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Observation of dynamic processes by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an attractive technique to experimentally analyze materials' nanoscale phenomena and understand the microstructure-properties relationships in nanoscale. Even if spatial and temporal resolutions of real-time TEM increase significantly, it is still difficult to say that the researchers quantitatively evaluate the dynamic behavior of defects. Images in TEM video are a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional space phenomena, thus missing information must be existed that makes image's uniquely accurate interpretation challenging. Therefore, even though they are still a clustering high-dimensional data and can be compressed to two-dimensional, conventional statistical methods for analyzing images may not be powerful enough to track nanoscale behavior by removing various artifacts associated with experiment; and automated and unbiased processing tools for such big-data are becoming mission-critical to discover knowledge about unforeseen behavior. We have developed a method to quantitative image analysis framework to resolve these problems, in which machine learning and particle filter estimation are uniquely combined. The quantitative and automated measurement of the dislocation velocity in an Fe-31Mn-3Al-3Si autunitic steel subjected to the tensile deformation was performed to validate the framework, and an intermittent motion of the dislocations was quantitatively analyzed. The framework is successfully classifying, identifying and tracking nanoscale objects; these are not able to be accurately implemented by the conventional mean-path based analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal features of the eastward jet through the Tsugaru Strait was investigated using surface velocity data between 2014 and 2019 obtained from high‐frequency radar located in the eastern part of the strait, as well as data obtained from repeated shipboard observations from 2009 to 2019. The potential‐vorticity‐front‐model was used, and the volume transport of low potential vorticity (PV) water and the intensity of the PV gap at the front in the eastern part of the strait were estimated from these data. The influence of these parameters on the seasonal flow pattern of the Tsugaru Warm Current out to the Pacific Ocean (the summer/autumn "gyre mode" or winter/spring "coastal mode") was examined. The distribution of the parameters was consistent with the theoretical understanding, showing that in addition to the volume transport, an increase in the local PV gap can also contribute to the development of the gyre. Plain Language Summary: The Tsugaru Warm Current forms part of the coastal flow around Japan and shows remarkable seasonal changes in its flow pattern, which are similar to the Kuroshio meandering. The current flows along the coast from winter to spring, but demonstrates large anticyclonic meandering in the offshore direction, known as "gyre mode," from summer to autumn. The cause of this change in the flow pattern has been thought to be the seasonal change in volume transport. In this study, we used high‐resolution temporal and spatial data obtained from a high‐frequency radar system, as well as shipboard hydrographic data collected over a period of 10 years, combined with a theory based on the relationship between coastal waves and offshore jets with fronts to identify another important factor that affects the seasonal flow pattern of the current, namely, "potential vorticity." This study is important because it helps our knowledge of the behavior of fluids flowing out of channels and straits as well as that in relation to the connection between local phenomena and larger phenomena. Key Points: Observational verification of the seasonal flow pattern theory of the Tsugaru Warm Current based on velocity data from high‐frequency radarImportance of potential vorticity gap at the front recognized as well as the volume transport of the current on the flow pattern changeIntegration and improvement of our understanding about the behavior of fluids flowing out from channels and straits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the ocean acidification of coastal water as the result of the oceanic uptake of anthropogenic atmospheric CO2, we initiated acidification monitoring in the eastern part of the Tsugaru Strait, through which the Tsugaru Warm Current flows eastward from the Sea of Japan to the North Pacific. Annual mean pH and CaCO3 saturation state during 2012–2019 decreased considerably throughout all depths at rates of 0.0030–0.0051 and 0.017–0.036 years−1, respectively. These rates of decrease are faster than those caused by increasing atmospheric CO2 and faster than those observed during previous research. These fast rates are attributed to an enhanced increase in dissolved inorganic carbon concurrently with increases in salinity and density caused by elevated mixing of the upper and deeper waters from the Sea of Japan at the western part of the strait. The elevated mixing is attributable to the strengthening of the Tsugaru Warm Current. Plain Language Summary: Approximately 30% of the total amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere by human activities has accumulated in the global ocean. This oceanic uptake of CO2 has resulted in ocean acidification. In coastal waters, the acidification affects marine organisms, thus coastal ecosystems may be more vulnerable to acidification than the open ocean. To examine the extent to which acidification has advanced in the eastern part of the Tsugaru Strait, through which the Tsugaru Warm Current passes from the Sea of Japan to the North Pacific, we initiated a time‐series observation of acidification. The pH reduction is found to have enhanced considerably across the whole depth during 2012–2019 at a rate faster than that caused by increasing atmospheric CO2 and at the highest rates observed during previous research. The rapid pH reduction is found to be attributable to the enhanced rate of increase of dissolved inorganic carbon concurrently with increases in salinity and density caused by elevated mixing of the upper and deeper waters from the Sea of Japan at the western strait due to the strengthening of the Tsugaru Warm Current. In other straits that are connected to the open ocean, the strengthening of their throughflow may also accelerate acidification. Key Points: The eastern part of the Tsugaru Strait has become significantly more acidic throughout its depth during 2012–2019The pH reduction is occurring at faster rates than reported elsewhere and faster than expected for oceanic uptake of anthropogenic CO2Rapid pH reduction is caused by enhanced increase of dissolved inorganic carbon, owing to a strengthened Tsugaru Warm Current [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene absorbs light in accordance with the fine-structure constant α ≃ 1/137. The α value is universal in the sense that it is unrelated to material parameters but solely related to the elementary charge, which is a fundamental constant governing the coupling of light and matter. A new universality governed only by α has yet to be discovered in graphene optics. However, since α is a dimensionless quantity, it can be anticipated that the reciprocal of α appears as a characteristic number of layers in the light absorptance of an N-layer graphene. Here, we report that this number is 2/πα. We show simultaneously that for light in the infrared to visible range, an N-layer graphene with N above 1500 may be regarded as graphite. This also enables us to obtain the simplest expression for the optical constants of graphite, which is written in terms of α and interlayer distance only. The fine structure constant is a dimensionless quantity describing the light-matter interactions of a material. Here, the authors, using a transfer matrix, present a formula for calculating the optical constants of graphite as a function of layer number and interlayer distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distributions of Ti[sup +] and Ti densities in laser-ablation Ti plasmas were visualized by laser-induced fluorescence imaging spectroscopy. The absolute Ti density was determined by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The absolute Ti[sup +] density was evaluated by comparing the laser-induced fluorescence intensity from Ti[sup +] with that from Ti. In addition, we evaluated the total numbers of Ti[sup +] and Ti in plasmas by integrating the density distributions spatially. As a result, it was found that the total number of Ti[sup +] was higher than that of Ti in the initial stage of laser-ablation plasmas. In ambient He gas, we observed the temporal increase in the total number of Ti, indicating the gas-phase production of Ti due to neutralization of Ti[sup +]. The increase in the total number of Ti[sup +] was also observed, suggesting the production of Ti[sup +] due to neutralization of Ti[sup 2+]. The present experimental results show that Ti[sup +] and Ti[sup 2+] are major species produced by laser ablation of a metal Ti target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured temporal variations of the distributions of C[sub 2] and C[sub 3] radical densities in carbon plumes produced by laser ablation of graphite in ambient He gas. Laser-induced fluorescence imaging spectroscopy was used for the measurement. The temporal variations of total numbers of C[sub 2] and C[sub 3] contained in plumes were evaluated by integrating the density distributions. The experimental observations have shown that the gas-phase production of C[sub 2] is comparable to the direct production from the target, while C[sub 3] is mainly produced in gas phase by three-body reactions between C and C[sub 2]. In addition, we have discussed a scenario for the temporal evolution of heavy clusters (C[sub n] with n ≥ 4). The present results are useful for understanding initial formation processes of carbon clusters in laser-ablation plumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial and temporal variations of C[sub 3] density in high-density octafluorocyclobutane (c-C[sub 4]F[sub 8]) plasmas were examined using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy. The C[sub 3] density varied slowly for a long time after the initiation of discharge, suggesting the importance of surface chemistry for the formation of C[sub 3]. Hollow-shaped spatial distributions (the C[sub 3] density adjacent to the chamber wall was higher than that in the plasma column) were observed in the C[sub 3] density. This result indicates that C[sub 3] radicals are produced from fluorocarbon film on the chamber wall and are lost in the plasma column due to electron impact processes. The surface production of C[sub 3] was also observed in the afterglow for 1 ms after the termination of rf power. The decay time constant of the C[sub 3] density in the late (>1 ms) afterglow, where the surface production of C[sub 3] stopped, was almost independent of discharge parameters, suggesting that the loss of C[sub 3] due to gas-phase reactions is negligible. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which examined the principles of the analysis and of the preparation strategy for establishing a reproducible defect chemistry at lower temperatures using oxides. Calculation of defect chemistry; Numerical results of electronic and ionic defect concentrations; Technological relevance.

Focuses on a study about the analytical relations of low-temperature defect chemistry of oxides in frozen-in interaction with the ambient oxygen and reversibility of internal interactions, in particular the redistribution of electronic carriers. Ionic and electronic conservation conditions; Way to derive analytical relations describing defect concentrations; Dependencies of defect concentrations on control parameters; Conclusions.

Provides information on a study using vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy to examine absolute density and reaction kinetics of fluorine (F) atoms in high-density octafluorocyclobutane (c-C4F8) plasmas. Methodology used to conduct the study; Information on the absolute F atom density; Findings of the study.

Presents information on a study which uses vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy to examine the reaction processes of fluorine (F) atoms in high-density carbon-tetrafluoride (CF4) plasmas. Role of fluorine (F) atoms in Si and SiO2; Methodology of the study; Results and conclusions of the study.

Discusses the employment of laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy in measuring the ground-state CF and CF2 radical densities in low-pressure and high-density CF4 plasmas generated by helicon wave discharges. Desorption of radicals from walls; Uniform radial profiles in the continuous-wave operation; Adsorbed species in the afterglow of previous discharge.

Studies the optically pumped multimode D2O laser. Dispersion effect of the laser medium; Calculation of the temporal variations of mode frequencies; Obtainment of the multiple-longitudinal-mode oscillations around the Raman resonance frequency.

Demonstrates the use of oscillator-amplifier system for spectral narrowing of high-power D[sub2]O laser, in which a single-mode output from a compact D[sub2]O laser with a short cavity length was amplified by a large D[sub2]O laser amplifier. Significance of the spectral narrowing of an optically pumped high-power D[sub2]O laser; Differences of D[sub2]O laser from the conventional laser system; Maximum output energy of the D[sub2]O laser system.

Presents an examination of the dependence of window effects on the aluminum content of a window layer in high-power AlGaAs window structure layers. Experimental details; Results; Discussion.

Background: This study sought to develop a clinical risk score for resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) by combining clinicopathological and clinically available biological indicators, including KRAS. Methods: A cohort of patients who underwent resection for CRLM at the Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) was analysed to identify independent predictors of overall survival (OS) that can be assessed before operation; these factors were combined into the Genetic And Morphological Evaluation (GAME) score. The score was compared with the current standard (Fong score) and validated in an external cohort of patients from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Results: Six preoperative predictors of worse OS were identified on multivariable Cox regression analysis in the JHH cohort (502 patients). The GAME score was calculated by allocating points to each patient according to the presence of these predictive factors: KRAS‐mutated tumours (1 point); carcinoembryonic antigen level 20 ng/ml or more (1 point), primary tumour lymph node metastasis (1 point); Tumour Burden Score between 3 and 8 (1 point) or 9 and over (2 points); and extrahepatic disease (2 points). The high‐risk group in the JHH cohort (GAME score at least 4 points) had a 5‐year OS rate of 11 per cent, compared with 73·4 per cent for those in the low‐risk group (score 0–1 point). Importantly, in cohorts from both the JHH and MSKCC (747 patients), the discriminatory capacity of the GAME score was superior to that of the Fong score, as demonstrated by the C‐index and the Akaike information criterion. Conclusion: The GAME score is a preoperative prognostic tool that can be used to inform treatment selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Margin status with resection of colorectal liver metastasis ( CRLM) was an important prognostic factor in the years before the introduction of biological chemotherapy. This study examined outcomes following CRLM resection in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without the monoclonal antiangiogenic antibody bevacizumab. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for CRLM at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2000 and 2015 were identified from an institutional database. Data regarding surgical margin status, preoperative bevacizumab administration and overall survival ( OS) were assessed using multivariable analyses. Results Of 630 patients who underwent CRLM resection, 417 (66·2 per cent) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with (214, 34·0 per cent) or without (203, 32·2 per cent) bevacizumab. The remaining 213 (33·8 per cent) did not receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Univariable analysis found that positive margins were associated with worse 5-year OS than R0 resection (36·2 versus 54·9 per cent; P = 0·005). After dichotomizing by the receipt of preoperative bevacizumab versus chemotherapy alone, the prognostic value of pathological margin persisted among patients who did not receive preoperative bevacizumab (5-year OS 53·0 versus 37 per cent after R0 versus R1 resection; P = 0·010). OS was not significantly associated with margin status in bevacizumab-treated patients (5-year OS 46·8 versus 33 per cent after R0 versus R1 resection; P = 0·081), in whom 5-year survival was slightly worse (presumably reflecting more advanced disease) than among patients treated with cytotoxic agents alone. Pathological margin status was not significantly associated with 5-year OS in patients with a complete or near-complete response to chemotherapy and bevacizumab (43 versus 30 per cent after R0 versus R1 resection; P = 0·917), but this may be due to a type II error. Conclusion The impact of margin status varied according to the receipt of bevacizumab. Bevacizumab may have a role to play in improving outcomes among patients with more advanced disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondrial respiratory chain disorder (MRCD) can cause liver failure requiring liver transplantation (LT), although it is often difficult to diagnose before LT. From 2005 to 2016, 9 MRCD patients with the median age at LT of 6 months underwent LT in our institute. Their clinical courses were retrospectively reviewed and the laboratory parameters were compared between the MRCD patients and 10 patients with acute liver failure unrelated to MRCD (non-MRCD). Five patients had extrahepatic manifestations, including developmental disorders in 3 and failure to thrive in 3, before LT. Only 3 patients (33.3%) were diagnosed before LT. Between MRCD and non-MRCD, lactate was significantly high and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio (L/P ratio) tended to be higher in MRCD. From the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value of lactate was 50.0 mg/dL and that of L/P ratio was 23.2. Patient survival rate of MRCD was 77.8%, although 2 patients with mitochondrial depletion syndrome suffered from de novo pulmonary hypertension after LT. Our experiences showed the difficulty of preoperative diagnosis, and preoperative extrahepatic manifestations did not always mean poor outcome. Our study showed that lactate value and L/P ratio can be excellent predictors of MRCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant architecture is an important determinant of tomato yield because it affects light distribution within a crop canopy. One hundred and eleven lines of a BCF population developed from Solanum lycopersicum 'M570018' and its wild relative Solanum pimpinellifolium (PI124039) were grown in a glasshouse in spring and autumn, and plant architecture traits evaluated at two leaf positions: the last leaf before floral initiation (F leaf) and the largest leaf (L leaf). QTL analysis was performed using QTLNetwork 2.1; 23 additive QTLs and seven epistatic QTLs were detected for 13 of 16 traits measured in this study. On chromosomes 2 and 12, QTLs for the leaf drooping angle (DRAN) of the F leaf ( fdran2 and fdran12) co-located with QTLs for canopy size (CAN) at each leaf position of the F and L leaves ( fcan2 and lcan2, fcan12 and lcan12). On chromosome 3, QTLs for leaf length (LL) of the F and L leaves ( fll3 and lll3) co-located with the epistatic QTL for CAN at the L leaf ( lcan3). QTLs for plant height (PH) were detected on chromosome 2, 3, 4, and 6; all of these QTLs ( ph2, ph3, ph4, and ph6) decreased PH in the presence of Solanum lycopersicum (SL) alleles. QTLs for total leaf number and internode length were detected on chromosomes 3 and 4; tln3 and int4 mapped in the vicinity of ph3 and ph4, respectively. The co-localization of QTLs associated with CAN, DRAN, and LL suggests canopy size is determined by both leaf length and leaf drooping angle in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified 46 different RHD alleles from 226 Japanese individuals with weak D phenotype, 26 of which had been previously described and 20 that were novel. Among these weak D individuals, the alleles with c.960G>A, c.845G>A ( RHD*15) or c.1013T>C ( RHD*01W.24) mutations were most prevalent with relative occurrences of 36·7%, 15·9% and 9·7%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of common weak D alleles in the Japanese population significantly differs from that of Caucasian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anode backbone using 40 wt% (ZrO 2 ) 0.89 (Sc 2 O 3 ) 0.1 (CeO 2 ) 0.01 (SSZ)-Sr 0.9 La 0.1 TiO 3 (SLT) cermet was prepared for SSZ electrolyte-supported SOFC single cells. 15 mgcm −2 Ce 0.9 Gd 0.1 O 2 (GDC) was impregnated to totally cover the SSZ-SLT anode backbone surface acting as a catalyst, and the cell voltage achieved 0.865 V at 200 mAcm −2 using (La 0.75 Sr 0.25 ) 0.98 MnO 3 (LSM)-SSZ cathode in 3%-humidified hydrogen fuel at 800 °C. Cell performance was substantially improved from 0.865 V to >0.97 V when 0.03 mgcm −2 Pd or Ni was further incorporated as a secondary catalyst into the anode layer. 50 redox cycles were performed to investigate redox stability of this high performance anode. It was found that even after the 50 redox cycle long-term degradation test, cell voltage at 200 mAcm −2 was retained around 0.94 V, higher than the cell performance using the conventional Ni-SSZ cermet anode. The catalytically-active reaction sites at ceria-Pd or ceria-Ni may account for the excellent performance, and the extremely low metal catalyst concentration prevent serious metal aggregation in achieving excellent redox stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments to form emulsions of bitumen including fine droplets of condensate water were carried out for an average formation temperature range;Tf= 38–69°C and bitumen content;CB= 29–82%. It was observed that the water retention capacity or stability of the emulsions after mild agitation was significantly affected by formation temperature and content of the bitumen. The particle size of water droplets in emulsion decreased with increasing formation temperature. However, bitumen emulsions showed similar shear thinning non-Newtonian behavior in spite of the formation temperature, since water droplets in the emulsions changed under shear flow to smaller size similar to ones formed at the higher formation temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the present study, bitumen was dispersed in the aqueous solution of PVA (Poly Vinyl Alcohol) containing dissolved salt (NaCl). The stability and rheological property were studied to evaluate the characteristics of the dispersion system under the influence of salt. Under an isothermal condition (temperature of 20 °C), it was observed that the stability of bitumen-in-water emulsion containing 50% bitumen content, was increased by the dissolution of 0.5% w/w salt in the aqueous phase while at the salt content of 1% w/w and above, the stability of emulsion was decreased. In addition, the tolerance of the chemical to salinity was confirmed since the surface tension of the aqueous solution and the particle size of emulsions were not significantly affected at the level of salinity considered in this study. Moreover, analysis of the rheological property indicated that, the emulsions behave as non-Newtonian pseudoplastic (shear thinning) fluid regardless of the salt content. The apparent viscosity of emulsion was not significantly affected at up to salinity level of 1.0% w/w; while the salt content of 2% w/w and 3.5% w/w increased the apparent viscosity of emulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The molecular basis of the weak D phenotype has been investigated for many years, and more than 80 different alleles producing weak D phenotypes have been identified. Most alleles producing weak D phenotypes have a single missense mutation in exons corresponding to a transmembrane domain of the RhD polypeptide. We report here RHD alleles with single nucleotide mutations in Japanese accounting for weak expression of D antigen. Methods Seventy-five blood samples with a weak D phenotype were detected from 763 408 blood donors by standard serological methods. Forty-five of the 75 blood donors were available for RHD gene analysis by PCR and sequencing using genomic DNA and reticulocyte mRNA. Real-time PCR was performed to estimate the relative amounts of the RHD transcripts. Results We detected 16 different RHD alleles in the 45 individuals with weak D by nucleotide sequencing; 12 were newly identified. Thirty-two of the 45 individuals had an RHD allele with a single missense mutation, while the other 13 individuals had RHD with a c.960G>A silent mutation in exon 7. Red blood cells of these 13 individuals showed direct agglutination with anti-D at a strength of 3+ or less. Semi-quantitative analysis of the RHD transcripts by real-time PCR revealed that the cDNA samples with the c.960G>A mutation showed a significant increment of exon 7 skipping compared with the common RHD. Conclusion Reduced expression of D antigen is caused not only by missense mutation of the RHD gene, but also by silent mutation that may affect splicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Description of emulsion stability is an essential aspect of process design and development for separation and production operations. In this investigation, bitumen-in-water emulsions were formed with bitumen contents (CB) of 50% and 70% w/w stabilized in the aqueous solution containing Polyvinyl alcohol and dissolved salt ranging from 0.5% to 3.5% w/w. Water separation under gravity was monitored in real time at isothermal condition. Data collected were used in evaluating kinetic parameters and developing model to predict the stability of emulsions with time. The model was found to adequately predict the emulsion stability under the conditions of the investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We adopted laser Thomson scattering for measuring the electron density and the electron temperature of microwave plasmas produced in helium at the pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure. The electron density decreased while we observed the increase in the electron temperature with the pressure. These are reasonable results by considering the decrease in the reduced electric field, the dominant loss of electrons via three-body recombination with helium as the third body, and the production of electrons with medium energy via heavy particle collisions at the high gas pressure. The temporal variation of the electron temperature had the rise and the fall time constants of approximately 10 ns. The rapid heating and cooling of the electron temperature are due to the fast energy transfer from electrons to helium because of the high collision frequency in the high-pressure discharge. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to estimate the creep properties by measuring the micro size deformation is required for the FEM analysis considering the creep deformation of the solder joint in-situ. An indentation creep test is one of the effective methods to directly evaluate the creep deformation of solder joint. However, the indentation test does not give the same creep properties as those obtained by the uniaxial creep tests using a bulk specimen. The authors have proposed an indentation test conducted under the constant depth to determine a suitable reference area, which leads to the same creep characteristics as those obtained by the uniaxial creep test. One of the remaining problems of the indentation test is that the reference area cannot be determined without the creep data obtained by the uniaxial creep test using bulk specimens. In this paper, a series of numerical indentation tests under a constant depth were conducted to construct a method to determine a new reference area without creep data obtained from the uniaxial creep test using bulk specimens. The numerical tests were conducted using finite element method (FEM). The numerical tests showed that the distribution of the principal stress plays an important role to determine the reference area of the indentation tests. Finally, it was found that the reference area obtained considering the distribution of the principal stress gives almost the same creep characteristic as those obtained by the uniaxial creep using bulk specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cs–Te corrosion tests were performed to FBR fuel cladding candidate materials listed below: 11Cr-Ferritic/Martensitic Steel (F/M steel) and 9Cr Oxide Dispersion Strengthened steel (ODS steel). The corrosion products of Cs–Te corrosive compound Cs 2 Te 3 with F/M steel or ODS steel were picked up from the specimens after the corrosion test by focus ion beam method (FIB) and the corrosion products were specified based on element analysis and crystal analysis by transmit electron microscopy (TEM) with electron dispersion X-ray spectrum (EDS). The result of analysis allowed us to presume Cs–Te corrosion reactions in the Fe–Cr based fuel cladding material. The presumable reactions are 4 Te + 3 23 Cr 23 C 6 → Cr 3 Te 4 + 18 23 C and 4 Te + 3 Cr → Cr 3 Te 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the influence of bio-cells exposed to ionizing radiations, the densely populated pattern of the ionization in the cell nucleus is of importance because it governs the extent of DNA damage which may lead to cell lethality. In this study, we have conducted a cluster analysis of ionization and excitation events to estimate the number of double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by electron tracks. A Monte Carlo simulation for electrons in liquid water was performed to determine the spatial location of the ionization and excitation events. The events were divided into clusters by using the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm. The algorithm enables us to sort out the events into the groups (clusters) in which a minimum number of neighboring events are contained within a given radius. For evaluating the number of DSBs in the extracted clusters, we have introduced an aggregation index (AI). The computational results show that a sub-keV electron produces DSBs in a dense formation more effectively than higher energy electrons. The root-mean square radius (RMSR) of the cluster size is below 5 nm, which is smaller than the chromatin fiber thickness. It was found that this size of clustering events has a high possibility to cause lesions in DNA within the chromatin fiber site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We fine-mapped a quantitative trait locus, qLG - 9, for seed longevity detected between Japonica-type and Indica-type cultivars. qLG - 9 was mapped in a 30-kb interval of the Nipponbare genome sequence. Abstract: A quantitative trait locus, qLG- 9, for seed longevity in rice has previously been detected on chromosome 9 by using backcross inbred lines derived from a cross between Japonica-type (Nipponbare) and Indica-type (Kasalath) cultivars. In the present study, the chromosomal location of qLG- 9 was precisely determined by fine-scale mapping. Firstly, allelic difference in qLG- 9 was verified by QTL analysis of an F population derived from a cross between Nipponbare and NKSL-1, in which a segment of Kasalath chromosome 9 was substituted in Nipponbare genetic background. Then, we selected F plants in which recombination had occurred near qLG- 9 and performed F progeny testing on these plants to determine the genotype classes of qLG- 9. Eventually, qLG- 9 was mapped in a 30-kb interval (defined by two markers, CAPSb and CHPa12) of the Nipponbare genome sequence. This allowed us to nominate positional candidate genes of qLG- 9. Additionally, we developed near-isogenic lines (NIL) for qLG- 9 by marker-assisted selection. qLG- 9 NIL showed significantly higher seed longevity than isogenic control of Nipponbare. These results will facilitate cloning of the gene(s) underlying qLG- 9 as well as marker-assisted transfer of desirable genes for seed longevity improvement in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A cesium corrosion out-pile test was performed to Fe–Cr steel in a simulated fuel pin environment. In order to specify the corrosion products, the corroded area was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A cesium corrosion process in Fe–Cr steel was successfully developed proceeding from both experimental results and thermochemical consideration. The corroded area was mainly formed by Fe layer and Fe depleted oxidized layer. The Fe depleted oxidized layer was formed by Cr0.5Fe0.5 and Cr2O3. The presumed main corrosion reactions were and . Factors of these reactions are chromium, carbon, oxygen and cesium. Therefore, cesium corrosion progression must be dependent on the chromium content, carbon content in the steel, the supply rate of oxygen and temperature which correlated with the diffusion rate of cesium and oxygen into the specimen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] The fatigue life of aluminum wire in silicone gel under random vibration testing is estimated. [•] A random vibration simulation of an aluminum wire with silicone gel is conducted. [•] The viscoelasticity of silicone gel filters the strain response at high frequencies. [•] Effect of design parameters of wire and gel on the wire strain is estimated. [•] Aluminum wire with silicone gel can endure the random vibration of vehicle applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The free space method using a pair of lens antennas was modified for the complex permittivity measurement of biological samples from 20 to 110 GHz. Two methodologies were used to obtain the complex permittivities by the free space method, whichwere based on the reflection and transmission coefficients. The measurement results obtained with the two methodologies were compared with each other. The measured complex permittivities of the biological samples from the free space method were then compared with those measured using the coaxial probe method. Finally, the measurement data were also compared with those from measurement methods developed in past literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese Mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) has long been exploited for its medicinal value. We studied this snake's reproductive ecology on Hokkaido and assessed its vulnerability. We marked 299 individuals from 1999-2002 and kept 29 pregnant females in captivity until parturition. Pregnant females aggregated at gestation sites during summer and fall until just before parturition. Behavior suggestive of mating seasons was evident mostly in August and September. As expected, there was an apparent sex difference in body size in adults but not in neonates: females were larger than males. Consistent with previous reports, both neonates and adults were larger in Hokkaido than in southern Japan. The smallest pregnant female measured 44.8 cm in SVL, which was larger than values reported from southern regions. Offspring sex ratio was statistically equal: 88 males to 105 females. Litter size averaged 6.6 offspring. Longer females tended to produce larger litters and longer neonates. The proportion of pregnant to non-pregnant females, coupled with mark-recapture data, suggested that Mamushi females skip one or more years between reproductive bouts. Relative litter mass (RCM) was large (83% on average), and postpartum body condition was lower, especially so in females with larger RCM. Direct human-caused mortality was highest for pregnant females (70.2%), followed by nonpregnant females and then males. High adult mortality, particularly of pregnant females, raises a concern about population persistence, because Mamushi exhibit a slow life history. The tendency of pregnant females to aggregate at predictable locations further makes Mamushi populations vulnerable to human killing and exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine (DA) and juvenile hormone (JH) are multifunctional regulators of behaviour in social insects, with distinct effects across species and even between different dominance positions within the same species. We examined the effects of JH on the brain dopaminergic system in honey bee males to investigate the potential relationship between JH and DA within Apis mellifera. Both DA content and the expression of three DA receptor genes ( Amdop1, Amdop2 and Amdop3) increased in the male honey bee brain from day 4 to day 8 after emergence. Treatment of 4-day-old males with a JH analogue (methoprene, JHA) enhanced brain DA levels. Brain expression of Amdop1 was also enhanced by JHA but not by a DA receptor agonist 2-amino 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (6,7-ADTN), indicating that Amdop1 up-regulation was not mediated by increased DA receptor stimulation. Furthermore, Amdop1 expression was still enhanced when JHA was co-applied with the DA receptor antagonist cis-( Z)-flupenthixol. Expression levels of Amdop2 and Amdop3 were not altered by JHA, 6,7-ADTN or by JHA plus the DA receptor antagonist. Regulation of the brain dopaminergic system by JH, as observed in solitary species, is conserved in male honey bees but not in female honey bees and other advanced eusocial insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed optical emission of molecular hydrogen in a recombining hydrogen plasma with an electron temperature of 0.1 eV and an electron density of 3 × 1012cm-3. The optical emission intensities of molecular hydrogen in the recombining plasma were roughly 10%-45% of those in an ionizing plasma with an electron temperature of 4 eV. The ratio was greater for a transition line originated from an excited state with a larger vibrational quantum number. Because of the low electron temperature of 0.1 eV, the production processes of excited states are not considered electron impact excitation in the recombining plasma. Possible recombination processes are discussed which produce excited states of molecular hydrogen in the recombining plasma (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of heat shock protein (HSP) 72 improves metabolic profiles in diabetic model mice. However, its effect on pancreatic β-cells is not known. The current study investigated whether HSP72 induction can reduce β-cell stress signaling and apoptosis and preserve β-cell mass. MIN6 cells and db/db mice were sham-treated or treated with heat shock (HS) and mild electrical stimulation (MES) (HS+MES) to induce HSP72. Several cellular markers, metabolic parameters, and β-cell mass were evaluated. HS+MES treatment or HSP72 overexpression increased HSP72 protein levels and decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and proapoptotic signal in MIN6 cells. In db/db mice, HS+MES treatment for 12 weeks significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Upon glucose challenge, a significant increase in insulin secretion was observed in vivo. Compared with sham treatment, levels of HSP72, insulin, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, GLUT2, and insulin receptor substrate-2 were upregulated in the pancreatic islets of HS+MES-treated mice, whereas JNK phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of forkhead box class O-1, and nuclear factor-κB p65 were reduced. Apoptotic signals, ER stress, and oxidative stress markers were attenuated. Thus, HSP72 induction by HS+MES treatment protects β-cells from apoptosis by attenuating JNK activation and cell stresses. HS+MES combination therapy may preserve pancreatic β-cell volume to ameliorate glucose homeostasis in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sasaki K, Okamoto N, Kosaki K, Yorifuji T, Shimokawa O, Mishima H, Yoshiura K-i, Harada N. Maternal uniparental isodisomy and heterodisomy on chromosome 6 encompassing a CUL7 gene mutation causing 3M syndrome. We report a case of segmental uniparental maternal hetero- and isodisomy involving the whole of chromosome 6 (mat-hUPD6 and mat-iUPD6) and a cullin 7 ( CUL7) gene mutation in a Japanese patient with 3M syndrome. 3M syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation that was recently reported to involve mutations in the CUL7 or obscurin-like 1 ( OBSL1) genes. We encountered a patient with severe growth retardation, an inverted triangular gloomy face, an inverted triangle-shaped head, slender long bones, inguinal hernia, hydrocele testis, mild ventricular enlargement, and mild mental retardation. Sequence analysis of the CUL7 gene of the patient revealed a homozygous missense mutation, c.2975G>C. Genotype analysis using a single nucleotide polymorphism array revealed two mat-hUPD and two mat-iUPD regions involving the whole of chromosome 6 and encompassing CUL7. 3M syndrome caused by complete paternal iUPD of chromosome 6 involving a CUL7 mutation has been reported, but there have been no reports describing 3M syndrome with maternal UPD of chromosome 6. Our results represent a combination of iUPDs and hUPDs from maternal chromosome 6 involving a CUL7 mutation causing 3M syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superconducting magnet system for the J-PARC neutrino beam line for the T2K experiment has been served for the beam operation without serious disturbance since April 2009. Present most concern of the system is the operational current limit of superconducting corrector magnets for beam steering due to systematic quenches at lower currents. Operational experience of the magnet system and examples of troubleshoot including countermeasures against the corrector magnet quenches are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effective immobilization of boron in groundwater is a major challenge. Permeable reactive barrier (PRB) column tests for removal of borate have been investigated using MgO agglomerates as the primary reactive material over 40 weeks. Additionally, saw dust was also blended with MgO agglomerates to facilitate for borate removal in this system. Boron accumulation was more than 1.6 times greater in the presence of saw dust, although MgO alone performed well. Increased boron accumulation in the presence of saw dust was primarily due to higher porosity of the PRB column, decreasing the impact of secondary Mg(OH)2 passivating layers and leaving more reactive sites on MgO agglomerates. In addition, Mg2+ ions released from MgO agglomerates are complexed with carboxylic acids leached from saw dusts. This sequestration prevents the formation of bulky Mg(OH)2 which is an ineffective sorbent for borate and covers the surfaces and passivating reactive sites on the MgO agglomerates. The morphologies of Mg(OH)2 precipitated in the PRB column were also significantly affected by the presence of saw dust, with crystallization of needle-like particles of Mg(OH)2 was prevented by Mg2+ ions–organic ligand complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]