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This paper reports incredibly large and rapid evolution of elastic constants in deposited copper and silver films observed by the resonant-ultrasound spectroscopy. The evolution begins just after stopping the deposition with the temperature dependent recovery rate. To explain the mechanism, we propose a model, where the elastic constants at grain boundary regions increase by 67% at least. Diffusion of atoms along the grain boundary region is a possible reason, and we confirm that the activation energy is much smaller than that for grain-boundary diffusion in bulk materials. These results are explained by drastic structure change at grain boundaries, being similar to phase transition from liquid into solid phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is occasionally found in healthy children. However, the fact that spina bifida occulta can be hidden in asymptomatic bacteriuria is not well known. We report an eight years age girl with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Spina bifida occulta was revealed by radiological examinations. Simple daily behaviour, consisting of keeping the genitals clean, rehydrating regularly and not prolonging urination, was useful for removing asymptomatic bacteriuria in spina bifida occulta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to prevent hydrofoil colliding with cetaceans, the underwater speaker (UWS) has been installed to repel cetaceans. Yamada et al. (2012) analyzed and devised the UWS sound as it fits the cetaceans' acoustic properties to prevent the collision furthermore. The new UWS sound was devised and synthesized by Yamada et al. (2015) with expectation of avoiding collision with large cetaceans (Patent applied for, JP2014-171411). In this research project, the new UWS sound was investigated by the playback experiment on humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and by sighting survey in the actual hydrofoil shipping service route. As a result, a physiological and behavioral change of the humpback whale was observed in the playback experiment of the new UWS sound, and the chance of hydrofoil encountering cetaceans of the new UWS sound was smaller than that of the previous UWS sound. Therefore, the improvement of the new UWS sound was confirmed. Lastly, we wish this research project would contribute toward the safer cruise of hydrofoil in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sumitomo Electric has been developing the silver-sheathed Bi2223 multi-filamentary wires since the discovery of Bi-based superconductors. DI-BSCCO (Dynamically-Innovative BSCCO) is the high performance wires produced with the controlled-overpressure (CT-OP) sintering technique. The recent R&D activities have enabled to produce the 1000m-long wires with I c of 200A and the maximum I c reached 250A at 77K by short sample. Besides, the fine control of the carrier density with the non-stoichiometric oxygen enhanced the in-field I c performances at lower temperature. At a magnetic field of 3T applied normal to wire surface, the I c of 280A at 30K, and 420A at 20K were successfully achieved. To meet the growing needs for various high temperature superconducting applications, Type HT wire with high mechanical strength and Type G wire with low thermal conductivity have been developed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of the expression of cathepsin L and its inhibitor headpin, in oral squamous cell carcinoma.Design:Immunohistochemical studies were performed on 56 oral squamous cell carcinoma samples. We evaluated the relationship between cathepsin L and headpin expression versus patients' clinicopathological factors and survival.Results:The group that was positive for cathepsin L expression tended to have positive metastatic neck lymph nodes and a poorer prognosis. Headpin expression was not related to metastasis or prognosis. Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma had higher levels of headpin expression compared with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.Conclusion:Cathepsin L expression is related to the invasive and metastatic potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The 2-MeV electron radiation damage of Si1-xGex source/drain (S/D) p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (p-MOSFET) with different Ge concentrations is studied. After irradiation at fluences below 2×1017 e/cm2, the drain current and the maximum hole mobility decrease with increasing electron fluence for all Ge concentrations. It suggests that lattice defects are introduced by electron irradiation. In the case of Si1-xGex S/D p-MOSFET, there are two locations for lattice defects, namely, the Si channel and SiGe stressor regions (S/D). Below 2×1017 e/cm2 irradiation, no clear correlation between the radiation degradation and Ge concentration has been observed. It suggests that this degradation is mainly due to lattice defects in the Si channel, and the effects of the compressive-strain induced by the SiGe stressors on the enhancement of the hole mobility still remains after irradiation at 2×1017 e/cm2. In the case of 5×1017 e/cm2 irradiation, the drain current drastically decreases after irradiation for all Ge concentrations. Moreover, after 5×1017 e/cm2 irradiation, the maximum hole mobility of x=0.2 is close to x=0, and in the case of x=0.3, the maximum hole mobility drastically decreases. This fact suggests the contributions of the lattice defects, which are in the SiGe stressors, are prominent after 5×1017 e/cm2 irradiation and dependent on Ge concentration. In addition, it provides evidence that the compressive strain in the Si-channel is relaxed by high fluence electron irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The photoprotective function of leaf betacyanin in water-stressed Amaranthus cruentus plants was examined by comparing leaves of two strains which differ significantly in the amount of betacyanin. At 0, 1, and 2 days after the imposed water stress, leaves were subjected to high-light (HL) treatment to assess their photosynthetic capacity and photoinhibition susceptibility. The water stress equally reduced leaf relative water content (RWC), gas-exchange rate and chlorophyll (Chl) contents in both leaves, indicating that the severity of water stress was comparable between the strains. Consequently, the extent of photoinhibition after the HL treatment increased in both strains as water stress developed; however, it was significantly greater in acyanic leaves than in betacyanic leaves, suggesting lower photoinhibition susceptibility in the betacyanic strain. The betacyanic leaves also exhibited approximately 30% higher values for photochemical quenching coefficient (q) during the period of water stress despite the nonphotochemical quenching coefficient (q) did not differ significantly between the strains. These results may be partially explained by the increased amount of leaf betacyanin under water stress. Moreover, a decrease in Chl content in betacyanic leaves might have enhanced light screening effect of betacyanin by increasing relative abundance of betacyanin to Chl molecule. In addition, reduced Chl content increased light penetrability of leaves. As a result, the extent of photoinhibition at the deeper tissue was exacerbated and the Chl fluorescence emitted from these tissues was more readily detected, facilitating assessment of photoinhibition at deeper tissues where the effect of betacyanic light screening is considered to be most apparent. Our results demonstrated that leaf betacyanin contributes to total photoprotective capacity of A. cruentus leaves by lowering excitation pressure on photosystem II (PSII) via attenuation of potentially harmful excess incident light under water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sumitomo Electric has been developing the silver-sheathed Bi2223 multi-filamentary wires since the discovery of Bi-based superconductors. DI-BSCCO is the high performance wires produced with the controlled-overpressure (CT-OP) sintering technique. The present commercial DI-BSCCO can provide the uniform high critical current, Ic , up to 180A over 2000m, and recently 200A were succeeded to obtain with the same kind of 1000m-long wires, resulting from the improvement and control of the microstructure in Bi2223 multi-filaments. The short trial wires of several meter have exhibited over 240A as the highest Ic at 77K, self-field (corresponding to 580A per 1cm-width) according with high Tc over 112K. Besides, the optimization of carrier density after CT-OP led to further enhancement of Ic , reaching 250A. All the derivative products have also uniform critical current property over the entire length even after lamination with the reinforcements. The performances of DI-BSCCO can meet the growing needs for various high temperature superconducting applications involving high in-field properties, such as magnets and motors. The recent progress on Ic including in-field properties along with the remarkable findings on the performances of DI-BSCCO will be shown. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in stimulus perception, attentional control, emotional behavior, and the stress response. These functions are thought to be mediated by the infralimbic (IL) and prelimbic (PL) subregions of mPFC; however, few studies have examined the roles of IL and PL cortices in olfactory cognition. In the present study, we investigated the acute effects of two odors, 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline (TMT) and a mixture of cis-3-hexenol and trans-2-hexenal (green odor: GO), on behavioral responses and IL and PL neuronal activities using extracellular single-unit recordings in a freely moving rat. We found that the total number of spike firings in IL and PL neurons did not change with 10s presentation of odors. TMT presentation induced significant changes in burst firing activity in IL and PL neurons, while GO presentation induced changes in burst firing only in IL neurons. In the temporal profile of the firing activity of IL neurons, TMT exposure induced transient activation and GO exposure induced sustained activation. Those of PL neurons showed sustained activation during TMT exposure and transient activations during GO exposure. GO exposure induced a stretch-attend posture, whereas TMT exposure induced immobility. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis indicated that the property of the odor and neuronal activities of IL and PL regions were correlated with behavioral responses. These findings reveal that olfaction-related neurons exist in IL and PL regions, and that the neurons in these regions might temporarily encode odor information in order to modulate motor outputs by tuning firing properties in the early stage of cognition according to the odor property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we study the elastic property of thin films using resonant-ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS). RUS determines the elastic constants of a solid from its resonance frequencies of free vibration. There were two problems to be solved for applying RUS to thin films: accurate measurement of the resonance frequencies and mode identification of each resonance frequency. We solve these problems using the tripod needle transducers and the laser-Doppler interferometry (LDI). In this paper, we describe the RUS/LDI measurement setup we developed, and show the relationship between the elastic constant and annealing temperature for Cu thin films. Then, we discuss the effects of recrystallization and recovery on the elastic constant referring the X-ray diffraction measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims To determine the predictors of efficacy, including magnetic resonance imaging information, for low-dose intravenous alteplase therapy for stroke patients. Methods Seventy-eight patients were prospectively enrolled in a single Stroke Unit (SU) receiving alteplase at a dose of 0·6 mg/kg during the initial 27 months after its approval in Japan. Ischaemic changes and vascular lesions were identified using computed tomography, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography. Early ischaemic signs were assessed using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. Results The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 78 patients was 12. In 19 patients (24%), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score improved by ≥8 points at 24 h. After multivariate adjustment, occlusion at the internal carotid artery (odds ratio 11·82, 95% confidence interval 1·73–142·74), Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score on diffusion-weighted imaging ≤6 (15·23, 1·88–351·50), and a lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (1·24, 1·08–1·47, per 1-point decrease) were inversely correlated with early improvement. Four patients (5%) had symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage. At 3 months, 76 patients (98%) survived, and 36 of 78 patients (46%) overall, but only two of 19 patients (11%) with internal carotid artery occlusion, had a favourable functional outcome, corresponding to a modified Rankin scale score ≤1. After multivariate adjustment, internal carotid artery occlusion (odds ratio 15·84, 95% confidence interval 3·12–128·69) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score on diffusion-weighted imaging ≤6 (15·62, 1·78–410·12) were independent predictors of poor outcome. Conclusions Intravenous alteplase therapy at a dose of 0·6 mg/kg resulted in a relatively good overall outcome when compared with outcomes reported by western studies using an alteplase dose of 0·9 mg/kg. However, patients with occlusion at the internal carotid artery did not respond to this low-dose alteplase therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although various emotional behaviors and activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis of rats are induced by the exposure of 2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline: TMT, a component of fox odor, these odor-induced responses are influenced by the external environment. Our previous study demonstrated that exposure to green odor, a mixture of cis-3-hexenol and trans-2-hexenal, attenuated stress-induced elevation of the plasma ACTH level in rats. The present study investigated the effect of TMT or green odor on emotional behavior and the HPA axis stress response with or without the influence of environmental novelty. We exposed rats to TMT or green odor in “familiar” or “unfamiliar” environments and compared the various responses, including fear-related behaviors, non-defensive behaviors and plasma ACTH concentrations. TMT induced enhanced freezing behavior, reduced exploration behavior and elevations in plasma ACTH concentrations in two environmental conditions. Comparing TMT-induced responses in an unfamiliar environment with the familiar environment showed that environmental novelty enhanced TMT-induced fear-related behaviors and elevations of plasma ACTH concentrations. These results revealed that TMT causes fear and stress responses in both familiar and unfamiliar environments, although the novelty of an unfamiliar environment enhances these TMT-induced responses. On the other hand, green odor did not induce any responses in either environment. These findings indicate that odor-induced responses are influenced by the surrounding environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We had previously treated patients with advanced stage laryngeal cancer by laryngectomy with or without post-operative radiotherapy. In order to improve such patients' quality of life, we sought to preserve the larynx by selective (intra-arterial), rapid infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. Methods: Chemotherapy was administered intra-arterially in the angiography suite via transfemoral catheterisation of the superior thyroid artery. Patients received up to four once-weekly infusions of cisplatin (75 mg/patient) with simultaneous intravenous administration of sodium thiosulphate, a neutralising agent. Patients also received external radiation simultaneously at a dose of 1.8 or 2.0 Gy per fraction, once daily for five days a week for 7 weeks. Results: Intra-arterial infusion chemo-radiotherapy was performed in eight patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma ( four glottic, three supraglottic and one subglottic type carcinoma). A complete response was achieved at the primary site and at lymph node metastases in all eight patients. Overall toxic side effects were modest. No catheter-related thrombo-embolic complications were observed during any of the chemotherapy sessions. Conclusions: Selective (intra-arterial), rapid infusion chemo-radiotherapy may enable laryngeal preservation in patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the local immune status and tumour marker expression in secretions and related tissue specimens from the laryngeal ventricle, comparing individuals with and without head and neck cancer. Laryngeal secretion and mucosal tissue specimens were collected during laryngeal microsurgery or surgical laryngectomy. The laryngeal secretions were found to contain immunological factors such as immunoglobulins G and A and secretory immunoglobulin A. A high level of the tumour marker Cyfra 21-1 was also detected in laryngeal secretions and mucosal tissue. Lows levels of secretory immunoglobulin A and Cyfra 21-1 were seen in the laryngeal mucosal tissue of controls and patients who had previously undergone radiation therapy. The level of secretory immunoglobulin A in laryngeal secretions closely correlated to the level of this immunoglobulin in mucosal tissue. These results indicate that local immunity is present in the human larynx; furthermore, it is strongly affected both by the presence of malignancy and by laryngeal cancer treatments such as irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Recent advances in clinical MR imagers, such as the 3-Tesla, multi-channel phased-array coil and novel pulse sequences, allow the evaluation of subtle alterations in the inner ear fluid environments and breakdown of the blood-labyrinthine barrier. Intratympanic injection of Gd-DTPA allows the imaging detection of endolymphatic hydrops in patients. Objectives: To describe the current status of inner ear MRI and future directions for imaging. Materials and methods: Based on our experiences and literature research, a brief review of the history and recent developments of inner ear MRI is presented. Results: The 3D-FLAIR technique can detect abnormalities that could not be visualized previously in many inner ear diseases, such as sudden deafness, otosclerosis, lupus erythematosus, mumps, and Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. Imaging techniques, indications, and findings for the visualization of endolymphatic hydrops after intratympanic injection of Gd-DTPA are also discussed. This procedure enabled the visualization of endolymphatic hydrops in vivo. Newly developed 3D-real IR techniques and utilities of 32 channel coil are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Using three-dimensional real inversion recovery (3D-real IR) and three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), various degrees of endolymphatic hydrops were observed in the basal and upper turns of the cochlea and in the vestibular apparatus after intratympanic gadolinium (Gd) injection. MRI may contribute to our understanding of inner ear diseases and may be a useful addition to intratympanic drug therapy in the management of inner ear diseases. Objective: To evaluate 3D-real IR MRI and 3D-FLAIR MRI with clinical symptoms and signs in patients with inner ear disease. Patients and methods: Gd was diluted in saline and injected intratympanically in 73 patients with inner ear disease. The endolymphatic space was evaluated with 3-Tesla MRI at 1 day after the intratympanic Gd injection. Results: 3D-real IR MRI was generally better than 3D-FLAIR MRI in discriminating between the perilymphatic space and endolymphatic space in the cochlear turns and in the vestibular apparatus. However, when Gd concentration was insufficient in the perilymph, it was more difficult to visualize the Gd with 3D-real IR MRI than with 3D-FLAIR MRI. Endolymphatic hydrops was observed using MRI in patients with 'probable' Meniere's disease based on the criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Grading of endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule and the cochlea using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is proposed (2008 Nagoya scale). Objective: To standardize the evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops in both the vestibule and the cochlea using MRI. Patients and methods: The endolymphatic space was evaluated after intratympanic gadolinium injection using three-dimensional fluid attenuated (3D-FLAIR) MRI and three-dimensional real inversion recovery (3D-real IR) MRI. Results: A simple three-stage grading system was acceptable for hydrops in both the vestibule and the cochlea: none, mild, and significant. In the vestibule, the grading was determined by the ratio of the area of endolymphatic space to the vestibular fluid space (sum of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces). Patients with no hydrops have a ratio of one-third or less, those with mild hydrops have between one-third and a half, and those with significant hydrops have a ratio of more than 50%. In the cochlea, patients classified as having no hydrops show no displacement of Reissner's membrane; those with mild hydrops show displacement of Reissner's membrane but the area of the endolymphatic space does not exceed the area of the scala vestibuli; and in those with significant hydrops the area of the endolymphatic space exceeds the area of the scala vestibuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have investigated the relationship between microstructure and pinning properties of Y123 melt-solidified bulks having systematically controlled oxygen contents. The subgrain structure was developed along crystal growth direction in the a-growth region, while it was not observed in the c-growth region. The formation of such subgrains could be explained by an elastic property of the edge dislocations and RE123 crystal growth process. Through evaluations on the second peak effects of J c–B curves and irreversibility fields, it was found that Y123/Y211 interfaces do not act as the predominant pinning centers under high fields against the reported theoretical predictions. Furthermore, our results suggested that the precipitation of Y211 particles decreases J c in high fields. The resulting pinning properties of Y123 melt-solidified bulks were discussed in relationship to the subgrain structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To elucidate the differences in temporal processing between positive and negative facial expressions by using event-related potentials (ERPs) with spatially filtered images. Methods: Based on the traits of parallel visual pathways, four types of facial expression images (happiness, fear, anger and neutral) with low, high and broadband spatial frequencies (LSF, HSF and BSF, respectively) were carefully created with the consideration of luminance, contrast and emotional intensity. These images were pseudo-randomly presented to 13 healthy subjects to record ERPs. Twenty recording electrodes were placed over the scalp according to the International 10–20 system. For emotion-relevant late negative components with latencies of 190–390ms, the amplitude differences among the four facial expressions were analyzed for sequential 20-ms time windows by ANOVA. Results: There were significant amplitude differences between positive and negative LSF facial expressions in the early time windows of 270–310ms at the occipitotemporal region. Subsequently, the amplitudes among negative HSF facial expressions differed significantly in the later time windows of 330–390ms. Conclusions: Discrimination between positive and negative facial expressions precedes discrimination among different negative expressions in a sequential manner based on parallel visual channels. Significance: ERPs with spatially filtered images have provided the first evidence for sequential discrimination of positive and negative facial expressions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients show high levels of circulating mucin including KL-6/MUC1 (soluble MUC1 mucin). Because cancer mucin can bind vascular endothelial cells and platelets via selectins, mucin-selectin interactions are reported to trigger platelet aggregation and intravascular coagulation. Therefore, we hypothesized that KL-6/MUC1 is involved in the pathogenesis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in ARDS. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the association between circulating KL-6/MUC1 and DIC in ARDS patients. Design. Observational study with structured follow-up. Setting. Intensive care unit in Hiroshima University Hospital. Subjects. Fifty-six newly diagnosed patients with ARDS. Interventions. Circulating levels of KL-6/MUC1 were measured during diagnosis and serially measured during the clinical course along with indices of respiratory failure, inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis and multiple organ dysfunction. Results. Acute respiratory distress syndrome patients complicated with DIC showed significantly higher levels of serum KL-6/MUC1 than patients without DIC during the clinical course. Amongst the parameters analysed at diagnosis of ARDS, KL-6/MUC1 was an independent predictor for DIC complication. The baseline level of circulating KL-6/MUC1 at diagnosis of ARDS was significantly correlated with an increased DIC score following ARDS diagnosis. Using an optimum cutoff level of KL-6/MUC1 obtained by a receiver operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting future DIC development in ARDS patients were 88.9% and 55.3%, respectively. Conclusions. These results suggest that KL-6/MUC1 is associated with DIC development in ARDS patients. Elevated levels of KL-6/MUC1 at diagnosis could be a predictor of DIC complication in ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have fabricated a cylindrical DyBa2Cu3O y melt-solidified bulk mainly composed of the c-growth region. Its critical current properties and microstructures were systematically evaluated at various positions in the a- and c-growth regions. J c in low fields was strongly dependent on the local density of the Dy211 precipitates in the Dy123 matrix in both regions. J c in the c-growth region far below the seed crystal was comparable to that in the a-growth region because of comparable density of Dy211. Moreover, the c-growth region maintained high J c under high fields at 77K accompanying the second peak effect in contrast with monotonous decrease in J c observed in the a-growth region. Such prominent second peak effect was also responsible for the enhancement of the pinning force for the whole c-growth region. The newly developed cylindrical bulk is promising for practical applications as strong superconducting magnets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Effects of residual carbon on the carrier-doping level and resulting superconducting properties were systematically investigated for Y123 melt-solidified bulks containing different amounts of carbon. The dependence of Tc on annealing temperature in flowing oxygen was almost identical among each sample from underdoped to optimally doped state and all the samples exhibited highest Tc when they were annealed at ∼ 500°C. On the other hand, the carbon-free samples showed apparently lower Tc than those of the carbon containing samples in the overdoped state. Especially, a sample fabricated in air showed the quite small decrease in Tc by overdoping, suggesting that residual carbon suppresses effective carrier doping to be heavily overdoped state for Y123 melt-solidified bulks. Therefore, Y123 melt solidified bulk with less residual carbon exhibited higher Hirr and Jc properties at the overdoped state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from inflammatory cells constitute one of the critical causative factors in inflammatory skin diseases such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Objectives To investigate inhibitory effects of ketoconazole (KCZ) and ciclopiroxolamine (CPO), both of which have been used for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis, on ROS released from inflammatory cells. Methods The methyl- Cypridina-luciferin analogue-dependent chemiluminescence method was employed for the detection of ROS production by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated inflammatory cells. Moreover, the radical scavenging activities of both agents were examined by using a hypoxanthine–xanthine oxidase system and the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). NADPH oxidase activity was determined in particulate (membrane) fractions prepared from PMA-stimulated RAW 264·7 cells, a macrophage-like cell line. Results Both of these antifungal agents inhibited PMA-stimulated ROS production. However, only CPO significantly scavenged both ROS generated by the hypoxanthine–xanthine oxidase system and DPPH, and the scavenging activity of CPO seemed to act on ROS other than superoxide anions. Although KCZ inhibited PMA-stimulated ROS production, it did not show radical-scavenging activities. The inhibition of ROS production by KCZ is probably attributable to the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity. Conclusions The mechanism of the inhibitory action of KCZ against PMA-stimulated ROS production is distinct from that of CPO. Knowledge of the inhibitory or scavenging effects of both antifungal agents on ROS released from inflammatory cells may be useful in developing a therapeutic strategy for dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Advances in medicine have improved the survival of infants with increasingly lower birth weights. The histopathologic changes of intubation-related laryngeal injury in extremely low-birth weight infants (less than 1,000 g) have not been well known. We examined histopathologic changes in infant larynges, including extremely low-birth weight infants, after endotracheal intubation. Methods: Forty-four infants, including 21 extremely low-birth weight infants, who had been intubated for periods ranging from 10 minutes to 138 days, were examined in a whole organ serial section study. Results: As the duration of intubation increased, the ulceration was found to be larger and deeper. The injury at the subglottis and posterior glottis was greater than that at other portions. The perichondrium of the cartilage was exposed in many cases intubated longer than 8 days. Repaired epithelium that was composed of squamous epithelium was present in 6 of 7 larynges that had been intubated more than 20 days, indicating that not only injury but also the healing process occurred during long intubation. There were no obvious relationships between the degree of intubation injury and the birth weight of the infants. Conclusions: Prolonged intubation is better tolerated by infants than adults. The intubation-related laryngeal injuries of extremely low-birth weight infants were histopathologically the same as those of infants of other birth weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous study, the c-growth region of the RE123 melt-solidified bulks was found to exhibit huge second peak effect in their magnetization hysteresis loops, reflecting the improved Jc properties under high fields compared with their a-growth region. The cylindrical Ho123 bulks containing Pt (0.5 wt.%) and CeO2 (1 wt.%) were synthesized by the melt-solidification method using cold-seeding technique in the present study. These bulks are composed of c-growth regions as major parts. Dispersion of Ho211 particles, crystallinity of the Ho123 matrix and Jc characteristics were systematically studied for the a- and c-growth regions of the bulks. In the c-growth region just below the seed crystal, the volume fraction of Ho211 particles was lower than in the a-growth region, while this part showed huge second peak effect. However, the c-growth region maintained higher Jc than that of the a-axis region even at the positions far from the seed crystal, where the mean particle size and volume fraction of Ho211 were almost identical to those in the a-growth region. These preferable Jc properties observed in the c-growth region can he explained by excellent crystallinity of the Ho123 matrix with few low-angle subgrain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate Schwartze sign with measurements of blood flow to the promontory in patients with cochlear otosclerosis. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Tertiary referral centre. Participants: Five patients with cochlear otosclerosis and five control subjects. Significant decalcification around the cochlea was observed by computed tomography (CT) in patients with cochlear otosclerosis. However, no recognizable lesion was observed at the oval window in two patients. One patient had mixed hearing loss and four patients had sensorineural hearing loss without an air–bone gap. Main outcome measures: The relationship between CT findings and the presence or absence of Schwartze sign was investigated. Blood flow to the promontory was measured through the tympanic membrane using laser speckle flowgraphy and laser Doppler flowmetry. Results: The Schwartze sign correlated significantly with otosclerotic lesions invading the promontory. Patients with otosclerosis exhibited elevated and pulsating blood flow to the promontory with the Schwartze sign. Conclusions: Computed tomography demonstrated that cochlear otosclerosis can exist without the oval window lesion. Schwartze sign can be used as a sign of the otosclerotic invasion to the promontory. The reddening of the Schwartze sign is likely due to increased blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the synthesis of cylindrical melt-solidified bulks in REBa2Cu3O y (RE=Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, Y and Er), and their critical current properties and microstructures of the a- and the c-growth regions. It was found from the microstructure analysis that the volume fractions of RE211 particles in the c-growth region were always lower than those in the a-growth region. Moreover, those in the c-growth region were increased with distance from the seed crystal. Interestingly, the second peak effects in J c–B curves were prominently enhanced for the c-growth region. J c values at zero field for the c-growth region through the appropriate oxygen post-annealing reached approximately 95kAcm−2 for RE=Ho, Dy and Y. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report impurities doping effectors of Pt and/or CeO2 of microstructures, critical temperatures and critical current density (Jc) in both a-growth and a-growth regions of the ErBa2Cu3Oy (Er123) melt-solidified bulks. The volume fraction of the Er2BaCuO5 (Er211) particles in Er123 matrix was always lower in the c-growth region than in the a-growth region. However, the second peaks of Jc — B curves were more prominent in the c-growth region and its maximum Jc value reached 53 kA/cm² at 77 K under a magnetic field of 1 T for the bulk of the co-doping of 0.5 wt% Pt and 1.0 wt% CeO2. Whereas the Er211 particles were finely dispersed in Er123 matrix in each case of Pt- or CeO2 -addition, the co-doping of Pr and CeO2 showed most refined effect of the dispersion of Er211 particles. From the results of microstructures and Jc, Jc value at zero field was found to be systematically improved with the reduction of diameter of the Er211 particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An immunohistochemical analysis for E(epithelial)-cadherin and N(neural)-cadherin expression in relation to tumour angiogenesis was performed in 150 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In all, 71 carcinomas (47.3%) were E-cadherin-negative. Epithelial-cadherin-negative tumours had lymph node metastases significantly more frequently than E-cadherin-positive tumours (P=0.0100). On the other hand, 46 carcinomas (30.7%) were N-cadherin-positive. Regarding tumour vascularity, there was no significant correlation between E-cadherin expression and tumour vascular. In contrast, the frequency of hypervascular tumours was significantly higher for N-cadherin-positive carcinomas than for N-cadherin-negative carcinomas (P=0.0373). Regarding prognosis, the 5-year survival rate of patients with E-cadherin-negative NSCLCs was significantly lower than that of patients with E-cadherin-positive NSCLCs (P=0.0146). In contrast, of the patients with large cell carcinomas, the 5-year survival rate of patients with N-cadherin-positive tumours was significantly lower than that of patients with N-cadherin-negative tumours (P=0.0013). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that E-cadherin status (P=0.0339) and tumour vascularity (P=0.0295) were significant indicators for survival. In conclusion, E-cadherin expression and tumour vascularity are significant prognostic factors of NSCLC patients. Furthermore, N-cadherin expression is associated with tumour angiogenesis, and its expression is one of prognostic factors of patients with large cell carcinomas. Thus, N-cadherin also might play a specific role in undifferentiated large cell carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the tradeoff relationships between the differing goals of power system operation and the influence of social policies, such as environmental impact minimization, upon deregulated electricity trade. An optimization procedure to reach a coordinated solution between different objectives is presented based on fuzzy interactive multiobjective optimization. Numerical examples are demonstrated on an IEEE 30 bus system. From the simulation, it has been found that the additional goals may reduce the volume of free trade of electricity, but the fuzzy multiobjective optimization can reach a good balance between conflicting goals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The fabrication process for a-Si:H solar cells with p–i–n structure contains a problem of damage to the SnO2 substrate particularly at higher process temperatures. We have reported that the suppression of darkening and wide optical gap (Eopt) are obtained by using SiH2Cl2 instead of SiH4 as a source gas (Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. 609 (2000), in press). In this paper, p-type a-Si:H:(Cl) was investigated. Comparable Eopt and dark conductivity (σdark) to those of conventional a-SiC:H were obtained. Solar cells using this a-Si:H:(Cl) show higher current density (Jsc) and higher collection efficiency in all wavelength regions as compared to a p-layer not using chlorine processes. The newly developed p-layer has been applied to solar cells with p–i–n structure fabricated at higher substrate temperatures (Ts). Although the a-Si:H material deposited at higher substrate temperatures has been reported as being more stable against light soaking (21st IEEE PVSC Proceeding, Florida, USA, 1990, p. 1656), the high temperature processing is difficult to apply to the a-Si:H p–i–n structure because of the significant darkening of SnO2 at higher Ts. With an a-Si:H:(Cl) buffer layer, a-Si:H solar cells can be fabricated at higher Ts (∼300°C) with reasonable cell performance. The best stabilized efficiency was 7.5% obtained at a Ts of 250°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SUMMARY Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a ligand dependent transcriptional factor known to be a regulator of adipogenesis. Recent studies have also shown that stimulation of PPARγ inhibits the transcriptional activities of other nuclear factors and down-regulates proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in T cells and monocytes. We examined, in the present study, the functional significance of PPARγ expressed in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Incubation of FLS with a synthetic PPARγ ligand, troglitazone, inhibited endogenous production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), without inducing apoptosis of the cells. The gelatinase activity of FLS culture media was also inhibited by troglitazone. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a significant reduction in the DNA binding activity of NF-κB in troglitazone-treated FLS in response to TNF-α or IL-1β. Moreover, long-term cultivation of FLS with troglitazone resulted in morphological changes with marked lipid accumulation in these cells. Our results show a negative regulatory function for PPARγ on cytokine and MMP production together with inhibition of cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in rheumatoid synovial cells. Our results also suggest that FLS could differentiate into adipocyte-like cells in the presence of proper stimulatory signals including PPARγ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method to obtain low-energy high-intensity beams from a tandem accelerator of a high design-voltage is presented. In this method, the beam undergoes repeated actions of acceleration and deceleration from alternating voltage gradient along the beam axis, so that the beam divergence is minimized. The practical test was carried out at the 10 MV tandem accelerator at Kyushu University, and the beam transmission efficiency at a low operation voltage of 1 MV was found to be an order of magnitude increased. The method also enables the accelerator to stand a high beam load. The necessary changes in the accelerator configuration are quite simple and easily achievable at a low cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Petrographical and geochemical characteristics of calc-alkaline andesites on Shodo-Shima Island, SW Japan, having bulk compositions largely identical to the continental crust, are presented. The following petrographic observations suggest a role for magma mixing in producing such andesite magmas: (1) two types of olivine phenocrysts and spinel inclusions, one with compositions identical to those in high-Mg andesites and the other identical to those in basalts, are recognized in terms of Ni–Mg and Cr–Al–Fe3+ relations, respectively; (2) the presence of orthopyroxene phenocrysts with mg-number >90 suggests the contribution of an orthopyroxene-bearing high-Mg andesite magma to production of calc-alkaline andesites; (3) reversely zoned pyroxene phenocrysts may not be in equilibrium with Mg-rich olivine, suggesting the involvement of a differentiated andesite magma as an endmember component; (4) the presence of very Fe-rich orthopyroxene phenocrysts indicates the association of an orthopyroxene-bearing rhyolitic magma. Contributions from the above at least five endmember magmas to the calc-alkaline andesite genesis can also provide a reasonable explanation of the Pb–Sr–Nd isotope compositions of such andesites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In order to determine the risk factors for hearing loss in the elderly, a total of 496 subjects with bilateral hearing loss and 2807 age-matched persons without hearing disturbance were recruited from the participants in an automated multiphasic health screening examination, and their lifestyle and medical data were analysed. Current smokers showed a significantly increased risk of hearing loss compared with non-smokers (odds ratio after adjustment for sex, age, and potential confounders=2.10 (1.53–2.89)), while heavy drinkers did not show an increased risk compared to non-drinkers. Our findings might provide some clues for the primary prevention of age-related hearing loss.Public Health (2001) 115, 192–196. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the bioluminescence from bovine and mouse embryos after pronuclaer microinjection with the firefly luciferase gene. Use of imaging photon counting system; Applicability of luminescent marker for noninvasive selection of transgenic bovine embryos; Rate of light emission.

Objective:To determine the clinical effect of post-operative radiotheraphy and systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of salivary duct carcinoma.Study design:Retrospective review.Design:The medical records of 26 patients treated by surgery with or without radiotheraphy and/or systemic chemotherapy for salivary duct carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the role of post-operative adjuvant treatment for the patients' prognosis.Results:The overall three-year and five-year survival rates were 54 and 48.1 per cent, respectively. There was no correlation with the clinical stage and the patients' prognosis. The overall three-year survival of the patients with or without post-operative radiotheraphy was 64 and 33 per cent, respectively (p = 0.29). The overall three-year survival of the patients with or without post-operative chemotherapy was 53 and 56 per cent, respectively (p = 0.78).Conclusion:Post-operative adjuvant therapy did not improve the patients' overall prognosis with salivary duct carcinoma. Developing novel treatment modalities may be necessary to improve the prognosis of this aggressive disease. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose:The management of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma has not been standardised to date. This study reviewed the clinical course, management and survival outcomes of patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck region.Methods:Nine patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma in the head and neck were included in this study.Results:Five patients received radical surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both. Two other patients were treated with chemotherapy consisting of CPT11 plus cisplatin or CPT11 plus cisplatin plus VP-16 three times. Two other patients received chemoradiotherapy consisting of S-1 or CPT11 plus cisplatin. The median overall survival was 14.5 months, with a three-year survival rate of 23.7 per cent.Conclusions:The prognosis of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma is generally poor. Further prospective multicentre studies are required for better understanding of disease entities and response to treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Liposarcomas rarely occur in the parapharyngeal space and only a few case reports exist. For curative therapy of liposarcoma, surgical excision remains the dominant modality. Although a wide surgical margin is important to prevent local recurrence, wide excision is often difficult in the head and neck region.Case report:We report a case of a 19-year-old female with a well-differentiated liposarcoma arising in the parapharyngeal space. We removed the tumour surgically utilising a cervical–parotid approach. The histological diagnosis was well-differentiated sclerosing liposarcoma. There is no recurrence after five years and nine months of follow up.Conclusion:The patient's age and the tumour site made it difficult for us to make a quantitative diagnosis before the operation. Well-differentiated liposarcoma rarely develop distant metastasis, but often recur locally. The benefit of adjuvant radiotherapy for well-differentiated liposarcoma is still not clear and careful and long-term follow up is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma is a rare minor salivary gland neoplasm. The treatment of choice is surgical resection with or without post-operative radiotherapy. This tumour often demonstrates a good prognosis.Case report:We report a case of hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma arising in the nasopharynx. A 27-year-old female presented with progressive hearing disturbance and tinnitus. On examination, an expansile mass was observed in her nasopharynx. Biopsy was performed and the pathology results returned as clear cell carcinoma.Results and conclusion:Surgical resection was performed trans-orally accompanied by trans-palatal approach. She has no recurrence during more than two years of follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose:The object of this study was to analyse our experience with the effects of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the treatment results of this therapeutic strategy and a salvage treatment for recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:Seventy-five patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with chemoradiotherapy. The study included twenty-five of these patients who had recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiotherapyResults:The three-year actuarial survival rates for 75 patients by disease stage were as follows: stage II, 100 per cent; stage III, 71.1 per cent; stage IV, 51.7 per cent and overall, 58.2 per cent. The mean time of detection of recurrence was 6.2 months. The total salvage rates of recurrence were 21 per cent. The one and three-year tumour-free actuarial survival rates of those patients who received salvage treatment were 83 and 33 per cent.Conclusions:Surgical salvage was only feasible for early recurrent tumour. Close follow-up surveillance of early recurrence is essential after primary treatment of patients with chemoradiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of administrated interferon (IFN)-α on Reovirus type-2 (Reo-2)-triggered autoimmune insulitis. Newborn DBA/1J mice infected with Reo-2 (on day 0) showed the highest titre in the pancreas on day 5 and thereafter the titre declined. Similar viral growth curve with lower titre was found in the spleen and thymus. Insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance developed in infected mice on day 10, but not on day 5. IFN-α was produced in the blood on days 3 and 5, but not on days 7 and 10. During the virus growth phase, IFN-α positive(+) cells were detected in some pancreatic islet cells and infiltrated dendritic cells (DCs) in interstitium. Virus antigen positive cells were detected in islet cells, but not in DCs. Administration with IFN-α (102, 103 or 104 international unit) on day 7, which is the time of the disappearance of virus from the pancreas and IFN-α from the blood, exacerbated insulitis with increased glucose values compared to only infected mice. IFN-α administration at the same time of infection did not develop insulitis. In addition, IFN-α administration in uninfected mice on day 7 did not cause any damage to islet cells. The present study suggests that IFN-α may have a possibility to exacerbate Reo-2-tiggered mild insulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]