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Backgrounds: Anastomotic leakage (AL) represents a major complication after rectal low anterior resection (LAR). Transanal drainage tube (TDT) placement offers a potential strategy for AL prevention; however, its efficacy and safety remain contentious. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were used to evaluate the influence of TDT subsequent to LAR as part of the revision of the surgical site infection prevention guidelines of the Japanese Society of Surgical Infectious Diseases (PROSPERO registration; CRD42023476655). We searched each database, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OBSs) comparing TDT and non-TDT outcomes. The main outcome was AL. Data were independently extracted by three authors and random-effects models were implemented. Results: A total of three RCTs and 18 OBSs were included. RCTs reported no significant difference in AL rate between the TDT and non-TDT groups [relative risk (RR): 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–1.15]. OBSs reported that TDT reduced AL risk [odds ratio (OR): 0.45, 95% CI 0.31–0.64]. In the subgroup excluding diverting stoma (DS), TDT significantly lowered the AL rate in RCTs (RR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.99) and OBSs (OR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.27–0.62). Reoperation rates were significantly lower in the TDT without DS groups in both RCTs (RR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–0.94) and OBSs (OR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.24–0.66). TDT groups exhibited a higher anastomotic bleeding rate only in RCTs (RR: 4.28, 95% CI 2.14–8.54), while shorter hospital stays were observed in RCTs [standard mean difference (SMD): −0.44, 95% CI −0.65 to −0.23] and OBSs (SMD: −0.54, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.11) compared with the non-TDT group. Conclusions: A universal TDT placement cannot be recommended for all rectal LAR patients. Some patients may benefit from TDT, such as patients without DS creation. Further investigation is necessary to identify the specific beneficiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

East Asian winter weather has altered dramatically in response to progressing climate change. However, analysis of time‐averaged atmospheric fields might obscure climate change signals that could relate to specific types of events. This study aimed to detect climate change signals for various background atmospheric fields by applying classification to daily surface pressure patterns. We found a pronounced trend of increase in surface air temperature over Japan since the 1980s, stronger than the seasonal mean trend, when dominating cold air advection from the Sea of Okhotsk. This cold air was warmed and humidified by the retreat of sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. In contrast, the warming trend was mitigated when warm air advection was dominant. These results highlight the importance of daily background atmospheric conditions in amplifying and localizing the impact of regional climate change. Plain Language Summary: Winter weather in East Asia varies greatly depending on the daily surface pressure pattern. Hence, the impact of climate change could appear in different forms according to specific weather conditions. This study aimed to detect long‐term changes in atmospheric fields under various weather conditions. Focusing on the daily surface pressure patterns, analysis of East Asian winters showed substantial historical increase in surface air temperature when northerly cold air outbreaks brought colder air toward Japan, and the warming rate was stronger than the trend of the winter average. The retreat of sea ice in the Sea of Okhotsk, located upwind of Japan, caused this local warming and humidification. In contrast, the warming trend was weaker for days when the pressure pattern brought warmer air toward Japan. This finding indicates that winter days with cold air flowing around Japan have been warming more strongly than warm winter days. Our analysis enables assessment of the impact of global warming on specific weather conditions of interest. Key Points: Historical changes in winter climate in Japan were decomposed based on pressure pattern classificationNortherly winter monsoon has been substantially warmed and humidified around Japan due to sea ice retreat in the upwind seaPressure patterns that cause stronger regional response to climate change were identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism through which nonlinearity is generated in the response waveform of the electric current obtained by applying alternating current voltage to yeast suspension has not yet been elucidated. In this paper, we showed that the response waveform depends on the applied voltage and frequency. The results showed that distortion (nonlinearity) in the waveform increases as the applied voltage increases and/or the frequency decreases. We suggest a model for the generation of nonlinearity based on the influx of potassium ions into the cell via potassium ion channels and transporters in the membrane due to the applied voltage. Furthermore, we validated this model by simulating an electrical circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism through which nonlinearity is generated in the response waveform of the electric current [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature-dependent behavior of excitonic photoluminescence observed in ZnO/MgZnO multiple quantum wells (MQWs) in the temperature range of 5-300 K is described. In a ZnO/Mg[SUB0.27]Zn[SUB0.73]O MQW grown by laser molecular-beam epitaxy, the luminescence was dominated by localized exciton (LE) emission throughout the whole temperature range studied. Luminescence of free excitons (FEs) was not observed. A simple rate equation is used to describe the quenching of LE emission. The activation energy for LE luminescence quenching is of the order of the localization energy of excitons, suggesting that the thermionic emission of the LEs out of the localization potentials leads to nonradiative recombination. In a ZnO/Mg[SUB0.12]Zn[SUB0.88]O MQW having lower barriers, the luminescence was dominated by LE emissions at low temperatures, while the FE transition was dominating emissions at temperatures above 175 K. A rate equation assuming one nonradiative recombination channel is used to describe the quenching of the transitions observed. The activation energy for LE luminescence quenching deduced in this sample is also of the order of the localization energy of excitons. The temperature dependences of FE emission intensities are also discussed by using a simple rate equation in which a thermal release effect of LEs toward FEs is taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of spin–orbit interactions (SOIs) and the subsequent appearance of a two-dimensional topological phase are crucial for voltage-controlled and zero-emission energy spintronic devices. In contrast, graphene basically lacks SOIs due to the small mass of the carbon atom, and appropriate experimental reports for SOIs are rare. Here, we control small-amount (cover ratios <8%) random decoration of heavy nanoparticles [platinum (Pt) or bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)] onto monolayer graphene by developing an original nanoneedle method. X-ray photoelectron spectra support low-damage and low-contamination decoration of the nanoparticles, suggesting the presence of Bi–C and Te–C coupling orbitals. In the samples, we find particle-density-dependent non-local resistance (RNL) peaks, which are attributed to the (inverse) spin Hall effect arising from SOI with energies as large as ∼30 meV. This is a larger value than those in previous reports and supported by scanning tunneling spectroscopy. The present observation should lead to topological phases of graphene, which can be introduced by random decoration with controlled small amounts of heavy nanoparticles and their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes were prepared on the outer surface of porous ceramic tubes using a lignin-based material, organosolve-lignin, and a phenol resin, Bellpeal-S899, as precursors. Higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in higher hydrogen selectivity over oxygen or other larger gases, but hydrogen permeance decreased significantly. On the contrary, addition of a small amount of iron(III) acetate basic to the precursors improved the hydrogen selectivity but maintained the hydrogen permeance. Addition of iron compound to the precursor strongly reduced the permeances of nitrogen and methane through the resulting CMS membranes. Distribution of iron in the carbon matrix was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDS) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). The influence of aging on the membrane permeance was also studied. The results suggest the possibility to tune the size of ultra-micro-pores in CMS membranes using additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: In this paper, we propose a new multiobjective optimization method based on a functional specialization search strategy. The functional specialization search strategy is composed of two ideas. The first idea is to evaluate the progress status of search points and classification of search points. The second idea is to use the status to update each search point by suitable one of the Pareto ranking or scalarization. The proposed method takes advantage of this search strategy to realize an efficient improvement both of convergence and diversity of the search points. The proposed method achieves a consistently high performance through diverse search scenarios by taking advantage of the benefits of both a Pareto ranking‐based method and a scalarization‐based method. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by some numerical simulations using some typical benchmark problems with different shapes of Pareto frontiers and various number of objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnO films grown epitaxially on lattice-matched ScAlMgO[sub 4] substrates are investigated. PL spectra of ZnO layers measured at 5 K are dominated by neutral-acceptor bound exciton emission at 3.359 eV (I[sub 6]) with a linewidth of 0.8 meV. Free exciton emission develops as temperature is raised and eventually dominates at temperatures higher than 120 K. Temperature dependence of intensity of the free exciton emission is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endotoxins are an important biological component of particulate matter and have been associated with adverse effects on human health. There have been some recent studies on airborne endotoxin concentrations. We collected fine ( PM2.5) and coarse ( PM10-2.5) particulate matter twice on weekdays and weekends each for 48 hour, inside and outside 55 homes in an urban city in Japan. Endotoxin concentrations in both fractions were measured using the kinetic Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay. The relationships between endotoxin concentrations and household characteristics were evaluated for each fraction. Both indoor and outdoor endotoxin concentrations were higher in PM2.5 than in PM10-2.5. In both PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, indoor endotoxin concentrations were higher than outdoor concentrations, and the indoor endotoxin concentrations significantly correlated with outdoor concentrations in each fraction ( R2=0.458 and 0.198, respectively). Indoor endotoxin concentrations in PM2.5 were significantly higher in homes with tatami or carpet flooring and in homes with pets, and lower in homes that used air purifiers. Indoor endotoxin concentrations in PM10-2.5 were significantly higher in homes with two or more children and homes with tatami or carpet flooring. These results showed that the indoor endotoxin concentrations were associated with the household characteristics in addition to outdoor endotoxin concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer chemotherapy is associated with a variety of side effects/adverse events. It is very important that patients adhere to the planned chemotherapy regimen, which necessitates a minimum of side effects and that these side effects be kept under control. We have investigated patients' concerns and symptoms during chemotherapy with the aim to seek solutions that will improve patients' quality of life during chemotherapy. Methods: Forty-nine patients with malignant diseases on parenteral antineoplastic agents were sequentially enrolled in this study. These patients completed a questionnaire consisting of 42 items related to non-physical concerns and 52 items of physical symptoms related to chemotherapy. Each patient was also asked to select the three items among these 94 items which affected him/her the most. Results: The median age of the cancer patients was 62 years and the male-to-female ratio was 18:31. Among the non-physical concerns, the most frequently chosen concern was 'affects my family or partner,' followed by anxiety related to treatment. Regarding the physical symptoms, the most frequent complaints were fatigue, alopecia and constipation, while the most troublesome symptoms were nausea, poor taste and paresthesia. Overall, the most frequently expressed concerns were 'affects my family or partner' and anxiety related to treatment. Male patients suffered most from fever, fatigue and nausea, and female patients complained more of poor taste and gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion: Patient perceptions of adverse events associated with cancer chemotherapy apparently have changed from physical symptoms to non-physical concerns. In our patient cohort 'affects my family or partner' was the most important concern. One important point to note is that female patients often complained of poor taste because this meant they were unable to cook well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the photorefractive properties of a poled polymer containing the tricyanovinylcarbazole group with an alkylene spacer. Discussion of electric field-poled polymers; Information on the photorefractve effect established in poled-doped polymers; Details of the photorefractive process.

Reports on the design and fabrication for a thin-film head. Number of coil turns for the head; Data on the measured parameters of 48- and 30-turn heads; Disk properties and read/write conditions; Information on noise levels and signal-to-noise ratios.

The levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibody (ANA), and composition of peripheral lymphocyte subsets in 515 dogs were examined. Of these sample cases, 33 cases were diagnosed as immune-mediated fever that presented with high C-reactive protein (CRP), 31 cases were diagnosed with Hansen's Type 1 disc herniation and the remaining 415 cases were clinically healthy dogs, and served as controls. In the cases diagnosed with immune-mediated fever, 84% of the dogs tested positive to either RF or ANA (RF positive 60.6%; ANA positive 24.2%). By contrast, 16.2% of the healthy dogs were positive for either RF or ANA (RF positive 14.9%; ANA 1.3%). The CD4/CD8 ratio for peripheral lymphocyte was high for all analysed cases diagnosed with immune-mediated fever, and was significantly higher than those of healthy controls. These results indicate that the abnormal levels of lymphocytes may be an effective indicator for immune-mediated disease coupled to immune-mediated fever. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has been shown to cause secondary cell loss in experimental models of brain injury and in patients, and blocking of CSD is a potential neuroprotective strategy. Here we tested the hypothesis that gap junctions affect CSD under physiological conditions as well as infarct development in a rat two-vein occlusion model suited to study pathophysiology of the penumbra (n=71). We applied the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX) or saline intra-ventricularly. Interestingly, CBX temporarily increased systemic blood pressure and cortical blood flow (41% and 53%, 15 min after 250 μg CBX). We induced CSD with cortical microinjection of potassium chloride (KCl), counted how many spontaneous CSDs after CSD induction were elicited and measured the propagation velocity. After 250 μg CBX administration, significant 37.5±6.5 additional CSDs were seen. CSD velocity increased significantly after 50 μg and 250 μg CBX. Occlusion of two adjacent cortical veins using Rose Bengal dye and fiberoptic illumination followed by 250 μg CBX or saline showed a significant more than doubling of infarct volumes 7 days after CBX. The current experiments provide evidence that CBX can accelerate the initiation and propagation of CSD suggesting opening of gap junctions is not required for CSD propagation. Blocking gap junctions worsens outcome from focal cerebral ischemia. Hence, measures intended to improve spatial buffering via astroglial gap junctions could have therapeutic potential in disease processes involving CSD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Antibody-dependent-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the modes of action for trastuzumab. Recent data have suggested that fragment C γ receptor (FcγR) polymorphisms have an effect on ADCC. This prospective phase II trial aimed to evaluate whether these polymorphisms are associated with clinical efficacies in patients who received trastuzumab.Patients and methods: Patients in a neoadjuvant (N) setting received Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel/trastuzumab. Patients in a metastatic (M) setting received single trastuzumab until progression. In total, 384 distinct single nucleotide polymorphisms of different FcγR, HER2, and fucosyltransferase loci were assessed.Results: Fifteen operable and 35 metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients were enrolled in each of the N and M settings, respectively. The FcγR2A-131 H/H genotype was significantly correlated with the pathologically documented response (pathological response) (P = 0.015) and the objective response (P = 0.043). The FcγR3A-158 V/V genotype was not correlated with the pathological response, but exhibited a tendency to be correlated with the objective response. Patients with the FcγR2A-131 H/H genotype had significantly longer progression-free survival in the M setting (P = 0.034).Conclusion: The FcγR2A-131 H/H polymorphism predicted the pathological response to trastuzumab-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer, and the objective response to trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the effects of the introduction of Festuca pratensis-derived genomic regions in a tetraploid Lolium perenne genomic background, we analyzed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for winter hardiness and eight other agronomic traits using two mapping populations generated by sequential backcrosses of two different amphiploid F. pratensis × L. perenne hybrids to tetraploid L. perenne. We constructed two interspecific linkage maps: FLBC2A (143 DNA markers, 301.2 cM total) and FLBC2C (126 markers, 256.2 cM), based on F. pratensis-derived alleles, with 72 markers in common. Interval mapping detected QTLs for seven traits in FLBC2A and for six traits in FLBC2C. In both populations, QTLs for winter hardiness with a positive effect of the F. pratensis allele were detected around common markers on linkage group (LG) 1. In FLBC2A, other additional QTLs for winter hardiness with a positive effect of the F. pratensis allele were detected on LG4 and LG5, and one with a negative effect was detected on LG2. In both populations, a QTL for heading date was detected on LG7. Quantitative trait loci for vigor after planting and stubble width were detected on different LGs between populations. Quantitative trait loci for dry matter yield before winter, plant growth habit, inflorescence length, number of spikelets per inflorescence, and leaf width were detected in only one population. Population-dependent QTLs thought to be involved in intraspecific variation in addition to interspecific one. On the other hand, QTLs found in the two different populations could lead to the development of versatile markers for Festulolium breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify relationships among factors associated with winter stress in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentration, resistance to snow mold, and tolerance to prolonged snow cover were evaluated under both conditions of natural infection and chemical control of snow mold. A total of 18 cultivars from Japan, Europe, and the United States were transplanted into the field at Hokkaido in October 2003 and 2004. Crown samples were collected before the start of snow cover in fall and after melting of the snow in spring and were analyzed for WSC concentration. The total WSC concentration of cultivars originating in cold regions was higher in spring than that of cultivars originating in warm regions. The WSC concentration in fall was not correlated with tolerance to prolonged snow cover and resistance to snow mold. Otherwise, WSC concentration in spring was significantly correlated with spring regrowth and resistance to snow mold. Although dry wt. in the fall was negatively correlated with spring regrowth and snow mold resistance, it was not correlated with tolerance to prolonged snow cover. WSC concentration of crown tissues in spring should be an important selection criterion for a superior winter-hardy cultivar with rapid regrowth in spring. Cultivars that show both more fall growth and better tolerance to prolonged snow cover could be used in crosses with winter-hardy cultivars to increase forage yield in the fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Improper cropping and overgrazing have led to land degradation in semi-arid regions, resulting in desertification. During desertification, vegetation changes have been widely observed, and are likely controlled to some extent by soil water. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in soil physical properties, organic C, and vegetation induced by land-use changes, with special reference to the dynamics of available soil water. We selected four study sites in a typical Mongolian steppe grassland: grassland protected from grazing, grazed grassland, abandoned cropland, and cultivated cropland. Grazing exclusion increased the cover of perennial grass, with little increase in the root weight. Since there was no difference in available water between the grasslands with and without grazing, there appears to be no serious soil compaction due to overgrazing. On the other hand, vegetation cover and the number of species were poor in both abandoned cropland and cultivated cropland. However, the root weight was greater in abandoned cropland. Although the abandonment of cultivation appeared to increase organic C, available water did not differ significantly in comparison with cultivated cropland. The silt contents were significantly lower in abandoned and cultivated cropland than in both grasslands, suggesting the effects of wind erosion. In addition, the silt contents were positively correlated with the volume fraction of storage pores for available water. Therefore, the lower silt contents may constrain the volume of available water in abandoned cropland. Moreover, the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity results indicated that the diameters of storage pores for available water at the present study sites were smaller than those suggested by previous studies. Although the differences in vegetation cover by different land-use types were observed at every site, differences in the volume of available water were observed at between abandoned cropland and cultivated cropland. The reason why the no differences in available water between grazed grassland and grasslands protected from grazing may be short time of grazing exclusion for 2 years for evaluating the effects of exclusion on soil properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have performed precise measurements of the transient optical absorption spectra of amorphous (a-) As2Se3 and As2S3 at room temperature in the nanosecond and microsecond domains. From the measurements, we have observed the photodarkening in the nanosecond and microsecond domains for both of the samples. For a-As2Se3, a broad absorption peak in the range from 420 to 730nm was observed. The peak maximum changed to longer wavelength with time. For a-As2S3, a sharp absorption peak in the range from 420 to 510nm and a long absorption tail in the range from 510 to 600nm were observed. The peak maximum does not change with time. Based on the experimental results, we discuss the nanosecond dynamics of the photodarkening in terms of the local structural changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib and the feasibility of screening for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations among select patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, chemotherapy-naive patients or patients with recurrences after up to two prior chemotherapy regimens were eligible. Direct sequencing using DNA from tumour specimens was performed by a central laboratory to detect EGFR mutations. Patients harbouring EGFR mutations received gefitinib. The primary study objective was response; the secondary objectives were toxicity, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), 1-year survival (1Y-S) and the disease control rate (DCR). Between March 2005 and January 2006, 118 patients were recruited from 15 institutions and were screened for EGFR mutations, which were detected in 32 patients--28 of whom were enrolled in the present study. The overall response rate was 75%, the DCR was 96% and the median PFS was 11.5 months. The median OS has not yet been reached, and the 1Y-S was 79%. Thus, gefitinib chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC harbouring EGFR mutations was highly effective. This trial documents the feasibility of performing a multicentre phase II study using a central typing laboratory, demonstrating the benefit to patients of selecting gefitinib treatment based on their EGFR mutation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have performed transient absorption measurements of liquid selenium after the illumination of a pulsed laser to clarify the possibility of the photo-induced semiconductor–metal transition. The intensity of the laser was increased up to 23mJ/pulse and the temperature of the sample was increased up to 600°C. By increasing the laser intensity and temperature of the sample, quite a large photo-induced change has been observed, which suggests the semiconductor–metal transition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering and inelastic X-ray scattering measurements for fluid Hg in the wide density range up to the supercritical region have been carried out using synchrotron radiation at SPring-8. We obtained the static and dynamic structure factors as a function of temperature, pressure and density. Based on the results we found that there exist medium-range fluctuations accompanying the metal–non-metal transition in fluid Hg. The scale of the fluctuations was about 10A in space and sub-picoseconds in time. We discuss the possibility that such structural instability induces the metal–non-metal transition in expanded fluid Hg. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accumulation and decay processes in photodarkening of amorphous chalcogenide have been investigated by measuring photoinduced transient optical absorption of amorphous and . From the measurements, we observed accumulation of the photoinduced effect for an illumination of repeated pulsed laser. After stopping the illumination, a decay of the photoinduced change and the saturation of the decay were observed, which is related to transient photodarkening and durable photodarkening, respectively. The difference of the two types of photodarkening clearly observed in the repeated experimental procedure composed of illuminated and non-illuminated period and the temperature dependence. From the measurements of the photoinduced absorption spectra, a peak located at the energy higher than the optical gap was observed in the spectra during and after stopping illumination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liquid sulfur is a well-known liquid which exhibits a polymerization transition at Tp=159 °C. Recently, it was found from our experiments that such a transition can be induced below Tp through laser illumination and that an iridescent pattern appears under strong illumination with a pulsed laser of more than 60 mJ/cm2 pulse. It is proposed that the visible change in iridescence is due to a macroscopic reconstruction of laser-generated polymers and that a laser-induced phase transition takes place from a freely expanded polymer phase to an ordered polymer phase when increasing the laser illumination. To further examine this possibility, the time variation of the iridescent pattern has been fully investigated using a macro lens, a polarized microscope and an optical microscope. In an analysis of the iridescent pattern, a rapid decrease in the area was observed after an initial slow decrease, suggesting a type of phase transition. Results from the observation of a quenched sulfur sample with a polarized microscope gave evidence that the iridescent region consists of polymers. Through observation of the liquid with a microscope, a striped pattern with micrometer sized spacing was noted in the iridescent pattern. A drastic color change was observed in the pattern from its generation to its disappearance. Sample thickness dependence of the pattern was also observed. These results were well explained by assuming the self-arrangement of laser-generated colloidal polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CBF/DREB1 proteins are the most important regulators of the cold temperature signaling pathway in many plants. CBF genes are candidates for low-temperature tolerance QTL in wheat and barley. Ten novel putative CBF cDNAs of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) have been isolated from cold-treated leaf tissue. Their primary structures contain some conserved motifs, characteristic of the gene class. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LpCBF genes were attributable to the HvCBF3-, and HvCBF4-subgroups following the previously proposed classification of barley CBF genes. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression of LpCBF genes was rapidly induced in response to low temperature and that the expression pattern under the low-temperature conditions for a long period was different between the various LpCBF genes. Five of the ten LpCBF genes were assigned to the genetic linkage map using the p150/112 reference mapping population. LpCBFIb, LpCBFII, LpCBFIIIb and LpCBFIIIc were mapped on LG5 forming a cluster within 2.2 cM, while LpCBFVb was located on LG1. Based on comparative genetic studies, conserved synteny for CBF gene family was observed between the Triticeae cereals and perennial ryegrass. Information on the perennial ryegrass CBF genes at both the molecular and genetic level obtained in this study would be useful for the further study on the role of CBF genes and low-temperature tolerance in grasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We are developing a two-dimensional analog ASIC for the readout of pixel sensors based on silicon (Si) or cadmium telluride (CdTe) for spectroscopic imaging observations in the X-ray and gamma-ray regions. The aim for the ASIC is to obtain a low-noise performance better than 100 electrons (rms) with self-triggering capabilities. As the first step of prototyping, we have fabricated several ASICs. We obtained an energy resolution of 5.4keV (FWHM) for 81keV gamma-rays from 133Ba with a one-dimensional ASIC connected to a CdTe diode and also verified a readout architecture via a two-dimensional ASIC with 144 pixel channels. Based on the results obtained and experience gained through prototype ASICs, we are developing a 4096-channel two-dimensional analog ASIC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: From the canine genome database and its bioinformatic analysis, we identified conserved sequences within the vast majority of 61 variable segments and 1 joining segment of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene, and designed optimal primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification directed at these conserved sequences to evaluate the monoclonality of IgH in canine B cell lymphoma. Using the primers, a PCR-based assay was performed on fine-needle aspiration samples of normal, hyperplasia, and malignant lymph nodes and lymphoma cell lines. All fine-needle aspiration samples of five B cell lymphoma cases and the B cell lymphoma line GL-1 exhibited clonal amplification, whereas no amplification was observed in the samples from normal and hyperplasia lymph nodes, cases of T cell lymphoma, and the T cell lymphoma line CL-1. The primers we designed clearly distinguished malignant B lymphocytes from normal, reactive, and malignant T lymphocytes, indicating a potential utility of the primers for PCR-based routine clinical examination for canine B cell lymphoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The renin–angiotensin system in the kidney plays a critical role in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and sodium handling through the activation of vascular, glomerular and tubular angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor-mediated signaling. We previously cloned a molecule that specifically bound to the AT1 receptor and modulated AT1 receptor signaling in vitro, which we named ATRAP (for AT1 receptor-associated protein). The purpose of this study is to analyze the renal distribution of ATRAP and to examine whether ATRAP is co-expressed with the AT1 receptor in the mouse kidney. We performed in situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry to investigate the expression of ATRAP mRNA and protein in the mouse kidney. The results of Western blot analysis revealed the ATRAP protein to be abundantly expressed in the kidney. Employing in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we found that both ATRAP mRNA and the protein were widely distributed along the renal tubules from Bowman's capsules to the inner medullary collecting ducts. ATRAP mRNA was also detected in the glomeruli, vasculature, and interstitial cells. In all tubular cells, the ATRAP protein colocalized with the AT1 receptor. Finally, we found that the dietary salt depletion significantly decreased the renal expression of ATRAP as well as AT1 receptor. These findings show ATRAP to be abundantly and broadly distributed in nephron segments where the AT1 receptor is expressed. Furthermore, this is the first report demonstrating a substantial colocalization of ATRAP and AT1 receptor in vivo.Kidney International (2006) 69, 488–494. doi:10.1038/sj.ki.5000130; published online 6 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformation of a spherical shell adhering onto a rigid substrate due to van der Waals attractive interaction is investigated by means of numerical minimization (conjugate gradient method) of the sum of the elastic and adhesion energies. The conformation of the deformed shell is governed by two dimensionless parameters, i.e., Cs/epsilon and Cb/epsilon where Cs and Cb are respectively the stretching and the bending constants, and epsilon is the depth of the van der Waals potential between the shell and substrate. Four different regimes of deformation are characterized as these parameters are systematically varied: (i) small deformation regime, (ii) disk formation regime, (iii) isotropic buckling regime, and (iv) anisotropic buckling regime. By measuring the various quantities of the deformed shells, we find that both discontinuous and continuous bucking transitions occur for large and small Cs/epsilon, respectively. This behavior of the buckling transition is analogous to van der Waals liquids or gels, and we have numerically determined the associated critical point. Scaling arguments are employed to explain the adhesion induced buckling transition, i.e., from the disk formation regime to the isotropic buckling regime. We show that the buckling transition takes place when the indentation length exceeds the effective shell thickness which is determined from the elastic constants. This prediction is in good agreement with our numerical results. Moreover, the ratio between the indentation length and its thickness at the transition point provides a constant number (2–3) independent of the shell size. This universal number is observed in various experimental systems ranging from nanoscale to macroscale. In particular, our results agree well with the recent compression experiment using microcapsules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new method of producing pyrrhotite grains, which are most commonly found in cometary material and interplanetary dust particles, was developed. Pyrrhotite grains in the monophase having a 7C structure were predominately produced using a solid–solid reaction between iron and sulfur grains at room temperature. The characteristic infrared peaks were observed at 602, 563, and 397 cm−1 (16.6, 17.8, and 25.2 μm). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focusing on the spiral forging stage of the hot open die forging process, which is the final stage of finishing round billets from ingots, the influence of operational conditions on the distribution of equivalent plastic strain has been numerically analysed using a three-dimensional rigid–plastic finite element method. The mechanism via which equivalent plastic strain is accumulated at the surface of the workpiece during spiral forging is clarified. The independent influence of each major operational parameter, i.e. rotational angle and feed, is revealed, and the optimum combination of these two parameters is clarified. The influence of the coefficient of friction is also discussed, and, as a result, a fundamental scheme to optimise spiral forging process design is suggested, taking account of not only uniformity of quality but also dimensional precision of the forged round billet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy spread of the laser photoionized neodymium ions were measured by retarding-potential method. The obtained energy spread derived from the derivative ion charge ratio spectra corresponded to the potential of the laser photoionized region between ion extraction electrodes. Ion beam with the central ion energy between 300 and 1400 eV were then produced, and their lateral intensity distributions were measured with a multi-channel Faraday cup. The results show that the collimated beams of the laser photoionized ions at these ion energies were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multicenter open randomized trial was conducted to compare cefepime monotherapy with cefepime/amikacin combination (dual) therapy in treating febrile neutropenic patients with hematologic disorders. Among the 189 evaluable patients, 5.8% had microbiologically and 10.6% had clinically documented infections. Excellent response was seen in 32.6% and 45.7% of monotherapy and dual therapy recipients, respectively, at day 3 (P = .065). At day 3, patients with neutrophil counts of <500/μL receiving dual therapy had a better response than did those receiving monotherapy (45% vs. 27.6%; P = .024). The same was true for patients with leukemia. Adverse events were minimal, and early death was observed in 7 patients in the dual therapy group and 5 patients in the monotherapy group. Overall, cefepime monotherapy is as effective as dual therapy for the initial treatment of febrile neutropenic patients. Further study is warranted for patients with severe neutropenia and leukemia who may benefit from dual therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutropenic patients at low risk of complications can receive oral ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin as outpatients. These agents plus amoxicillin/clavulanate or other penicillins, cephalosporin's, or penem compounds are indicated to treat infections with gram-positive organisms in patients with oral mucositis or skin lesions. Parenteral fourth-generation cephalosporin's or carbapenems can be given. For high-risk patients, monotherapy with cefepime or the carbapenems can be used. Methidillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be treated with vancomycin or teicoplanin. For combination therapy, a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin or carbapenem plus an aminoglycoside is desirable. Defervescence in 3-5 days for at least 7 days is suggested for subsequent management. Initial antibiotic(s) can be continued for patients who remain in good condition. For persistent fever after 3-5 days, the patient should be thoroughly reassessed. An aminoglycoside should be added for those initially treated with monotherapy. The initial cephalosporin can be changed to another cephalosporin or a carbapenem, or the initial carbapenem can be changed to a broad-spectrum cephalosporin. For patients initially receiving dual therapy, the cephalosporin or carbapenem can be changed as with monotherapy, whereas the initial aminoglycoside should be changed to another aminoglycoside or intravenous ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutropenic patients at low risk of complications can receive oral ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin as outpatients. These agents plus amoxicillin/clavulanate or other penicillins, cephalosporins, or penem compounds are indicated to treat infections with gram-positive organisms in patients with oral mucositis or skin lesions. Parenteral fourth-generation cephalosporins or carbapenems can be given. For high-risk patients, monotherapy with cefepime or the carbapenems can be used. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be treated with vancomycin or teicoplanin. For combination therapy, a third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin or carbapenem plus an aminoglycoside is desirable. Defervescence in 3-5 days for at least 7 days is suggested for subsequent management. Initial antibiotic(s) can be continued for patients who remain in good condition. For persistent fever after 3-5 days, the patient should be thoroughly reassessed. An aminoglycoside should be added for those initially treated with monotherapy. The initial cephalosporin can be changed to another cephalosporin or a carbapenem, or the initial carbapenem can be changed to a broad-spectrumcephalosporin. For patients initially receiving dual therapy, the cephalosporin or carbapenem can be changed as with monotherapy, whereas the initial aminoglycoside should be changed to another aminoglycoside or intravenous ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multicenter open randomized trial was conducted to compare cefepime monotherapy with cefepime/amikacin combination (dual) therapy in treating febrile neutropenic patients with hematologic disorders. Among the 189 evaluable patients, 5.8% had microbiologically and 10.6% had clinically documented infections. Excellent response was seen in 32.6% and 45.7% of monotherapy and dual therapy recipients, respectively, at day 3 (P = .065). At day 3, patients with neutrophil counts of >500/µ L receiving dual therapy had a better response than did those receiving monotherapy (45% vs. 27.6%; P = .024). The same was true for patients with leukemia. Adverse events were minimal, and early death was observed in 7 patients in the dual therapy group and 5 patients in the monotherapy group. Overall, cefepime monotherapy is as effective as dual therapy for the initial treatment of febrile neutropenic patients. Further study is warranted for patients with severe neutropenia and leukemia who may benefit from dual therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the toxicities and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of nedaplatin with gemcitabine, and to observe their antitumour activity, we conducted a combination phase I study in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients received nedaplatin (60-100?mg?m-2 given intravenously over 90?min) on day 1, and gemcitabine (800-1000?mg?m-2 given intravenously over 30?min) on days 1, 8, every 3 weeks. In total, 20 patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who received no prior chemotherapy or one previous chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. The most frequent toxicities were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia; nonhaematological toxicities were generally mild. Three out of six patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and delayed anaemia) at dose level 4, 100?mg?m-2 nedaplatin with 1000?mg?m-2 gemcitabine, which was regarded as the MTD. There were three partial responses, for an overall response rate of 16.7%. The median survival time and 1-year survival rate were 9.1 months and 34.1%, respectively. This combination is well tolerated and active for advanced NSCLC. The recommended dose is 80?mg?m-2 nedaplatin with 1000?mg?m-2 gemcitabine. This combination chemotherapy warrants a phase II study and further evaluation in prospective randomised trials with cisplatin- or carboplatin-based combinations as first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC.British Journal of Cancer (2004) 90, 2092-2096. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6601817 www.bjcancer.com Published online 20 April 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosome-catalyzed peptide bond formation is a crucial function of all organisms. The ribosome is a ribonucleoprotein particle, with both RNA and protein components necessary for the various steps leading to protein biosynthesis. Evolutionary theory predicts an early environment devoid of complex biomolecules, and prebiotic peptide synthesis would have started in a simple way. A fundamental question regarding peptide synthesis is how the current ribosome-catalyzed reaction evolved from a primitive system. Here we look at both prebiotic and modern mechanisms of peptide bond formation and discuss recent experiments that aim to connect these activities. In particular, RNA can facilitate peptide bond formation by providing a template for activated amino acids to react and can catalyze a variety of functions that would have been necessary in a pre-protein world. Therefore, RNA may have facilitated the emergence of the current protein world from an RNA or even prebiotic world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of whole body tilt and lifting the arm against gravity on perceptual estimates of the Gravity-Referenced Eye Level (GREL), which corresponds to the subjective earth-referenced horizon. The results showed that the perceived GREL was influenced by body tilt, that is, lowered with forward tilt and elevated with backward tilt of the body. GREL estimates obtained by arm movements without vision were more biased by whole-body tilt than purely visual estimates. Strikingly, visual GREL estimates became more dependent on whole-body tilt when the indication of level was obtained by arm lifting. These findings indicate that active motor involvement and/or the addition of kinesthetic information increases the body tilt-induced bias when making GREL judgements. The introduction of motor/kinaesthetic cues may induce a switch from a semi-geocentric to a more egocentric frame of reference. This result challenges the assumption that combining non-conflicting multiple sensory inputs and/or using intermodal information provided during action should improve perceptual performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the deformation of an elastic tube adhering onto a substrate due to van der Waals attractive force by means of numerical minimization and scaling theory. Critical value used to determine the onset of the deformation; Theory used to explain the scaling behavior of the bending energy for a deformed tube; Structure and properties of carbon nanotubes.

Focusing on the rough forging stage of the hot open die forging process, the influences of anvil design and pass schedule on the internal quality of forged billet have been numerically analysed using a three dimensional rigid-plastic finite element method. By analysing the strain distribution newly added by one forging stroke, it has been clarified that the region where a workpiece contacts an anvil can be divided into four zones according to the deformation and, in the zone where a dead metal region arises at the surface, high strain is obtained at the centre. As a result, as regards the anvil edge shape design, it was found that it is effective to select an arc of small radius to obtain high strain at the centre. Moreover, in order to ensure both internal quality and dimensional precision of a forged surface, it has been revealed that it is effective to apply a small curvature to the flat surface of an anvil. The results have enabled a fundamental scheme to optimise tool design for ensuring both internal quality and dimensional precision to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to effectively extract and collect photoionized ions generated by the laser irradiation of atomic beam, five sets of semicylindrical electrode pair were added to the ion extractor, and the obtained ion intensity distributions were measured by scanning multichannel Faraday cups. By applying potential difference between the additional electrodes up to about 1300 V for ion collection, the laterally broad distributions of the extracted ion beam were collected both vertically and horizontally, and the central ion beam flux was intensified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have grown nitrogen-doped ZnO (ZnO:N) films by laser molecular-beam epitaxy. The use of lattice-matched ScAlMgO4 substrates prevented the degradation of crystallinity induced by the nitrogen incorporation to the films. Despite this improvement, we have not obtained ZnO:N films which showed p-type conductivity. We studied the optical properties of these ZnO:N films. Donor–acceptor pair (DAP) luminescence was observed. The results indicate the formation of an acceptor state. The energy position of the DAP luminescence is lower than that reported by Look et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 81 (2002) 1830]. The DAP luminescence band shifts to lower energy with increasing nitrogen concentration. A photoluminescence recombination possibly due to the free-electron-to-acceptor (FA) transition was observed at temperatures higher than 40 K. The acceptor ionization energy was estimated from the energy position of the FA luminescence to be 266 meV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Excess isobaric heat capacities of mixture (2-methoxyethanol+water) were measured at T=298.15 K and excess enthalpies at T=293.15 and 298.15 K. Excess enthalpies were extremely exothermic, up to -1290 J mol-1 at T=293.15 K and -1240 J mol-1 at T=298.15 K. Excess isobaric heat capacities were positive and very large, approximately 9 J K-1 mol-1 at the maximum. In contrast to the data reported by Page and coworkers, the excess heat capacity data were positive in the entire composition range and there was no change in their signs. Consistently, no crossing was found between the curves of excess enthalpies at T=298.15 and 293.15 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the spiral forging stage of the hot free forging process, which is the final stage to finish round billets from ingots, the optimisation of the operational conditions for ensuring dimensional precision of the final round billet has been carried out mainly by numerical analysis. In the analysis, a three-dimensional rigid-plastic finite element method was used and the validity of the analysis was examined by laboratory experiments using lead billets. The independent influence of each chosen major operational parameter, i.e. the rotational angle and the feed, has been clarified and critical and suitable ranges of the operational parameters for ensuring dimensional precision have been specified. As a result, the optimum combination of rotational angle and feed has been clarified and a fundamental scheme to optimise spiral forging process design has been suggested taking account of not only dimensional precision but also productivity. Moreover, it is suggested that the optimum rotational angle can be determined independently of the anvil geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carried out the highly angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPED) measurements by using the input-lens system for restriction of the detection angle. In the input-lens system, high angular resolution and high throughput are accomplished by placing an aperture not on the image plane but on the diffraction plane of electron optics. The aperture sizes (ϕ 4 mm, ϕ 2 mm, ϕ 0.5 mm, ϕ 0.25 mm) correspond to the angular resolutions (± 0.6°, ± 0.3°, ± 0.08°, ± 0.04°) respectively. Highly angle-resolved Ge3d XPED patterns from Ge(111) obtained by the angle-resolving system contain fine structure such as Kikuchi patterns. The fine structure was reproduced by multiple scattering cluster calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]