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Corrosion hidden under opaque anticorrosion coatings is hazardous for outdoor installation. This type of corrosion can be visualized using radio waves, which are familiar to electrical engineers with field case experience.

We recapitulate the notion of phase change rate maximization and demonstrate the usefulness of its solution on analyzing the robust instability of a cyclic network of multi-agent systems subject to a homogenous multiplicative perturbation. Subsequently, we apply the phase change rate maximization result to two practical applications. The first is a magnetic levitation system, while the second is a repressilator with time-delay in synthetic biology.

The incidence of hyperglycemia and diabetes induced by everolimus has been shown in previous studies. Our study analyzed diabetes time-to-onset profiles after everolimus use in patients who underwent transplantation and patients with cancer. Using data from April 2007 to December 2018 in the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, the reports with everolimus were classified according to its use as an immunosuppressant or anticancer drug. The median (25%–75%) days of diabetes time-to-onset in patients who underwent transplantation and patients with cancer were 172 (56–315) and 32 (18.5–57), respectively. There were no significant variations among patients with breast cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, and renal cell carcinoma. By conducting a Weibull shape parameter test, the lower limits of the 95% confidence intervals of the shape parameter β values for the indications of the cancer types were >1, indicating the wear out failure type profile, whereas those for transplantation data indicated a random failure type profile. The diabetes time-to-onset profiles after everolimus use differed between usage as an anticancer drug and immunosuppressant and there were no significant variations among the type of cancer. It was suggested that the incidence of diabetes should be monitored for 1–2 months in patients with cancer, whereas continuous monitoring is needed in patients who undergo transplantation.

Previous studies have revealed an association between the administration of α1-adrenoceptor blockers (α1Bs) and episodes of syncope in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between α1Bs and syncope in BPH patients with hypertension using two different pharmacoepidemiological indices. Using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, we analyzed the whole dataset and subsets for specific indications, including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, for males older than 40 years. The drugs of interest were alfuzosin, doxazosin, and terazosin as non-selective α1Bs and silodosin and tamsulosin as selective α1Bs. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were used for signal detection. The association between the non-selective α1Bs and syncope was observed for all the items examined. The results obtained using the whole dataset, as well as the diabetes and dyslipidemia subsets, were same for the selective and non-selective α1Bs in terms of the association with syncope, while no association with syncope was observed for both silodosin [ROR: 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.61–1.93; IC: 0.10, 95% CI: –0.72–0.92] and tamsulosin (ROR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.90–1.30; IC: 0.10, 95% CI: –0.17–0.37) in patients with hypertension. The data suggested that α1Bs, even those with receptor subtype selectivity, were associated with syncope. Thus, careful attention should be paid when prescribing α1Bs, especially to patients who do not take medications for hypertension.

Many case reports have been published concerning the development or exacerbation of psoriasis after administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between psoriasis and ACE inhibitors using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data. After excluding patients with psoriasis-related primary diseases, the association of psoriasis with 14 ACE inhibitors was examined using disproportional analyses reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC). Signals were detected for all 14 ACE inhibitors combined (ROR: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.37; IC: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.44) and individually for lisinopril (ROR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.37; IC: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06–0.45), perindopril (ROR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.38–2.52; IC: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.43–1.30), and ramipril (ROR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.36–1.96; IC: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.42–0.96). ACE inhibitors are widely used in patients with hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus, which are considered comorbidities of psoriasis. Our results suggest that the involvement of ACE inhibitors should be considered in patients on ACE inhibitor therapy who have developed (or show exacerbated) psoriasis.

AbstractTo model the fuel supply in nuclear fusion reactors with D-T burning plasmas, the relationship among the D/T fuel ratio, tritium consumption, and reactor output power is analyzed numerically using the TOTAL (toroidal transport analysis linkage) simulation code. In the case that a deuterium-rich pellet is employed, the amount of tritium to be injected to the reactor as the fuel can be reduced compared with the case when the D to T ratio is the same. The fusion output power can be adjusted by controlling the D/T ratio while the electron density is fixed. This control method of the output power by D/T ratio scan can save the tritium consumption compared with that by the density scan, especially in the cases with lower fusion output power.

Abstract: A motor control strategy for an input-split hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is proposed. From a power characteristic analysis, it is found that the powertrain efficiency decreases for speed ratios at which power circulation occurs. Using dynamic models of an input-split HEV powertrain, a motor-generator control algorithm for obtaining high system efficiency is designed by inversion-based control. The performance of the control algorithm is evaluated by the simulator which is developed based on PSAT, and simulation results are compared with the test results. It is found that, even if the engine thermal efficiency is sacrificed by moving the engine operation point from the OOL for the control strategy, improved overall powertrain system efficiency can be achieved by the engine operation that gives a relatively high efficiency from the viewpoint of the overall powertrain efficiency. The control algorithm developed can be used in design of future electric vehicles.

The hypoglossal canal contains a venous plexus that connects the inferior petrous sinus, condylar vein, jugular vein and paravertebral plexus. The venous plexus is one of the venous drainage routes of the posterior skull base. Only a few cases of dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) involving the hypoglossal canal have been reported.We describe three cases (a 62-year-old female, a 52-year-old male, and an 83-year-old male) of dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal. Symptoms were pulse-synchronous bruit in two cases and proptosis/chemosis in one. All dural AVFs were mainly fed by the ipsilateral ascending pharyngeal artery. Two of three dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal mainly drained through the anterior condylar confluence into the inferior petrosal sinus retrogradely with antegrade drainage through the lateral condylar vein. The other one drained through the lateral and posterior condylar veins into the suboccipital cavernous sinus. All dural AVFs were completely occluded by selective transvenous embolization without any complications, and the symptoms disappeared within one week in all cases.Dural AVFs involving the hypoglossal canal can be successfully treated by selective transvenous embolization with critical evaluation of venous anatomy in each case.

We report on the self organized growth of GaN quantum dots deposited on AlxGa1–xN layer by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that the relaxation of AlxGa1–xN layer on AlN depends on Al composition and thickness. The measurement of the variation of lattice parameter indicated that GaN quantum dots do not relax completely on AlxGa1–xN layer. Optical properties of undoped and Eu-doped quantum dots on AlGaN layer were studied. Visible light emission from Eu3+ ions has been observed and showed strong thermal stability. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

d-Serine is nephrotoxic in rats. Based on circumstantial evidence, it has been suspected that d-amino-acid oxidase is involved in this nephrotoxicity. Since we found that LEA/SENDAI rats lacked d-amino-acid oxidase, we examined whether this enzyme was associated with d-serine-induced nephrotoxicity using the LEA/SENDAI rats and control F344 rats. When d-propargylglycine, which is known to have a nephrotoxic effect through its metabolism by d-amino-acid oxidase, was injected intraperitoneally into the F344 rats, it caused glucosuria and polyuria. However, injection of d-propargylglycine into LEA/SENDAI rats did not cause any glucosuria or polyuria, indicating that d-amino-acid oxidase is definitely not functional in these rats. d-Serine was then injected into the F344 and LEA/SENDAI rats. It caused glucosuria and polyuria in the F344 rats but not in the LEA/SENDAI rats. These results indicate clearly that d-amino-acid oxidase is responsible for the d-serine-induced nephrotoxicity.

Background:Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a qualitative or quantitative defect in the integrin αIIbβ3. Objective:Our objective is to identify the gene mutation that resulted in GT. Patients and methods:The patient was a 66-year-old male with a history of frequent bleeding. The expression levels of the integrin proteins in the platelets were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. The sequences of genomic DNA and mRNA encoding for αIIb and β3 were analyzed by the dye-terminator cycle sequencing method. For transfection experiments, expression vectors encoding for wild-type αIIb, mutated αIIb, β3, green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion wild-type αIIb, GFP fusion mutated αIIb and DsRed fusion β3 were constructed. These vectors were transfected to COS-7 cells, and the expression levels were determined. Results:The αIIb protein was remarkably reduced in the patient's platelets, and gene analysis showed that the patient possessed compound heterozygous mutations in the αIIb gene. One was a C → G substitution at the splice acceptor site (− 3) of exon 26 (CAG →GAG) and the other was the insertion of an additional C at the region including six C bases between 2911 and 2916 in exon 28 (InsC). Transfection experiments using COS-7 cells showed that αIIb containing InsC had expressed and formed a complex with β3, but had not been transported to the Golgi apparatus. Conclusions:In the present study the novel mutation InsC, leading to a frameshift that affects the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic tail, was found to be responsible for GT.

A new machining method is proposed to obtain sculptured mirror surfaces by applying elliptical vibration cutting. The tool is vibrated elliptically unlike rotated end mills and fed along the sculptured surface in the proposed method. A 3 DOF ultrasonic vibration tool is developed, which can generate an arbitrary ultrasonic elliptical vibration in the 3D space so that it is suitable to machine the 3D sculptured surfaces. A precision machine tool is also developed, and the proposed method is successfully applied to mirror surface machining of hardened die steel.

Adsorption of the sulfuric acid anion (HSO4^- or SO4^2-) has been studied on Pd(S)−[n(111) × (111)] electrodes (n = 2, 3, 5, 9, 20, infinity) using in situ infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS). A single band is observed around 1200 cm^-1 on all the electrodes. The band is assigned to the SO stretching vibration of the sulfuric acid anion adsorbed with three- or onefold geometry. This result differs from the case of Pt-stepped surfaces on which two IRAS bands are observed around 1200 and 1100 cm^-1. The maximum coverage of the sulfuric acid anion is enhanced with the increase of the terrace width. The surfaces with n more than 3 have similar IRAS band shifts (dv/dE). Pd-stepped surfaces, for which the terrace is wide enough for the anion adsorption, adsorb the anion on the terrace rather than the step.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a quantitative or qualitative defect in the integrin αIIbβ3. We attempted to identify genetic defects responsible for a case of GT in Korea. The patient was a 6-year-old boy who had suffered from hemorrhage and purpura. The cDNAs of αIIband β3were amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and were sequenced. RT-PCR of COS7 cells transfected with Exontrap vectors containing the β3genomic DNA fragments were performed to verify an aberrant splicing. Transient expression of αIIbβ3on transfected-COS7 cells was determined by flow cytometry, and the presence of αIIbβ3was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. We discovered an abnormality with the insertion of 38 bp between exon 10 and exon 11, including a stop codon, in β3cDNA. Sequence analysis of genomic DNA showed a point mutation, G→T, at the position 29 107 of intron 10. RT-PCR analyses of COS7 cells transfected with Exontrap vector containing the mutant β3gene revealed that the point mutation at the position 29 107 of intron 10, G→T, was responsible for an aberrant splicing in the β3gene. The transfection experiments and immunoprecipitation revealed the absence of αIIbβ3in the COS7 cells transfected with mutant gene. The mutation at the position 29 107 of intron 10, G→T, in the β3genomic DNA was found to induce an aberrant splicing and to be responsible for GT in this patient.

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is expressed and that it modulates glucose transport in skeletal muscles. Recent studies have shown that adipose tIssues also express inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In the present study, we investigated whether nitric oxide (NO) induces glucose uptake in adipocytes, and the signaling pathway involved in the NO-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. METHODS: First, we determined the expression of eNOS in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and then these cells were treated with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and/or insulin, and glucose uptake and phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and Akt were evaluated. Moreover, we examined the effects of a NO scavenger, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor or dexamethasone on SNP-stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. RESULTS: SNP at a concentration of 50 mmol/l increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake (1.8-fold) without phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Akt. Treatment with the NO scavenger or guanylate cyclase inhibitor decreased SNP-stimulated glucose uptake to the basal level. Dexamethasone reduced both insulin- and SNP-stimulated glucose uptake with impairment of GLUT4 translocation. CONCLUSION: NO is capable of stimulating glucose transport through GLUT4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, via a mechanism different from the insulin signaling pathway.

We carried out an experimental study to evaluate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-containing collagen gel on vascularization in esophageal tissue engineering. We compared an acellular collagen sponge scaffold and an acellular collagen gel scaffold in combination with bFGF using a canine model. The construct was implanted in the cervical esophagus and the regenerated tissue was evaluated one month after surgery. Histological analysis confirmed a significantly large amount of blood vessels in the bFGF-containing collagen gel group as compared to the collagen gel group without bFGF (bFGF (-)). However, in the collagen sponge groups, no difference was observed between the bFGF (+) group and the bFGF (-) group. These results showed that bFGF-containing collagen gel is suitable not only for an acellular scaffold for tissue engineering but also for an effective tropic factor vehicle in vivo.

We show that the growth mode of GaN deposited by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on AlN can be controlled by tuning Ga/N ratio. This enables to grow either quantum dots (Ga/N < 1) or quantum wells (Ga/N ≫ 1). The inhibition of 2D/3D transition results from a decrease in effective mismatch induced by the presence of a continuous Ga film on growing GaN surface in Ga-rich conditions.

The sulfuric acid anion (HSO4^- or SO4^2-) adsorbed on Pd single-crystal electrodes was studied using infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) in 0.05 M H2SO4 solution. Surfaces examined are flat ones (Pd(111) and Pd(100)) and stepped ones (Pd(110) (= 2(111)−(111)) and Pd(311) (= 2(111)−(100))). All of the surfaces give a single IRAS band around 1200 cm^-1 that is assigned to S−O stretching vibration. The integrated band intensity depends on the crystal orientation significantly, i.e., Pd(311) ~ Pd(110) ≪ Pd(100) < Pd(111), showing that the flat surfaces adsorb more sulfuric acid anion than the stepped ones. Magnitude of the band shift (dν/dE) on the flat surfaces is nearly twice as high as that on the stepped ones.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acute hyperinsulinemia on the plasma levels of adrenomedullin (AM) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DESIGN: We measured the plasma levels of AM in 18 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 19 normal subjects before and during a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp study (the goal was for blood sugar levels of 5.24 mmol/l and insulin levels of 1200 pmol/l). Both plasma AM and serum insulin were measured by immunoradiometric assays. RESULTS: Before the glucose clamp study there was no significant difference in the plasma levels of AM between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal subjects. During the glucose clamp study, the serum levels of insulin significantly increased (from 33.0+/-3.6 to 1344.6+/-67.8 pmol/ml, P<0.001), as did the plasma levels of AM (from 12.8+/-0.7 to 14.2+/-0.9 fmol/ml, P<0.03) only in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There was a significant correlation between the change in circulating levels of insulin and AM (r=0.755, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Acute hyperinsulinemia induced a significant increase in the plasma levels of AM in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Increased insulin may regulate circulating levels of AM in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

We evaluated peripheral nerve regeneration using a novel artificial nerve conduit. The conduit was made of a polyglycolic acid(PGA) - collagen tube filled with laminin- soaked collagen sponge. We implanted this nerve conduit across an 80mm gap in the peroneal nerve of dogs. Histological observation 12 months after implantation showed numerous unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibershad regenerated beyond the gap. Neurofilaments were widely observed immunohistochemically in the regenerated nerve segments. These findings indicated that newly regenerated axons had extended across the gap and connected into the distal nerve segments. Compound muscle action potentials(CMAPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were recorded in all dogs. At 12 months, the CMAPs indicated complete recovery, while the SEPs showed incomplete but substantial recovery. Walking patterns had returned to near-normal 12 months after implantation. Use of this nerve conduit can lead to peripheral nerve elongation and favorable functional recovery across a wider nerve gap.

Adsorption of sulfuric acid anion (HSO4^- or SO4^2-) was studied using IRAS (infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy) on Pt(S)-[n(111) × (111)] and Pt(S)-[n(100) × (111)] electrodes in 0.05 M H2SO4. Pt(S)-[n(111) × (111)] electrodes give two IRAS bands. One is from a sulfuric acid anion adsorbed on the terrace with 3-fold symmetry (~1200 cm^-1), and another is from that on the step with 2-fold symmetry (~1200 cm^-1 and ~1100 cm^-1). Relative band intensity from the 2-fold sulfuric acid anion (~1100 cm^-1) gets higher with the increase of step atom density. Pt(S)-[n(100) × (111)] electrodes also show two IRAS bands around 1200 and 1100 cm^-1 which originate from the sulfuric acid anion adsorbed on the terrace and the step with 2-fold symmetry. The relative intensity of the lower frequency band increased with the increase of the step atom density.

Tissue engineering of the small intestine will prove a great benefit to patients suffering from short bowel disease. However cell seeding in tissue engineering, such as fetal cell use, is accompanied by problems of ethical issues, rejection, and short supply. To overcome these problems, we carried out an experimental study on tissue engineering of the small intestine by acellular collagen sponge scaffold grafting. We resected the 5 cm long jejunum from beagle dogs and reconstructed it by acellular collagen sponge grafting with a silicon tube stent. The graft was covered with the omentum. At 1 month after operation, the silicon stent was removed endoscopically. Animals were sacrificed 1 and 4 months after operation, and were examined microscopically. Neo-intestinal regeneration was observed and the intestinal mucosa covered the luminal side of the regenerated intestine across the anastomosis. Thus, the small intestine was regenerated by tissue engineering technology using an acellular collagen sponge scaffold.

We have already reported “del” successful carinal reconstruction of the trachea with an observation period of 1 – 2 years. In this study, we evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the reconstruction after 5-years of follow-up.The Y-shaped Marlex®mesh tube was reinforced with a polypropylene spiral and coated with atelocollagen made from porcine skin. The prosthesis was 60 mm long with an outer diameter of 18 mm. Replacement of the tracheobronchial bifurcation was preformed through a right thoracotomy in a beagle dog. Bronchoscopical examination and sampling of the tracheal epithelium was performed periodically to check the function of cilia.The implanted prothesis was promptly infiltrated by the surrounding connective tissue and completely incorporated by the host trachea and bronchus. Bronchoscopically, sufficient epithelization was confirmed from the upper to the lower site of anastomosis. After 5 years neither stenosis nor dehiscence was observed. In spite of there being mesh-exposure at the luminal surface, the dog had no clinical symptoms until sacrifice for pathological examination. The bent frequency of the cilia was maintained within the normal range, indicating “del” functional recovery of the regenerating airway.Our tracheal prosthesis is promising for clinical “del” repair of the tracheobronchial bifurcation.