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Abstract This study provides a comparative analysis of two state-of-the-art automatic mosquito pupae sex sorters currently available: the ORINNO and the WOLBAKI Biotech pupae sex separation systems, which both exploit the sexual size dimorphism of pupae. In Aedes aegypti, the WOLBAKI sex sorter and the ORINNO with a sieve mesh size of 1.050 mm achieved sex separation with female contamination rates below 1%, low pupae mortality rates and high male flight capacity. However, in Ae. albopictus, there was more variability, with female contamination rates above the 1% threshold and pupae mortality reaching 27% when using the ORINNO sorter. On the other hand, the WOLBAKI sorter achieved a male pupae recovery of 47.99 ± 8.81% and 50.91 ± 11.77% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, while the ORINNO sorter with a smaller sieve size achieved male pupae recoveries of 38.08 ± 9.69% and 40.16 ± 2.73% in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. This study provides valuable information for researchers and practitioners in the field, assisting in the selection of the most suitable system for mosquito control, management and research programs depending on their specific requirements.

The calcium isotopes are an ideal system to investigate the evolution of shell structure and magic numbers. Although the properties of surface nucleons in calcium have been well studied, probing the structure of deeply bound nucleons remains a challenge. Here, we report on the first measurement of unbound states in 53Ca and 55Ca, populated from 54,56Ca(p,pn) reactions at a beam energy of around 216 MeV/nucleon at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotopes Beam Factory. The resonance properties, partial cross sections, and momentum distributions of these unbound states were analyzed. Orbital angular momentum l assignments were extracted from momentum distributions based on calculations using the distorted wave impulse approximation (DWIA) reaction model. The resonances at excitation energies of 5516(41)keV in 53Ca and 6000(250)keV in 55Ca indicate a significant l =3 component, providing the first experimental evidence for the ν0f7/2 single-particle strength of unbound hole states in the neutron-rich Ca isotopes. The observed excitation energies and cross-sections point towards extremely localized and well separated strength distributions, with some fragmentation for the ν0f7/2 orbital in 55Ca. These results are in good agreement with predictions from shell-model calculations using the effective GXPF1Bs interaction and ab initio calculations and diverge markedly from the experimental distributions in the nickel isotones at Z=28.

Abstract In the last decade, the use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) to suppress mosquito vectors have rapidly expanded in many countries facing the complexities of scaling up production and procedures to sustain large-scale operational programs. While many solutions have been proposed to improve mass production, sex separation and field release procedures, relatively little attention has been devoted to effective mass sterilization of mosquitoes. Since irradiation of pupae en masse has proven difficult to standardise with several variables affecting dose response uniformity, the manipulation of adult mosquitoes appears to be the most promising method to achieve effective and reliable sterilization of large quantities of mosquitoes. A 3D-printed phase change material based coolable canister was developed which can compact, immobilize and hold around 100,000 adult mosquitoes during mass radio sterilization procedures. The mass irradiation and compaction treatments affected the survival and the flight ability of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti adult males but the use of the proposed irradiation canister under chilled conditions (6.7–11.3 °C) significantly improved their quality and performance. The use of this cooled canister will facilitate adult mass irradiation procedures in self-contained irradiators in operational mosquito SIT programmes.

Urban areas are responsible for more than 40 % of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The Tokyo metropolitan area (TMA), Japan, one of the most populated regions in the world, includes various emission sources, such as thermal power plants, automobile traffic, and residential facilities. In order to infer a top–down emission estimate, we conducted an intensive field campaign in the TMA from February to April 2016 to measure column-averaged dry-air mole fractions of CO2 (XCO2) with three ground-based Fourier transform spectrometers (one IFS 125HR and two EM27/SUN spectrometers). At two urban sites (Saitama and Sodegaura), measured XCO2 values were generally larger than those at a rural site (Tsukuba) by up to 9.5 ppm, and average diurnal variations increased toward evening. To simulate the XCO2 enhancement (ΔXCO2) resulting from emissions at each observation site, we used the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model driven by meteorological fields at a horizontal resolution of ∼1 km from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which was coupled with anthropogenic (large point source and area source) CO2 emissions and biogenic fluxes. Although some of the diurnal variation of ΔXCO2 was not reproduced and plumes from nearby large point sources were not captured, primarily because of a transport modeling error, the WRF–STILT simulations using prior fluxes were generally in good agreement with the observations (mean bias, 0.30 ppm; standard deviation, 1.31 ppm). By combining observations with high-resolution modeling, we developed an urban-scale inversion system in which spatially resolved CO2 emission fluxes at >3 km resolution and a scaling factor of large point source emissions were estimated on a monthly basis by using Bayesian inference. The XCO2 simulation results from the posterior CO2 fluxes were improved (mean bias, −0.03 ppm; standard deviation, 1.21 ppm). The prior and posterior total CO2 emissions in the TMA are 1.026 ± 0.116 and 1.037 ± 0.054 Mt-CO2 d−1 at the 95 % confidence level, respectively. The posterior total CO2 emissions agreed with emission inventories within the posterior uncertainty, demonstrating that the EM27/SUN spectrometer data can constrain urban-scale monthly CO2 emissions.

γ emission probabilities from unbound states in 78,80Se, populated by a neutron-transfer reaction (d,p) on 77,79Se nuclei in inverse kinematics, were measured by directly detecting reaction residues. Assuming the spin distribution at the respective excitation energy of the unbound state, the cross-sections of the 79Se(n,γ)80Se reaction were evaluated using the γ emission probabilities. The surrogate-ratio method with the experimental γ emission probabilities of 78,80Se was also employed to deduce the cross-sections of 79Se(n,γ) reaction by incorporating the theoretical evaluations of the neutron-capture reaction on the isomeric state in 77Se. Our two cross-sections are in good agreement with existing nuclear data compilations for the neutron-capture reaction on 79Se. The presented method contributes to the body of existing knowledge by providing approaches for determining the neutron capture cross-sections of radioactive nuclei at various neutron energies.

Gamma decays were observed in 56Ca and 58Ca following quasi-free one-proton knockout reactions from 57,59Sc beams at ≈200 MeV/nucleon. For 56Ca, a γ ray transition was measured to be 1456(12) keV, while for 58Ca an indication for a transition was observed at 1115(34) keV. Both transitions were tentatively assigned as the 21+→0gs+ decays, and were compared to results from ab initio and conventional shell-model approaches. A shell-model calculation in a wide model space with a marginally modified effective nucleon-nucleon interaction depicts excellent agreement with experiment for 21+ level energies, two-neutron separation energies, and reaction cross sections, corroborating the formation of a new nuclear shell above the N = 34 shell. Its constituents, the 0f5/2 and 0g9/2 orbitals, are almost degenerate. This degeneracy precludes the possibility for a doubly magic 60Ca and potentially drives the dripline of Ca isotopes to 70Ca or even beyond.

After a long device enhancement phase, scientific operation resumed in 2022. The main new device components are the water cooling of all plasma facing components and the new water-cooled high heat flux divertor units. Water cooling allowed for the first long-pulse operation campaign. A maximum discharge length of 8 min was achieved with a total heating energy of 1.3 GJ. Safe divertor operation was demonstrated in attached and detached mode. Stable detachment is readily achieved in some magnetic configurations but requires impurity seeding in configurations with small magnetic pitch angle within the edge islands. Progress was made in the characterization of transport mechanisms across edge magnetic islands: Measurement of the potential distribution and flow pattern reveals that the islands are associated with a strong poloidal drift, which leads to rapid convection of energy and particles from the last closed flux surface into the scrape-off layer. Using the upgraded plasma heating systems, advanced heating scenarios were developed, which provide improved energy confinement comparable to the scenario, in which the record triple product for stellarators was achieved in the previous operation campaign. However, a magnetic configuration-dependent critical heating power limit of the electron cyclotron resonance heating was observed. Exceeding the respective power limit leads to a degradation of the confinement.

Recently, experiments on basic plasma physics issues for solving future problems in fusion energy have been performed on a Large Helical Device. There are several problems to be solved in future devices for fusion energy. Emerging issues in burning plasma are: alpha-channeling (ion heating by alpha particles), turbulence and transport in electron dominant heating helium ash exhaust, reduction of the divertor heat load. To solve these problems, understanding the basic plasma physics of (1) wave–particle interaction through (inverse) Landau damping, (2) characteristics of electron-scale (high- k ) turbulence, (3) ion mixing and the isotope effect, and (4) turbulence spreading and detachment, is necessary. This overview discusses the experimental studies on these issues and turbulent transport in multi-ion plasma and other issues in the appendix.

Laser plasma instabilities, such as stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and two-plasmon decay (TPD), are basic phenomena in intense laser science and applications. In direct-drive inertial confinement fusion (ICF) where a fuel capsule is imploded by high-power lasers, SRS and TPD are generally problematic because hot electrons (HEs) generated by SRS and TPD cause fuel preheating, whereas HEs with acceptable energy are expected to contribute to ablation pressure enhancement. In all cases, it is necessary to clarify the occurrence of SRS, TPD, and subsequent HE generation. The ablator of a fuel capsule in direct-drive ICF typically consists of carbon with a variable amount of hydrogen (H). We investigated the H effects in the ablator on SRS, TPD, and HEs under direct-drive ICF conditions at the GEKKO laser facility in planer geometry. The experimental results showed an increase in SRS, TPD, and HEs when H was present in the ablator. The analysis indicated that the variations in plasma inhomogeneity and plasma temperature obtained by H addition were insufficient to explain the observed results. Thus, the enhancement is mainly attributed to the high ion acoustic wave damping driven by the H ions into the plasmas, suggesting that Langmuir decay instability caused SRS saturation, whereas other mechanisms, such as cavitation, could overwhelm the TPD saturation. These results suggest that a suitable choice of H concentration in the ablator is critical for mitigating and controlling the extent of SRS, TPD, and HEs to achieve robust and efficient implosion in direct-drive ICF.

The success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) relies on the achievement of high levels of sterility and mating success of the factory-reared sterile males and thus their biological quality, which can be enhanced by the reduction of stress factors encountered during rearing, handling, and irradiation procedures. The achievement of consistent sterility levels requires reliable and standard irradiation protocols. Additionally, mosquito adults require immobilization prior to, and during irradiation to increase processing efficiency and to avoid physical damage caused by movement in restricted space. Common methods for immobilization include chilling and anesthetics such as nitrogen. Here we assessed the effects of chilling and exposure to nitrogen on the irradiation dose-response of Aedes mosquitoes, and their downstream effects on some male quality parameters including longevity and flight ability. We found that chilling does not incur damage in the insects in terms of longevity and flight ability when chilling duration and temperature are carefully controlled, and a recovery phase is provided. Irradiation in nitrogen shows high radioprotective effects during irradiation, resulting in reduced induction of sterility. Overall, longevity of males can be improved by irradiating in anoxia, however the exposure to nitrogen itself comes with negative impacts on flight ability. The results reported here will assist in the standardization and optimization of irradiation protocols for the SIT to control mosquito populations of medical relevance.

States in the N=35 and 37 isotopes 55,57Ca have been populated by direct proton-induced nucleon removal reactions from 56,58Sc and 56Ca beams at the RIBF. In addition, the (p,2p) quasi-free single-proton removal reaction from 56Ca was studied. Excited states in 55K, 55Ca, and 57Ca were established for the first time via in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. Results for the proton and neutron removal reactions from 56Ca to states in 55K and 55Ca for the level energies, excited state lifetimes, and exclusive cross sections agree well with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations using different approaches. The observation of a short-lived state in 57Ca suggests a transition in the calcium isotopic chain from single-particle dominated states at N=35 to collective excitations at N=37.

Plasma-facing materials for next generation fusion devices, like ITER and DEMO, will be submitted to intense fluxes of light elements, notably He and H isotopes (HI). Our study focuses on tritium (T) retention on a wide range of W samples: first, different types of W materials were investigated to distinguish the impact of the pristine original structure on the retention, from W-coated samples to ITER-grade pure W samples submitted to various annealing and manufacturing procedures, along with monocrystalline W for reference. Then, He and He-D irradiated W samples were studied to investigate the impact on He-damages such as nano-bubbles (exposures in LHD or PSI-2) on T retention.We exposed all the samples to tritium gas-loading using a gentle technique preventing any introduction of new damage in the material. Tritium desorption is measured by Liquid Scintillation counting (LSC) at ambient and high temperatures (800 °C). The remaining T inventory is then measured by sample full dissolution and LSC. Results on T inventory on He exposed samples highlighted that in all cases, tritium desorption as a gas (HT) increases significantly due to the formation of He damages. Up to 1.8 times more T can be trapped in the material through a competition of various mechanisms, but the major part of the inventory desorbs at room temperature, and so will most likely not take part to the long-term trapped inventory for safety and operational perspectives. Unfortunately, investigation of “as received” industrial W (used for the making of plasma-facing materials) highlighted a strong impact of the pre existing defects on T retention: up to 2.5 times more T is trapped in “as received W” compared to annealed and polish W, and desorbs only at 800 °C, meaning ideal W material studies may underestimate T inventory for tokamak relevant conditions. Keywords: Tungsten, Helium, Tritium inventory, Plasma-wall interactions

The nuclear structure of 51Ar, an uncharted territory so far, was studied by the (p,2p) reaction using γ-ray spectroscopy for the bound states and the invariant mass method for the unbound states. Two peaks were detected in the γ-ray spectrum and six peaks were observed in the 50Ar+n relative energy spectrum. Comparing the results to our shell-model calculations, two bound and six unbound states were established. Three of the unbound states could only be placed tentatively due to the low number of counts in the relative energy spectrum of events associated with the decay through the first excited state of 50Ar. The low cross sections populating the two bound states of 51Ar could be interpreted as a clear signature for the presence of significant subshell closures at neutron numbers 32 and 34 in argon isotopes. It was also revealed that due to the two valence holes, unbound collective states coexist with individual-particle states in 51Ar.

We report on the first γ-ray spectroscopy of 51,53K produced via the 52,54Ca(p,2p) reactions at ∼250 MeV/nucleon. Unambiguous final-state angular-momentum assignments were achieved for beam intensities down to few particles per second by using a new technique based on reaction vertex tracking combined with a thick liquid-hydrogen target. Through γ-ray spectroscopy and exclusive parallel momentum distribution analysis, 3/2+ ground states and 1/2+ first excited states in 51,53K were established quantifying the natural ordering of the 1d3/2 and 2s1/2 proton-hole states that are restored at N = 32 and 34. State-of-the-art ab initio calculations and shell-model calculations with improved phenomenological effective interactions reproduce the present data and predict consistently the increase of the E(1/21+) - E(3/21+) energy differences towards N = 40. Keywords: Spectroscopy, Shell evolution, 51K, 53K

Excited states in the N=40 isotone 62Ti were populated via the 63V(p,2p)62Ti reaction at ∼200 MeV/nucleon at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory and studied using γ-ray spectroscopy. The energies of the 21+→0gs+ and 41+→21+ transitions, observed here for the first time, indicate a deformed 62Ti ground state. These energies are increased compared to the neighboring 64Cr and 66Fe isotones, suggesting a small decrease of quadrupole collectivity. The present measurement is well reproduced by large-scale shell-model calculations based on effective interactions, while ab initio and beyond mean-field calculations do not yet reproduce our findings. The shell-model calculations for 62Ti show a dominant configuration with four neutrons excited across the N=40 gap. Likewise, they indicate that the N=40 island of inversion extends down to Z=20, disfavoring a possible doubly magic character of the elusive 60Ca. Keywords: Shell evolution, Radioactive beams, Gamma-ray spectroscopy

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

We performed 100 fps stereoscopic imaging of aurora for the first time. Two identical sCMOS cameras equipped with narrow field-of-view lenses (15° by 15°) were directed at magnetic zenith with the north–south base distance of 8.1 km. Here we show the best example that a rapidly pulsating diffuse patch and a streaming discrete arc were observed at the same time with different parallaxes, and the emission altitudes were estimated as 85–95 km and > 100 km, respectively. The estimated emission altitudes are consistent with those estimated in previous studies, and it is suggested that high-speed stereoscopy is useful to directly measure the emission altitudes of various types of rapidly varying aurora. It is also found that variation of emission altitude is gradual (e.g., 10 km increase over 5 s) for pulsating patches and is fast (e.g., 10 km increase within 0.5 s) for streaming arcs.

Fe-Pt thick-films were electroplated on Ta, Ti, Co, Ni, and Cu plates (substrates) using a direct current, and the surface morphology, the magnetic properties, and the crystal structure of the films were evaluated. The films plated on the Co, Ni, and Cu substrates showed much smooth surface compared with those for the Ta and Ti ones, and we confirmed that the Cu plate was the most attractive substrate due to very small cracks after an annealing for L10 ordering. High coercivity (>800 kA/m) for the Cu substrate is almost the same as that for our previous study in which we employed the Ta substrate, and we found that the Cu plate is a hopeful substrate to improve the surface conditions of electroplated Fe-Pt thick-film magnets.

In this study, we investigated the deep-level traps in Si-doped GaN epitaxial layers by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition on c-oriented and m-oriented free-standing GaN substrates. The c-oriented and m-oriented epitaxial layers, grown at a temperature of 1000 °C and V/III ratio of 1000, contained carbon atomic concentrations of 1.7×1016 and 4.0×1015 cm–3, respectively. A hole trap was observed at about 0.89 eV above the valence band maximum by minority carrier transient spectroscopy. The trap concentrations in the c-oriented and m-oriented GaN epitaxial layers were consistent with the carbon atomic concentrations from secondary ion mass spectroscopy and the yellow luminescence intensity at 2.21 eV from photoluminescence. The trap concentrations in the m-oriented GaN epitaxial layers were lower than those in the c-oriented GaN. Two electron traps, 0.24 and 0.61 eV below the conduction band (EC) minimum, were observed in the c-oriented GaN epitaxial layer. In contrast, the m-oriented GaN epitaxial layer was free from the electron trap at EC – 0.24 eV, and the trap concentration at EC – 0.61 eV in the m-oriented GaN epitaxial layer was lower than that in the c-oriented GaN epitaxial layer. The m-oriented GaN epitaxial layer exhibited fewer hole and electron traps compared to the c-oriented GaN epitaxial layers.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen's disease) is an inherited nervous system disease affecting around 1 in 3000 and is characterized by café-au-lait spots, pigmented hamartomas of the iris (Lisch nodules), and multiple neurofibromas. Plexiform neurofibromas can show intratumoral bleeding, and the fragile surrounding blood vessels and soft tissues carry a risk of escalation to lethal bleeding. We encountered a 59-year-old man with neurofibromatosis type 1 who presented with a rapidly growing massive hematoma in the left buttock after hitting it against a chair 12 hours earlier. He was tachycardic and hypotensive (hemoglobin, 5.7 g/dl), with severe swelling and tenderness in the left gluteal region. Plain computed tomography revealed a large, hyperdense, subcutaneous soft-tissue mass on the left buttock measuring 23 × 12 × 24 cm. Selective angiography demonstrated significant arterial supply to the lesion from a highly hypertrophied left L4 lumbar artery as well as the left superior gluteal artery. Embolization of these vessels was performed to reduce tumor blood supply. After returning to the intensive care unit, a central area of skin necrosis was noted. The wound was debrided; healing with scarring after 6 weeks with the tumor returning to its original size within 6 months. Hemorrhage in neurofibromatosis type 1 is attributed to a friable vasculature secondary to arterial dysplasia or vascular invasion by the neurofibroma. As neurofibroma is highly vascular, vessel rupture can occur spontaneously or with trivial trauma. Arterial embolization represents the method of choice for treating intratumoral bleeding in neurofibromatosis type 1, as a minimally invasive means of controlling arterial bleeding.

Washcoated catalysts on honeycomb substrates are widely used as automotive catalysts, and it is well known that their catalytic performance is limited by gas transport resistance. In order to reduce the gas transport resistance, understanding the relationship between gas transport and pore properties is essential. Since a washcoat layer consists of porous metal oxide particles (e.g., Al2O3), the washcoat layer has two types of pores: primary pores, which are located inside the porous metal oxide particles themselves, and secondary pores, which are located among the porous metal oxide particles. We recently studied the effect of secondary pore connectivity on gas permeability by synchrotron X-ray computed tomography. Based on the results, we proposed a new model to predict the effective gas permeability of a washcoat layer by using parameters of the pore connectivity; however, the pore properties did not vary enough for this model to be validated. Therefore, in this research, we attempted to validate the model using a wide range of pore properties. In order to access various pore properties, 8 real washcoat layers and 12 virtual 3D structures were used. The pore properties of the real washcoat layers were determined using synchrotron X-ray computed tomography. The pore properties varied more widely in this study than in our previous study, thus allowing the model to be validated.

Hastelloy, a Ni containing alloy, was investigated to improve its catalytic activity on bio-oil steam reforming by oxidation pretreatment. Methanol as the major composition of bio-oil was used as a model compound. The untreated Hastelloy presented low methanol conversion with high selectivity of methane. After oxidation pretreatment, the Hastelloy showed good activity towards methanol steam reforming. The Cr and Mn promoters on the surface increased with the increase of oxidation temperature, resulting in the improvement of steam reforming activity. The Ni alloy appeared after pretreatment and controlled the oxidation state of Ni, leading to the decrease of methanation. The oxidation pretreatment at 1273 K provided the highest catalytic performance, but the agglomeration apparently occurred. The scales on the surface combined together when the oxidation was longer than two hours. Therefore, the optimal oxidation pretreatment condition was at 1273 K for two hours.

It is shown that the consideration of the density of states variation in nanoscale electrochemical systems yields modulations in the rate constant and concomitant electrical currents. The proposed models extend the utility of Marcus-Hush-Chidsey (MHC) kinetics to a larger class of materials and could be used as a test of dimensional character. The implications of the study are of much significance to an understanding and modulation of charge transfer nanostructured electrodes.

The pore structure of a simulated washcoat layer was evaluated using the Mean Transport Pore Model (MTPM). The MTPM provides the mean diffusive pore radius (rm) of a simulated washcoat layer from the experimentally measured effective diffusion coefficient (De). However, data previously published in the literature indicated that the value of rm depended on the choice of diffusive gas for the measurement of De. Therefore, a new, more efficient method was developed to estimate rm. To obtain base data, De was measured in a binary gas diffusion system using a modified Wicke-Kallenbach diffusion cell at room temperature, 473 K, and 673 K. The diffusive gases tested were H2, He, CH4, Ne, N2, O2, C3H6, CO2, and C3H8, and a simulated washcoat layer was used. The results confirmed that the value of rm depended on the type of diffusive gas used. However, many measurements of De are required to avoid problems. In the catalytic R&D process, the measurement of many De values for every experiment is impractical. To balance validity against efficiency for estimating rm, a combination of experimentally measured De and predicted De was used. This method is effective for predicting De using the mean molecular speed instead of a porous structure, and is more efficient than the conventional method of using MTPM. This method also can contribute to investigations of automotive catalysts.

Preparation of partial oxidation catalysts for post treatment of bio-waste gasification process is proposed. Oxidized metal alloys containing nickel, which can be expected to have strong interaction between nickel and support oxides with high dispersion were used in the partial oxidation of model compounds of bio-waste gas. Commercial metal alloy tube was used as a catalyst precursor because tube wall catalyst can provide enough space to accommodate deposited carbon without plugging the reactor. Metal alloy tube was calcined under oxygen flow at 1273 K for 2 h. Then partial oxidation at 1003 K was conducted with model reactants such as tetradecane, toluene, or naphthalene and thiophene diluted in toluene. Activity with tetradecane decreased as: Hastelloy > Superinvar > SUS304 >Inconel, naphthalene and thiophene caused deactivation but dilution could slow down the deactivation process. The activity was suspected to depend mainly on the nickel content of the alloy. In addition, Fe, Co and Mo might have significant effect on the activity. The long term (5 days) activity of Hastelloy is higher with toluene than with tetradecane.

In this letter, we report a beam profile indicator for swift heavy ions (SHIs) which utilizes the afterglow of phosphors. Clear marks are left on SrAl2O4:Eu2+ and CaSrAl2Si2O8:Eu2+ samples by SHI irradiation through a permanent change of their afterglow intensity. The afterglow intensity of the SHI-irradiated areas has a Gaussian distribution. Moreover, afterglow intensity and irradiation fluence are linearly related, indicating that this type of indicator has good dose linearity. The results suggest that long-lasting phosphors are promising SHI beam profile indicators with high spatial resolution.

In attempting to perform frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) in liquids, a non-flat phase transfer function in the self-excitation system prevents proper tracking of the cantilever natural frequency. This results in frequency-and-phase modulation atomic force microscopy (FPM-AFM) which lies in between phase modulation atomic force microscopy (PM-AFM) and FM-AFM. We derive the theory necessary to recover the conservative force and damping in such a situation, where standard FM-AFM theory no longer applies. Although our recovery procedure applies to all cantilever excitation methods in principle, its practical implementation may be difficult, or even impossible, if the cantilever is driven piezoacoustically. Specifically, we contrast the piezoacoustic excitation method to the photothermal method in the context of force spectroscopy of hydration structures at the mica-water interface. The results clearly demonstrate that photothermal excitation is superior to piezoacoustic excitation, as it allows for accurate quantitative interpretation of the acquired data.

Objetivo: La menstruación y la ovulación son los principales eventos durante el ciclo menstrual. La menstruación puede influir el recuento sanguíneo completo debido a la pérdida de sangre. Puesto que la ovulación es un fenómeno similar al inflamatorio, los recuentos de leucocitos pueden cambiar durante la ovulación. Por estas razones, se investigó el recuento sanguíneo completo y las concentraciones séricas periféricas de citokinas asociadas durante el ciclo menstrual normal. Materiales y métodos: Mujeres voluntarias normales (n=9; edad 21-33 años), con ciclos menstruales de 25-33 días registraron la temperatura basal cada día y se les tomó muestra de sangre venosa tres veces por semana. Se hizo un recuento sanguíneo completo y se midieron la eritropoyetina, factor estimulante de granulocitos-colonias, interleukina 1β, interleukina 6 y hormonas (FSH, LH, estradiol y progesterona). Resultados: Los eritrocitos, leucocitos totales, recuentos de granulocitos y de plaquetas no mostraron cambios estadísticamente significativos durante el ciclo menstrual utilizando el análisis de varianza con el test F de Scheffe. No se observaron cambios en la eritropoyetina, interleukina 1β, e interleukina 6 a lo largo del ciclo menstrual. Por contraste, las concentraciones del factor estimulante de granulocitoscolonias aumentaron significativamente a 28.0 ± 3.1 pg/ml (promedio ± SEM) durante la fase ovulatoria, comparada con 10.7 ± 0.6 pg/ml en otras fases. Conclusión: Estos resultados indican que la pérdida sanguínea menstrual no afecta el recuento sanguíneo completo y sugiere que el factor estimulante de granulocitos-colonias juega un importante papel en el mecanismo de ovulación.

Aim: To compare the long‐term efficacy of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors as second‐line drugs after metformin for patients not at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Materials and methods: In a 52‐week randomized open‐label trial, we compared ipragliflozin and sitagliptin in Japanese patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, without prior ASCVD and treated with metformin. The primary endpoint was a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction of ≥0.5% (5.5 mmol/mol) without weight gain at 52 weeks. Results: Of a total of 111 patients (mean age 59.2 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 26.6 kg/m2, 61.3% men), 54 patients received ipragliflozin and 57 received sitagliptin. After 52 weeks, achievement of the primary endpoint was not significantly different (37.0% and 40.3%; P = 0.72). HbA1c reduction rate at 24 weeks was greater for sitagliptin (56.1%) than for ipragliflozin (31.5%; P = 0.01). From 24 to 52 weeks, the HbA1c reduction with sitagliptin was attenuated, with no significant difference in HbA1c reduction after 52 weeks between sitagliptin (54.4%) and ipragliflozin (38.9%; P = 0.10). Improvements in BMI, C‐peptide and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater with ipragliflozin than with sitagliptin. Adverse events occurred in 17 patients with ipragliflozin and in 10 patients with sitagliptin (P = 0.11). Conclusion: The HbA1c‐lowering effect at 24 weeks was greater with sitagliptin than with ipragliflozin, but with no difference in efficacy related to HbA1c and body weight at 52 weeks. However, some ASCVD risk factors improved with ipragliflozin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that charged defect generation,through argon ion-based plasma processing, in few layer graphene,could substantially enhance the electrical capacitance for electrochemicalenergy storage. Detailed consideration of the constituent space chargeand quantum capacitances were used to delineate a new length scale,correlated to electrically active defects contributing to the capacitance,and was found to be smaller than a structural correlation length determinedthrough Raman spectroscopy. The study offers insights into an industriallyviable method (i.e., plasma processing) for modifying and enhancingthe energy density of graphene-based electrochemical capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  In the large amoeboid organism Physarum, biochemical oscillators are spatially distributed throughout the organism and their collective motion exhibits phase waves, which carry physiological signals. The basic nature of this wave behaviour is not well-understood because, to date, an important effect has been neglected, namely, the shuttle streaming of protoplasm which accompanies the biochemical rhythms. Here we study the effects of self-consistent flow on the wave behaviour of oscillatory reaction-diffusion models proposed for the Physarum plasmodium, by means of numerical simulation for the dispersion relation and weakly nonlinear analysis for derivation of the phase equation. We conclude that the flow term is able to increase the speed of phase waves (similar to elongation of wave length). We compare the theoretical consequences with real waves observed in the organism and also point out the physiological roles of these effects on control mechanisms of intracellular communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To study the efficacy and safety of monthly intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) therapy for progressive interstitial pneumonia in polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM).Methods. Seventeen patients with PM/DM/amyopathic DM (mean age 51.4 ± 10.4, mean follow-up 32 months) who received IVCYC for progressive interstitial pneumonia between August 1993 and October 2002 were studied. Nine patients had failed to respond to previous treatment with high-dose steroid and/or immunosuppressant. Cyclophosphamide (300–800 mg/m2) was given at least six times every 4 weeks. Oral prednisolone (0.5–1 mg/kg/day) was administered for the first 2 weeks and was gradually tapered. Response to treatment was evaluated based on the degree of exertional dyspnea, pulmonary function test and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).Results. Eleven of 17 patients showed improvement in their dyspnea; six out of seven patients who had required oxygen treatment before IVCYC no longer did so after IVCYC. Eight of 17 patients had ≥10% improvement of vital capacity (VC)% and 9/17 had ≥10 point reduction in their HRCT score. Twelve patients had exhibited at least one result. Two patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies showed a flare-up of interstitial pneumonia or myositis. After the IVCYC therapy, mean VC% improved by 15% (from 68 to 83%, P = 0.0034). The extent of abnormal lesions in HRCT was reduced from 24 to 13% (P = 0.0055). There was neither death nor severe toxicities observed.Conclusions. In this open-label study, IVCYC improved symptoms, pulmonary function tests and HRCT findings in patients with PM/DM. Longitudinal controlled studies are required to further confirm the efficacy of IVCYC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of epinastine on eosinophil chemotaxis and changes in eosinophil adhesion molecules induced by epinastine and three other antiallergic agents, using eosinophils of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. Results: Epinastine reduced eosinophil chemotaxis toward eotaxin when the eosinophils had been prestimulated with interleukin (IL)-5, but given alone it did not alter eosinophil chemotaxis toward IL-5. CD11b expression was inhibited when peripheral blood was prestimulated with IL-5, but eosinophil adhesion molecule expression was not altered. Conclusions: Epinastine suppresses allergic inflammation not only through its strong antihistamine and antimediator effects, but also by inhibiting eosinophilic chemotaxis and the expression of adhesion molecules involved in chemotaxis, especially CD11b.Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabidopsis thaliana AHK4 histidine kinase (also known as CRE1 or WOL) acts as a cytokinin signal transducer, presumably, in concert with downstream components, such as histidine-containing phosphotransfer factors (AHPs) and response regulators (ARRs), through the histidine-to-aspartate (His→Asp) phosphorelay. Among 10 members of the type-A ARR family, the cytokinin-induced expression of ARR15 in roots is selectively impaired in the cre1-1 mutant, which carries a mutation in the AHK4 gene, suggesting a link between this type-A response regulator and the AHK4-mediated cytokinin signal transduction in roots. To address this issue further, we characterized a T-DNA insertion mutant of ARR15, and also constructed transgenic lines (referred to as ARR15-ox) that overexpress the ARR15 gene in a manner independent of cytokinin. While the T-DNA insertion mutant (arr15-1) showed no apparent phenotype, the cytokinin-independent overexpression of ARR15 in ARR15-ox plants resulted in a reduced sensitivity toward exogenously applied cytokinin, not only in elongation of roots in plants, but also in green callus formation (or shoot formation) in explants. Cytokinin-induced expressions of certain type-A ARRs were also down-regulated in ARR15-ox plants. These results support the view that ARR15 acts as a repressor that mediates a negative feedback loop in the cytokinin and AHK4-mediated His→Asp phosphorelay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precipitation behavior of nano-scale Co particles formed in a Cu–Co alloy was studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and a Monte-Carlo simulation. Small coherent Co particles were randomly formed at the early stage of the precipitation process. Two or more Co precipitates linked together were linearly arranged to the 〈100〉 orientation of the copper matrix, at the later stage of the coherent precipitation. Finally, the particles lost their coherency to the Cu matrix, and incoherent Co precipitates appeared. The Monte-Carlo simulation, which took both chemical and magnetic interactions into account, strongly suggested that the coupling of coherent Co particles was realized as a result of the chemical and magnetic interactions between the Co particles, which are adjacent to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive factors of premature rupture of the membranes (preterm PROM). Methods: The study was undertaken with cervical secretions collected from 72 consenting singleton pregnant women between 20 and 33 weeks of gestation. The levels of interleukin (IL) 1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1, TIMP-2, granulocyte elastase, and fetal fibronectin in cervical diluted specimens were measured by immunoassay, and the uterine cervix was assessed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Demographic, obstetric, clinical, neonatal, and laboratory data were analyzed by univariate analysis, multiple logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Results: Preterm PROM occurred in 6 women, and 63 women delivered at term. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated a significant independent association with preterm PROM for the cervical IL-6 levels and cervical length. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis revealed that an IL-6 level of ≥240 pg/ml in cervical secretions and a cervical length of ≤28 mm had higher diagnostic performance in predicting preterm PROM. Conclusion: It is suggested that preterm PROM is associated with increased cervical IL-6 levels and a short cervix.Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]