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Presents information on a study which examined a method for the estimation of the rotational viscosity of ferroelectric liquid crystals using transient light scattering. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Abstract: Isolated proton aurora (IPA) is a manifestation of the wave‐particle interaction visible at subauroral latitudes, with activity on many timescales. We herein present the first observational evidence of rapid luminous modulation of IPA correlated with simultaneously observed Pc1 waves observed on the ground, which are equivalent to the electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in the magnetosphere. The fastest luminous modulation of IPA was observed in the 1 Hz frequency range, which was twice the frequency of the related Pc1 waves. The time lag between variations of Pc1 wave power and the IPA luminosity suggests that the source regions of IPA are distributed near the magnetic equator, suggesting an EMIC wave‐energetic (a few tens of keV) proton or relativistic (MeV or sub‐MeV) electron interaction. The generation mechanism of this 1 Hz luminous modulation remains an open issue, but this study supports the importance of nonlinear pitch angle scattering via wave‐particle interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current practice of clinical genetics, molecular diagnosis has become more widely used than ever before. DNA diagnosis is important for appropriate medical care of the patient, and proper genetic counseling to the family. However, genetic testing of orphan disease cannot always be performed easily. In multiple congenital anomalies ( MCA) syndromes by monogenic cause, the broad mutational spectrum and large size of responsible genes often make molecular diagnosis expensive and cumbersome. We solve this problem with on-demand genetic testing by CHIPS ( CEL nuclease mediated heteroduplex incision with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining) technology, which is the ultimately conventional and economical mutation screening system. In this article, we show eight patients with MCA syndromes who were recently treated at our hospital, and demonstrate that CHIPS successfully offers efficient and inexpensive genetic testing and facilitates clinical genetic service in our local region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionality of cheek teeth is essential for ruminants to masticate plant materials thoroughly and promote microbial degradation in their rumens. Thus, an excessive rate of tooth wear is expected to lead to premature loss of tooth functionality, and hence to reduced longevity. So far, however, the relationships between food habits, molar wear and longevity have not been investigated. We first compared molar wear rates among nine sika deer Cervus nippon populations with different food habits. We then investigated correlations between molar wear rate and two ecological factors, percentage of graminoids in diet and annual precipitation, relating to intrinsic and extrinsic abrasiveness of the ingested food, respectively. Secondly, we estimated ‘retained molar durability’ (molar height at a given age divided by wear rate) at successive ages for each population, and tested for correlation between molar durability and life expectancy among populations. The M1 and M3 wear rates differed among the populations and showed a positive correlation with graminoid consumption and a negative correlation with precipitation, suggesting that both ecological factors influence molar wear rates in the Japanese sika deer. M3 durability had a stronger correlation with life expectancy than M1 durability, especially at the older age stages. This implies that the influence of M3 durability on life expectancy becomes stronger at the time when the M1 is severely worn and loses its functionality, and is therefore more important for life span elongation than the M1. These results are concordant with the fact that the M3 is the most hypsodont molar in many ungulates. In the Japanese sika deer, microevolutionary acquisition of hypsodonty appears to be the case in a northern population (the Kinkazan Island), whose molar wear rates are extremely rapid due to their food habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibodies positive patients sometimes present interstitial lung disease (ILD) without muscle symptoms. We investigated needle electromyography (nEMG) to explore whether there are some myogenic changes or not in patients with antisynthetase syndrome without muscle symptoms. Method: We enrolled three patients who fulfilled anti ARS antibodies positive and ILD of the Connor's criteria for antisynthetase syndrome, and not fulfill the PM/DM criteria. We investigated the nEMG, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of muscles to explore whether there are some myogenic changes or not. Serum creatine kinase (CK), manual muscle testing of 8 muscle groups (MMT8), Inclusion Body Myositis-Functional Rating Scale (IBM-FRS) were measured. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Nara Medical University School of Medicine. Results: All subjects were females and their ages at the examination were 54 years old (P1), 44(P2) and 69(P3). P1 and P2 had already initiated oral steroid therapy. Although all three patients had no high serum CK level nor decline in IBM-FRS, nEMG revealed that abnormally short durations of the motor unit potential (MUP) patterns in the deltoid and biceps. P3 presented the same MUP pattern in vastus lateralis. MRI revealed inflammatory changes in P2 at left triceps and P3 at anterolateral femurs and posterolateral lower legs. Conclusion: nEMG is usually performed when patients exhibit muscle weakness, but this examination tool can be applicated to detect muscle damage in patients with anti-ARS antibody-associated ILD, prior to muscle weakness, myalgia, and declines in ADLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological comparisons of the sika deer Cervus nippon mandible and molars were conducted between two (northern and southern) Japanese subspecific lineages and among local populations of different (‘grazer’ or ‘intermediate feeder’) feeding types. The northern lineage showed greater M1 breadth, M3 hypsodonty and mandibular corpus height than the southern lineage. Such differences were not observed between the ‘grazer’ and ‘intermediate feeder’ populations of the northern lineage. However, a northern population, which inhabits a particularly harsh environment (Kinkazan Island), had the largest values of relative molar size and hypsodonty, although this was not statistically significant. These results imply that, in the Japanese sika deer, the selective pressures acting on the current ‘grazer’ populations are not strong enough to bring out noticeable adaptive change in molar size and hypsodonty, but adaptive change in these traits may occur in an environment that promotes excessive molar wear, more than that seen in the current sika deer habitats of Japan. Combined with what is known of the Pleistocene history of the sika deer, we infer that the ancestral population of the northern Japanese lineage likely acquired their relatively larger and more hypsodont molars in an extremely harsh environment during the last or previous glacial periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence and fate of surface water and wastewater pathogens (faecal coliforms, Escherichia coil, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum) in two constructed waterways and a pond- based AIT wastewater treatment plant (AIT WWTP) in Pathumthani, Thailand were studied in the context of several biogeochemical factors and in relation to pollutional pressure and seasonal phenomena with a view to proposing potential mechanisms for their removal. More data on pathogen removal in a given local context would provide assurance that some pathogens could serve as suitable indicator organisms and predict removal of different pathogenic microorganisms such as protozoan parasites covered in this study. The enumeration technique for protozoan pathogens was improved in terms of application of emerging novel molecular technologies for the development of a fast but affordable microbiological method. Potential risk of waterborne disease outbreak in pertinent communities was then characterized using established infection probability models and the compiled pathogen occurrence data. Overall, we have addressed several strategic priorities of pathogen research in waste stabilization ponds in developing tropical countries like Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propofol formulated in lipid supports microbial growth. We hypothesised that propofol with disodium edetate would suppress microbial growth more than propofol without disodium edetate. We examined bacterial growth in vitro and bacterial survival in the dead space of different venous access systems. Bacteria in propofol with disodium edetate (Diprivan®; AstraZeneca, London, UK) and without disodium edetate (1% Propofol inj. ‘Maruishi®’; Maruishi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan) survived and grew in the dead space of the venous access systems, although propofol with disodium edetate suppressed bacterial growth more than propofol without. Disodium edetate is effective in retarding microbial growth. However, for prevention of healthcare-associated infections, medical professionals should maintain strict aseptic precautions when handling propofol, use disodium edetate-containing formulations, and should consider using venous access systems without dead space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour of heavy metals was investigated at 22 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In addition, the survey of heavy metal balance was conducted in detail at one WWTP. For the measurement, 22 types of heavy metals were selected from the chemical materials of pollutant release and transfer register (PRTR). There were some heavy metals, which were detected not in wastewater but in dewatered sludge. By means of the detailed survey at one WWTP, 60 to 80% of some heavy metals, such as B, Mn, Co, Ni and Mo, were discharged with treated water. According to the results of PRTR, Zn, B and Mn accounted for a large part of the discharge into the water course. To estimate the behaviour of heavy metals in the environment, leaching tests were applied to the products made of biosolids. During a series of leaching tests for building materials, it was observed that the concentration of heavy metals was very small, but the ratio of increase keeps a constant value. Therefore, it was considered that the acid extractable contents of heavy metal would be important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric measurements have been carried out using an impedance analyzer for two ferroelectric liquid crystals R-4′ (1-methoxycarbonyl-1-ethoxy) phenyl 4-(4-octyloxyphenyl) benzoate (1MC1EPOPB) and R-4′ (1-butoxycarbonyl-1-ethoxy) phenyl 4-(4-octyloxy phenyl) benzoate (1BC1EPOPB). The two types have large spontaneous polarization, +1700 μC/M² for 1MC1EPOPB and +2400 μC/m&sup2] for 1BC1EPOPB. The permittivity and dielectric loss have been measured at different temperatures in the range 343.0 K to 383.0 K for 1MCEPOPB and 318.0 K to 353.0 K for 1BC1EPOPB in the frequency range 2 Hz to 2 MHz. Both of the ferroelectric liquid crystals, 1MC1EPOPB and 1BC1EPOPB show a new phase smectic X along with smectic C* and smectic A phases. The work reported in this paper in new and is very useful in understanding their application in switching devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rac1-regulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has been implicated in apoptosis. In contrast, pleiotropic protein kinase Akt protects against apoptosis. However, the pro- and antiapoptotic mechanisms of rac1 and Akt, respectively, and the intersection between these mechanisms are incompletely understood. In a model of oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in primary hepatocytes, activation of the PI3-K Akt axis by the prosurvival hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) inhibited H/R-stimulated rac1 activation and intracellular ROS production, and suppressed apoptosis. Suppression of PI3-K or Akt activity abrogated the inhibitory effect of HGF on rac1 activity and rac1-regulated oxidative stress. Furthermore, constitutive activation of Akt or PI3-K in the absence of HGF was sufficient to phosphorylate rac1, inhibit rac1 activation, and suppress rac1-regulated ROS production. These findings demonstrate that growth factor-stimulated activation of PI3-K-Akt is necessary and sufficient to suppress intracellular oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting activation of pro-apoptotic, prooxidative rac1 GTPase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary 1 To validate the relationship between the dopaminergic, opioidergic and cholinergic nervous systems, we evaluated the effect of domperidone, a dopamine (D2) antagonist, on the opioid system in myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle preparation isolated from the guinea-pig ileum. 2 One micromolar of domperidone did not affect the 0.1 Hz-evoked (duration 0.5 ms, maximum intensity) twitch response, but concentration dependently inhibited the twitch response between concentrations of 2 and 20 μ m, and the inhibition was maximum after 20–30 min at the highest concentration used (20 μ m). 3 Acetylcholine-evoked contraction on basal tension was also not inhibited by 1 μ m domperidone, but the contraction was concentration dependently inhibited at concentrations of 10–100 μ m in a non-competitive manner. 4 One micromolar of domperidone, however, increased post-tetanic twitch inhibition, an indicator of the release of endogenous opioids. This increase was completely antagonized by 1 μ m naloxone. 5 Twitch inhibition induced by dynorphin 1–13 (0.1–10 nm) was not affected by 1 μ m domperidone, but increased the maximum twitch inhibition caused by morphine (0.1–1 μ m). 6 These results might reflect the existence of an interaction between the dopaminergic and opioidergic system without the inhibition of the cholinergic system. Dopamine antagonists increased opioid action, an action that may depend more on the increased release of endogenous opioids than on supersensitivity of the opioid receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the rainwater drainage management for urban development in Japan. Development of rainwater infiltration technology; Use of public-private partnership and stormwater drainage system; Reduction in rainwater sewers and stormwater reservoirs.

1 The effects of adrenalectomy on exogenous and endogenous opioid actions in guinea-pig isolated myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle (MPLM) were investigated. 2 A decrease in serum cortisol level to about 37% of the level in the sham-operated group was obtained in adrenalectomized animals (sham: 53.5 ± 7.2 μg 100 ml–1; adrenalectomized: 20.0 ± 3.6 μg 100 ml–1). 3 The concentration–response curve of twitch inhibition, which was induced by electrical field stimulation (0.1 Hz, 0.5 ms pulse width, maximum intensity), caused by a low concentration of morphine (5 × 10–9–5 × 10–7 M) was not affected, but at high concentration (10–6–10–5 M) there was an upward shift in the adrenalectomized group compared with the sham-operated control, although the basal twitch contraction was not changed by adrenalectomy. 4 The twitch inhibition induced by a high concentration of morphine (10–6 M) in the adrenalectomized group was antagonized to the same level as that in sham-operated controls by naloxone (NLX) (3 × 10–7 M). 5 Post-tetanic twitch inhibition, an indicator of endogenous opioid release, induced by tetanic stimulation (10 Hz, 0.5 ms pulse width, maximum intensity, for 1 min) was inhibited in the adrenalectomized group compared with the sham-operated controls. The antagonism of inhibition in both groups was equivalent to that exerted by NLX (10–7 M). 6 Acetylcholine-evoked contraction of the muscle was not influenced by adrenalectomy. 7 These results suggested a possible mechanism for the increase in sensitivity of the opioid receptors to morphine by adrenalectomy, resulting from a decrease in the release of endogenous opioids from the opioidergic neurones in the ileum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel technique based on the pyroelectric effect is developed for making direct measurements of the flexoelectric polarization P[sub f] in hybrid aligned nematic cells. The pyroelectric response is measured first in the field-off regime and then with the bias field applied. The latter allows a direct comparison of P[sub f] with the field-induced polarization over the whole range of the nematic phase of the standard compound 5CB. The sum of the flexoelectric coefficients (e[sub 1] + e[sub 3]) is shown to be negative, and its dependence on the nematic order parameter does not follow a simple law (linear or quadratic), as has been predicted theoretically. The dynamics of P[sub f] is discussed in terms of the order parameter fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although holography has been used in a variety of fields, three-dimensional display application is still in the research and development stage. Extended sources, such as natural light, bulbs, and light-emitting diodes blur the reconstructed objects owing to the angular spread in light illumination onto a hologram. In this Letter, we discuss the suppression of image blur with the use of surface plasmons. Surface plasmons couple to a hologram only at a narrow angular range (∼0.68°) of extended-source illumination. Experimental results of the reconstruction of a rose pendant are shown to compare the blurring effect between plasmon and nonplasmon holograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric field tuning of an optical stop band in a reflection spectrum is demonstrated in a synthetic opal thin film infiltrated with liquid crystal. The reflection peak of the opal shifts upon the application of the electric field, and this is based on the refractive index change caused by molecular reorientation upon application of a field. The dynamic response of the stop band shift was also studied, and fast response of the order of microsecond was observed. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the smectic layer rotation of a ferroelectric liquid crystal by applying a direct current field. Interpretation of the smectic layer rotation; Origin of the reversible layer rotations; Attainment of unidirectionally aligned monodomain; Observation on direction of a smectic layer rotation.

Rapid (<1 s) intensity modulation of pulsating auroras is caused by successive chorus elements as a response to wave‐particle interactions in the magnetosphere. Here we found that a pulsating auroral patch responds to the time spacing for successive chorus elements and possibly to chorus subpacket structures with a time scale of tens of milliseconds. These responses were identified from coordinated Arase satellite and ground (Gakona, Alaska) observations with a high‐speed auroral imager (100 Hz). The temporal variations of auroral intensity in a few‐hertz frequency range exhibited a spatial concentration at the lower‐latitude edge of the auroral patch. The spatial evolution of the auroral patch showed repeated expansion/contraction with tens of kilometer scales in the ionosphere, which could be spatial behaviors in the wave‐particle interactions. These observations indicate that chorus elements evolve coherently within the auroral patch, which is approximately 900 km in the radial and longitudinal directions at the magnetic equator. Plain Language Summary: This study shows a direct link between discrete chorus elements and intensity modulations in a pulsating auroral patch. Currently, it is widely believed that chorus waves play an important role in the generation of pulsating aurora. Many previous theoretical, simulation, and optical observation studies have suggested a one‐to‐one correspondence between successive chorus elements and intensity modulations of pulsating auroras in the frequency range of a few hertz. In this study, detailed spatiotemporal characteristics of a pulsating auroral patch were captured by coordinated observations between the Arase satellite and the ground‐based network from study of dynamical variation of Particles and Waves in the INner magnetosphere using Ground‐based network observations (PWING). The ideal conjugate observations reveal that a pulsating auroral patch responds to the time spacing of successive chorus elements and possibly to chorus subpacket structures with a time scale of tens of milliseconds. Furthermore, the intensity modulations of the pulsating aurora at a few‐hertz range were caused by the spatial variations of the pulsating auroral patch. Therefore, this study provides important information on understanding rapid (tens of milliseconds) resonant interaction processes between chorus waves and charged particles. Key Points: Coordinated Arase and ground observations reveal an association between a pulsating aurora and chorus at time scales less than 1 sThe pulsating aurora shows a rapid (less than 1 s) spatiotemporal evolution related to chorus element structuresThe estimated spatial size of the source region is 900 km in the radial and longitudinal directions at the magnetic equator [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports two unique auroral features: postmidnight purple auroral rays and global Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations, observed before the onset of the corotating interaction region (CIR) storm of 21 March 2017, at the beginning of the first campaign of the new Particles and Waves in the Inner magnetosphere using Ground‐based network observation (PWING) longitudinal ground network with the Arase satellite. The purple auroral rays were observed from ~0315 to 0430 UT (~03–04 magnetic local time) in the northeastern sky at Husafell, Iceland (magnetic latitude: 64.9°N). We newly propose that the entry of high‐density CIR plasma into the magnetotail created purple auroral rays in the sunlit ionosphere. Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations at frequencies of 0–0.5 Hz were observed after ~00 UT over a wide local time range, of 13 hr, from midnight to afternoon sectors at subauroral latitudes associated with CIR arrival. These results indicate preconditioning of the magnetosphere due to crossing of a CIR. Plain Language Summary: We report auroral ray structures, which show a unique purple color, and global geomagnetic pulsations observed on 17 March 2017. The purple auroral rays were observed in the northeastern sky at Husafell, Iceland. The geomagnetic pulsations at frequencies of below 0.5 Hz were observed over a wide longitudinal range extending from midnight through morning to afternoon sectors at subauroral latitudes. These phenomena took place associated with the arrival of the so‐called corotating interaction region (CIR)" in the interplanetary space, which is characterized by high‐density high‐speed solar wind plasma. The CIR is one of the phenomena frequently occurring during the minimum phase of the 11‐year solar cycle. We suggest that the CIR can cause these unique purple auroras and global geomagnetic pulsations. The present observations also suggest a possible mechanism for dropout of radiation belt electrons due to electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves (=geomagnetic pulsations) associated with the CIR arrival. Key Points: Unique postmidnight purple auroral rays and global Pc1/EMIC waves were observed during a CIR‐driven solar wind density enhancementPc1/EMIC waves were found over a wide longitudinal range extending from midnight through morning to the afternoon due to CIR arrivalEntry of high‐density solar wind plasma into the magnetotail may have created tall purple auroral rays in the sunlit ionosphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brightness of aurorae in Earth's polar region often beats with periods ranging from sub-second to a few tens of a second. Past observations showed that the beat of the aurora is composed of a superposition of two independent periodicities that co-exist hierarchically. However, the origin of such multiple time-scale beats in aurora remains poorly understood due to a lack of measurements with sufficiently high temporal resolution. By coordinating experiments using ultrafast auroral imagers deployed in the Arctic with the newly-launched magnetospheric satellite Arase, we succeeded in identifying an excellent agreement between the beats in aurorae and intensity modulations of natural electromagnetic waves in space called "chorus". In particular, sub-second scintillations of aurorae are precisely controlled by fine-scale chirping rhythms in chorus. The observation of this striking correlation demonstrates that resonant interaction between energetic electrons and chorus waves in magnetospheres orchestrates the complex behavior of aurora on Earth and other magnetized planets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the use of the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway to facilitate one-lung ventilation (OLV) while on thoracic anesthesia. Other methods of facilitating OLV; Usefulness in patients who are difficult to intubate.

Microbursts are impulsive (<1 s) injections of electrons into the atmosphere, thought to be caused by nonlinear scattering by chorus waves. Although attempts have been made to quantify their contribution to outer belt electron loss, the uncertainty in the overall size and duration of the microburst region is typically large, so that their contribution to outer belt loss is uncertain. We combine datasets that measure chorus waves (Van Allen Probes [RBSP], Arase, ground‐based VLF stations) and microburst (>30 keV) precipitation (FIREBIRD II and AC6 CubeSats, POES) to determine the size of the microburst‐producing chorus source region beginning on 5 December 2017. We estimate that the long‐lasting (∼30 hr) microburst‐producing chorus region extends from 4 to 8 Δ ${\Delta}$MLT and 2–5 Δ ${\Delta}$L. We conclude that microbursts likely represent a major loss source of outer radiation belt electrons for this event. Plain Language Summary: Microbursts are short‐duration (<1 s) bursts of electrons that precipitate from the magnetosphere into the atmosphere. Microbursts are thought to be a result of scattering by a plasma wave called chorus. Attempts have been made to understand the contribution microburst precipitation has on electron loss, which helps the outer radiation belt recover after enhancements during storms. The contribution depends on the overall size and duration of the microburst region. We combine datasets that measure chorus waves and microburst precipitation to determine the size and duration of a microburst region beginning on 5 December 2017. Our results show that microbursts are likely a significant source of electron loss. Key Points: We use multipoint observations to estimate the size of a long‐lasting microburst‐producing chorus region beginning on 5 December 2017We estimate that the microburst‐producing chorus region for this event extends from 4 to 8 Δ ${\Delta}$MLT and 2–5 Δ ${\Delta}$LMicroburst precipitation from this event likely constitutes a major source of electron loss from the outer radiation belt [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin ( DHMEQ) is a newly developed compound that inhibits nuclear factor κB activation and is reported to ameliorate animal models of various inflammatory diseases without significant adverse effects. Because nuclear factor κB is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of asthma, DHMEQ may be of therapeutic benefit in asthma. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of DHMEQ on airway inflammation and remodelling in murine models of asthma. Methods The BALB/c mice were sensitized and then challenged acutely or chronically with ovalbumin and administered DHMEQ intraperitoneally before each challenge. Inflammation of airways, lung histopathology and airway hyper responsiveness to methacholine challenge were evaluated. In addition, the effect of DHMEQ on production of cytokines and eotaxin-1 by murine splenocytes, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and bronchial epithelial cells was investigated. Results Airway hyper responsiveness was ameliorated in both acutely and chronically challenged models by treatment with DHMEQ. DHMEQ significantly reduced eosinophilic airway inflammation and levels of Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the acute model. It also inhibited parameters of airway remodelling including mucus production, peribronchial fibrosis and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Moreover, the production of Th2 cytokines from murine splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the production of eotaxin-1 by bronchial epithelial cells were inhibited by DHMEQ. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance These results indicate that DHMEQ inhibits allergic airway inflammation and airway remodelling in murine models of asthma. DHMEQ may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the efficacy of the Airway Scope and McCoy laryngoscope as intubation tools with the neck stabilised by a rigid cervical collar. After induction of anaesthesia and neck stabilisation, 100 patients were randomly assigned to tracheal intubation with an Airway Scope or McCoy laryngoscope. Overall intubation success rate, time required for intubation, number of intubation attempts required for successful intubation, and airway complications related to intubation were recorded. Overall intubation success rates were 100% with both devices and a similar number of intubation attempts were required. However, the mean (SD) time required for successful intubation was shorter with the Airway Scope (30 (7) s) than with the McCoy laryngoscope (40 (14) s; p < 0.0001). The incidences of intubation complications were similar, but oesophageal intubation (in six cases) occurred only with McCoy laryngoscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine anatomical locations of the hinge axis point, kinematic axis point and reference point for the palpated lateral condylar pole on lateral cephalograms. Subjects comprised 18 Japanese women selected according to following criteria: normal occlusion; and absence of signs and symptoms of stomatognathic function. Jaw movement and the condylar reference points noted earlier were recorded three-dimensionally with six degrees of freedom, and kinematic axis point and hinge axis point were determined using an optoelectronic jaw-tracking system. Lateral cephalograms were used to determine anatomical locations of the three points in the condyle. Mean location of hinge axis point was 12·9 mm anterior of the porion and 5·3 mm inferior to the Frankfort horizontal plane, the kinematic axis point was situated in 12·8 mm anterior and 0·1 mm inferior, and the reference point for the palpated lateral condylar pole was situated 10·7 mm anterior and 0·8 mm inferior, respectively. The kinematic axis point was located outside the condyle in the majority of subjects. The reference point for the palpated lateral pole offers a useful indicator in the analysis of condylar movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cytosolic calcium ions are known to play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the protective effect of calcium channel blockers remains controversial in liver IR injury. Moreover, calcium channel blockers improve hepatic IR injury not due to blocking an increase in hepatic calcium concentration. Therefore, we hypothesized that calcium antagonists protected a liver from IR injury by a vasodilatory action rather than by the inhibition of an increase in Ca2+ within parenchymal cells. This study evaluated the effects of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, on liver energy metabolism and blood flow after IR injury. Methods: Twenty-seven rats underwent hepatic ischemia for 30 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. The animals were allocated into group C (without drug); group D5 (diltiazem, 5 μg/kg per min); or group D10 (diltiazem, 10 μg/kg per min). Diltiazem was infused before laparotomy and then throughout the experiment. Results: After 60 minutes of reperfusion, liver tissue blood flow and ATP concentrations were significantly higher in group D10 than the other animals (both, P < .05). Changes in ATP values strongly correlated those observed in blood flow (R=0.80, P < .001). Conclusion: Diltiazem improved ATP-generating capacity during reperfusion by improving liver tissue blood flow. An improvement in hepatic tissue perfusion may be a therapeutic strategy for liver IR injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Perylene-sensitized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PV-MWNT) have been prepared by a π-stacking between nanotubes and perylene derivatives, N,N′-diphenyl glyoxaline-3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylic acid diacidamide (PV). The resultant nanocomposites have been characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent spectra. Long range ordering can be observed in the form of PV-MWNT via π-stacking by TEM. Red-shift in the optical spectra consisting of the UV–vis absorption and PL spectra with the attraction of PV on the surface of the MWNTs were observed. The evident quenching in PL spectra of PV-MWNT was ascribed to the absorption and transfer of recombination energy by MWNT. Photosensitivity spectra demonstrated an increasing photocurrent in the ultraviolet region and a broadening photosensitivity in the red spectral region for solar cells based on PV-MWNT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We study pyroelectric and electromechanical effects in the prototype antiferroelectric liquid crystal 4-(1-methylheptyloxycarbonyl-phenyl)4′-octylbiphenil-4-carboxylate (MHPOBC). The linear electromechanical effect in the freely suspended liquid crystal films of MHPOBC has been detected in the broad temperature range inclusive of the antiferroelectric SmC*A as well as paraelectric SmA. The anomalous behavior of the hysteresis loop of SmC*β in the (pyroelectric coefficient, dc bias electric voltage) coordinates has been found. © 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroluminescence (EL) of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylene- vinylene] (MEH-PPV) under DC magnetic field has been investigated experimentally and analyzed theoretically. We have estimated the lifetime of intermediate polaron pairs and relation between rate constants of recombination of triplet and singlet polaron pairs from the changes of the EL intensity caused by the DC magnetic field. The short lifetime of the polaron pairs (about 2 × 10-10s) in MEH-PPV has been discussed by taking the intersystem crossing in polaron pairs into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to elucidate the effects of radiation on centrosome hyperamplification (CH), we examined the centrosome duplication cycle in KK47 bladder cancer cells following irradiation. Methods: KK47 cells were irradiated with various doses of radiation and were examined for CH immunostaining for γ-tubulin. Results: Nearly all control cells contained one or two centrosomes, and mitotic cells displayed typical bipolar spindles. The centrosome replication cycle is well regulated in KK47. Twenty-four hours after 5-Gy irradiation, ∼80% of irradiated cells were arrested in G2 phase, and at 48 h after irradiation, 56.9% of cells contained more than two centrosomes. Laser scanning cytometry performed 48 h after irradiation showed the following two pathways: (1) unequal distribution of chromosomes to daughter cells, or (2) failure to undergo cytokinesis, resulting in polyploidy. With mitotic collection, M-phase cells with CH could be divided into G1 cells with micronuclei and polyploidal cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed clear signs of chromosomal instability (CIN) at 48 h after irradiation. The present study had two major findings: (1) continual duplication of centrosomes occurred in the cell cycle-arrested cells upon irradiation, leading to centrosome amplification; (2) cytokinesis failure was due to aberrant mitotic spindle formation caused by the presence of amplified centrosomes. Abnormal mitosis with amplified centrosomes was detected in the accumulating G2/M population after irradiation, showing that this amplification of centrosomes was not caused by failure to undergo cytokinesis, but rather that abnormal mitosis resulting from amplification of centrosomes leads to cytokinesis block. Conclusion: These results suggest that CH is a critical event leading to CIN following exposure to radiation. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An asymmetric ac electric field with amplitude E = 10 V/ µm gives rise to a matched rotation of the normal to the smectic layers, while a sinusoidal field E = 1 V/ µm is used to study the rotation in the method of modulation total internal reflection ellipsometry, which makes it possible to probe the region of a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) next to the electrode (h ≈ 0.7 µm). It is shown that the angle of rotation of the normal to the smectic layers near the surface of the electrode varies reversibly as a function of the polarity and number of electric pulses applied, just as in the interior region. The characteristic dynamic properties of thin layers of nematic liquid crystals, such as an anomalously long relaxation time and a high-frequency relaxation process, are observed in thin FLC layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonlinear acoustic effect was observed experimentally in a freely suspended ferroelectric liquid-crystal film. The effect consisted of a change in the frequency of the film bending vibrations under the action of a varying electric field. The up- and down-conversion efficiencies were found to be 50 and 30%, respectively. © 2003 MAIK “Nauka / Interperiodica”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties of conducting polymers with Sn atoms in main chains, such as optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and electroluminescence, have been studied. The electronic energy structures have been determined by optical and electrochemical measurements. Strong PL with high quantum efficiency has been clarified in the films, and photopumped multimode laser emission was demonstrated from cylindrical microcavities formed by these polymers coated around optical fibers. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties of conducting polymers with Si atoms in main chains, such as optical absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and electroluminescence (EL), have been studied. The electronic energy structures have been determined by optical and electrochemical measurements. The strong PL with high quantum efficiency has been clarified, and spectral narrowing has been observed by pulse excitation of a nitrogen laser. Intense blue or red EL has also been demonstrated and the emission efficiency has been improved by anode surface modification and annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the measurements of the angular dependence of the switching field of individual ellipsoidal single-domain ferromagnetic particles. Methodology; Results of the study; Discussion of findings.

Provides information on a study that investigated the thermally activated switching of the magnetization of individual isolated y-Fe[sub2]O[sub3] particles. Details on magnetic force microscopy; Mode of reversal of the magnetization; Dynamics of the reversal process; Conclusion.

In this study, we compare the results of experimental investigations of longitudinal and transverse pyroelectric effects in a chiral ferroelectric crystal. In a transverse geometry, we studied freely suspended liquid-crystal films. In both geometries, samples exhibited bistability, demonstrating stable pyroelectric signals of different polarities at zero voltage. It is shown that a bistable cell based on a freely suspended film requires 40 times less energy expenditures as compared to the conventional sandwich-type cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, muscle pathology, and muscle specific antibodies (MSA). In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features and treatment outcome of IIM patients. We analyzed clinical and pathological findings of IIM patients, who underwent muscle biopsy from January 2008 to December 2020. We excluded inclusion body myositis cases. We enrolled 105 IIM patients. Male to female ratio was 31:74 and the average age was 60.8 years old. MSA were detected in 70 patients (TIF1γ 15, Mi-2 6, MDA5 4, NXP2 2, SRP 14, HMGCR 12, ARS 17), and anti-mitochondrial-M2 antibodies were detected in 5. The median serum CK values (IU/L) were 391 in patients with anti-TIF1γ antibody, 2,136 in Mi-2, 302 in MDA5, 6,951 in NXP2, 2,764 in SRP, 6,219 in HMGCR, 529 in AMA-M2, and 584 in ARS. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was found 2 (13%) in TIF1γ, 4 (67%) in Mi-2, 4 (100%) in MDA5, 6 (43%) in SRP, 1 (20%) in AMA-M2, and 16 (94%) in ARS. Malignant tumors were associated with in 7 patients (47%) with TIF1γ, 2 (33%) with Mi-2, 3 (21%) with SRP, 2 (17%) with HMGCR, and 2 (12%) with ARS. Pathologically, sarcoplasmic MxA expression was more common in patients with anti-TIF1γ antibodies (80%), comparing with Mi-2 (50%) and MDA5 (50%). Immunosuppressants were used for the patients with anti-MDA5 (75%), with ARS (59%), with NXP2 (50%) and with HMGCR (42%). Of the 19 traceable patients with malignant tumor, 12 (63%) died of cancer. ILD was most common in MDA5 and tumors were most common in TIF1γ. Although there are variations in frequency among antibodies, ILD and cancers were associated with almost all types of MSA, suggesting that we should search for these complications in all IIM patients regardless of MSA. Immunosuppressants tended to be used for the patients with ILD. The prognosis of IIM patients with cancer was relatively poor despite of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]