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Abstract Ichthyological surveys have traditionally been conducted using whole-specimen, capture-based sampling with varied but conventional fishing gear. Recently, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a complementary, and possible alternative, approach to whole-specimen methodologies. In the tropics, where much of the diversity remains undescribed, vast reaches continue unexplored, and anthropogenic activities are constant threats; there have been few eDNA attempts for ichthyological inventories. We tested the discriminatory power of eDNA using MiFish primers with existing public reference libraries and compared this with capture-based methods in two distinct ecosystems in the megadiverse Amazon basin. In our study, eDNA provided an accurate snapshot of the fishes at higher taxonomic levels and corroborated its effectiveness to detect specialized fish assemblages. Some flaws in fish metabarcoding studies are routine issues addressed in natural history museums. Thus, by expanding their archives and adopting a series of initiatives linking collection-based research, training and outreach, natural history museums can enable the effective use of eDNA to survey Earth’s hotspots of biodiversity before taxa go extinct. Our project surveying poorly explored rivers and using DNA vouchered archives to build metabarcoding libraries for Neotropical fishes can serve as a model of this protocol. more...

We developed a set of universal PCR primers (MiFish-U/E) for metabarcoding environmental DNA (eDNA) from fishes. Primers were designed using aligned whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences from 880 species, supplemented by partial mitogenome sequences from 160 elasmobranchs (sharks and rays). The primers target a hypervariable region of the 12S rRNA gene (163–185 bp), which contains sufficient information to identify fishes to taxonomic family, genus and species except for some closely related congeners. To test versatility of the primers across a diverse range of fishes, we sampled eDNA from four tanks in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium with known species compositions, prepared dual-indexed libraries and performed paired-end sequencing of the region using high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies. Out of the 180 marine fish species contained in the four tanks with reference sequences in a custom database, we detected 168 species (93.3%) distributed across 59 families and 123 genera. These fishes are not only taxonomically diverse, ranging from sharks and rays to higher teleosts, but are also greatly varied in their ecology, including both pelagic and benthic species living in shallow coastal to deep waters. We also sampled natural seawaters around coral reefs near the aquarium and detected 93 fish species using this approach. Of the 93 species, 64 were not detected in the four aquarium tanks, rendering the total number of species detected to 232 (from 70 families and 152 genera). The metabarcoding approach presented here is non-invasive, more efficient, more cost-effective and more sensitive than the traditional survey methods. It has the potential to serve as an alternative (or complementary) tool for biodiversity monitoring that revolutionizes natural resource management and ecological studies of fish communities on larger spatial and temporal scales. more...

The release of deuterium (D) atoms from a nanostructure ‘fuzz’ tungsten (W) after a sequential plasma irradiation of helium (He) and D was explored. Thermal desorption spectroscopy revealed that more than 60% of total D amount was already released at >423 K. A sophisticated measurement with an aberration-corrected scanning TEM combined with electron energy-loss spectrometer (STEM-EELS) directly showed the trapping of D atoms into He bubbles after the plasma irradiation and the release of D from the He bubbles at elevated temperature at 423 K. The He bubbles containing D were characterized by (i) relatively large volume and (ii) small He energy-loss shift below 2 eV. It is suggested that the shifts in the energy-loss peaks of He and D could be used as indicators of D absorption within He bubbles. more...

This study deals with the application of freely available datasets on the global and local level coupled with open source GIS software in hydrological modelling, greatly improving cost and time effectiveness of hydrological analyses of ungauged catchments. The automated calculation system was developed as an extremely useful tool for hydrologists for the quick estimation of design discharges. The morphometric module of the calculation system showed excellent results, saving a great deal of time that would otherwise been spent on manual processing of geospatial data. Using the automated calculation system, the methodologies currently in use in hydrological practice in Serbia were evaluated. The distributed velocity method was introduced as a way of calculating hydrograph lag time. The comparison between design discharges calculated by rainfall-runoff analysis and by frequency analysis yielded very good resemblance. Examples of real-world application for over 2500 catchments are shown. more...

The goal of this paper is to share the trajectory and current results of the training program on disaster risk reduction from the Geological Survey of Brazil (GSB) as well as the challenges and perspectives for future development. The risks faced by a society are determined by the hazards presented by nature and by the cultural norms of how society decides to deal with them. Historically Brazil has had spontaneous urban growth, which led to the occupation of naturally hazardous areas. The National Plan of Protection and Civil Defense Act of 2012 led to an increase in responsibility of the central government to support local governments in disaster prevention. In 2007 the SGB established its training program for disaster prevention capacity building, and a decade and a half later around 3500 people have received entry level education in risk management. Due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the SGB implemented distance learning courses, with significant impact. more...

Measurement(s) tau neutrino Technology Type(s) detector Sample Characteristic - Environment neutrino beam Sample Characteristic - Location Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14979858 more...

This study provides comparisons of aerosol representation methods incorporated into a regional-scale nonhydrostatic meteorology–chemistry model (NHM-Chem). Three options for aerosol representations are currently available: the five-category non-equilibrium (Aitken, soot-free accumulation, soot-containing accumulation, dust, and sea salt), three-category non-equilibrium (Aitken, accumulation, and coarse), and bulk equilibrium (submicron, dust, and sea salt) methods. The three-category method is widely used in three-dimensional air quality models. The five-category method, the standard method of NHM-Chem, is an extensional development of the three-category method and provides improved predictions of variables relating to aerosol–cloud–radiation interaction processes by implementing separate treatments of light absorber and ice nuclei particles, namely, soot and dust, from the accumulation- and coarse-mode categories (implementation of aerosol feedback processes to NHM-Chem is still ongoing, though). The bulk equilibrium method was developed for operational air quality forecasting with simple aerosol dynamics representations. The total CPU times of the five-category and three-category methods were 91 % and 44 % greater than that of the bulk method, respectively. The bulk equilibrium method was shown to be eligible for operational forecast purposes, namely, the surface mass concentrations of air pollutants such as O3, mineral dust, and PM2.5. The simulated surface concentrations and depositions of bulk chemical species of the three-category method were not significantly different from those of the five-category method. However, the internal mixture assumption of soot/soot-free and dust/sea salt particles in the three-category method resulted in significant differences in the size distribution and hygroscopicity of the particles. The unrealistic dust/sea salt complete mixture of the three-category method induced significant errors in the prediction of the mineral dust-containing cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), which alters heterogeneous ice nucleation in cold rain processes. The overestimation of soot hygroscopicity by the three-category method induced errors in the BC-containing CCN, BC deposition, and light-absorbing aerosol optical thickness (AAOT). Nevertheless, the difference in AAOT was less pronounced with the three-category method because the overestimation of the absorption enhancement was compensated by the overestimation of hygroscopic growth and the consequent loss due to in-cloud scavenging. In terms of total properties, such as aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and CCN, the results of the three-category method were acceptable. more...

Abstract An event topology with two secondary vertices compatible with the decay of short-lived particles was found in the analysis of neutrino interactions in the OPERA target. The observed topology is compatible with tau neutrino charged current (CC) interactions with charm production and neutrino neutral current (NC) interactions with $$c\overline{c}$$ cc¯ pair production. However, other processes can mimic this topology. A dedicated analysis was implemented to identify the underlying process. A Monte Carlo simulation was developed and complementary procedures were introduced in the kinematic reconstruction. A multivariate analysis technique was used to achieve an optimal separation of signal from background. Most likely, this event is a $$\nu _{\tau }$$ ντ CC interaction with charm production, the tau and charm particle decaying into 1 prong and 2 prongs, respectively. The significance of this observation is evaluated. more...

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the Herpesvirus that commonly follows a silent or self-limiting course in immunocompetent patients. In immunocompromised patients, CMV can result in end-organ damage, requiring more aggressive treatments and supportive care. CMV hepatitis, is a rare, but known self-limiting complication affecting immunocompromised patients that generally does not require anti-viral therapy. In this case report, we describe an 18-month-old immunocompetent female with an acute cytomegalovirus infection presenting as acute hepatitis and a right upper quadrant mass that was treated with dexamethasone. more...

Abstract Background The activation of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) on melanocytes stimulates the production of eumelanin. A tridecapeptide α melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH) is known to induce skin pigmentation. Objectives We characterised the properties of a novel oral MC1R agonist dersimelagon (MT‐7117) with respect to its specific binding to MC1R, downstream signalling and eumelanin production in experimental models. Methods The competitive binding and production of intracellular cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate in cells expressing recombinant melanocortin receptors were examined. A mouse melanoma cell line B16F1 was used for the evaluation of in vitro melanin production. The in vitro activity of MT‐7117 was determined with αMSH and [Nle4, D‐Phe7]‐αMSH (NDP‐αMSH) as reference comparators. The change of coat colour and skin pigmentation were evaluated after repeat administration of MT‐7117 by oral gavage to C57BL/6J‐Ay/+ mice and cynomolgus monkeys, respectively. Results MT‐7117 showed the highest affinity for human MC1R compared to the other melanocortin receptors evaluated and agonistic activity for human, cynomolgus monkey and mouse MC1R, with EC50 values in the nanomolar range. In B16F1 cells, MT‐7117 increased melanin production in a concentration‐dependent manner. In vivo, MT‐7117 (≥0.3 mg/kg/day p.o.) significantly induced coat colour darkening in mice. MT‐7117 (≥1 mg/kg/day p.o.) induced significant skin pigmentation in monkeys and complete reversibility was observed after cessation of its administration. Conclusions MT‐7117 is a novel oral MC1R agonist that induces melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential application for the prevention of phototoxic reactions in patients with photodermatoses, such as erythropoietic protoporphyria and X‐linked protoporphyria. more...

To identify the cause for an enhanced D retention in RAFM (reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic) steels with decreasing incident D fluence, ϕD, CLAM steel samples were exposed to D plasma at a low ϕD ∼ 3 × 1023 m−2 in the PISCES-A linear plasma device. At this low ϕD, a Cr-rich surface layer with a thickness of ∼ 10 nm still remains, confirmed with cross-sectional EDX (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) elemental mapping. TEM (transmission electron microscopy) observations of a plasma-exposed surface reveal the formation of D bubbles inside the Cr-rich surface layer, while no D bubbles are seen in an unexposed surface. Furthermore, depth profiling using GDOES (glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy) detects D in the Cr-rich surface layer. These results demonstrate that the D retention at low ϕD is enhanced by D atoms trapped in bubbles created inside the Cr-rich surface layer. more...

Abstract Background Interaction between cancer cells and fibroblasts mediated by extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (emmprin, CD147) is important in the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism of emmprin mediated stimulation of matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) production from fibroblasts has not been elucidated. Our previous studies using an inhibitory peptide against emmprin suggested the presence of a molecule on the cell membrane which forms a complex with emmprin. Here we show that CD73 expressed on fibroblasts interacts with emmprin and is a required factor for MMP-2 production in co-cultures of sarcoma cells with fibroblasts. Methods CD73 along with CD99 was identified by mass spectrometry analysis as an emmprin interacting molecule from a co-culture of cancer cells (epithelioid sarcoma cell line FU-EPS-1) and fibroblasts (immortalized fibroblasts cell line ST353i). MMP-2 production was measured by immunoblot and ELISA. The formation of complexes of CD73 with emmprin was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, and their co-localization in tumor cells and fibroblasts was shown by fluorescent immunostaining and proximity ligation assays. Results Stimulated MMP-2 production in co-culture of cancer cells and fibroblasts was completely suppressed by siRNA knockdown of CD73, but not by CD99 knockdown. MMP-2 production was not suppressed by CD73-specific enzyme inhibitor (APCP). However, MMP-2 production was decreased by CD73 neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that CD73-mediated suppression of MMP-2 production is non-enzymatic. In human epithelioid sarcoma tissues, emmprin was immunohistochemically detected to be mainly expressed in tumor cells, and CD73 was expressed in fibroblasts and tumor cells: emmprin and CD73 were co-localized predominantly on tumor cells. Conclusion This study provides a novel insight into the role of CD73 in emmprin-mediated regulation of MMP-2 production. more...

A search for dark matter (DM) with mass in the sub-GeV region (0.32–1 GeV) was conducted by looking for an annual modulation signal in XMASS, a single-phase liquid xenon detector. Inelastic nuclear scattering accompanied by bremsstrahlung emission was used to search down to an electron equivalent energy of 1 keV. The data used had a live time of 2.8 years (3.5 years in calendar time), resulting in a total exposure of 2.38 ton-years. No significant modulation signal was observed and 90% confidence level upper limits of 1.6×10−33 cm2 at 0.5 GeV was set for the DM-nucleon cross section. This is the first experimental result of a search for DM mediated by the bremsstrahlung effect. In addition, a search for DM with mass in the multi-GeV region (4–20 GeV) was conducted with a lower energy threshold than previous analysis of XMASS. Elastic nuclear scattering was used to search down to a nuclear recoil equivalent energy of 2.3 keV, and upper limits of 2.9 ×10−42 cm2 at 8 GeV was obtained. Keywords: Sub-GeV dark matter, Annual modulation, Liquid xenon more...

The microstructures and deuterium (D) retention properties were investigated for beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides), such as Be12Ti and Be12V, compared to pure beryllium (Be), exposed to high density pure D and helium (He) mixed plasmas. TEM cross-sectional observations revealed the formation of cone structures on the Be surface exposed to the plasmas at a moderate temperature of 573 K. The crystal structure of the cones and the mass loss caused by the plasma exposure implied that the cone structures were generated by sputtering. The Ti or V surface enrichment was observed on both beryllides with no cone structures developed. TDS measurements indicated that He seeding to D plasma caused a ~ 4 times reduction of the D retention for both beryllides, while no reduction was observed for Be. As a result, the beryllide samples exposed to D + He mixture plasmas showed a lower total D retention than in Be. more...

Coherent double neutral-pion photoproduction on the deuteron, γd→π0π0d, has been experimentally studied at incident photon energies ranging from 0.75 to 1.15 GeV. The total cross section as a function of the γd center-of-mass energy shows resonance-like behavior, which peaks at approximately 2.47 and 2.63 GeV. The measured angular distribution of deuteron emission is rather flat, which cannot be reproduced by the kinematics of quasi-free π0π0 production with deuteron coalescence. In π0d invariant-mass distributions, a clear peak is observed at 2.14±0.01 GeV/c2 with a width of 0.09±0.01 GeV/c2. The spin-parity of this state is restricted to 1+, 2+ or 3− from the angular distributions of the two π0s. The present work shows strong evidence for the existence of an isovector dibaryon resonance with a mass of 2.14 GeV/c2. The 2+ assignment is consistent with the theoretically predicted D12 state, and also with the energy dependence of the πd partial-wave amplitude P23 for the π±d→π±d and π+d→pp reactions. Keywords: Coherent meson photoproduction, Dibaryon resonance more...

A search for dark matter using an underground single-phase liquid xenon detector was conducted at the Kamioka Observatory in Japan, particularly for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). We have used 705.9 live days of data in a fiducial volume containing 97kg of liquid xenon at the center of the detector. The event rate in the fiducial volume after the data reduction was (4.2±0.2)×10−3day−1kg−1keVee−1 at 5keVee, with a signal efficiency of 20%. All the remaining events are consistent with our background evaluation, mostly of the “mis-reconstructed events” originated from 210Pb in the copper plates lining the detector's inner surface. The obtained upper limit on a spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section was 2.2×10−44cm2 for a WIMP mass of 60GeV/c2 at the 90% confidence level, which was the most stringent limit among results from single-phase liquid xenon detectors. Keywords: Dark matter, Low background, Liquid xenon more...

Surface morphology development and sputtering behavior of Cr, as a test material, have been explored under He plasma exposure at a low incident ion energy of ∼80 eV in multiple linear plasma devices: PISCES-A, PSI-2, and NAGDIS-II. From comparison of the experiments in these devices, deposition of a small amount of heavier impurities (Mo in NAGDIS-II and Ta in PISCES-A) onto Cr is found to result in the formation of cone structures on the Cr surface due to preferential sputtering, resulting in a significant reduction (up to ∼10 times) in the sputtering yield of Cr due to line-of-sight redeposition onto the neighboring cones. The heavier impurities are thought to originate from a sample holding cap/cover, which can be sputtered by a trace amount of intrinsic impurities (C, O, etc) as well as by Cr ionized in the plasma. It can be concluded from the Cr experiments, as well as additional Be data collected in PISCES-B, that heavier impurity deposition plays a major role in the cone structure formation, while other mechanisms (e.g. surface irregularity and oxide) also exist. Keywords: Impurity deposition, Sputtering, Nanostructure more...

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of earlier intervention by an antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) on antimicrobial use, antimicrobial resistance rates, and the clinical outcomes, without changing the weekly intervention schedule. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Fukuoka University Hospital between April 2013 and March 2016. The effects were compared among three study periods (SP): SP1 (patients receiving anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus agents and carbapenems for ≥14 days), SP2 (patients receiving specific antimicrobials for ≥14 days), and SP3 (patients receiving specific antimicrobials regardless of the duration of treatment). Results: The timing of AST intervention was shortened from an average of 15.5 days after administration in SP1 to 4.2 days in SP3. The antimicrobial use density (AUD) of carbapenems and piperacillin–tazobactam decreased significantly (SP2 vs. SP3, p more...

Hidden photons and axion-like particles are candidates for cold dark matter if they were produced non-thermally in the early universe. We conducted a search for both of these bosons using 800 live-days of data from the XMASS detector with 327 kg of liquid xenon in the fiducial volume. No significant signal was observed, and thus we set constraints on the α′/α parameter related to kinetic mixing of hidden photons and the coupling constant gAe of axion-like particles in the mass range from 40 to 120 keV/c2, resulting in α′/α more...

Abstract The OPERA experiment has discovered the tau neutrino appearance in the CNGS muon neutrino beam, in agreement with the 3 neutrino flavour oscillation hypothesis. The OPERA neutrino interaction target, made of Emulsion Cloud Chambers, was particularly efficient in the reconstruction of electromagnetic showers. Moreover, thanks to the very high granularity of the emulsion films, showers induced by electrons can be distinguished from those induced by π 0s, thus allowing the detection of charged current interactions of electron neutrinos. In this paper the results of the search for electron neutrino events using the full dataset are reported. An improved method for the electron neutrino energy estimation is exploited. Data are compatible with the 3 neutrino flavour mixing model expectations and are used to set limits on the oscillation parameters of the 3+1 neutrino mixing model, in which an additional mass eigenstate m 4 is introduced. At high Δm 412 (≳0.1 eV2), an upper limit on sin2 2θ μe is set to 0.021 at 90% C.L. and Δm 412 ≳ 4 × 10− 3 eV2 is excluded for maximal mixing in appearance mode. more...

Dispersion-strengthened W alloys, W-1%TiC and W-2%TiC, were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The thermal stabilities of the secondary-phase TiC particles and microstructures in the W alloys during thermal treatments from 100 to 1000 °C were investigated by positron annihilation techniques. The TiC particles were stable in both W–TiC alloys during the annealing process. Both alloys were irradiated by 5-keV He ions at 900 °C–1.8 × 1021 He/m2. Compared with commercially available pure W, the formation of He bubbles was suppressed by the TiC particles in the W–TiC alloys, and the extent of suppression increased as the amount of added TiC was increased. Keywords: W-TiC, Thermal stability, He irradiation, He bubble more...

Abstract The OPERA experiment was designed to search for $$\nu _{\mu } \rightarrow \nu _{\tau }$$ νμ→ντ oscillations in appearance mode through the direct observation of tau neutrinos in the CNGS neutrino beam. In this paper, we report a study of the multiplicity of charged particles produced in charged-current neutrino interactions in lead. We present charged hadron average multiplicities, their dispersion and investigate the KNO scaling in different kinematical regions. The results are presented in detail in the form of tables that can be used in the validation of Monte Carlo generators of neutrino–lead interactions. more...

In this study, hydrogen boride films are fabricated by ion-exchange treatment on magnesium diboride (MgB2) films under ambient temperature and pressure. We prepared oriented MgB2 films on strontium titanate (SrTiO3) substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Subsequently, these films were treated with ion exchangers in acetonitrile solution. TOF-SIMS analysis evidenced that hydrogen species were introduced into the MgB2 films by using two types of ion exchangers: proton exchange resin and formic acid. According to the HAXPES analysis, negatively charged boron species were preserved in the films after the ion-exchange treatment. In addition, the FT-IR analysis suggested that B-H bonds were formed in the MgB2 films following the ion-exchange treatment. The ion-exchange treatment using formic acid was more efficient compared to the resin treatment; with respect to the amount of hydrogen species introduced into the MgB2 films. These ion-exchanged films exhibited photoinduced hydrogen release as observed in a powder sample. Based on the present study, we expect to be able to control the morphology and hydrogen content of hydrogen boride thin films by optimising the ion-exchange treatment process, which will be useful for further studies and device applications. more...

The total cross sections were measured for coherent double neutral-pion photoproduction on the deuteron at incident energies below 0.9 GeV for the first time. No clear resonance-like behavior is observed in the excitation function for Wγd=2.38–2.61 GeV, where the d⁎(2380) dibaryon resonance observed at COSY is expected to appear. The measured excitation function is consistent with the existing theoretical calculation for this reaction. The upper limit of the total cross section is found to be 0.034 μb for the dibaryon resonance at Wγd=2.37 GeV (90% confidence level) in the γd→π0π0d reaction. more...

In the present study, an additional deuterium (D) ion irradiation was performed against long-term samples mounted on the helical coil can and in the outer private region in the LHD during the 17th experimental campaign. Based on the release behavior of the D and hydrogen (H) retained during the experimental campaign, the difference of release behavior at the top surface and in bulk of modified surfaces is discussed. Almost all samples on the helical coil can were erosion-dominant and some samples were covered with boron or carbon, while a very thick carbon films were formed in the outer private region. In the erosion-dominant area, the D desorbed at much lower temperatures compared to that of H retained during the LHD plasma operation. For the samples covered with boron, the D tended to desorb at lower temperatures compared to H. For the carbon deposition samples, the D desorbed at much higher temperatures compared to no deposition and boron-covered samples, which was very similar to that of H. The D retention capabilities at the top surface of carbon and boron films were 2–3 times higher than no deposition area. The results indicate that the retention and release behavior at the top surface of the modified layer can be different from that of bulk substrate material. Keywords: Hydrogen retention, Desorption, Redeposition, Long-term sample, LHD more...

A simple method to evaluate the thickness distribution of the deposition layer formed on the first wall is proposed using an innovative measurement concept of the optical reflection coefficient, which is measured as the RGB (red, green, blue) value using a compact color analyzer. Analysis of the samples exposed to plasmas during an experimental campaign shows the relationship between the thickness of the deposition layer and the reflection coefficient, which is followed by the single layer model. The reflection coefficient clearly indicates the thickness of the deposition layer between 10 and 100nm. The reflection coefficients of stainless steel plates on the helically twisted coil in one of the 10 toroidal sections of the vacuum vessel in the Large Helical Device (LHD) are measured. There is almost no deposition layer on the inner side of the torus, however, the deposition layer reaches a thickness of over 100nm on the first wall near the divertor region. On the outer side of the torus, almost the entire area is covered by the deposition layer. Reflection coefficient measurements indicate that approximately 60% of the area on the measured coil can is coated with a deposition layer over 10nm thick, which suggests that this area plays a role in the wall retention. Keywords: Reflection coefficient, Color analyzer, Deposition layer, Wall retention, Helium more...

Optical reflectivity measurement is proposed as a convenient diagnostics method of surface modifications in plasma facing materials (PFMs) and its applicability to a plasma confinement device is evaluated. The optical reflectivity for mirror polished stainless steel (SUS316L) exposed to the Large Helical Device (LHD) plasma was examined with a spectroscopic ellipsometer. In-situ measurement of the reflectivity change under the glow discharge was also performed using a super continuum white laser. The detectable change of the reflectivity was observed and the level of the degradation depended on the location, exposure period and employing wavelength. Microstructure observation of the mirror surface revealed that the behavior of the reflectivity change correlated closely with the ion-induced damages and the depositions thickness in the vicinity of the sample surface. Thus, the optical reflectivity measurement is considered to be a possible method for convenient in-situ diagnostics for PFMs. more...

Beryllium intermetallic compounds (beryllides) are the most promising candidate materials for use as advanced neutron multipliers in future fusion reactors because of their low swelling and high stability at high temperatures. Recently, beryllium–titanium beryllide pebbles such as Be12Ti have been successfully fabricated using a novel granulation process. In this study, the fundamental aspects of the behavior of hydrogen isotopes in Be12Ti pebbles were investigated via thermal desorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, atomistic calculations using first principles electronic-structure methods were applied to determine the solution energy of hydrogen in Be12Ti. The results showed simpler and weaker hydrogen-trapping efficiency for Be12Ti than for pure Be. more...

Background: Mismatch negativity (MMN) is a measure of pre-attentive auditory information processing related to change detection. Traditional scalp-level EEG methods consistently find attenuated MMN in patients with chronic but not first-episode schizophrenia. In the current paper, we use a source-resolved method to assess MMN and hypothesize that more subtle changes can be identified with this analysis method. Method: Fifty-six first-episode antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia (FEANS) patients (31 males, 25 females, mean age 24.6) and 64 matched controls (37 males, 27 females, mean age 24.8) were assessed for duration-, frequency- and combined-type MMN and P3a as well as 4 clinical, 3 cognitive and 3 psychopathological measures. To evaluate and correlate MMN at source-level, independent component analysis (ICA) was applied to the continuous EEG data to derive equivalent current dipoles which were clustered into 19 clusters based on cortical location. Results: No scalp channel group MMN or P3a amplitude differences were found. Of the localized clusters, several were in or near brain areas previously suggested to be involved in the MMN response, including frontal and anterior cingulate cortices and superior temporal and inferior frontal gyri. For duration deviants, MMN was attenuated at the right superior temporal gyrus in patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01), as was P3a at the superior frontal cortex (p = 0.01). No individual patient correlations with clinical, cognitive, or psychopathological measures survived correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusion: Attenuated source-localized MMN and P3a peak contributions can be identified in FEANS patients using a method based on independent component analysis (ICA). This indicates that deficits in pre-attentive auditory information processing are present at this early stage of schizophrenia and are not the result of disease chronicity or medication. This is to our knowledge the first study on FEANS patients using this more detailed method. Keywords: Mismatch negativity, Schizophrenia, First episode, EEG, ICA more...

Two new cadmium bismuthates, CdBi2O6 and Cd0.37Bi0.63O1.79, were prepared by hydrothermal reaction using NaBiO3·nH2O as one of the starting compounds. The crystal structures of these compounds were refined by using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. The former bismuthate has a MnSb2O6-type structure with a hexagonal cell (space group: P321); the cell parameters were a = 9.3641(7) and c = 4.9523(3) Å, and the final R-factors were Rwp = 4.59% and Rp = 3.04%. The latter bismuthate has a fluorite-type structure with a cubic cell (space group: Fm3¯m) of a = 5.4110(4) Å, and the final R-factors were Rwp = 4.79% and Rp = 3.57%. These new bismuthates exhibit no photocatalytic activity under visible light. more...

The allelic frequency of c.335A>C polymorphisms in the porcine ghrelin/obestatin prepropeptide (GHRL) gene was surveyed among six pig breeds and two subspecies of wild boars. The c.335C was the most frequent allele in Berkshire, Landrace, Large White, Yorkshire, and Clawn miniature pigs and Ryukyu wild boars (Sus scrofa riukiuanus), whereas c.335A was the most frequent allele in Duroc and Meishan pigs and Japanese wild boars (S. s. leucomystax). The association of c.335A>C with performance traits was analyzed in Duroc, Landrace, Large White, and (Landrace × Large White) × Duroc (LWD) cross-bred pigs. No associations between c.335A>C genotype and average daily weight gain, backfat thickness, or intramuscular fat were detected. However, an association was observed between loin eye muscle area (EMA) and c.335A>C genotype in Duroc gilts. The AA genotype group had larger EMA than the AC genotype group in Duroc gilts; however, this association was not significant in Duroc boars and barrows or the other pig populations investigated. These results demonstrate that GHRL c.335A>C is not a major quantitative trait loci candidate on pig chromosome 13 affecting fat deposition. more...

Section Analysis, line 9: sub-sample of 818 events becomes sub-sample of 817 events.

Primary succession is an ecological process of fundamental importance referring to the development of vegetation on areas not previously occupied by a plant community. The bulk of knowledge on primary succession comes from areas affected by relatively recent volcanic eruptions, and highlights the importance of symbiosis between host plants and fungi for the initial stages of succession. Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) are of particular interest as they are often present from the very beginning of primary succession and because they show different relationships with pioneer and late-successional species, which suggests they may be involved in important, yet unknown, ecological mechanisms of succession. We review existing knowledge based on case studies from the volcanic desert of Mount Fuji, Japan, where primary succession was examined intensively and which represents one of the best-known cases on the role of AM in primary succession. We also assess the potential of sand dunes and semi-arid, erosion-prone systems for addressing the role of mycorrhizas in primary succession. Analyzing primary succession under different ecological systems is critical to understand the role of AM in this basic process. While volcanoes and glaciers are restricted to particular mountainous areas, naturally eroded areas and sand dunes are more common and easily accessible, making them attractive models to study primary succession. more...

The study demonstrates the possibility of using laser radiation for ceramic bracket removing. Three laser radiations were examined for this effect, and the removing possibility and velocity together with enamel and pulp damage were investigated. The lasers used were: a diode-pumped Tm:YAP microchip laser, diode pumped, and GaAs diode generating 1.9 μm, 1.44 μm, and 0.808 μm, respectively. The measurement of transmission and absorption of the basic element - bracket, adhesive resin, and enamel - was also made with the goal to explain the source of heat and bracket debonding. The explanation of the debonding effect is also presented. From the results it is possible to conclude that the continuously running diode pumped microchip Tm:YAP laser having output power 1W can be a good candidate for the ceramic bracket debonding procedure. more...

Free-running and Q-switched infrared Er:YAG laser radiations, ultrasonic ball tip, and classical hand piece drilling machine were compared in the case of hard dental tissues preparation. For the radiation delivery, a special waveguide transfer system was used. Light-cured, high viscosity flowable HDR microfilled hybrid composite material was used for restorations. The longitudinal sections of extracted human teeth with filling material were compared from the point of view of prepared cavity shape and filling material in scanning electron microscope. more...

We examined the interfacial charge transfer effect on photocatalysts using a patterned CuO thin film deposited on a rutile TiO2 (110) substrate. Photocatalytic activity was visualized based on the formation of metal Ag particles resulting from the photoreduction of Ag+ ions under visible-light illumination. Ag particles were selectively deposited near the edge of CuO film for several nanometer thick CuO film, indicating that interfacial excitation from the valence band maximum of TiO2 to the conduction band minimum of CuO plays a key role in efficient photocatalytic activity of CuO nanocluster-grafted TiO2 systems with visible-light sensitivity. more...

The study compares four different procedures of selective preparation of hard dental tissues: ablation by Er:YAG laser radiation (with long and short pulses), preparation by an ultrasound extension with a ball and a classical dental drill. In the long pulses the authors employed interaction energy of 40mJ, duration of the pulse 200 μs and interaction intensity 62kW/cm2; in short pulses the energy was 20mJ, pulse duration 100ns and interaction energy 62kW/cm2. The laser methods were compared with the ultrasound preparation (Sonixflex cariex TV, D - Sonicsys micro) and with the classical preparation. The longitudinal sections through the dentin and the samples of ivory were evaluated after the creation of cavity and administration of the filling by means of electron scanning microscope. more...

The aim of this study is to evaluate the interation effect of Q-switched, and free running Er:YAG laser radiations, sonic, and classical drilling machine preparation on the hard dental tissues.

Browning reactions of oxidised lipids with amino acids were studied in mixtures of refined soybean or rapeseed oil with alanine, valine, lysine, serine, cystine, cysteine, methionine, proline, and tryptophan. Oils were deposited in thin layers on cellulose fibres impregnated with the individual amino acids. The reaction proceeded in the dark, in dry air, at 50°C and at free access of oxygen. The browning determined at 430 nm followed a nearly zeroth order reaction without any induction period. The browning was very weak in the absence of amino acids, and all amino acids increased the browning rate, especially cysteine, methionine, and even more proline and tryptophan. The reaction rates were nearly the same in mixtures with rapeseed and soybean oils. Small amounts of hydroperoxides did not appreciably affect the browning rate. In the presence of copper ions, which belong to the most active catalysts of oxidation, the reaction rate was substantially higher. On the contrary, in the presence of antioxidants, the reaction rate was reduced to a marked degree but no induction period was observed. The probable main reaction mechanism was the reaction of lipid hydroperoxides, free radicals produced by their decomposition and/or unsaturated aldehydes under the formation of unsaturated imines which further polymerised into brown macromolecular substances. more...

Foram desenvolvidos estudos com colunas de solo (Ø = 4 cm; h = 25 cm) em condições de laboratório, em Londrina, durante os anos de 1999 e 2000, utilizando-se o horizonte Bw de um Latossolo Vermelho. As seguintes plantas foram testadas: agriãozinho das pastagens (Synedrellopsis grisebachii), carrapicho-de-carneiro (Acanthospermum hispidum ), caruru roxo (Amaranthus hybridus), ordão-de-frade (Leonotis nepetifolia: ), losna branca (Parthenium hysterophorus), mamona (Ricinus communis), picão branco (Galinsoga parviflora) e trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis ). Extratos aquosos da parte aérea das plantas (3 g em 150 mL) foram aplicados na superfície do solo e lixiviados com três volumes de poros de água destilada, em tratamentos com calcário na superfície. Avaliaram-se as alterações no pH do solo e os teores de cátions trocáveis (Ca, Al, K e Mg) em camadas do solo de 5 cm e na solução efluente. A calagem superficial (sem extrato vegetal) aumentou o pH e o Ca e diminuiu o Al apenas no local de aplicação e, em menor intensidade, na camada de 5-10 cm. Os extratos de plantas e calagem superficial aumentaram o pH e reduziram Al até 20 cm de profundidade. A mamona foi a planta invasora que apresentou a maior capacidade de transportar Ca, elevando a concentração do nutriente até 15 cm de profundidade. As plantas de maior efeito na acidez foram: picão branco e trapoeraba, que também causaram a maior lixiviação de Al da coluna de solo. As de menor efeito foram: agriãozinho e carrapicho-de-carneiro. As plantas invasoras testadas apresentaram potencial para uso, objetivando o aumento da eficiência da calagem na correção da acidez da subsuperfície do solo. more...

Pork is now distributed as cut meat, which increases the chance of contamination with bacteria. The rate of bacterial growth can be expressed by an exponential function. In order to find how the number of contaminating bacteria increases, we compared two functional equations for a growth curve. They are logistic: Yt = K (1 + m e-at) (1) and Gompertz: log Yt = log K + (log a)bt (2) equations (where Yt = the number of bacteria at the time t in min, m and a = coefficient, e = natural logarithm, K maximum number of bacteria). 90 ml of physiological salt solution was added to 10 g of pork. It was homogenized for 3 min, then incubated at 35°C for 13 hrs. The number of bacteria was counted every hour. We found from these data that the above two equations can be expressed as follows: Yt = 23 535 (1 + 16269 e-1.1608t) and log Yt = 8.9940 + (-3.1124) × 0.7839t. The theoretical and actual values matched well in equation (1), and the number of bacteria can be predicted accurately using this equation at a given time after incubation. The theoretical and actual values did not match well in equation (2) and its accuracy to predict the number of bacteria was very low except the initial number of bacteria was high. more...