smoking index ( P = 0.0464). The 8- OHdG level was higher in cancerous areas than in normal epithelia ( P = 0.0061), whereas OGG1 expression was weaker in cancerous areas than in normal epithelia ( P < 0.0001). An increase of OGG1 expression in normal epithelium was observed as 8- OHdG levels increased ( P = 0.0011). However, this correlation was not observed in cancerous areas. High OGG1 expression in the cytoplasm was related to deeper tumors ( P = 0.0023), node metastasis ( P = 0.0065) and stage ( P = 0.0019). Oxidative DNA damage, which is attributable to smoking as well as disturbances in DNA repair systems, appears to be closely related to esophageal carcinogenesis and its progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To clarify whether urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio is a predictor for the incidence of microalbuminuria in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Methods A longitudinal observational cohort study was conducted; the subjects included normoalbuminuric patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before the age of 30 years and who were less than 40 years old at the start of the observation. In total, 225 patients were enrolled (age, mean ± SD: 25 ± 5 years; male: 32.9%). The endpoint was the incidence of microalbuminuria, defined as 30 mg/g Cr ≤ urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio < 300 mg/g Cr. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median of urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio levels. Results During the median follow-up period of 8.8 years (range 1.0-12.8 years), 13 patients with high urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio progressed to microalbuminuria. Meanwhile, only one patient with low urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio reached the endpoint. Kaplan-Meier estimates for the time to reach the endpoint were significantly faster for patients with a high ratio than for those with a low ratio (log-rank test, P < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox hazard analysis, the hazard ratio for patients with high vs. low urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio was 13.51 (95% CI 1.59-115.02, P = 0.017). When urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio was treated as a continuous variable, logarithmically transformed urinary type IV collagen-to-creatinine ratio, but not baseline albumin-to-creatinine ratio, was independently associated with reaching the endpoint (hazard ratio 19.23, 95% CI 1.53-242.30, P = 0.022). Conclusions Urinary type IV collagen may be an important predictor for the incidence of microalbuminuria in young patients with Type 1 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Creatinine ( Cr) as a marker of renal function has limited value in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( ALS) because patients with ALS have reduced muscle mass. Thus, there is a need for alternative methods of assessing renal function. Cystatin C (CysC), which is unaffected by muscle mass, is potentially an ideal biomarker of nephrotoxicity in ALS; however, its utility requires validation. Material and Methods One hundred and six subjects were recruited for the study: 76 ALS patients and 30 healthy controls. We compared the Cr-based estimated glomerular filtration rate ( eGFR) with the CysC-based eGFR in the ALS patients and healthy controls. The results were further analysed according to the severity of ALS in the patients. Results The mean Cr-based eGFRs were 257.2 ± 383.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the ALS group and 98.1 ± 34.9 in the control group; however, the mean CysC-based eGFRs were not significantly different between both groups. Thus, the Cr-based eGFR in the ALS group was markedly higher than any of the other values. Although serum CysC levels did not correlate with the severity of ALS according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, strong simple correlations were observed between serum Cr levels and the severity of ALS (correlation coefficient = 0.734, P < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of CysC as a biomarker of renal function in ALS patients. Furthermore, its applicability could be extended to other neuromuscular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing the thoracic esophagus with the colon is one mode of reconstruction after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. There is, however, a high incidence of postoperative necrosis of the transposed colon. This study evaluated the outcomes of colon interposition with the routine use of superdrainage by microvascular surgery. Twenty-one patients underwent colon interposition from 2004 to 2009. The strategy for colon interposition was to: (i) use the right hemicolon; (ii) reconstruct via the subcutaneous route; (iii) perform a microvascular venous anastomosis for all patients; and (iv) perform a microvascular arterial anastomosis when the arterial blood flow was insufficient. The clinicopathologic features, surgical findings, and outcomes were investigated. The colon was used because of a previous gastrectomy in 18 patients (85.7%) and synchronous gastric cancer in three patients (14.3%). Eight patients (38.1%) underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy including three (14.3%) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Seven patients (33.3%) underwent microvascular arterial anastomosis to supplement the right colon blood supply. Pneumonia occurred in four patients (19.0%). Anastomotic leakage was observed in five patients (23.8%); however, no colon necrosis was observed. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were both 50.6%. Colon interposition with superdrainage results in successful treatment outcomes. This technique is one option for colon interposition employing the right hemicolon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the capabilities of a two-dimensional (2D) approach to the measurement of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) using partial fluorescence yield (PFY) method. It mentions that 2D-XANES measurements are observed using a silicon drift detector as an energy-dispersive fluorescence detector. It notes that the approach extracted an unambiguous PFY spectrum of phosphorus found in the XANES measurement.

Global climate change is expected to affect future rainfall patterns. These changes should be taken into account when assessing future flooding risks. This study presents a method for quantifying the increase in flood risk caused by global climate change for use in urban flood risk management. Flood risk in this context is defined as the product of flood damage potential and the probability of its occurrence. The study uses a geographic information system-based flood damage prediction model to calculate the flood damage caused by design storms with different return periods. Estimation of the monetary damages these storms produce and their return periods are precursors to flood risk calculations. The design storms are developed from modified intensity-duration-frequency relationships generated by simulations of global climate change scenarios (e.g. CGCM2A2). The risk assessment method is applied to the Kanda River basin in Tokyo, Japan. The assessment provides insights not only into the flood risk cost increase due to global warming, and the impact that increase may have on flood control infrastructure planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to examine the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) over a 3-year period and to evaluate the risk of self-reported TMDs among university students in Japan. The study population comprised 2374 university students examined at the start of their undergraduate course and 492 students re-examined after 3 years using questionnaires on symptoms of TMD and experiences of jaw injury, stress, orthodontic treatment and parafunctional habits. Cumulative incidence (%) and relative risks were calculated overall. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the degree of risks of these variables for symptoms of TMDs using logistic regression. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that male subjects with experience of jaw injury had a 3·54 (CI = 1·45-8·68, P < 0·01)-fold higher risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain than that for those who did not. Female subjects who reported experiencing stress and bruxism had 10·56 (CI = 1·28-87·54, P < 0·05)- and 5·00 (CI = 1·21-20·71, P < 0·05)-fold higher risks of TMJ sound, respectively, than the risk for female subjects who had not experienced stress or bruxism. The results indicated that experiences of jaw injury, stress and bruxism were significantly associated with increased risks of development of TMJ disorders in a 3-year cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral Diseases (2010) 16, 747-752 In clinical practice, self-efficacy refers to how certain a patient feels about his or her ability to take the necessary action to improve the indicators and maintenance of health. It is assumed that the prognosis for patient behaviour can be improved by assessing the proficiency of their self-efficacy through providing psychoeducational instructions adapted for individual patients, and promoting behavioural change for self-care. Therefore, accurate assessment of self-efficacy is an important key in daily clinical preventive care. The previous research showed that the self-efficacy scale scores predicted patient behaviour in periodontal patients and mother's behaviour in paediatric dental practice. Self-efficacy belief is constructed from four principal sources of information: enactive mastery experience, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological and affective states. Thus, self-efficacy can be enhanced by the intervention exploiting these sources. The previous studies revealed that behavioural interventions to enhance self-efficacy improved oral-care behaviour of patients. Therefore, assessment and enhancement of oral-care specific self-efficacy is important to promote behaviour modification in clinical dental practice. However, more researches are needed to evaluate the suitability of the intervention method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Prolyl aminopeptidase (PAP) degrades only amino-terminal proline from peptides. The food-grade fungus Aspergillus oryzae produces this enzyme only in small amounts. In this paper, we present efficient production of recombinant PAP with an overexpression system of A. oryzae and characterization of its biochemical properties. Methods and Results: The gene encoding PAP was overexpressed as a His-tag fusion protein under a taka-amylase gene ( amyB) promoter with a limited expressing condition in A. oryzae. The PAP activity in the mycelia grown in rich medium containing glucose (repressing condition) was twice that in starch (inducing condition). The enzyme prepared as cell-free extract was partially purified through two-step column chromatography. The PAP was estimated to be a hexameric protein and exhibited salt tolerance against NaCl of up to 4 mol l−1. Conclusions: Aspergillus oryzae PAP was produced under the repressing condition of amyB promoter in a PAP-overexpressing strain and purified 1800-folds. Overproduction of PAP under promoter-inducing conditions led to an increase in inactive PAP, possibly because of irregular folding. Significance and Impact of the Study: PAP with a high specific activity and salt tolerance may be used effectively in the manufacturing processes of fermented foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the relationship between dietary intake of folate and gingival bleeding in non-smoking adults in Japan. Materials And Methods: Data were obtained from residents who participated in the regional nutrition survey and survey of dental diseases conducted by the administrative office of northernmost prefecture of Japan. Dietitians visited households to collect data on dietary intake. Clinical parameters, including Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and bleeding on probing (BOP), were examined in community centers. Information on smoking habit was obtained from the interview. Then the data from 497 non-smoking adults with 20 teeth or more, aged 18 years or older, were analyzed. The relationship between dietary intake of folic acid and gingival bleeding status was estimated using multivariate analysis. Results: Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a significant negative correlation between dietary folate level and bleeding on probing. The negative association between folate level and bleeding on probing remained statistically significant in multiple regression analysis (standardized β = −0.204, P < 0.001). However, no significant association was found between CPI scores and folate intake level. Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary intake of folic acid, an important indicator of gingival bleeding in adults, may provide an important clinical target for intervention to promote gingival health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head-and-neck cancer is frequently associated with esophageal cancer. Because the operative procedures for these synchronous double cancers are too invasive, definitive chemoradiotherapy tends to be applied as an initial treatment. A salvage esophagectomy for either recurrent or residual disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with such double cancer has never been reported. We reviewed 21 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent a salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy. Among them, the treatment course of five patients who underwent a salvage esophagectomy for patients with synchronous double cancers of the esophagus and head-and-neck region was analyzed. Because head-and-neck cancer was well controlled after chemoradiotherapy in all five patients, a salvage esophagectomy was indicated for either recurrent or residual esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy. Anastomotic leakage developed in four patients; however, no other complications including pulmonary complications were recognized. All of them were discharged to home and three of them are still alive without any recurrence for 20–43 months. A salvage esophagectomy should be considered as a treatment option for either recurrent or residual esophageal cancer with well-controlled head-and-neck cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy when complete resection of the esophagus is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Determine whether a six-step behavioral cognitive method is more effective than traditional oral hygiene instruction. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group was given traditional oral hygiene instruction for 20min. The intervention group received counseling by Farquhar's six-step method for 10min after traditional oral hygiene instruction. In both groups, oral hygiene instruction was given once a week, and performed three times in total for 3 weeks. Clinical characteristics, deposition of dental plaque, frequency and duration of brushing, frequency of interdental cleaning and scores based on scale of 'self-efficacy for brushing of the teeth' were compared in both groups. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in clinical, demographic, behavioral and self-efficacy characteristics at the baseline examination. However after the third visit, the intervention group had a significantly higher self-efficacy, lower plaque index, longer brushing duration and higher frequency of inter-dental cleaning than those of the control group. Multiple regression analysis showed significant association of toothbrushing duration with self-efficacy for brushing of the teeth (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The six-step method might be more effective for enhancing self-efficacy and behavioral change of oral hygiene than traditional oral hygiene instruction alone. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Dentists and dental hygienists can use the six-step method for effective oral hygiene instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Aspartyl aminopeptidase (DAP) has a high degree of substrate specificity, degrading only amino-terminal acidic amino acids from peptides. Therefore, attention is focused here on the efficient production of this enzyme by a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae and characterization of its biochemical properties. Methods and Results: The gene encoding DAP was overexpressed under a taka-amylase gene promoter, with His-tag linker in A. oryzae, during cultivation in a Co2+-containing medium. The enzyme was extracted from the mycelia and purified with immobilized nickel ion absorption chromatography using a buffer containing cobalt ion and imidazole. The active fraction was further purified with gel filtration chromatography. The resultant, electrophoretically pure enzyme displayed a molecular mass of 520 kDa. This enzyme displayed high reactivity towards peptide substrate rather than synthetic substrates. Conclusions: Recombinant A. oryzae DAP was purified to homogeneity with an increased specific activity, when cultivated in a Co2+-rich medium. Moreover, the use of suitable metal ions in microbial cultivation and purification processes may help in increasing the specific activity of other metalloproteases and their functional analysis. Significance and Impact of the Study: Recombinant DAP produced using a cobalt ion in culture media of A. oryzae and purification process allow high yield of the enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The subband dispersions in the Si(111) p-type inversion layers induced by Pb and Ga adsorbed surface structures were measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The surface structures used here were and Si(111)6.3×6.3–Ga. is a new surface phase found in this study. Because it is significant in our study to investigate potential effects of surface superstructures on the hole subband dispersion, we investigated the subband energy levels quantitatively comparing them with those calculated using the triangular approximation. It was found that the energy separation of the adjacent subband quantum levels in the inversion layers induced by gallium adsorption does not follow the triangular approximation. The possible band bending shape was proposed to explain the quantum level spacing of the subbands in Ga-induced inversion layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is little information on the molecular mechanisms in FK506-mediated neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of FK506, an immunosuppressant and neuroprotectant, on trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity in the rat hippocampus. Histologically, TMT-induced neuronal damage was partially prevented by FK506 in the hippocampal CA1 region, but not in CA3. FK506 treatment significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cells in CA1, but not in CA3, and also prevented induction of cognitive deficits by TMT. Microarray analysis of the rat hippocampus detected 14 genes with TMT-induced alteration of mRNA expression that was rescued by FK506 treatment. Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed elevated mRNA levels for four inflammatory genes, glutathione S-transferase, lysozyme, matrix Gla protein, and osteopontin after TMT treatment. Upregulation of these genes was reversed by FK506 treatment at 5 days postgavage. Immunohistochemistry revealed that FK506 reduced osteopontin (OPN) induction by TMT in the periarterial area at 5 days postgavage. Our data suggest that inflammatory gene expression is involved in TMT-induced damage to the hippocampal CA1 region, resulting in apoptosis, and that this process is initiated by periarterial OPN activation, and can be alleviated by FK506. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tabletop storage ring synchrotron (SRS) MIRRORCLE-20SX is a powerful source of soft X-rays emitted from transition radiation (TR) targets. SRS can be used as a source for performing X-ray lithography (XRL) when it emits TR power P XRL⩾50–100mW of photons having energy in the range 490–1860eV. One-foil targets in SRS can emit a high TR power, and the electron beam geometry of MIRRORCLE-20SX requires using TR strip targets with a width ≅3mm. P XRL emitted by one-foil strip TR targets is estimated for several foil materials, and varying foil thickness d. These results show that a target containing one C foil with d≅260nm can be used for performing XRL. Target made of one collodion foil with d≅290nm, and target of one Al foil with d≅200nm emit less, but could also be used for XRL. We manufactured such targets by depositing layers of these materials on slide glass, using Teepol as a releasing agent, and subsequently floating them on a water surface. The C layer is prepared by a horizontal resistance thermal evaporation, and supported by a 270–300nm thick collodion layer, formed onto the Teepol film. The Al layer is thermally evaporated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of most serious complications to occur after an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. However, the pathogenesis of ALI is still unclear. The cytokine levels of pleural drainage fluid as well as peripheral blood were measured in 27 patients who had undergone an extended radical esophagectomy. Both the clinical factors and cytokine levels were compared between 11 patients with (group I) and 16 without ALI (group II). ALI occurred more frequently in patients who underwent colon interposition than in those who received a gastric tube reconstruction (86% vs 25%, P = 0.009). The operation time of group I was significantly longer than that of group II. A logistic regression analysis revealed colon interposition to be an independent factor associated with the ALI ( P < 0.05). Postoperative anastomotic leakage and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurred more frequently in group I than in group II ( P < 0.01). Both the serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels of group I were significantly higher than those of group II. IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were undetectable in the peripheral blood, whereas they were detectable in the pleural effusion. The IL-1β of pleural effusion was higher in group I than group II. In conclusion, greater surgical stress, such as a longer operative time, is thus considered to be associated with the first attack of ALI. The adverse events developing in the extra-thoracic site, such as necrosis and local infection around anastomosis may therefore be the second attack. Furthermore, ALI may cause not only SIRS but also other complications such as anastomotic leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives – We investigated the regional cerebral blood flow in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia (ALS-D) patients, using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Materials and methods – The 123I-IMP SPECT data for 5 ALS-D and 16 ALS patients were analyzed using three-dimensional stereotactic surface projection (3D-SSP). Results – 3D-SSP demonstrated marked prefrontal hypoperfusion in all the five ALS-D cases and significant bilateral prefrontal hypoperfusion in group comparisons. Conclusions – This study revealed prefrontal hypoperfusion in ALS-D cases to be an obvious abnormality with scientific objectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: QMG is a high J c bulk material, which consists of single crystalline 123 with finely dispersed 211. A QMG coil magnet is proposed as a high field application of oxide bulk high T c superconductors (HTS). Since the QMG is produced in the form of a single crystal bulk, it has been considered difficult to make a coil shaped magnet by drawing it into wire and winding it into a coil like the Nb–Ti superconducting wire now commercially available. However, the latest machining techniques have made it possible to slice a QMG into a wafer whose thickness is 1mm or less and form it into a spiral coil. We have been developing the magnets by stacking the QMG coils fabricated through such machining work and soldering them at the inner and outer ends. It can be excited by applying electric current. Presently, we have succeeded to fabricate the split-type QMG magnet that can generate a magnetic flux density of 2.3T at 54K. The fabrication and properties of the QMG coil magnet are reported in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salvage esophagectomy is performed for esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy. The clinical significance and safety of salvage surgery has not been well established. We reviewed 14 cases of salvage esophagectomy following definitive chemoradiotherapy from 1994 through 2005 and investigated complication rates and outcomes. Seven of 14 cases were completely resected with salvage surgery. Operation time and bleeding were greater in patients who experienced incomplete resection (R1/R2). Anastomosis leakage, pulmonary dysfunction and heart failure were recognized in four, two and one patients, respectively. The postoperative complications were more frequent (71.4%) in patients with incomplete resection (R1/R2) than in patients with complete resection (R0) (28.4%). Two patients with complete resection (R0) showed long-term survival. Salvage esophagectomy may be indicated when the tumor can be resected completely after definitive chemotherapy. However, all cases of T4 cancer cannot be resected completely, resulting in a high risk for complications and poor survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diverse excitatory and inhibitory neuronal responses are mediated via Gq-coupled receptors, but the lack of a systematic comparison of different receptors or neurons has hindered a better understanding of these responses. Such a comparison may be provided by an exogenous receptor that is activated by compounds that have no effect on endogenous receptors. We therefore expressed an invertebrate biogenic amine receptor, the Drosophila octopamine receptor, in rat cortical neurons and compared octopamine receptor-mediated responses with those mediated by the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor, the endogenous Gq-coupled receptor in rat cortical neurons. Stimulation of either receptor did not result in a calcium response in octopamine receptor-expressing neurons, although octopamine preferentially elicited a calcium increase in octopamine receptor-expressing PC12h cells, while enhancing the neuronal depolarization-induced calcium increase and the electrical excitability. The increased excitability was caused by inward currents resulting from a reduction in the leak current, which was voltage-independent and blocked by genistein, a non-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor. These results show that, in cortical neurons, exogenous octopamine receptor in mushroom bodies activated the same cell signaling pathway as endogenous metabotropic glutamate receptor, suggesting that the diverse neuronal responses mediated by Gq-coupled receptors are due to the properties of different neurons, rather than to the properties of the receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ionic fragmentation of core-excited α-alanine in gas phase was observed. The most dominant ionic species is COOH+ for all core-ionizations at C 1s, N 1s, and O 1s. An increase in COO+ and a decrease in COOH+, which were observed as core-hole atom selectivity for the O 1s ionization, are explained by the enhancement of O–H bond scission. Further state-selective O–H bond scission, observed at the O 1s second peak, is attributed to the OOH1s→3s/σ* transition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sperm of salmonid fishes are quiescent in the presence of millimolar concentrations of extracellular K+, but motility initiation occurs when sperm are suspended in K+-free medium. In this study, glycerol (CH2OHCHOHCH2OH) treatment of intact sperm in the presence of K+ induced the initiation of motility even though a large amount of K+ was present. Another organic alcohol, erythritol (CH2OH(CHOH)2CH2OH), had a similar effect, but ethylene glycol (CH2OHCH2OH) did not initiate sperm motility. Furthermore, this glycerol-treated sperm showed motility without subsequent addition of ATP and cAMP. CCCP, an uncoupler of the mitochondrial electron-transport chain involved in ATP synthesis, suppressed motility of glycerol-treated sperm, suggesting that ATP synthesis is required for dynein to slide microtubules in glycerol-treated sperm. The amount of intracellular cAMP ([cAMP]i) in glycerol-treated sperm did not increase on motility activation, but a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, H-89, inhibited glycerol-treated sperm motility. In addition, phosphorylation of protein associated with motility initiation also occurred in glycerol-treated sperm, suggesting that the glycerol treatment induces activation of PKA without an increase in [cAMP]i. Taken together, it can be concluded that organic alcohol, glycerol and erythritol induce phosphorylation for motility initiation, bypassing the increase in [cAMP]i as a result of a decrease in extracellular K+ concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have shown so far that thin amorphous (a-)Mo x Si1−x films exhibit the field-driven superconductor–insulator transition (SIT) at zero temperature (T =0), while the existence of a metallic quantum–vortex–liquid at T =0 has been reported in several thin amorphous films. Here we reexamine the possibility of the metallic phase by measuring the T dependence of resistance R(T) for the thin a-Mo x Si1−x films with various transition temperatures T c0 in fields B below the critical field of the “SIT”. We find that the value of T c0 dominates R(T) at low T. For films with T c0 larger than 1.0K, the activation energy U derived from the slope of the Arrhenius plot of R is constant over the whole T region, while for films with T c0 <1.0K, U exhibits a discontinuous decrease below about 0.1K; however, U remains constant and positive down to the lowest T. All of the data are consistent with the picture of the field-driven SIT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Total luminescence (TL), circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), luminescence dissymmetry factor glum and lifetimes of optical active Tb(III)–l,d-EDDS complexes are measured in solution in order to investigate enantiomeric discrimination of energy transfer processes in the presence of quenchers: Nd(III)–l,d-EDDS or (+),(-)-[Co(en)3]I3 complexes. The spectroscopic differences for the chiral complex pairs are discussed in terms of the Stern–Volmer luminescence quenching mechanism. The quenching rate constants give evidence of the fact that a homochiral-pair is lower in energy in the excited states than a heterochiral-pair. The TL and CPL spectral patterns and fine structures in high resolutions are discussed at 10 K of Tb(III)–l,d-EDDS and Tb(III)–(R),(S)-cyclene derivative complex nanocrystals in xerogel. The crystal field splitting and the structural anomaly are found in the axial CPL/TL spectra of trigonal dihedral Tb(ODA)3 single crystals in the temperature range between 300 and 10 K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The nonlinear refractive indices γ and nonlinear absorption coefficients of ZrO2 films doped with CdS or ZnS nanoparticles, as well as with various metals, are measured. The effects of semiconductor and metal nanoparticles and annealing on the nonlinear optical properties of films are studied. The structural parameters of films, determined by electron microscopy and x-ray dispersion spectroscopy, are compared to the optical and nonlinear optical characteristics of these media. The high magnitude of γ of the films ((3 ± 0.6) × 10–11cm2W–1) is attributed to the surface enhancement effect in semiconductor nanoparticles. On the basis of Z-scan data obtained at different intensities of radiation, it is shown that the variations in γ of the ZrO2:CdS(Cr) and ZrO2:ZnS(Mn) films are related to the generation of free carriers. © 2004 MAIK “Nauka / Interperiodica”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous factors have an impact on the workflow efficiency in a typical Diagnostic Radiology Department. Enhancing workflow efficiency is especially critical given the current staffing levels of radiologists and radiology technical personnel. Our observation is that one factor that plays an increasingly important role in the adverse effect on technologist productivity is the availability of the supervising radiologist for consultation. Communication patterns were evaluated in our department. Based on our observation, it was determined that a more efficient mechanism of communication was necessary in order to reduce radiologists and technologists time commitments. It was determined that an online, internet-based communication system would be more valuable than a telephony-based system. An integrated communication system was identified and installed in the digital mammography setting. The time required for completion of diagnostic digital mammograms both without and with the communication system was evaluated. Technologist travel time was also evaluated. The impact of the integrated communication system was immediately noted by the technologists. A time saving of between 1.2 and 2.1 min was noted. An annual saving in technologist time of between 3 and 5 days could be realized. An improvement in patient care was noted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To determine the function of the C-terminal region of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens phage endolysin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa lysis, the permeabilization of the outer membrane of P. aeruginosa was analyzed. Glu-15 to His (E15H) and Thr-32 to Glu (T32E) substitutions were introduced into the Bacillus phage endolysin. Neither E15H nor T32E substitution induced enzymatic and antibacterial activities. These two, Glu-15 and Thr-32, were considered to be the active center of the enzyme. The addition of purified E15H and T32E proteins to P. aeruginosa cells induced the release of periplasmic β-lactamase from the cells, indicating that both proteins enhance permeabilization of the outer membrane. However, the addition of E15H and T32E proteins to P. aeruginosa cells did not induce the release of cytoplasmic ATP from the cells. These results indicate that the antibacterial activity of the endolysin requires both the C-terminal enhancement of the permeabilization of the P. aeruginosa outer membrane and N-terminal enzymatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence, time-resolved luminescence and decay profiles are measured in order to investigate quantum-confinement effects in alumina(Al2O3)-modified MCM-41 silica nanotubes doped with ZnxCd1−xS:Eu3+, Tb3+ nanocrystals at temperatures down to 10 K. In comparison with bulk materials, in the presence of vibronic luminescence bands, luminescence spectral characteristics are found associated with SiO2 centers, a new f–f transition mechanism and very short (600 ps) lifetime features due to surface-bound centers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Short fibrous hollow activated carbons with a high aspect ratio were prepared by carbonization and carbon dioxide activation of softwood and hardwood fibers. The softwood activated carbon consisted mostly of micropores even though the degree of burn-off during the activation became higher. In the case of the hardwood fiber, on the other hand, meso- and macropores as well as micropores were formed and the ratio of these large pores increased with an increasing degree of burn-off. The adsorbed amount of water and toluene vapor on these fibrous activated carbons was compared with that of the commercial activated carbon fibers (ACFs). These fibrous activated carbons showed a high adsorption capacity comparable to that of the ACFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the vortex states below the critical field Bc of the superconductor–insulator transition in two dimensions (2D), we measure the magnetoresistance at low perpendicular fields B (<Bc) for a thin (4 nm) a-MoxSi1−x film. We find that the very small temperature-independent resistance remains at T→0 in finite B below Bc. Such resistance is not observed for a thick (100 nm) film as well as for the thin film in parallel fields. These results suggest quantum motion of a small number of vortices (dislocations) in the 2D vortex-glass phase in the presence of the current. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate the roles of flux pinning on vortex motion at low temperatures (T) in two-dimensional (2D) superconductors using two thin (4 nm) amorphous Mo[sub x]Si[sub 1-x] films with different pinning strength. We measure the T dependence of resistance R at fields B below the critical field B[sub c] of the 2D superconductor-insulator (SI) transition. For both films we observe the very small T-independent R at T→0 in certain field regions below B[sub c], suggesting quantum motion of a small number of vortices (dislocations) in the 2D vortex-glass phase in the presence of current. For the film with weaker pinning, the activation energy decreases at T<0.1 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sol–gel silica glasses doped with transition metal ions (M=Ti4+, V5+, Cr6+, Zr4+, Nb5+, Mo6+, Hf4+, Ta5+, W6+) were prepared to investigate luminescence properties of nanoporous phosphors by measurements of luminescence spectra and lifetimes in the temperature range between 10 and 300 K. The glasses show broad emission bands at around 18,000 cm−1 under a N2 laser excitation. Luminescence is due to the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (3LMCT) transition of ions with closed-shell electronic structures, based on tetrahedral molecular complex [MO4] centers. These ions reveal vibronic structures depending on surface conditions. The presence of oxygen-coordinated octahedral [MO6] centers must also be considered to understand the spectral band at higher energy observed in Ti, Nb, Ta, and W doped glasses. Enhancement of quantum efficiency up to 10% is found in hybrid glasses doped with Al and V ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Euryhaline tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus acclimates to the external spawning environment by modulating its mechanism for regulating sperm motility. Adaptation of sperm was performed by acclimating fish in various environments. In this paper, regulatory mechanisms of freshwater-acclimated tilapia were studied in detail. Tilapia sperm motility was vigorous in hypotonic conditions and decreased increasing osmolality. Sperm motility was reduced in hypotonic conditions when extracellular Ca[sup 2+] was chelated; however, extracellular Ca[sup 2+] was not a major factor for motility activation since sperm were motile even when extracellular Ca[sup 2+] levels were nominally depleted by EGTA. The Ca[sup 2+] indicator fluo 3, showed that intracellular [Ca[sup 2+]] increased on motility activation independently of extracellular [Ca[sup 2+]], accompanied by swelling of the sperm neck region called the sleeve structure. Intracellular [Ca[sup 2+]] was not increased under hypertonic conditions, in which sperm were immotile, even on addition of extracellular Ca[sup 2+]. It is possible that Ca[sup 2+] is stored in the neck region. Demembranated sperm were reactivated in the presence of Ca[sup 2+], but cAMP failed to reactivate the motility. Furthermore, we detected phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of three proteins at serine and threonine residues on motility activation. It is likely that hypotonic shock causes an increase in intracellular [Ca[sup 2+]] that activates motility activation via phosphorylation of some flagellar proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

summary This study investigated the relation between periodontal condition and biting ability in a Chinese population using the pressure-detecting sheet. A total of 142 subjects residing in Nanchang, Jiangxi province, China, participated in the study. The examination included probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing and coronal caries teeth. Biting abilities per person, biting force, biting pressure and occlusal contact area were measured using the sheet. Number of teeth present showed positive correlation with biting force and occlusal contact area, but were negatively correlated with biting pressure. No significant correlation was observed between the mean PD, percentage of pocket ≥ 4 mm, bleeding index and any of biting abilities. The mean CAL showed a significantly negative correlation with biting force and occlusal contact area. Multiple stepwise regression analysis selected the number of teeth present, sex and age as the significant factors affecting the biting ability. However, no periodontal indices were picked up as the significantly contributing factor. There appears to be little effect of periodontal condition on biting ability. Ageing was selected as a contributing factor to reduction in the Chinese adults, but not in the Japanese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence, time-resolved luminescence, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and decay profiles of Ln(III)(15-crownether-5) (Ln=Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb) and Tb(III)-(R),(S)-cyclen derivative complexes doped in xerogel and sol–gel silica glasses are measured at temperatures down to 10 K to characterize luminescence properties and the electronic structure in the excited states. Luminescence spectral profiles and calculation of crystal field parameters (B0(2),B2(2)) in the 5D0→7FJ(J=1,2) transition give evidence of the fact that the pentagonal and planar structure of Eu(III) (15-crownether-5) does hold in xerogel and sol–gel glasses prepared at temperatures below 100°C. As annealing temperatures are increased from 80°C to 750°C, Eu(III) complexes in sol–gel glasses are found to decompose gradually to SiO2:Eu3+. Tb(III)-(R) and (S)-cyclen derivative complexes in xerogel reveal at room temperature and 10 K sharp CPL spectra with luminescence dissymmetry factors glum=−0.1 and 0.1, respectively. These complexes doped in sol–gel glasses represent luminescence characteristics of rare earth ions encapsulated in the nano-porous host. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: Compactdry SCD, a new quantitative, ready-to-use and self-diffusible dry medium sheet urine culture system, was compared with conventional methods to evaluate the results of quantitative urine cultures. Methods & Results: Compactdry SCD was tested on 25 urine specimens, and results compared with those of traditional culture methods. The results from Compactdry SCD analysis correlated well with those from the standard plate count (SPC) method. In fact, the correlation was stronger than that dipslide systems and SPC. Even low-count bacteriuria (< 103 cfu ml-1 ) and mixed bacteriuria were detected by Compactdry SCD. Conclusions: The Compactdry SCD system provides results comparable to those obtained by SPC: simple interpretation, ease of use, long-term storage and good sensitivity. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report suggesting that the Compactdry SCD system has many advantages over traditional quantitative urine culture methods and that it is both appropriate and practical for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present measurements of the magnetoresistance (MR) for insulating amorphous MoxSi1−x films. The field B is applied both perpendicular R⊥(B) and parallel R&par;(B) to the plane of the film. For the most resistive film the difference between R⊥ and R&par;, Ra (i.e., anisotropy component of MR), is positive and shows a monotonic increase with increasing B. On the other hand, for the less resistive film which lies closer to the zero-field superconductor–insulator transition, Ra(B) also shows an increase at low fields but it then takes a broad peak at higher B. The behavior is not explained only by the orbital effect for fermions, suggesting the contribution of superconductivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present measurements of the magnetoresistance (MR) for insulating amorphous MoxSi1−x films. The field B is applied both perpendicular R⊥(B) and parallel R&par;(B) to the plane of the film. For the most resistive film the difference between R⊥ and R&par;, Ra (i.e., anisotropy component of MR), is positive and shows a monotonic increase with increasing B. On the other hand, for the less resistive film which lies closer to the zero-field superconductor–insulator transition, Ra(B) also shows an increase at low fields but it then takes a broad peak at higher B. The behavior is not explained only by the orbital effect for fermions, suggesting the contribution of superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten adult patients with symmetrical calcifications in the bilateral basal ganglia (diagnosed as physiological calcifications) were analyzed for lymphocyte subsets and cytokines. Increased number of natural killer (NK) cells were identified in the peripheral blood of seven patients by lymphocyte subset analysis. Tumor necrosis factor-α was detected in the sera of five patients and interferon- γ was detected in one patient. In summary, NK cell propagation and circulating cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor- α , may be involved in the etiology of basal ganglia calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocyclic α-(alkoxymethyl)acrylates such as 2-methylene-4-oxa-12-dodecanolide, 2-methylene-4-oxa-16-hexadecanolide, 8,9-benzo-2-methylene-4,7,10-trioxa-8-dodecen-12-olide and 9,10-benzo-2-methylene-4,8,11-trioxa-9-tetradecen-14-olide were synthesized and their polymerizability and the stereoregularity of the obtained polymers by radical and anionic methods were investigated. The anionically obtained polymers possessed a normal vinyl polymer structure, and the polymerization with organolithium and Grignard reagents afforded isotactic-rich polymers, whereas the polymers obtained with potassium biphenylide were almost atactic based on their 1H NMR analysis. The anionically obtained polymers bearing a crown ether-type side chain demonstrated a cobalt ion transport ability as a synthetic ion channel using vesicles prepared with dihexadecyl phosphate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigated the masticatory rehabilitation of subjects wearing different types of prostheses. Biting abilities per person (biting force, biting pressure and occlusal contact area) were assessed with a pressure detecting sheet (Prescale®). Five hundred and ninety volunteers were divided into four groups according to the type of posterior dentition: complete denture, removable partial denture, fixed partial denture, and full natural dentition groups. The biting forces of the fixed partial, removable partial and complete denture wearers were 80, 35 and 11% respectively, when expressed as a percentage of the subjects with a natural dentition. The complete denture wearers showed the highest biting pressure among the four groups, followed by the removable partial denture wearers. In a clinical intra-individual study, the biting abilities of 85 subjects, without (before insertion of) and with (after insertion of) renewed prostheses, were compared. No significant differences were found between biting before and immediately after insertion of the prostheses. However, the biting force and occlusal contact area increased 2 months after insertion of the prostheses. This study confirmed past clinical studies indicating an impaired masticatory function of denture wearers. The functional adaptation to new prostheses had improved at evaluation 2 months after insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the voltage-current properties of YBCO bulk superconductor (QMG) processed by modified quench and melt growth method. Occurrence of quench at various amplitudes of pulse current; Calculated amount of joule heat generated in a QMG rod by pulse current as one third of the heat necessary to heat it from 77 degrees Kelvin to the critical temperature.

Describes super-normal (S-N) transitions of various metal-coated high bulk superconductor QMG current limiting elements measured by single rectangular pulse current to evaluate the basic properties of QMG-superconducting fault current limiter. Optimization of endurance and resistance and unevenness of current in an element; Metal coating as resulting to lower resistance per unit length.

The synthesis of gold nanoparticles via nanoparticle assemblies was investigated. Constant temperature treatment of gold nanoparticles in limited space like the assemblies led to the formation of nanoplates and other nanoparticle shapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]