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Plasma membrane (PM) proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase (H+-ATPase) is a pivotal enzyme for plant growth and development that acts as a primary transporter and is activated by phosphorylation of the penultimate residue, threonine, at the C-terminus. Small Auxin-Up RNA family proteins maintain the phosphorylation level via inhibiting dephosphorylation of the residue by protein phosphatase 2C-D clade. Photosynthetically active radiation activates PM H+-ATPase via phosphorylation in mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis thaliana, and phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase depends on photosynthesis and photosynthesis-related sugar supplementation, such as sucrose, fructose and glucose. However, the molecular mechanism and physiological role of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation are still unknown. Analysis using sugar analogs, such as palatinose, turanose and 2-deoxy glucose, revealed that sucrose metabolites and products of glycolysis such as pyruvate induce phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase. Transcriptome analysis showed that the novel isoform of the Small Auxin-Up RNA genes, SAUR30, is upregulated in a light- and sucrose-dependent manner. Time-course analyses of sucrose supplementation showed that the phosphorylation level of PM H+-ATPase increased within 10 min, but the expression level of SAUR30 increased later than 10 min. The results suggest that two temporal regulations may participate in the regulation of PM H+-ATPase. Interestingly, a 15NO3− uptake assay in leaves showed that light increases 15NO3− uptake and that increment of 15NO3− uptake depends on PM H+-ATPase activity. The results opened the possibility of the physiological role of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation in the uptake of NO3−. We speculate that PM H+-ATPase may connect photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in leaves.

In plants, cytosolic and extracellular pH homeostasis are crucial for various physiological processes, including the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients, cell elongation, cell expansion, and enzyme activity. Proton (H+) gradients and the membrane potential are generated by a H+ pump consisting of an active primary transporter. Plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a PM-localized H+ pump, plays a pivotal role in maintaining pH homeostasis in plant cells and extracellular regions. PM H+-ATPase activity is regulated by protein abundance and by post-translational modifications. Several stimuli have been found to activate the PM H+-ATPase through phosphorylation of the penultimate threonine (Thr) of the carboxy terminus. Light- and photosynthesis-induced phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase are conserved phenomena among various plant species. In this work, we review recent findings related to PM H+-ATPase regulation in the photosynthetic tissues of plants, focusing on its mechanisms and physiological roles. The physiological roles of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation are discussed in the context of nitrate uptake and cytoplasmic streaming in leaves.

Plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase is a pivotal enzyme for plant growth and development that acts as a primary transporter and is activated by phosphorylation of the penultimate residue, threonine, at the C-terminus. Photosynthetically active radiation activates PM H+-ATPase via phosphorylation in mesophyll cells of Arabidopsis thaliana, and phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase depends on photosynthesis and photosynthesis-related sugar supplementation, such as sucrose, fructose and glucose. However, the molecular mechanism and the physiological role of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation are still unknown. Analysis using sugar analogues, such as palatinose, turanose, and 2-deoxy glucose, revealed that sucrose metabolites and products of glycolysis such as pyruvate induce phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase. Transcriptome analysis showed that novel isoform of the Small Auxin Up RNA genes, SAUR30, is upregulated in a light- and sucrose-dependent manner. Time course analyzes of sucrose supplementation showed that phosphorylation level of PM H+-ATPase increased within 10 min, but expression level of SAUR30 increased later than 10 min. The results suggest two temporal regulations may participate in the regulation of PM H+-ATPase. Interestingly, a 15NO3- uptake assay in leaves showed that light increases 15NO3- uptake, and that increment of 15NO3- uptake depends on PM H+-ATPase activity. The results opened the possibility of physiological role of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation in the uptake of NO3-. We speculate that PM H+-ATPase may connect photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism in leaves.

Background Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a type of primary systemic vasculitis that affects various organs, especially the lungs and kidneys. However, few reports regarding cardiac features of MPA patients were found. Purpose We aim to investigate the echocardiographic parameters of acute-phase MPA. Methods and results This single-center retrospective study included 15 patients with MPA (Mean age at 72.2±7.1 years, women 73.3%) who underwent echocardiography within two weeks of commencing steroid therapy for induction or reinduction. The echocardiography parameters of the patients were compared with those of 30 age and sex-matched controls. In the MPA group, the commonly affected organs were kidneys (93.3%) and lungs (46.7%); 5 patients (33.3%) had a history of hypertension, which had a similar frequency as the control group. No significant difference in left ventricular (LV) diameter, LV ejection fraction, e', or inferior vena cava diameter was observed between the two groups. However, the MPA group showed significantly higher left atrial (LA) diameter (p=0.033) and LA volume index (p=0.001), as well as higher early diastolic filling velocity (E-wave, p=0.015; E/A, p=0.043; E/e', p=0.041), diastolic pulmonary venous flow velocity (p=0.013), trans-tricuspid pressure gradient (p=0.019), and shorter deceleration time (p=0.038), associated with mildly thicker ventricular walls of left ventricle (LV) than the control group. Moreover, serum levels of C-reactive protein showed significant correlation between E wave (r=0.58, p=0.023), E/A (r=0.67, p=0.006), and deceleration time (r=−0.69, p=0.005) in the MPA group. These results may indicate that in MPA, increased LV stiffness, rather than impairment of LV relaxation was contributed to LV diastolic function, resulting in LA enlargement. Conclusion Patients with acute-phase MPA had LA dilatation associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. This finding indicates the importance of cardiac assessment in patients with MPA. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

We analysed associations between exposure to nightlife businesses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 PCR test results at a tertiary hospital in Tokyo between March and April 2020. A nightlife group was defined as those who had worked at or visited the businesses. We included 1517 individuals; 196 (12.9%) were categorised as the nightlife group. After propensity score matching, the proportion of positive PCR tests in the nightlife group was significantly higher than that in the non-nightlife group (nightlife, 63.8%; non-nightlife, 23.0%; P < 0.001). An inclusive approach to mitigate risks related to the businesses needs to be identified.

Many researchers have confirmed the application of calcite precipitation method by urease enzyme induction as a potential soil improvement technique. However, this method needs an expensive investment due to the urease enzyme issue. The enzyme itself brings 90% of the total materials cost. It means that finding new inexpensive material for replacing the enzyme is considered essential for the development of this method. In this study, a potential material, which is soybean powder, was evaluated through several experimental tests. A comparison of urease activity value between EICP using soybean powder and commercial urease as a catalyst for hydrolysis of urea compound was made through a series of conductivity tests. It was found that EICP using soybean urease can be a potential alternative to a commercial product in terms of urease activity. The precipitation materials were analysed using a microscale test to analyses the minerals type. Besides, the reinforcing effect of EICP solution on soil specimens was evaluated by conducting unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and acid leaching test. The results of the UCS test were indicated that the soybean powder is a potential material to be used in soil improvement technique.

Metastatic pulmonary calcification, defined as calcium deposition in the intact lung, is commonly seen in patients with chronic renal failure, and it is known to be a benign clinical condition when detected by chance in an asymptomatic patient. Here we report the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed rapid and aggressive metastatic pulmonary calcification shortly after a living donor kidney transplantation, which induced acute antibody-mediated rejection. The patient's metastatic pulmonary calcification was successfully improved by extensive treatment for graft rejection, the correction of her accompanying primary hyperparathyroidism, and medical treatment with a bisphosphonate and sodium thiosulfate. Aggressive pulmonary calcification is reported as a rare complication seen in patients who have undergone a failed renal transplantation. A failed renal graft and accompanying secondary hyperparathyroidism seem to accelerate metastatic calcification. Most of the patients who develop aggressive pulmonary calcification suffer from the rapid progression of dyspnea and occasionally fever, and they die of respiratory failure. Pulmonary calcification should be considered in a patient developing dyspnea and unexplained pulmonary infiltrate, especially in the context of renal graft rejection; otherwise the prognosis of the patient will be very poor.

Background: The $p$ nuclei, which are not produced by neutron capture processes, are present with a typical isotopic abundance of 0.01%--0.3%. Abundance decreases with an increase in atomic number. However, the neutron-magic isotopes of $^{92}\text{Mo}$ and $^{144}\text{Sm}$ exhibit unusually large abundances in comparison. A combination of proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle capture reactions and neutron emission reactions are key to understanding this issue. Currently, complex network calculations do not have access to much experimental data, and hence require theoretically predicted reaction rates in order to estimate final abundances produced in nucleosynthesis.Purpose: Few experimental cross sections of $(p$,\ensuremath{\gamma}) reactions on heavy nuclides with mass numbers of 130--150 have been reported. The $^{144}\text{Sm}(p,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gamma})\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}^{145}\text{Eu}$ reaction is the main destruction pathway for the nucleosynthesis of the $^{144}\text{Sm}$ nuclide. In the present paper, experimental cross sections of the $^{144}\text{Sm}(p,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gamma})\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}^{145}\text{Eu}$ reaction at a range including astrophysically relevant energies for the $p$ process were determined to compare with theoretical predictions using the Hauser-Feshback statistical model.Methods: The $^{144}\text{Sm}$ was deposited on a high-purity Al foil with the molecular plating method. Stacks consisting of Ta degrader foils, $^{144}\text{Sm}$ targets, and Cu foils used as flux monitors were irradiated with 14.0-MeV proton beams. The $^{144}\text{Sm}(p,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gamma})\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}^{145}\text{Eu}$ cross sections were determined from the $^{145}\text{Eu}$ activities and the proton fluence estimated from the $^{65}\text{Zn}$ activity in the Cu monitor foil. The proton energies bombarded on each $^{144}\text{Sm}$ target were estimated using srim2013.Results: We determined the $^{144}\text{Sm}(p,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gamma})\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}^{145}\text{Eu}$ cross sections at proton energies between 2.8 and 7.6 MeV. These energies encompass nucleosynthesis temperatures between 3 and 5 GK. The cross sections at energies higher than 3.8 MeV agreed well with theoretically predicted cross sections using talys using the generalized superfluid (GS) model for level densities. However, calculations using non-smoker overestimated the cross section. When the components of the energy uncertainties in the experimental cross sections were corrected, the cross sections at energies lower than 3.8 MeV showed comparable values with talys but higher than those predicted by both non-smoker and talys.Conclusions: talys using the GS model reproduced well the experimental cross sections without correction of the proton widths at energies between 2.8 and 7.6 MeV. Thus, the reaction rates of $^{144}\text{Sm}(p,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gamma})\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}^{145}\text{Eu}$ in the stellar environment at 2.5--5 GK estimated with talys corresponded with those by the experimental cross section within 10%. However, the reaction rates depended on the extrapolation of the cross section at energies of 0--2.8 MeV at temperatures of 0.5--2.5 GK. The reaction rate estimated by talys employing the GS model showed an uncertainty within a factor of 2 at 1.5--3.5 GK for nucleosynthesis temperatures of the $p$ nuclei.

Cross sections of 7Be, 22Na and 24Na for geochemically and cosmochemically important elements were measured at incident neutron energies of 287 and 370 MeV. The cross sections were measured in target exposed to high-energy monoenergetic neutrons at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka University.

A heterogeneous multicore system-on-chip (SoC) has been developed for high-definition (HD) multimedia applications that require secure DRM (digital rights management). The SoC integrates three types of processors: two specific-purpose accelerators for cipher and high-resolution video decoding; one general-purpose accelerator (MX); and three CPUs. This is how our SoC achieves high performance and low power consumption with hardware customized for video processing applications that process a large amount of data. To achieve secure data control, hardware memory management and software system virtualization are adopted. The security of the system is the result of the cooperation between the hardware and software on the system. Furthermore, a highly tamper-resistant system is provided on our SiP (System in a package), through DDR2 SDRAMs and a flash memory that contain confidential information in one package. This secure multimedia processor provides a solution to protect contents and to safely deliver secure sensitive information when processing billing transactions that involve digital content delivery. The SoC was implemented in a 90 nm generic CMOS technology.

Purpose Left ventricular (LV) enlargement has been linked to sudden cardiac death among young athletes. This study aimed to model the effect of long-term incessant endurance training on LV dimensions in female adolescent runners. Methods Japanese female adolescent competitive distance runners (n = 36, age: 15 years, height: 158.1 ± 4.6 cm, weight: 44.7 ± 6.1 kg, percent body fat: 17.0 ± 5.2%) underwent echocardiography and underwater weighing every 6 months for 3 years. Since the measurement occasions varied across subjects, multilevel analysis was used for curvilinear modeling of changes in running performance (velocities in 1500 m and 3000 m track race), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), body composition, and LV dimensions. Results Initially, LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDd) and LV mass were 47.0 ± 3.0 mm and 122.6 ± 15.7 g, respectively. Running performance and VO2max improved along with the training duration. The trends of changes in fat-free mass (FFM) and LVEDd were similarly best described by quadratic polynomials. LVEDd did not change over time in the model including FFM as a covariate. Increases in LV wall thicknesses were minimal and independent of FFM. LV mass increased according to a quadratic polynomial trend even after adjusting for FFM. Conclusions FFM was an important factor determining changes in LVEDd and LV mass. Although running performance and VO2max were improved by continued endurance training, further LV cavity enlargement hardly occurred beyond FFM gain in these adolescent female runners, who already demonstrated a large LVEDd.

Aseptic loosening is one of the most important problems that can occur after total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we analysed levels of large tenascin-C (TN-C) variants and compared them in pseudosynovial fluid from patients with aseptic loosening after THA with those in synovial fluid from patients undergoing primary THA (control).Pseudosynovial fluid samples (n = 24) were obtained by aspiration at the time of revision THA performed due to aseptic loosening. Synovial fluid samples (n = 12) were obtained by aspiration at the time of primary THA. Expression of TN-C splice variants was examined using immunoblotting. TN-C levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system that we developed previously.Western blotting showed the presence of large TN-C variants in pseudosynovial fluid of artificial joints with loosening. TN-C levels were approximately three times higher in pseudosynovial fluid of loose artificial joints (median 151.9 ng/mL) than in synovial fluid controls (median 50.1 ng/mL) (p = 0.035).Levels of TN-C including large variant subunits are elevated in pseudosynovial fluid of loose artificial joints, indicating that TN-C is a useful novel biochemical marker of loose hip prostheses.

A microprobe system with a micrometer size probe sphere is required to establish the nano-CMM that is a three dimensional coordinate measuring machine with a measuring range of mm and accuracy of nm order. In this paper, the newly developed vibrational probing technique for the microprobe sytem is presented. The principle is based on the single-beam gradient-force optical trap and the forced vibration method. An optically trapped silica particle in air is vibrated using the laser beam scanning method. Frequency response is examined to estimate the radial spring constant of the microprobe system. Fundamental measurements of a micro-step specimen fabricated using a FIB (Focused Ion Beam) process are demonstrated to investigate the position detection sensitivity.

The efficacy of electrocardiography (ECG) in the diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in 890 males, newly recruited to Japanese professional sumo wrestling (15.9 +/- 1.8 years of age, 177.8 +/- 4.7cm, 107.3 +/- 4.7kg), was tested by comparing simple, widely employed ECG criteria (Sokolow-Lyon chest and limb lead voltages and Cornell voltage with repolarisation criteria) with echocardiographic evaluations of LV mass indexed to body surface area. LV hypertrophy was defined as a LV mass index2 SD above the mean value obtained from 115 age-matched, normotensive, sedentary, male controls. The prevalence of LV hypertrophy as determined by echocardiography was 9.0% the entire group and was 8.3% among the 484 normotensives. The sensitivities of the three ECG criteria wereor = 36.0%, and their specificities were 70.0-99.0%. In contrast to the Sokolow-Lyon chest lead criteria, the diagnostic performance of the Cornell criteria was little affected by body mass index (BMI), and stepwise regression revealed that BMI did not significantly correlate with Cornell voltage. Still, the diagnostic efficacy of ECG was not sufficient to merit its use for primary recognition of LV hypertrophy among professional sumo wrestlers. Indeed, LV hypertrophy will likely go undetected by ECG in most overweight muscular athletes.

To explore the physiologic limit of left ventricular (LV) enlargement, we performed echocardiography and air displacement plethysmography to respectively assess LV dimension and function and the body composition of Japanese professional sumo wrestlers. After excluding subjects with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)or =17.9 pg/ml, diabetes mellitus, or asthma, 331 subjects (mean +/- SD age, 21.6 +/- 3.7 years; height 179.2 +/- 5.3 cm; weight 1,17.9 +/- 21.5 kg; percent fat, 29.6 +/- 6.6%) were analyzed. LV end-diastolic dimension averaged 58.4 +/- 3.7 mm and was within the generally regarded normal limit (or =54 mm) in 14.5% of subjects, but wasor =60 mm in 41.1% of subjects. LV septal and posterior wall thicknesses were 10.3 +/- 0.9 and 10.2 +/- 0.9 mm, respectively. Peak E- and A-wave velocities, E/A ratio, LV fractional shortening, and BNP were 96 +/- 16 and 51 +/- 13 cm/s, 2.0 +/- 0.7, 33.5 +/- 4.5%, and 3.1 +/- 3.7 pg/ml, respectively. LV end-diastolic dimension was not correlated with these indexes of LV function or with plasma BNP levels, but was significantly correlated with height, weight, body surface area, fat-free mass, and fat mass. These results show that among very large, highly trained, professional athletes, LV end-diastolic dimension frequently exceeds the traditionally accepted upper limit of normal for the general population. This increase in LV end-diastolic dimension may thus represent an extreme example of the physiologic adaptation of the athlete's heart.

Background: Annual changes in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels detected by the Imari prostate cancer screening program were evaluated to establish a more efficient and cost-saving screening system, especially for men with low PSA levels. Methods: Prostate specific antigen-based annual mass screenings for prostate cancer were conducted for men aged 60–69 in the Imari district, Saga, Japan. Between 1992 and 2000, 1822 men had their PSA levels tested. A total of 4661 PSA tests were conducted. Changes in PSA levels over the following 1 to 5 years were analyzed in men with PSA levels of 3 ng/mL or less, a range in which the detection rate of prostate cancer would seem to be negligibly low. Results: The overall detection rate of prostate cancer between 1992 and 2000 was 0.73%. The detection rate in men with a PSA level between 3.1 and 3.9 ng/mL, and between 4 and 9.9 ng/mL was 1.6% and 8.3%, respectively. Of 4661 determinations of PSA, 2553 (54.8%) were found to be ≤ 1 ng/mL, 1273 (27.3%) were between 1.1 and 2 ng/mL, and 401 (8.6%) were between 2.1 and 3 ng/mL. Four hundred and thirty-four men (9.3%) had PSA levels ≥ 3.1 ng/mL, with possible indications for prostate biopsy. Of the men tested, 1.4% with an initial PSA level of ≤ 2 ng/mL and 22.3% with an initial level between 2.1 and 3 ng/mL had a PSA level of ≥ 3.1 ng/mL after 1 year. Almost the same rate of PSA increase was observed between the two PSA tests conducted at 2 to 5-year intervals. Of the men tested, 2.2% with an initial PSA level of ≤ 2 ng/mL, and 21.9% with an initial level between 2.1 and 3 ng/mL, had a level of ≥ 3.1 ng/mL after 5 years. Conclusion: Levels of PSA in men with an initial level below 2 ng/mL remained stable for up to 5 years. Levels of PSA in 97.8– 98.8% of men remained below 3 ng/mL after 1 to 5 years. In contrast, 18–35.3% of men with an initial PSA level between 2.1 and 3 ng/mL showed PSA progression to 3.1 ng/mL or more within 5 years. Our present data suggest that annual PSA testing is not necessary for men with a PSA level below 2 ng/mL. Prostate specific antigen testing could therefore be conducted at longer intervals in such individuals.

Background: The semi-dry dot-blot (SDB) method is a diagnostic procedure for detecting lymph node (LN) metastases. Metastases are confirmed by the presence of cytokeratin (CK) in lavage fluid of sectioned LNs that contain anti-pancytokeratin antibody, based on the theory that epithelial components such as CK are not found in normal LNs. We evaluated two novel SDB kits that use the newly developed anti-CK19 antibody for diagnosing LN metastases in breast cancer. Methods: We obtained 159 LNs dissected from 93 breast cancer patients from July 2013 to December 2015 at Nagasaki University Hospital, including 38 dissected axillary LNs and 121 sentinel LNs, sliced at 2-mm intervals and washed with phosphate-buffered saline. The suspended cells in the lavage fluid of sliced LNs were centrifuged and lysed to extract protein. This extracted protein was used with a low-power and a high-power kit to diagnose LN metastasis. The washed LNs were blindly diagnosed by pathologists using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Diagnoses based on the kit were compared with their H&E counterparts. Results: Of the 159 LNs, 68 were assessed as positive and 91 as negative by permanent pathological examination with H&E. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the low-power kit for detecting LN metastases was 83.8%, 100%, and 93.1%, respectively. In 11 false-negative cases, there were nine micrometastases, producing a sensitivity of 96.4% for detecting macrometastases. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the high-power kit for detecting LN metastases was 92.6%, 92.3%, and 92.5%, respectively. Combining the low- and high-power kit results, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for distinguishing macrometastases from micrometastases was 94.5%, 95.2%, and 95.0%, respectively. Diagnosis was achieved in approximately 20 min using the kits, at a cost of less than 25 USD. Conclusions: The kits in our study were accurate, quick, and cost-effective in diagnosing LN metastases without the loss of LN tissue. The kits' ability to distinguish macrometastases from micrometastases was excellent, which is important, clinically. Citation Format: Otsubo R, Hirakawa H, Oikawa M, Inamasu E, Baba M, Matsumoto M, Yano H, Kinoshita N, Abe K, Fukuoka J, Nagayasu T. Validation of novel diagnostic kits using the semi-dry dot-blot method for detecting metastatic lymph nodes in breast cancer; distinguishing macrometastases and micrometastases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-31.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether a relationship exists between left ventricular morphology and aerobic capacity in large numbers of male university students with a physically inactive and active life style. DESIGN A prospective study. SETTING Sports medicine research center. PARTICIPANTS Eleven sedentary normal-weight university students, 17 sedentary overweight university students, and 215 university athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES After the echocardiographic examination, an incremental treadmill exercise test until exhaustion was performed to measure peak oxygen uptake (VO2). RESULTS In sedentary students, absolute peak VO2 in the overweight students was slightly higher than that in normal-weight students (3,024 vs. 2.912 ml/min). Relative peak VO2 (ml/min/kg) was highly negatively correlated with body mass index (kg/m2) in a total of 28 sedentary students. The correlation between absolute peak VO2 and left ventricular dimension was weak in the sedentary overweight students; however, a correlation coefficient of 0.55 was obtained in athletic students. A stepwise multiple regression showed significant determinants of absolute peak VO2 in athletic students for body surface area (45%), left ventricular dimension (7%), and certain sports (6%). CONCLUSIONS A physically active life style plays a role in increasing both aerobic capacity and left ventricular enlargement. Body size appeared to be a potent stimulus to left ventricular enlargement.

To investigate whether common variants in the human genetic background are associated with pathogenesis of ischemic heart diseases, we systematically surveyed 41 possible candidate genes for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by directly sequencing 96 independent alleles at each locus, derived from 48 unrelated Japanese patients with myocardial infarction, including 25.8 kb 5' flanking regions, 56.8 kb exonic and 35.4 kb intronic sequences, and 1.8 kb 3' flanking regions. In this genomic DNA of nearly 120 kb, we identified 187 SNPs: 55 in 5' flanking regions, seven in 5' untranslated regions (UTRs), 52 in coding elements, 64 in introns, eight in 3' UTRs, and one in a 3' flanking region. Among the 52 coding SNPs, 26 were non-synonymous changes. Allelic frequencies of some of the polymorphisms were significantly different from those reported in European populations. For example, the Q506R substitution in the coagulation factor V gene, the so-called "Leiden mutation", has a reported frequency of 2.3% in Europeans, but we detected the Leiden mutation in none of the Japanese genomes that we investigated. The allelic frequencies of the –33A>G SNP in the thrombomodulin gene were also very different; this allele occurred at a 12% frequency in the Japanese patients that we examined, although it had been detected in none of 82 Caucasians reported previously. These data support the hypothesis that some SNPs are specific to particular ethnic groups.

ESR measurements of the superconducting K-doped C 60 “polymer” were carried out, in order to clarify the difference from ordinary K-doped C 60 , i.e. monomer. Observed ESR spectrum was simulated by four Lorentzian lines. The temperature dependences of the ESR linewidth, g factor and spin susceptibility are obtained for each ESR line. At room temperature the linewidth and g factor of the broadest ESR absorption line are, about 400 G and 2.01, respectively. The linewidths for other lines are 150, 53 and 16 G with the common g factor of 2.000. The linewidths of the ESR spectrum of superconducting K-doped C 60 “polymer” are found to be much broader than those of monomer sample. Similar to monomer sample, two absorption lines with weakly temperature-dependent intensity were observed, one of which disappeared (150 G width) below the super-conducting transition temperature ( T c = 15 K).

It has been suggested recently that the \ensuremath{\alpha}-(BEDT-TTF${)}_{2}$MHg(SCN${)}_{4}$ salts (M=K and Tl) exhibit a bulk quantum Hall effect at high fields [Harrison et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 1576 (1996)]. We have examined experimentally predictions concerning the transport of current under such conditions. We find that the high field Shubnikov--de Haas oscillations exhibit a complicated temperature dependence, which is not evident in de Haas--van Alphen measurements on the same samples. These differences may be explained in terms of the competition between transport via the bulk and via the surface of the sample.

Raman and DSC measurements for binary solutions of polyhydric alcohols and polyamines mixed with alkaline perchlorates and alkaline tetrafluoroborates are presented as a function of temperature and salt concentration. In these systems, the glass transition temperature increases with salt concentration, whereas highly concentrated systems showed an inflection anomaly. This glass transition anomaly is discussed in relation to the solvation of ions surrounded by organic solvents. The solvation structure is interpreted on the basis of the thermal excitation of the hydroxyl and amino groups.

The Shubnikov--de Haas (SdH) measurements of the two-dimensional organic conductors (BEDT--TTF${)}_{2}$MHg(SCN${)}_{4}$ for M=Tl, K, Rb, and ${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$ have been performed in order to investigate the structure of the Fermi surface. In addition to the closed orbit and the magnetic breakdown orbit in the original Fermi surface, many different SdH oscillations are found for the salts (M=Tl, K, and Rb) which have the spin-density-wave (SDW) ground state whereas only one frequency is observed for the ${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$ salt. All the frequencies follow the same angular dependence. On the basis of the relation between the SdH frequencies, the Fermi surface in the SDW phase, which has no open sheets, is reconstructed. The origin of the magnetic breakdown orbit and the large hysteresis in the resistance observed below the transition field for M=Tl, K, and Rb is explained in terms of the coexistence of the SDW phase and the normal metallic phase. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

The magnetic-field dependence of the resistance of~BEDT-TTF! 2MHg~SCN!4@M5K,Rb,Tl# in the densitywave phase is explained in terms of a simple model involving magnetic breakdown and a reconstructed Fermi surface. The theory is compared to measurements in pulsed magnetic fields up to 51 T. The value implied for the scattering time is consistent with independent determinations. The energy gap associated with the densitywave phase is deduced from the magnetic breakdown field. Our results have important implications for the phase diagram. @S0163-1829~96!52036-9#

We have made a systematic study of the temperature- and field-dependence of the quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance of the quasi-2D systems (BEDT-TTF)(2)MHg(SCN)(4) (M=K, Rb, Tl, NH4) and the quasi-1D system (TMTSF)(2)ClO4 at fields up to 51 T and temperatures down to 300 mK. Recent theoretical work can explain the high magnetic-field induced phase transitions observed in these systems.

The advent of user-oriented pulsed magnetic fields combined with low temperature capability has opened up a new perspective on low-dimensional, and in particular, organic conductor physics. Opportunities include: the application of Fermiology methods both below and above the magnetic field induced phase transitions in the density wave materials; the quest for the quantum limit in bulk low-dimensional materials; and the search for electron interaction effects in the quasi-one-dimensional limit. This paper will focus on several such applications and directions in the (BEDT—TTF) 2 MHg(SCN) 4 quasi-two-dimensional and (TMTSF) 2 ClO 4 quasi-one-dimensional organic conductors.

We have used the magnetoresistance and the Shubnikov--de Haas effect to study the pressure-dependent ground states of \ensuremath{\alpha}-(BEDT-TTF${)}_{2}$MHg(SCN${)}_{4}$ [where BEDT-TTF is alpha-bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene-M (=potassium, rubidium, thallium, or ammonium)-mercury-thiocyanate]. Extended H\"uckel tight-binding calculations show that this isostructural class of materials has a quasi-two-dimensional Fermi surface with both open and closed orbit bands. Both superconducting (M=${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$) and density-wave (M=K, Tl, and Rb) states in these materials have been investigated. We report the effects of pressure on the electronic structure (Fermi surface), the density-wave state, and the superconducting state. We find (where M=Tl, for example) that the fundamental closed-orbit and Brillouin-zone areas increase with pressure at a rate of 1.3%/kbar and 0.5%/kbar, respectively. We observe pressure-induced changes in the nesting condition of the open-orbit band that allow new small closed orbits on the Fermi surface. The onset of quasi-three-dimensional behavior with increasing pressure is observed in some cases. In those materials with density-wave states, the associated resistive anomalies are removed between 6 and 8 kbar. In the superconducting member (M=${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$), pressure decreases the superconducting transition temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ as ${\mathit{dT}}_{\mathit{c}}$/dP\ensuremath{\approxeq}-0.25 K/kbar, with a corresponding reduction in the effective mass. From analysis of the pressure dependence of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ we find that the interaction term in the mean-field expression for superconductivity is very sensitive to pressure. We note that the pronounced pressure dependence of the electronic properties of these materials provides fertile ground for future studies of low-dimensional phenomena.

In order to investigate the biological characteristics of deficit syndrome in schizophrenia (Carpenter et al 1988), we examined cerebroventricular ratios (CVRs) and plasma concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA) in a group of schizophrenic inpatients with deficit syndrome ( n = 20) and in a control group of age- and sex-matched schizophrenic inpatients without deficit syndrome ( n = 20). Symptoms and intelligence levels were measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), respectively. Patients in the deficit group had significantly higher CVRs as well as significantly elevated plasma HVA concentrations when compared with patients in the nondeficit group. We also found that the mean total WAIS score in the deficit group was significantly lower than that in the nondeficit group. These findings suggest the biological heterogeneity of schizophrenia. Increased central dopaminergic turnover, as indicated by higher plasma HVA concentrations may partially account for the pathogenesis of deficit syndrome.

A plasma arc, which is produced through a small diameter nozzle, is applied to surface modification of steel. The nozzle diameters are 0.2 and 0.3 mm; the arc diameter is so small that the power density is of the order of 106 W/cm2. This is applicable to small area surface modifications. In case of surface hardening due to self-quenching, Vickers hardness of 1000 is obtained for AISI 1045; melting does not occur. In case of alloying with SiC particles, Vickers hardness of 1200 is obtained for AISI 1010; furthermore, the wear resistivity is increased by a factor of several tens.

We have used angular-dependent magnetoresistance to probe the anomalous low-temperature state in the two-band (quasi-one- and -two-dimensional) organic conductor family [alpha]-(BEDT-TTF)[sub 2][ital M]Hg(SCN)[sub 4], where BEDT-TTF stands for bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene. Our results provide strong evidence for a mixed state of both normal-metallic and Peierls-like domains with correspondingly different electronic structure. The different attributes of these coexisting domains are shown to be responsible for the complex magnetotransport phenomena in these materials, including the strong hysteretic behavior and the quantum-oscillation wave forms.

pe have measured the low temperature transport and magnetic behavior in α-(BEDTTTF) 2 RbHg(SCN) 4 [alpha-bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene-rubidium-mercurp-thiocpanate]. Below 12 K this material is believed to go into a spin density pave state. At lower temperatures, below 1 K, a further transition to a lower resistance state occurs, which may be a tendency for superconductivity. We have determined the corresponding T - H phase diagram for the new state, and report shielding experiments which show less than 0.1% diamagnetic effect consistent pith filamentary superconductivity. pe also consider the effect from the point of view of a peak anti-localization mechanism.

Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) measurements of the two-dimensional organic conductor (BEDT-TTF)2TIHg(SCN)4 have been performed in order to clarify the Fermi surface. At 0.05 K, in addition to the closed orbit and the magnetic breakdown orbit in the original Fermi surface,eight different SdH oscillations are found. All the frequencies follow the same angular dependence. The results are well explained in terms of the reconstruction of the Fermi surface due to spin density wave formation.

Shubnikov—de Haas (SdH) measurements in the quasi-two-dimensional (2D) organic conductor (BEDT-TTF) 2 TlHg(SCN) 4 have been carried out to investigate the ground state. The closed orbit of the 2D Fermi surface and the magnetic breakdown orbit are observed above 10 T. Below 3 T, three small closed orbits are found, which are made by the nearly perfect nesting of the one-dimensional (1D) Fermi surface. The results indicate that the ground state is a spin density wave state at low magnetic fields and that the nesting is removed by high magnetic fields.

Since the discovery of a kink in the magnetoresistance of (BEDT-TTF)2KHg(SCN)4 by the Tokyo group [Osada et al., Phys. Rev. B41 (1990) 5428] several years ago, this family (where K may be replaced by NH4, Tl, or Rb) has become one of the most exciting areas of organic conductor research. At the heart of the matter is the interplay of the open and closed orbit sections of the Fermi surface, in which subtle details of topology apparently play major roles in the low temperature state (LTS). Recent experiments involving angular dependent magnetoresistance, and determinations of magnetic breakdown orbits provide clues to the mechanisms which act in the LTS. We present a model which addresses the anomalous magnetoresistance phenomena in the LTS. The model involves the connection via magnetic breakdown of otherwise disconnected closed hole and open electron bands.

Members of the family of low-dimensional organic conductors α-(BEDT-TTF) 2 MHg(SCN) 4 , with M=K, Rb, Tl, or NH 4 , have a Fermi surface (FS) consisting of both quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) closed hole orbits and quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) open orbits. The charge transfer salts with M=K, Rb, and Tl undergo an antiferro-magnetic ordering transition at about 10 K, which results in a density wave ground state. We have performed magnetoresistance (MR) measurements on α-(BEDT-TTF) 2 RbHg(SCN) 4 in order to understand details of the FS, and the nature of the interaction of the FS with the magnetic ordering in this material

A single mode YAG laser beam is transformed into a linear beam of uniform power density distribution, which is shaped through a shaping mask, a convex lens and a cylindrical lens. The mask eliminates the surrounding part of the beam with low power density and generates the uniform density distribution. The convex lens converges the beam and generates a high power density beam. The cylindrical lens transforms the circular beam into the linear shaped beam. A ditch with sharp edge can be obtained by scanning the shaped beam; the ditch depth can be controlled by varying the focusing position of the beam. This optical system is applied to produce profiles of saw blade and notch in ceramics with numerical control systems for the workpiece.

The Shubnikov--de Haas (SdH) measurements in the quasi-two-dimensional (2D) conductor (BEDT-TTF${)}_{2}$TlHg(SCN${)}_{4}$ have been performed to clarify the ground state. The SdH oscillations with frequencies of 663 and 4270 T are observed for H?${\mathit{b}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ above 10 T, which come from the closed orbit of the 2D Fermi surface and the magnetic-breakdown orbit, respectively. Below 3 T, three SdH oscillations with frequencies lower than 13 T are found. These low-frequency oscillations are interpreted to correspond to the small closed orbits caused by the nearly perfect nesting of the 1D Fermi surface. The results indicate that the ground state is a spin-density-wave state at low magnetic fields, but the nesting is removed by high magnetic fields. Two of the three low frequencies depend on temperature below 0.6 K. The observation shows that the Fermi surfaces change as temperature varies.

This article presents a feed speed optimization method for the circular saw lateral stability in wood cutting. The saw blade lateral deflection was monitored and the workpiece feed speed controled. An eddy current sensor was used to measure the saw deflection. Results showed that it was possible to keep the saw blade lateral deflection within a desired limit. This method may represent a promising technique in high speed cutting during the optimization process.

Why superconductivity appears in only one member (M=${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$) of the isostructural family of organic conductors \ensuremath{\alpha}-(BEDT-TTF${)}_{2}$MHg(SCN${)}_{4}$ is a long-standing question. Others in the family (M =K,Rb,Tl) have density-wave ground states. To address this problem, we have studied pressure effects in superconducting \ensuremath{\alpha}-(BEDT-TTF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$Hg(SCN${)}_{4}$ (${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$=1.0 K). Our results show a remarkable pressure dependence of the Fermi surface topology. We argue that with ${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}$, there are small deviations from perfect nesting of the open-orbit bands which favor superconductivity over a density-wave state.

Scanning tunneling micrographs of cleaved (ET) 2 KHg(SCN) 4 crystals [where ET is bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene] indicate two distinct types of surfaces. Scans of type I surfaces show a 2D lattice and packing arrangement characteristic of the ET molecular layer; these features are relatively insensitive to reversal of the tip polarity. By contrast, scans of type II surfaces show maxima consistent either with the positions of the K-Hg atoms or with the SCN groups, depending upon the polarity of the tip

We investigated the effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), administered directly into the rat anterior hypothalamus (AHY), on monoamine release in the same region by using a brain microdialysis technique and an HPLC-electrochemical detection system. First, to study the local effects of IL-1 beta, we used a microdialysis probe equipped with a microinjection tube for administering IL-1 beta in the same region into which the probe had been inserted. IL-1 beta (1 ng) injected directly into the AHY elicited release of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-HT, as well as increases in their metabolites, 4- hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylglycol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 4- hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, in the AHY. Vehicle alone exerted no effect on monoamine release. Although the elevated levels of NE and DA persisted for more than 6 hr after injection of IL-1 beta, the elevated levels of 5-HT were transient. Second, in order to investigate whether this effect of IL-1 beta is a direct action in the AHY, we performed in vitro experiments using hypothalamus slices. IL-1 beta (0.1 and 1 nM) increased the levels of each monoamine released from hypothalamic slices in a dose- dependent manner. These findings suggest that IL-1 beta acts directly on the hypothalamus to induce release of NE, DA, and 5-HT. Third, the roles of prostaglandins (PGs) in NE release in the AHY elicited by direct injection of IL-1 beta were examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

We report systematic high-magnetic-field and low-temperature measurements on several members of the α-(BEDT- TTF)2MHg(SCN)4 family of low-dimensional organic conductors. For M = K, transport, high-pressure and magnetic studies show the presence of a magnetic phase which is removed either with high magnetic fields or with high pressure. For M = Rb, transport measurements indicate the existence of a magnetic phase similar to the case for M = K, but with a higher transition temperature and critical field. For both M = K and Rb the split Landau level phenomenon is observed. We also report the pressure dependence of the Fermi surface for M = NH4 and K.