Search

Although high-temperature superconducting induction motors have a simple structure, they are distinguished by their high efficiency and high power density. However, an accurate theoretical model that defines the primary electrical characteristics controlling the motor has not been established because of the nonlinear characteristics of high-temperature superconducting squirrel-cage rotor winding. As part of establishing such a model, an experiment was conducted to analyze the relationship between the induced voltage of the rotor bar in a high-temperature superconducting squirrel-cage rotor winding and stator-side quantities (voltage and transport current), as well as its rotation characteristics. A subject was a 1.5 kW class induction motor using Bi–Sr–Ca–Cu–O high-temperature superconducting rotor bars and the experiment was performed at a temperature and a frequency of 77 K and 60 Hz, respectively. The induced voltages of the rotor bars were measured by applying a rotating magnetic field and exhibited a distorted waveform characterized by a third-order harmonic in a magnetic flux flow state. Despite the distorted voltage waveform of the rotor bar, the stator transport current responsible for driving the induction motor remained unaffected and the motor initiated rotation in a slip rotation mode. From the above results, it was experimentally clarified that a stator voltage exceeding the critical current of the rotor bar must be applied when starting the induction motor. It was also shown that the rotor bar can be regarded as a constant resistance for a constant effective value of the stator current when transitioning the motor into a slip rotation state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present Magnetospheric Multiscale observations of an electron‐scale reconnecting current sheet in the mixing region along the trailing edge of a Kelvin‐Helmholtz vortex during southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. Within this region, we observe intense electrostatic wave activity, consistent with lower‐hybrid waves. These waves lead to the transport of high‐density magnetosheath plasma across the boundary layer into the magnetosphere and generate a mixing region with highly compressed magnetic field lines, leading to the formation of a thin current sheet associated with electron‐scale reconnection signatures. Consistencies between these reconnection signatures and a realistic, local, fully‐kinetic simulation modeling this current sheet indicate a temporal evolution of the observed electron‐scale reconnection current sheet. The multi‐scale and inter‐process character of this event can help us understand plasma mixing connected to the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability and the temporal evolution of electron‐scale reconnection. Plain Language Summary: Like wind blowing over water, the stream of ionized gas released from the Sun, called the solar wind, can lead to waves and rolled‐up vortex structures at the boundary of Earth's magnetosphere, called the magnetopause. These so‐called Kelvin‐Helmholtz waves have been shown to be connected to various different plasma processes on different scales. This multi‐scale and multi‐process character makes them an ideal candidate to study the relation between these processes from both spacecraft observations and simulations. By using spacecraft data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, which was designed for the study of small‐scale plasma processes in Earth's magnetosphere, we show observations of electron‐scale magnetic reconnection, an explosive energy conversion process in plasmas, in a region along the trailing edge of these waves. These observations shed new light on the multi‐scale and multi‐process character of the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability and the energy conversion processes along its boundary. Key Points: A reconnecting electron‐scale current sheet is observed by Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) in mixing plasma along the trailing edge of a Kelvin‐Helmholtz vortexRealistic 2.5D fully‐kinetic simulation shows reasonable agreement with MMS dataConsistencies between the simulation and MMS indicate a temporal evolution of the reconnecting current sheet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coalescence of multiple magnetic islands is recognized as an effective process to energize particles during magnetic reconnection, while its energy conversion process still remains unclear. Here, a two-dimensional fully kinetic simulation of multiple island coalescence with a small reconnection guide field is studied. In the analysis of energy conversion within a magnetic island, the dot product of V e · j × B = w 1 is a useful quantity to compare with j · E = w 2, since the average work done by the Lorentz force on the circulating particles is negligible in the island and w 2 − w 1 = j · E + V e × B = j · E ′ = w 3 . A bipolar pattern of w 1 is found at a secondary island when the electrons are in circular motion inside the island. Significant energy dynamo (w 3 < 0) resulting from j ∥ E ∥ is found at the secondary island, which has not been reported before, where the parallel electric field E ∥ is highly correlated with w 3. Moreover, significant energy dissipation (w 3 > 0) due to j ⊥ · E ⊥ ′ is seen in the merging region between two coalescing islands. Both types of energy conversions are accompanied by enhancements in j ∥ and the parallel electron temperature T e ∥. Three ion-scale magnetic islands (FR1, FR2, and FR3) observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft are compared favorably with the simulated signatures of energy dynamo and dissipation of an evolving secondary island. In particular, FR1 displayed a similar energy dynamo signature as that simulated in an early stage of the secondary island. FR2 and FR3 showed a dominant j ⊥ · E ⊥ ′ energy conversion similar to that obtained in a later stage of the secondary island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic reconnection is a key fundamental process in collisionless plasmas, which converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic energy. Past observation and simulation studies suggested that this process causes an efficient energy conversion through the formation and coalescence of multiple magnetic islands. In this study, based on a large-scale two-dimensional fully kinetic simulations of coalescing multiple islands with a moderate guide magnetic field, we first examined the spatial dimensions of the internal structures of the coalescing islands. The results show that the dimensions of the structures in the directions normal to and along the initial current sheet depend on the initial thickness of the current sheet and the number of coalescing islands. We then found that the horizontal dimension of the structures controls the evolution time scale of the island coalescence process. We further found that when the vertical dimension of the structures, which corresponds to the length of the reconnection X-line in the reconnection outflow direction at the merging point between the two coalescing islands, is sufficiently longer than the ion inertial length, reconnection in the merging current sheet can well mature and both ions and electrons can be effectively heated around the merging X-line. The obtained scaling predicts that such a strong heating by well-matured reconnection in the island coalescence process would be seen in various plasma environments, such as the Earth's magnetotail and solar flares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: In a population‐based birth cohort, we aimed to identify longitudinal trajectories of atopic dermatitis (AD) during childhood using data from different sources (validated questionnaires and healthcare records). We investigated the impact of different AD definitions on such trajectories and their relationships with various risk factors. Methods: Of the 1184 children born into the study, 1083 had information on current AD for at least three follow‐ups from birth to age 11 years and were included in the analysis for parentally reported AD (PRAD). Data were transcribed from healthcare records for 916 of 1184 children for the analysis of doctor‐diagnosed AD (DDAD). We also derived a composite definition of AD (CDAD) (at least two of the following: PRAD, DDAD, current use of AD treatment). Using latent class analysis (LCA), we determined longitudinal profiles of AD using the three definitions. Filaggrin (FLG) genotype data were available for 803 white participants. Results: For PRAD, LCA identified four AD classes ('no AD', 'persistent', 'early‐onset remitting' and 'late‐onset'). For DDAD and CDAD, the optimal number of phenotypes was three ('no AD', 'persistent' and 'early‐onset remitting'). Although AD classes at population level appeared similar in different models, a considerable proportion of children (n = 485, 45%) moved between classes. The association with FLG genotype, atopic diseases and early‐life risk factors was inconsistent across different definitions, but the association with oral food challenge‐confirmed peanut allergy was similar, with a nine‐ to 11‐fold increase among children in the persistent AD class. In a CDAD model, compared with the early‐onset remitting class, those with persistent AD were significantly more likely to have (at age 3 years) moderate/severe AD, polysensitization and current wheeze, and were less likely to have been breastfed. Conclusions: Standardized composite definitions of AD may help to define AD cases with more precision and identify more consistent long‐term trajectories. Whatis already known about this topic?Atopic dermatitis (AD) is heterogeneous, but there is no general consensus on what the different subtypes are.Techniques such as latent class analysis (LCA) have been used to disentangle the long‐term course of AD.AD phenotypes assigned the same name in different studies often differ in the age of onset, temporal trajectory, distributions within a population and associated risk factors, which makes comparisons difficult and clinical application uncertain. Whatdoes this study add?We report that the use of different data sources and definitions of AD has a major influence on the number and type of AD phenotypes identified by longitudinal LCA, in addition to the phenotype membership among individual children.Although AD latent classes, at a population level, appeared similar when different definitions were used, almost half of the children changed class allocation in different models.The association with oral food challenge‐confirmed peanut allergy across all models was similar, with a striking nine‐ to 11‐fold increase among children in the persistent AD class. Linked Comment: S-P. Sinikumpu and L. Huilaja. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:208–209. Plain language summary available online [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Earth's low-latitude magnetopause, the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI), driven by the velocity shear between the magnetosheath and magnetosphere, has been frequently observed during northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) periods. However, the signatures of the KHI have been much less frequently observed during southward IMF periods, and how the KHI develops under southward IMF has been less explored. Here, we performed a series of realistic 2D and 3D fully kinetic simulations of a KH wave event observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission at the dusk-flank magnetopause during southward IMF on September 23, 2017. The simulations demonstrate that the primary KHI bends the magnetopause current layer and excites the Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI), leading to penetration of high-density arms into the magnetospheric side. This arm penetration disturbs the structures of the vortex layer and produces intermittent and irregular variations of the surface waves which significantly reduces the observational probability of the periodic KH waves. The simulations further demonstrate that in the non-linear growth phase of the primary KHI, the lower-hybrid drift instability (LHDI) is induced near the edge of the primary vortices and contributes to an efficient plasma mixing across the magnetopause. The signatures of the large-scale surface waves by the KHI/RTI and the small-scale fluctuations by the LHDI are reasonably consistent with the MMS observations. These results indicate that the multi-scale evolution of the magnetopause KH waves and the resulting plasma transport and mixing as seen in the simulations may occur during southward IMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present the first observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) at the dusk-flank magnetopause during southward interplanetary magnetic field conditions on September 23, 2017. The instability criterion for the KHI was fulfilled for the plasma parameters observed throughout the event. An analysis of the boundary normal vectors based on the application of the timing method onto the magnetic field and the electron density data and the minimum directional derivative method onto the magnetic field data shows signatures of surface waves in the plane parallel to the velocity shear. A comparison to 2D fully kinetic simulations demonstrates reasonable consistencies with the formation of surface waves generated by the KH instability, as well as the structures of rolled-up KH waves. The observations further indicated low density faster than sheath plasma as an indicator of rolled-up vortices, which is also consistent with the simulations. All of these results show that the observed waves and vortices are most likely generated by the KH instability. High-time resolution MMS measurements further demonstrate kinetic-scale electric field fluctuations on the low-density side of the edges of surface waves. Detailed comparisons with the simulations suggest that the observed fluctuations are generated by the lower-hybrid drift instability excited by the density gradient at the edges of these surface waves. These secondary effects can lead to a flattening of the edge layers, indicating the connection between kinetic and larger scales within the KH waves and vortices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For s , t , u ∈ C , we show rapidly (or globally) convergent series representations of the Tornheim double zeta function T(s, t, u) and (desingularized) symmetric Tornheim double zeta functions. As a corollary, we give a new proof of known results on the values of T(s, s, s) at non-positive integers and the location of the poles of T(s, s, s). Furthermore, we prove that T(s, s, s) can not be written by a polynomial in the form of ∑ k = 1 j c k ∏ r = 1 q ζ d kr (a kr s + b kr) , where a kr , b kr , c k ∈ C and d kr ∈ Z ≥ 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A description of the upgraded bunch‐by‐bunch feedback system for time‐resolved experiments at Pohang Light Source II (PLS‐II) is provided. The bunch‐by‐bunch feedback system has been upgraded to increase the single‐bunch current in the hybrid fill pattern of the PLS‐II facility. The project is part of the SPring‐8 and PLS‐II collaboration. The main features of the upgrade are to employ a single 500 MHz analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) instead of the previous four 125 MHz interleaved ADCs for 500 MHz rate, to replace a single‐loop two‐dimensional feedback with two independent one‐dimensional feedback loops, to implement the tune measurement function with a single bunch, and mainly to implement single‐bunch and stretcher control. The realization of a 400 mA hybrid fill pattern including a 10 mA single bunch demonstrates the precision of the upgraded bunch‐by‐bunch feedback system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an efficient representation of macroscopic magnetization process based on the bifurcation property of mesoscopic two-domain magnetic particles. The macroscopic magnetization model, called the assembled domain structure model (ADSM), is constructed by assembling mesoscopic particles. Bifurcation is discussed of the two-domain state from the single-domain state in the unit mesoscopic particle in the ADSM. Based on this state bifurcation, a procedure to switch the macroscopic magnetization-state transition in the ADSM is developed, which dramatically reduces computation times in macroscopic magnetization simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic reconnection is a key fundamental process in collisionless plasmas that explosively converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic and thermal energies through a change of magnetic field topology in a central electron‐scale region called the electron diffusion region (EDR). Past simulations and observations demonstrated that this process causes efficient energy conversion through the formation of multiple macro‐scale or micro‐scale magnetic islands/flux ropes. However, the coupling of these phenomena on different spatiotemporal scales is still poorly understood. Here, based on a new large‐scale fully kinetic simulation with a realistic, initially fluctuating magnetic field, we demonstrate that macro‐scale evolution of turbulent reconnection involving merging of macro‐scale islands induces repeated, quick formation of new electron‐scale islands within the EDR which soon grow to larger scales. This process causes an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer from electron‐ to larger‐scales, and leads to strong electron energization within the growing islands. Plain Language Summary: Space above the Earth's atmosphere is broadly filled with ionized gas, called plasma. Since the density of the space plasma is mostly small enough to neglect the viscosity, the behavior of it is essentially different from neutral viscous fluids. In such a collisionless plasma system, the boundary layer between regions with different electromagnetic field and plasma properties plays a central role in transferring energy. One of the representative energy transfer processes in collisionless plasmas is magnetic reconnection that explosively converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic energy through the topology change of magnetic field lines across the boundary layer with a large magnetic shear. On the other hand, understanding how the energy transfer between different spatiotemporal scales in turbulence, which has been commonly observed in space, is also a key for understanding the energy transfer physics in collisionless plasmas. In this study, based on a new plasma kinetic simulation of magnetic reconnection newly considering realistic, turbulent magnetic field fluctuations, it is found that during macro‐scale evolution of the background fluctuations, the topology change of the reconnecting field lines occurs at multiple points within the micro‐scale central region of reconnection. This process causes an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer from micro‐ to larger‐scales. Key Points: 2‐1/2 dimensional fully kinetic simulation of turbulent reconnection with a realistic, initially fluctuating magnetic field is performedTurbulent reconnection involving merging of macro‐scale islands induces repeated micro‐scale island formation in electron diffusion regionDuring the macro‐scale island merging, the micro‐scale islands grow to larger scales, leading to an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic reconnection is a key fundamental process in collisionless plasmas that explosively converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic and thermal energies through a change of magnetic field topology in a central electron‐scale region called the electron diffusion region (EDR). Past simulations and observations demonstrated that this process causes efficient energy conversion through the formation of multiple macro‐scale or micro‐scale magnetic islands/flux ropes. However, the coupling of these phenomena on different spatiotemporal scales is still poorly understood. Here, based on a new large‐scale fully kinetic simulation with a realistic, initially fluctuating magnetic field, we demonstrate that macro‐scale evolution of turbulent reconnection involving merging of macro‐scale islands induces repeated, quick formation of new electron‐scale islands within the EDR which soon grow to larger scales. This process causes an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer from electron‐ to larger‐scales, and leads to strong electron energization within the growing islands. Plain Language Summary: Space above the Earth's atmosphere is broadly filled with ionized gas, called plasma. Since the density of the space plasma is mostly small enough to neglect the viscosity, the behavior of it is essentially different from neutral viscous fluids. In such a collisionless plasma system, the boundary layer between regions with different electromagnetic field and plasma properties plays a central role in transferring energy. One of the representative energy transfer processes in collisionless plasmas is magnetic reconnection that explosively converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic energy through the topology change of magnetic field lines across the boundary layer with a large magnetic shear. On the other hand, understanding how the energy transfer between different spatiotemporal scales in turbulence, which has been commonly observed in space, is also a key for understanding the energy transfer physics in collisionless plasmas. In this study, based on a new plasma kinetic simulation of magnetic reconnection newly considering realistic, turbulent magnetic field fluctuations, it is found that during macro‐scale evolution of the background fluctuations, the topology change of the reconnecting field lines occurs at multiple points within the micro‐scale central region of reconnection. This process causes an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer from micro‐ to larger‐scales. Key Points: 2‐1/2 dimensional fully kinetic simulation of turbulent reconnection with a realistic, initially fluctuating magnetic field is performedTurbulent reconnection involving merging of macro‐scale islands induces repeated micro‐scale island formation in electron diffusion regionDuring the macro‐scale island merging, the micro‐scale islands grow to larger scales, leading to an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of elderly patients with esophageal cancer has increased in recent years. The use of thoracoscopic esophagectomy has also increased, and its minimal invasiveness is believed to contribute to postoperative outcomes. However, the short- and long-term outcomes in elderly patients remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive esophagectomy in elderly patients. This retrospective study included 207 patients who underwent radical thoracoscopic esophagectomy for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at Kobe University Hospital between 2005 and 2014. Patients were divided into non-elderly (<75 years) and elderly (≥75 years) groups. A propensity score matching analysis was performed for sex and clinical T and N stage, with a total of 29 matched pairs. General preoperative data, surgical procedures, intraoperative data, postoperative complications, in-hospital death, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were compared between groups. The elderly group was characterized by lower preoperative serum albumin levels and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. Intraoperative data and postoperative complications did not differ between the groups. The in-hospital death rate was 4% in the elderly group, which did not significantly differ from the non-elderly group. Cancer-specific survival was similar between the two groups. Although overall survival tended to be poor in the elderly group, it was not significantly worse than that of the non-elderly group. In conclusion, the short- and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive esophagectomy in elderly versus non-elderly patients were acceptable. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is a safe and feasible modality for elderly patients with appropriate indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dopant distribution and depletion layer in a cross-section of a SiC double diffused MOSFET (DMOSFET) is visualized using super-higher-order scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SHO-SNDM), which is a form of scanning probe microscopy. Analysis of the data acquired by SHO-SNDM clarifies the dopant distribution in great detail, which is otherwise difficult to detect using conventional scanning capacitance microscopy or scanning microwave microscopy. Moreover, the newly developed SHO-SNDM method enables us to distinguish the n-type, p-type, and depletion layer regions very clearly, and they are found to be consistent with the general DMOSFET structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) plays an important role in atopic dermatitis (AD), and 11,15‐dioxo‐9α‐hydroxy‐2,3,4,5‐tetranorprostan‐1,20‐dioicacid (PGDM) is a major metabolite of PGD2. We investigated the relationship between urinary PGDM levels and severity of paediatric AD. In total, 31 patients with AD and 21 healthy controls (HCs) without AD were recruited, and urinary PGDM levels were measured. Of the 31 patients with AD, 14 were reassessed for urinary PGDM after topical steroid therapy. There was no difference in urinary PGDM levels between patients with AD and HCs. Although there was a significant positive correlation between the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index and the serum level of thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), the urinary PGDM levels did not correlate with either SCORAD or serum TARC. Moreover, both SCORAD and serum TARC were significantly improved by topical steroid therapy; however, urinary PGDM levels were not changed. In conclusion, the level of urinary PGD2 metabolites in children with AD is substantially the same as that in HCs even if the disease is severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the Earth's low‐latitude magnetopause, clear signatures of the Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) waves have been frequently observed during periods of the northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), whereas these signatures have been much less frequently observed during the southward IMF. Here, we performed the first 3‐D fully kinetic simulation of the magnetopause KH instability under the southward IMF condition. The simulation demonstrates that fast magnetic reconnection is induced at multiple locations along the vortex edge in an early nonlinear growth phase of the instability. The reconnection outflow jets significantly disrupt the flow of the nonlinear KH vortex, while the disrupted turbulent flow strongly bends and twists the reconnected field lines. The resulting coupling of the complex field and flow patterns within the magnetopause boundary layer leads to a quick decay of the vortex structure, which may explain the difference in the observation probability of KH waves between northward and southward IMF conditions. Plain Language Summary: Space between planets is filled with ionized gas released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun, called the solar wind. Although the Earth's magnetic field basically acts as a barrier to prevent energetic solar wind from penetrating into the region filled with the Earth's magnetic field, called the magnetosphere, it is known that the solar wind frequently leaks into the magnetosphere. The Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) instability, which is a flow‐driven instability and can be unstable by the antisunward flowing solar wind, has been considered as an important candidate process for the solar wind leaks. However, past spacecraft observations have revealed that the observation probability of KH waves is very low when the magnetic field in the solar wind, called the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), is oriented southward, that is, opposite from the Earth's magnetic field. In this study, based on a plasma kinetic simulation, it is found that when the IMF is southward, magnetic reconnection, which is an explosive plasma process that rearranges the magnetic topology across the boundary, occurs at multiple locations in the KH waves and rapidly destroys the wave structures. This may explain the low observation probability of the KH waves under the southward IMF. Key Points: Three‐dimensional fully kinetic simulation of Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability at the Earth's magnetopause under the southward IMF condition is performedFast reconnection causes a rapid decay of the nonlinear vortex structure in the early nonlinear growth phase of the instabilityThe vortex decay can lead to a lower probability of observing magnetopause Kelvin‐Helmholtz waves/vortices during southward IMF periods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: There is no objective test that can unequivocally confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD), and no uniform clinical definition. Objectives: To investigate to what extent operational definitions of AD cause fluctuation in the prevalence estimates and the associated risk factors. Methods: We first reviewed the operational definitions of AD used in the literature. We then tested the impact of the choice of the most common definitions of 'cases' and 'controls' on AD prevalence estimates and associated risk factors (including filaggrin mutations) among children aged 5 years in two population‐based birth cohorts: the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS) and Asthma in Ashford. Model performance was measured by the percentage of children within an area of clinical indecision (defined as having a posterior probability of AD between 25% and 60%). Results: We identified 59 different definitions of AD across 45 reviewed studies. Of those, we chose four common 'case' definitions and two definitions of 'controls'. The prevalence estimates using different case definitions ranged between 22% and 33% in MAAS, and between 12% and 22% in Ashford. The area of clinical indecision ranged from 32% to 44% in MAAS and from 9% to 29% in Ashford. Depending on the case definition used, the associations with filaggrin mutations varied, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) ranging from 1·8 (1·1–2·9) to 2·2 (1·3–3·7) in MAAS and 1·7 (0·8–3·7) to 2·3 (1·2–4·5) in Ashford. Associations with filaggrin mutations also differed when using the same 'case' definition but different definitions of 'controls'. Conclusions: Use of different definitions of AD results in substantial differences in prevalence estimates, the performance of prediction models and association with risk factors. What's already known about this topic? There is no objective test that can unequivocally confirm the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and no uniform clinical definition.This results in different definitions utilized in AD studies, raising concerns on the generalizability of the results and comparability across different studies. What does this study add? This study has shown that different definitions of 'cases' and 'controls' have major impacts upon prevalence estimates and associations with risk factors, including genetics, in two population‐based birth cohorts.These findings suggest the importance of developing a consensus on AD definitions of both 'controls' and 'cases' to minimize biases in studies. Respond to this article Linked Comment: Andersen and Egeberg. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:1125–1126. Plain language summary available online [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stress migration (SM) behavior in Cu damascene interconnects was investigated in detail using different kinds of test patterns. SM failure was found in narrow lines that are very long, or connecting to a wide line. In the pattern in which narrow lines are connected to wide metal, the failure rate decreased as the narrow metal becomes longer. It was found that the failure rate in minimum 0.14 μm wide lines is more than that in 0.2–0.42 μm wide lines. The result of the test patterns with different via arrangements clarified that the placing of the vias at the edge of the M1 line plays an important role in the SM phenomenon in narrow copper lines. Failure analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed voiding beneath the via at the failure points for all test patterns. It is shown that the enhanced failure rate in the minimum wide lines and the via arrangement effect cannot be understood by the previous diffusion mechanism. Based on these results, the effect of the via arrangement close to the edge of the lower lines on SM failure in narrow lines is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense samples of MgB 2 , with a relative density of 98.3–99.1 %, were prepared by ex-situ spark plasma sintering using a raw powder supplied by Alfa Aesar. Samples were added with Ge-based organometallics (repagermanium/RGe, propagermaniu/PGe, linear Ge-based organometallic/GeSP, and Na-doped octamer/8THGP-Na) for the starting composition (MgB 2)(Ge-based organometallics) 0.0014. Except for the 8THGP-Na, they have a similar chemical composition in respect to Ge and C, while the crystal structure differs. Below 20 K, all studied additions increased the critical current density, J c, and the irreversibility field, H irr. Samples added with GeSP and 8THGP-Na have marginal differences regarding superconducting characteristics. The best J c and H irr are obtained for the sample added with RGe. This sample has the highest amount of carbon in the crystal lattice of MgB 2. Results point out that there is a complex influence of the additive on carbon behaviour. Although in general it is accepted that a higher amount of carbon produces higher J c and H irr , a comparison with the literature indicates that C-rich raw MgB 2 powders (e.g. the C-enhanced MgB 2 nanopowder produced by Pavezyum) are not suitable to promote strong superconductivity enhancement in the samples added with indicated organometallics, and the origin, states, and evolution of carbon should to be carefully assessed. [Display omitted] • Ex situ spark plasma sintering of dense MgB 2 with Ge- or Ge,Na- organometallics. • Additions enhance critical current density, the largest being for Repa-Ge. • Ge,Na-octamer promotes lower carbon substitution and larger 3D nanoprecipitates. • Carbon state in MgB 2 raw powder versus additive controls superconductivity enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion traps have been pivotal in opening new frontiers for the precision spectroscopy of stable ions. We report on the demonstration of an additional ion trap: the linear combined trap. This device is particularly well suited for trapping ions with unstable nuclei, due to its large range of stability parameters that facilitates external injection online to an accelerator. The motion of an ion in such a linear combined trap is investigated theoretically and experimentally. In the trap ions oscillate harmonically in the radial direction and move nearly harmonically between fixed boundaries along the longitudinal axis. The presence of a homogeneous magnetic field and the applied dc and rf electric fields, lead to a set of coupled Mathieu equations. Their approximate solutions exhibit motional frequencies, which are combinations of shifted macromotion frequencies and the cyclotron frequency. The dependence of these motional frequencies on the applied trapping fields was studied in detail. For the measurements we used small clouds of laser cooled [sup 9]Be[sup +] ions and crystallized [sup 9]Be[sup +] ions. The observed oscillation frequencies are compared to both the results of zeroth order analytical solutions and to numerical simulations in which the frequency spectrum was obtained from the ion orbits by using the fast fourier transform formalism. The various motional resonances were experimentally recorded by applying a weak dipole excitation field to one of the trap electrodes, and by simultaneously observing at resonance the changes in the fluorescence intensity. Depending on the detuning of the cooling laser the ions gain energy during the motional excitation process in such a way that they are shifted further in or out of optical resonance by the Doppler effect. This leads to either positive or negative ion motion signals at the various ion oscillation frequencies. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, dense sintered polycrystalline compacts (relative density: >95%) of Tysonite-type fluoride ion conductor, La 0.93 Ba 0.07 F 2.93 , with different grain sizes were prepared by applying the spark plasma sintering method, and their electrical conductivities were evaluated in order to understand the influence of microstructures on the ionic conductivity. The conductivity of the prepared compacts increased when increasing the sintering temperature up to 1273 K, and showed the highest value, e.g. 7.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 300 K, which was much higher than the reported values for sintered compacts of the same material. These were because the application of the spark plasma sintering technique enabled us the high densification of the sintered compacts and the increase in the sintering temperature enhanced the grain growth resulting in the decrease in the grain boundary resistance. The inhibitory effect of grain boundary on the ionic conduction was not significant when the density of the polycrystalline compacts was sufficiently high. On the other hand, when the sintering temperature was higher than 1273 K, small pores were formed along the grain boundaries and the conductivity was degraded with increasing the sintering temperature. Such a decrease in the conductivity could be interpreted by the increase in the grain boundary resistance due to the pore formation by the high temperature sintering. This work demonstrated that, for sintering polycrystalline (La,Ba)F 3 -based fluoride ion conductors, there is an optimum preparation condition to achieve the optimum microstructure i.e. high density, large grain size, and clean grain boundary, for high fluoride ion conduction. • Dense (La,Ba)F 3 compacts with different grain sizes were prepared by the spark plasma sintering. • Bulk and grain boundary conductivities were evaluated separately. • Influences of microstructures on ionic conductivity of (La,Ba)F 3 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Measured temperature of Si melt was oscillating with specific period. • Calculated melt flow pattern was changing periodically in the same period. • Mechanism of the periodic change was explained by movement of cold plume. The time-dependent behavior of the silicon melt flow in the industrial scaled 300-mm diameter silicon Czochralski growth with a transverse magnetic field was investigated by both the experiment and numerical simulation. The measured temperatures at multiple positions in the melt showed oscillation with the same period but different amplitudes. The calculated results by the fully three-dimensional numerical simulation represented the measurement results and provided a qualitative explanation to this phenomenon. The periodic change of melt flow pattern occurred via the generating, descending, and vanishing of the cold plume. This behavior was driven by the buoyancy, which was similar to the flow under the non-magnetic field reported by Ozoe and Sung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The potential additive effect of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) to a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) for recession coverage is still controversially discussed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to histologically evaluate the healing of gingival recessions treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) and CTG with or without EMD in dogs. Materials and methods: Gingival recession defects (5 mm wide and 7 mm deep) were surgically created on the labial side of bilateral maxillary canines in 7 dogs. After 8 weeks of plaque accumulation and subsequent 2 weeks of chemical plaque control, the 14 chronic defects were randomized to receive either CAF with CTG (CAF/CTG) or CAF with CTG and EMD (CAF/CTG/EMD). The animals were sacrificed 10 weeks after reconstructive surgery for histologic evaluation. Results: Treatment with CAF/CTG/EMD demonstrated statistically significantly better results in terms of probing pocket depth reduction (P < 0.05) and clinical attachment level gain (P < 0.001). The length of the epithelium was statistically significantly shorter in the CAF/CTG/EMD group than in the CAF/CTG group (1.00 ± 0.75 mm vs. 2.38 ± 1.48 mm, respectively, P < 0.01). Cementum formation was statistically significantly greater in the CAF/CTG/EMD group than following treatment with the CAF/CTG group (3.20 ± 0.89 mm vs. 1.88 ± 1.58 mm, respectively, P < 0.01). The CAF/CTG/EMD group showed statistically significantly greater complete periodontal regeneration (i.e., new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new bone) than treatment with CAF/CTG (0.54 ± 0.73 mm vs. 0.07 ± 0.27 mm, respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Within their limits, the present findings indicate that the additional use of EMD in conjunction with CAF + CTG favors periodontal regeneration in gingival recession defects. Clinical relevance: The present findings support the use of EMD combined with CTG and CAF for promoting periodontal regeneration in isolated gingival recession defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrodesis provides stability and strength of the thumb, whereas fixation of the TMC joint restricts motion of the thumb, which may consequently impair the activity of daily living. The objective of our study was to investigate how length and area of the thumb-tip trajectory were reduced after the TMC joint fusion. Six fresh, frozen cadavers were used for this study. Tension was applied to the distal tendons of 4 extrinsic thumb muscles (extensor pollicis longus, flexor pollicis longus, abductor pollicis longus, and extensor pollicis brevis) by servomotor, whereas tension was applied to 4 intrinsic muscles (abductor pollicis brevis, opponens pollicis, flexor pollicis brevis, and adductor pollicis) using static weights. The thumb-tip trajectory was examined using a motion capture system without tension and with 5 different weights to induce intrinsic muscle tension before and after the TMC joint fusion. When tension was applied to the intrinsic muscles, the length of the thumb-tip trajectory decreased in all conditions compared with that before the TMC joint fusion, whereas the trajectory decreased only when the abductor pollicis longus was pulled. The overall thumb-tip trajectory area was reduced to approximately 30% compared with that before the TMC joint fusion. Thumb-tip trajectory was restricted by the TMC joint fusion to approximately 30%. However, the reduced area was found tolerable for performing daily activities. Thus, arthrodesis can be the first-line treatment in patients who wish to engage in activities of daily living without difficulties. • We investigated the influence of the trapetiometacarpal joint fusion. • The trapeziometacarpal joint fusion affected all intrinsic muscles of the thumb examined. • For extrinsic muscles trapeziometacarpal joint fusion only affected abductor pollicis longus. • Thumb-tip trajectory area was reduced to approximately 30% before trapeziometacarpal joint fusion. • The reduced area was mostly found in a tolerable area in activity of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The set of known single-atomic-layer (SAL) superconductors has been limited so far by a few examples, including Si(111)-hex- 7 × 3 -In reconstruction, Si(111)-SIC-Pb and -HIC-Pb phases, and Si(111) 3 × 3 -(Tl, Pb) compound phase. In the present study where transport properties of SAL compounds of Tl-Pb with different composition ratios on Ge(111) and Si(111) substrates have been studied in situ in ultrahigh vacuum, the list of SAL superconductors has been enlarged by three new members, Ge(111) 3 × 3 (Tl, Pb), Ge(111)3×3-(Tl, Pb), and Si(111)4×4-(Tl, Pb) systems which show superconducting transition at the critical temperatures of 2.03 K, 0.83 K and 0.79 K, respectively. Bearing in mind that the atomic arrangements and electronic band structures of these SAL compounds of Tl-Pb have already been established, the obtained data set is believed to constitute a solid basis for the prospective theoretical investigations on the nature of SAL superconductivity. In addition, all the new systems demonstrate a noticeable Rashba-type spin splitting in the metallic surface-state bands and, therefore, they might be promising materials for future superconducting spintronics as well as for basics research of exotic superconductivity. Graphical Abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Three new single-atomic-layer superconductors have been found. • These are Ge(111) 3 × 3 − (Tl, Pb), Ge(111)3 × 3 −(Tl, Pb) and Si(111)4 × 4 −(Tl, Pb) 2D compounds. • They show superconducting transitions at T c of 2.03 K, 0.83 K and 0.79 K, respectively. • The role of a substrate and a layer composition on their superconducting properties is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Tinea is an infectious disease by dermatophytes, of which Trichophyton species accounts for the overwhelming majority of case. Tinea often causes itching with inflammation. In terms of pruritus by fungal infection, however, tinea has not been investigated sufficiently to date. Aim: To evaluate itch caused by Trichophyton infection and the effect of antifungal agents on the infection, by measuring scratch behaviour and profiles of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Methods: We used a previously established mouse model of contact hypersensitivity induced by trichophytin, a crude extract from Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Scratching behaviour was recorded using a counting device that measured an electric current induced in a coil by movement of magnets that had been inserted into the hind paws of each animal. We investigated expression of various genes in lesional skin of mice and in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. We also investigated the antipruritic effects of the corticosteroid dexamethasone (DEX) and three antifungal agents: ketoconazole (KCZ), terbinafine (TBF) and liranaftate (LNF). Results: Biphasic peaks of scratching were observed at 1 h and at 6–7 h during an observation period of 14 h after trichophytin induction. For lesional skin, RNA was extracted 24 h after trichophytin challenge, and increased expression was seen in the genes for interleukin (IL)‐17A, interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2 and Dectin‐1, whereas there was no obvious change in the genes for IL‐31 and prostaglandin (PG)E2. Furthermore, KCZ inhibited histidine decarboxylase (HDC) expression in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited scratching in the very early phase. LNF inhibited expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and IL‐8 in vitro, and TSLP, TNF‐α, IL‐1α and MIP2 in vivo, and also scratching in the early phase. TBF did not induce any significant alterations in either gene expression or scratching. DEX suppressed expression of all the chemical mediators except HDC in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited scratching. Conclusion: Antifungals can inhibit itching induced by fungal infection through different mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection (SMAD) is considered a relatively rare disease. Especially, isolated SMAD following liver transplant has been rarely reported. Among 96 consecutive adult recipients who underwent liver transplant at our institution, 3 recipients (3.1%) demonstrated isolated noncommunicating SMAD, type IV according to Sakamoto's classification. Patient characteristics are the following: mean age, 53 years (range, 49–60 years); male to female ratio, 2:1, right lobe graft to left lobe graft ratio, 2:1; operating time, 760 minutes (range, 614–880 minutes); and blood loss, 6570 mL (range, 2435–13,329 mL). New onset of abdominal pain was noted in 33.3% (1/3). The diagnosis was made by the first follow-up computed tomography scan after liver transplant. The mean distance between the proximal end of SMAD and the root of SMA was 21.3 mm (range, 9–40 mm). There were no signs of ischemic changes in the small intestine in any of the 3 patients. Thus, conservative managements such as anticoagulation therapy were performed without other aggressive interventions. One patient died because of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In the other 2 patients, SMAD disappeared at 6 months following the diagnosis. The morbidity of isolated SMAD is around less than 0.1% at the autopsy. Compared with this result, we found significantly higher morbidity rate in liver transplant recipients. It is true that mechanical stress from retraction of the stomach to the caudal end including the root of SMA may play an important role in the onset of SMA dissection. Isolated SMA dissection following living donor liver transplant is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It is required to ascertain whether emergency revascularization should be considered. • Isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection (SMAD) following liver transplantation is a relatively rare vascular disease, but potentially life-threating. • Mechanical shear stress for SMA during surgery may contribute to the onset of SMAD. • It is necessary to quickly determine whether emergency revascularization should be performed for SMAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis has recently been applied as a method for detection of intragraft donor-specific anti–major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antibodies (DSA) in humans. Although intragraft DSA in humans is an intense topic of investigation, there is no report to assess intragraft DSA in murine organ transplantation. A model of presensitized mouse cardiac transplantation by donor splenocytes was used. To capture mouse MHC, anti-MHC class I/II antibodies were immobilized on Luminex beads. The MHC/DSA complexes were captured by the Luminex beads followed by detection of phycoerythrin-conjugated antimouse IgG antibodies where DSA had already reacted with the allograft in vivo. Luminex beads were capable of detecting class I DSA in the cardiac allograft, though results for class II DSA were negative. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed that cardiac allografts had abundant MHC class I expression but only minor expression of MHC class II. Furthermore, MHC/class II DSA complexes were successfully detected in splenocytes and serum from a presensitized recipient. These data suggested that graft immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis can be also applied in murine cardiac transplantation. This novel application in mice would accelerate our comprehension of DSA through mechanistic studies. • Immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA) is a useful technique to identify intragraft donor-specific anti-MHC antibodies. • Graft ICFA can be also applied in mice cardiac transplantation. • Graft ICFA would shed light on antibody-mediated rejection management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High temperature superconducting induction/synchronous motor. • Multidisciplinary analysis of motor characteristics. • Cooling by means of a cryocooler and gaseous air-gap coolant. • Transient characteristics analysis. This paper presents a multidisciplinary analysis procedure for the transient cooling and rotating characteristics of a 20 kW class high temperature superconducting (HTS) induction/synchronous motor, this analysis couples the nonlinear voltage equations, equation of motion, and a thermal equivalent circuit. First, the quantitative accuracy of the thermal equivalent circuit is validated through comparison with results obtained using the 3D finite element analysis. Then, multidisciplinary analysis is performed with the assumption that the outer surface of the stator is cooled by a cryocooler and the air-gap between the stator and rotor is cooled by a gaseous coolant. It is demonstrated that the transient performance of the motor can be fully determined using our developed procedure. For instance, we can determine the gas-flow speed in the air-gap required for cooling of the HTS rotor, by assuming appropriate expressions for the heat transfer in the air-gap. The analysis procedure and obtained results are effective for investigation of the variable speed performance of an HTS motor system and for optimal design of the motor cooling structure and method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction images of a β-Sn single crystal and a coarse-grained polycrystalline steel plate were obtained using a high-resolution wavelength-shifting fiber based scintillator detector. An inhomogeneous intensity distribution of the 200 reflection from the β-Sn single crystal indicated a large defect density near the surface of the crystal. In addition, the diffraction spots from the individual grains of the steel plate were successfully observed separately in both the normal and width directions. This imaging technique has the potential to be used for evaluating the distribution of material characteristics in different regions inside bulk materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the use of Raman spectroscopy in studying local vibrational modes of lattice site silicon implanted in gallium arsenides. Information on the use of silicon ion implantation into semi-insulating gallium arsenide and subsequent thermal anneal for the fabrication of field-effect transistors and integrated circuits; Experiment; Results and discussion.

Presents information on a study that determined the electromagnetic properties of manganese- (Mn) zinc (Zn) ferrite sintered ceramics by the microstructure of the sintered ceramics. Introduction to Mn-Zn ferrite sintered ceramics; Experimental procedure; Results and discussion on the study.

Features a study that examined the pattern dependence of the growth rate and germanium content in selective epitaxial silicon-germanium growth. Use of reduced-pressure chemical vapor deposition; Importance of silicon-germanium epitaxial layers.

Provides information on a study that measured the electric field distribution using laser induced fluorescence by determining the thickness of the sheath in a planar magnetron. Experimental procedures; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusions.

The use of flexible breakwaters to protect offshore areas from wave impacts has increased in recent years, owing to their cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and simple installation. This study proposes a finite-volume-method–finite-element-method coupled model based on waves2Foam, preCICE, and CalculiX to investigate wave attenuation by a vertical plate-type flexible breakwater under the impact of a solitary wave. The numerical model was validated by comparing the current results with previous numerical and experimental results. The proposed coupled model appropriately predicted the intricate flow phenomena of solitary waves impacting the flexible breakwater. The study systematically discusses the wave attenuation performance and structural response of the flexible breakwater under the impact of a solitary wave by considering several prominent factors: the mass coefficient, stiffness coefficient, and Poisson's ratio. Implementing a flexible breakwater effectively reduced wave energy intensity through various mechanisms, such as wave overtopping, wave breaking, and the dynamic response of the flexible breakwater. The material density had a negligible impact on the efficiency of the flexible breakwater in terms of wave dissipation and structural response; by contrast, the flexibility and compressibility of the breakwater significantly influenced the efficiency of the flexible breakwater. Employing a flexible breakwater fabricated using a compressible material is recommended for protecting coastal regions from wave-induced damage. • An FVM–FEM coupled model based on waves2Foam, preCICE, and CalculiX was proposed. • The proposed model accurately predicted solitary wave impacts on flexible breakwaters. • The mechanisms by which flexible breakwaters reduce wave energy were revealed. • Effects of structural properties on flexible-breakwater performance were investigated. • Flexible breakwaters constructed using compressible materials are recommended for use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The γ -ray detector CATANA (CAesium iodide array for γ -ray Transitions in Atomic Nuclei at high isospin Asymmetry) has been constructed to detect γ -rays from nuclear reaction with radioactive ion beams at RIKEN RIBF. CATANA consists of 100 square frustum-shaped CsI(Na) crystals coupled with photomultiplier tubes. The crystal shapes and positions are arranged to minimize the distance between the crystals so as to have better calorimetric properties and Doppler-shift correction capability. The CATANA array was employed to measure the dipole response of the neutron-rich calcium isotopes 50,52Ca, and the γ -rays from several known transitions were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-voltage cathode LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 particles with average size of approximately 2 μm were prepared using a two-step process. Low-temperature magnetic measurements indicated them as ferrimagnetic materials with high Neel temperature (146.5 K) and high magnetization (107 emu/g at 4.5 K) that closely approximates the theoretical value of the stoichiometric LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 compound. Because of their high-purity and high crystallinity, their redox signals were observed only around 4.7 V. Their low-rate capacity was sufficiently high (about 140 mAh/g at 0.1 C). Their capacity retention after the 100th cycle was higher than 95%. In spite of the low specific surface area of the LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4 particles, they exhibited high reversible capacity even at a high-current rate. Additionally, the in-situ X-ray diffraction was conducted to elucidate the reaction process, which indicated that the electrochemical reaction progresses reversibly with two consecutive two-phase reactions. The lattice parameters of three corresponding phases remained almost unchanged on the reactions (0.8165, 0.8087, and 0.8000 nm). The presence of the intermediate phase might give the relaxation of the structural variation during the electrochemical reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remote sensing technique to infer the local reconnection electric field based on in situ multipoint spacecraft observation at the reconnection separatrix is proposed. In this technique, the increment of the reconnected magnetic flux is estimated by integrating the in-plane magnetic field during the sequential observation of the separatrix boundary by multipoint measurements. We tested this technique by applying it to virtual observations in a two-dimensional fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulation of magnetic reconnection without a guide field and confirmed that the estimated reconnection electric field indeed agrees well with the exact value computed at the X-line. We then applied this technique to an event observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission when crossing an energetic plasma sheet boundary layer during an intense substorm. The estimated reconnection electric field for this event is nearly 1 order of magnitude higher than a typical value of magnetotail reconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have attracted considerable attention because of their cancer-promoting and immunosuppressive effects. The glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) is an important immunosuppressive agent used to treat autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection. However, the mechanism by which it modulates the immune system is not completely understood. Material and Methods In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which Dex modulated the immune response in mice given an allogeneic cardiac transplant. Results Dex injection significantly prolonged heart graft survival compared with phosphate-buffered saline–injected controls. Dex treatment increased the number of splenic MDSCs. Moreover, Gr-1 high /CD11b + MDSCs and CD3 + /CD4 + /Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly increased in the Dex group compared with controls. Administration of anti–Gr-1 antibody (Ab) to the Dex group significantly shortened mouse heart graft survival. In addition, anti–Gr-1 Ab treatment significantly reduced Tregs in the Dex + anti–Gr-1 co-treatment group compared with the Dex group. These observations suggest that Dex treatment increased both MDSCs and Tregs, and that MDSCs regulated the incidence of Tregs in this immunosuppressive pathway. Conclusion An important role of Dex in the prevention of the rejection of cardiac grafts in mice is to expand MDSCs and Tregs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-reactive protein to albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio, a novel inflammation-based prognostic score, was first developed as a prognostic score for septic patients. Recent reports show that CRP/Alb ratio is also a prognostic score for cancer patients, including esophageal cancer. However, the role of CRP/Alb ratio for those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and the changes of CRP/Alb ratio around NAC have never been discussed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of CRP/Alb ratio around NAC for patients with cStage II/III esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). A total of 149 patients who were diagnosed as cStage II/III ESCC were enrolled between February 2007 and December 2014.We retrospectively investigated the relation between pre-NAC and post- NAC CRP/Alb ratio and short and long outcomes. The optimal cutoff level for pre-NAC and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio was 0.030 and 0.048, respectively. There was no relation between CRP/Alb ratio level and postoperative outcomes. Post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio<0.048 had a significantly higher overall survival rate than CRP/Alb ratio=0.048 (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that cT, cN, pre-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.030 and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.048 was prognostic factors (P = 0.003, P = 0.022, P = 0.033, and P < 0.001, respectively).Multivariate analysis showed that cT and post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio < 0.048 was independent prognostic factors (P = 0.030 and P < 0.001, respectively). Post-NAC CRP/Alb ratio is an independent prognostic factor in patients with cStage II/III ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed perpendicular recording media with nanosized cylindrical Co particles. The diameter and period of these particles are less than 10 and 12 nm, respectively. Al cylinders were grown in an a-Si matrix during AlSi film deposition due to the eutectic phase separation. The Al cylinders can be removed by chemical etching to form nanoporous templates. The pores were filled with Co by electrodeposition method via a metal underlayer as an electrode. These films show perpendicular anisotropy with Hc of 4.1 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-thin solar cells display high intrinsic radiation tolerance, making them interesting for space applications. This study investigates the dependence of the open-circuit voltage degradation and overall current–voltage behavior of devices with 80 nm thick GaAs absorber layers, on their absorber layer doping concentration and the radiation type used to introduce damage. The radiation types used were 1 MeV electrons and 20 keV, 100 keV, and 1 MeV protons. It is shown that the open-circuit voltage degradation rate increases with absorber layer doping concentration. This is linked to the increase in trap-assisted tunneling enhancement of the recombination rate, facilitated by the increase in electric field strength in the absorber layer with doping concentration. Trap-assisted tunneling is also found to contribute to the high local ideality factors observed in these devices, exceeding values of 2, and to be responsible for the trend of an increasing ideality factor with doping concentration. The significant role of trap-assisted tunneling in the devices is established through fitting of dark current–voltage data using a custom recombination–generation model. An open-circuit voltage degradation rate and local ideality factor curves are also shown to vary with radiation type, despite accounting for their differences in non-ionizing energy loss. This is corroborated by corresponding trends in carrier lifetime damage constants, extracted from the fitting of the dark current–voltage curves. This suggests that the introduction or behavior of radiation damage differs between ultra-thin and conventional, thicker solar cells, where non-ionizing energy loss theory tends to be reliable, especially over the studied proton energy range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-flight separators have played a significant role in the physics of exotic nuclei. In the last decade, in particular, this field has expanded rapidly with the advent of the new-generation (3rd-generation) in-flight-separator facility, the RI-beam Factory (RIBF) at RIKEN that was commissioned in 2007. In addition, new experimental methods, techniques and state-of-the-art detectors at in-flight separators have developed rapidly, which has contributed considerably to this progress. One can now reach very far from the stable nuclei towards the drip lines, and even beyond in some cases. Hundreds of new isotopes have been identified, and new exotic isomers have been observed. β decays and relevant γ decays, including isomeric states, have clarified many new aspects of nuclear structures. A variety of direct reactions, making the best use of in-flight rare isotope (RI) beams at intermediate/high energies, have been applied for a wide range of rare isotopes. New experimental results using these methods have shown that one needs a new framework to understand structures and dynamics of exotic nuclei, such as new or lost magic numbers, novel neutron halo/skin structures and relevant reactions/excitations. A wide range of reactions associated with nucleo-synthesis in the Universe and the equation of state (EoS) of neutron-rich nuclear matter have also been studied through experiments using rare isotopes available at in-flight separators. This review article focuses its attention on how recent experimental techniques have been developed and applied to exotic nuclei at in-flight separators. We also make remarks on prospects for the near future: in the era when the 3rd-generation RI-beam facilities based on in-flight separators are being completed world-wide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortoesophageal fistula is a critical and life-threatening disease. The cardiovascular strategy for graft replacement has been widely discussed. However, the surgical strategy of esophageal resection and reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula has rarely been discussed. The objective of this study is to establish a surgical strategy and procedure of esophageal resection and reconstruction for aortoesophageal fistula. Eleven patients with aortoesophageal fistula who underwent aortic graft replacement and esophagectomy between 2008 and 2015 at Kobe University Hospital were enrolled in this study. Patient characteristics, operative methods, and clinical outcomes were obtained by retrospective chart review. All 11 patients underwent graft replacement, esophagectomy, and omental wrapping. Ten esophagectomies were simultaneously accomplished in the same operative field as aortic graft replacement. Seven patients underwent subtotal esophagectomy from a left thoracotomy, and three patients underwent upper hemiesophagectomy from a median sternotomy. The other patient underwent staged esophagectomy from a right thoracotomy. Seven of 11 patients (63.6%) successfully underwent staged esophageal reconstruction. Pedicled jejunal transfer with supercharge and superdrainage were performed in six patients, and ileocecal reconstruction was performed in one patient. Median survival time in the patients with esophageal reconstruction was 21 months while that in the patients without esophageal reconstruction was 10 months. Six of 7 patients (85.7%) who underwent esophageal reconstructions were alive. Our surgical strategy for aortoesophageal fistula, which includes simultaneous graft replacement and esophagectomy in the same operative field and staged reconstruction by pedicled jejunal transfer to ensure omental wrapping, is feasible and promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication introduces (spectral) photon emission (PEM) and electro-optical frequency mapping (EOFM/LVI) measurements to analog circuit elements (simple, cascode and low-voltage current mirrors). Different operating conditions of the devices are probed and the voltage dependence of the signals is analyzed. Results partly show close similarities to optical probing of digital IC's, but also differences in voltage dependence and signal levels due to more complicated voltage and signal distributions along the devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully three dimensional (3D) numerical simulation model of the heat and mass transfer in the silicon (Si) Czochralski growth with a transverse magnetic field (MCZ) was developed. Time transient calculation of heat and mass transfer in the industrial scale crystal growth of 300 mm diameter was performed under the quasi steady state assumption. The model predicts the completely asymmetrically 3D melt flow and off-centered temperature distributions, different from the previous works. The temperature distribution measured experimentally by thermocouples, beneath the melt surface along the azimuthal direction, was almost the same as the model prediction, providing a strong support for the 3D simulation model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mizoribine (MZ) has been developed as an immunosuppressive agent in Japan, but it has a less-potent immunosuppressive effect up to 3 mg/kg/d. In the previous study, a Japanese multicenter study, we reported that high-dose MZ, at 6 mg/kg/d, with a calcineurin inhibitor was effective and safe in reducing the frequency of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related events in ABO-incompatible (ABO-i) living-related kidney transplantation (LKT). In the present study, therefore, we investigated the effects of high-dose MZ with a CNI in ABO-i LKT recipients in a Japanese multicenter study. Methods A total of 37 patients were treated with high-dose MZ (6 mg/kg), a CNI (cyclosporine [CsA] or tacrolimus [Tac]), basiliximab (Bas), rituximab (Rit), and corticosteroids. CsA was started at a dose of 7 mg/kg to maintain blood levels [200 ng/mL (C0), 6000 ng-h/mL (AUC 0–9)]. Tac was started at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg to maintain blood levels [8–10 ng/mL (C0), 100 ng-h/mL (AUC 0–9)]. Bas (20 mg/body) was administrated on day 0 and day 4 after transplantation. Rit (100–200 mg/body) was administrated on day −14 and day −7 before transplantation. MZ was adjusted to maintain target C0 levels of 1.5 to 2.0 μg/mL. Results Patient and graft survival rates for 2 years were 100% in the CsA group (n = 22) and 93.3% in the Tac group (n = 15) (not significant, NS). Overall incidence of acute rejection for 2 years was 22.7% in the CsA group and 26.7% in the Tac group. Mean serum creatinine levels at 2 years were 1.29 ± 0.2 mg/dL in the CsA group and 1.21 ± 0.34 mg/dL in the Tac group (NS). The incidence of CMV disease was 0% in both groups, and positive rates of CMV antigenemia were 50.0% and 26.7% in the CsA and Tac groups, respectively (NS). Mean serum uric acid levels were 5.5 ± 1.3 mg/dL and 6.4 ± 1.2 mg/dL at 2 years (NS) in the CsA and Tac groups, respectively. Conclusions A high-dose MZ regimen including calcineurin inhibitor (CsA or Tac), Bas, Rit, and steroids was effective and safe in reducing the frequency of CMV-related events in ABO-i LKT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Advances in immunosuppressants enable organ transplantation for sensitized patients. However, influences of pre-formed donor-specific anti–human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) have not been fully understood in renal transplantation (RT). On the other hand, immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA) is a reliable method to detect donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies and HLA antigen complexes. Graft ICFA can detect DSA in an allograft (g-DSA). Methods To elucidate the consequences of pre-formed DSA, 198 patients who underwent living-donor RT were enrolled for this study (observation period: 57.8 ± 34.9 months); 187 patients in the DSA− group (excluding ABO-incompatible cases) and 11 patients in the DSA+ group. Before RT, all DSA+ patients had undergone rituximab administration and plasmapheresis. For a graft ICFA, the biopsy specimen (1 × 10 5 cells) was dissolved, and HLA antigens were captured by anti-HLA beads. Finally, DSA-HLA complexes were detected by means of PE-conjugated anti-human IgG antibodies and analyzed by use of a Luminex system. A ratio (sample/blank beads, mean of fluorescence intensity) was calculated: ≥1.0 was determined as positive g-DSA. Results There were no significant differences in 5-year graft survival (87.9%/100% in the DSA−/DSA+ groups, respectively). In terms of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), within 1 month after RT, pathologically determined AMR occurred 3.2% and 63.4% in the DSA− and DSA+ groups, respectively ( P < .0001). However, interestingly, more than half of them (57.1%) indicated only subclinical AMR, that is, no fluctuation of S-Cr. As representative of 2 cases of subclinical AMR, g-DSA deposition could be confirmed (1.15 ± 0.04) at 1 hour after reperfusion by graft ICFA. Furthermore, g-DSA shifted to 2.20 ± 0.98 at 3 weeks after transplantation, along with a decline in s-DSA mean of fluorescence intensity (1718-506.5). Conclusions Although pathologically determined AMR occurred more frequently in pre-formed DSA+ recipients, it can be argued that a successful de-sensitization protocol inhibits further production of DSA and graft destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]