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Leptin, ob gene product, inhibits feeding behavior and stimulates energy expenditure in rodents. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), which act in the hypothalamus to influence energy homeostasis, may [...]

To evaluate whether granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) improves an impaired production of oxygen-derived free radicals by neutrophils from poorly controlled NIDDM patients, we studied the effect of G-CSF on myeloperoxidase [...]

Candida albicans is a yeast that causes infections commonly seen in patients whose immune systems are not functioning properly. The infection is seen in most patients with AIDS and in many people who are infected with HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. There are two types of C. albicans - type A and type B - and both are found in immunosuppressed patients. The antibodies produced to C. albicans by the immune system may also inhibit the action of HIV. In a study using New Zealand rabbits, antibodies to C. albicans and HIV gp120 were raised, and their effectiveness against HIV was measured, as was their effect on uninfected cells (gp120 is a glycoprotein of HIV). Anti-Candid antibodies were found to be effective inhibitors of HIV replication in cells, optimally at four days after infection. There was strong evidence that the antibodies could recognize gp120 of HIV, but the results do not provide direct evidence that the antibodies interfere with the gp120-CD4 binding, thought to be the mode of transmission of HIV infection. Antibodies to type A C. albicans better neutralized the activity of HIV than antibodies to type B C. albicans, but the significance of this is not known. The antibodies also showed no effect on non-HIV-infected cells. This is important information for the development of antiviral therapy and vaccines against HIV infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of adding a small amount of an alkaline element to the wire in metal cored arc welding (MCAW) on the metal transfer process. Sodium was selected as the alkaline element, and a standard wire without sodium (wire 1) and three wires with 0.028, 0.056, and 0.084 mass% sodium (wire 2, 3, and 4) were prototyped. They were observed using a high-speed video camera equipped with laser illumination, which clarified that the droplet transfer frequency tended to increase proportionally with the amount of sodium added. Subsequently, the line spectra of the iron atom (particularly the Fe I 537.1 nm line) and sodium atom (particularly the Na I 589.0 nm line) were primarily observed using a bandpass filter. Iron vapor evaporated from the droplet bottom, while sodium vapor mainly evaporated from the molten wire tip or the neck between the wire and the droplet because of its low boiling point. Because the sodium atom has a low ionization energy, we considered that a new current path of sodium plasma was directly formed from the tip or neck of the molten wire through the arc plasma to the molten pool, bypassing the inside of the droplet. The formation of this new current path was considered to reduce the current of the iron plasma flowing from the droplet bottom reducing the arc pressure and further enhance the electromagnetic force acting on the neck to promote droplet detachment, thereby increasing the metal transfer frequency.

There are no accurate mass screening methods for early detection of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Recently, liquid biopsy has received a lot of attention for less-invasive cancer screening. Unlike other cancers, CNS tumors require efforts to find biomarkers due to the blood–brain barrier, which restricts molecular exchange between the parenchyma and blood. Additionally, because a satisfactory way to collect urinary biomarkers is lacking, urine-based liquid biopsy has not been fully investigated despite the fact that it has some advantages compared to blood or cerebrospinal fluid-based biopsy. Here, we have developed a mass-producible and sterilizable nanowire-based device that can extract urinary microRNAs efficiently. Urinary microRNAs from patients with CNS tumors (n= 119) and noncancer individuals (n= 100) were analyzed using a microarray to yield comprehensive microRNA expression profiles. To clarify the origin of urinary microRNAs of patients with CNS tumors, glioblastoma organoids were generated. Glioblastoma organoid-derived differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) included 73.4% of the DEMs in urine of patients with parental tumors but included only 3.9% of those in urine of noncancer individuals, which suggested that many CNS tumor-derived microRNAs could be identified in urine directly. We constructed the diagnostic model based on the expression of the selected microRNAs and found that it was able to differentiate patients and noncancer individuals at a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 97%, respectively, in an independent dataset. Our findings demonstrate that urinary microRNAs extracted with the nanowire device offer a well-fitted strategy for mass screening of CNS tumors.

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) causes severe morbidity and mortality in neonates and is sometimes associated with severe brain damage resulting from acute severe viral encephalomyelitis. However, the neuropathology of CVB infection remains unclear. A prototype strain of coxsackievirus B2 (Ohio-1) induces brain lesions in neonatal mice, resulting in dome-shaped heads, ventriculomegaly, and loss of the cerebral cortex. Here, we characterized the glial pathology in this mouse model. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an absence of the cerebral cortex within 2 weeks after inoculation. Histopathology showed that virus replication triggered activation of microglia and astrocytes, and induced apoptosis in the cortex, with severe necrosis and lateral ventricular dilation. In contrast, the brainstem and cerebellum remained morphologically intact. Immunohistochemistry revealed high expression of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (a primary receptor for CVB) in mature neurons of the cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and midbrain, demonstrating CVB2 infection of mature neurons in these areas. However, apoptosis and neuroinflammation from activated microglia and astrocytes differed in thalamic and cortical areas. Viral antigens were retained in the brains of animals in the convalescence phase with seroconversion. This animal model will contribute to a better understanding of the neuropathology of CVB infection.

ABSTRACTClathrin regulates mitotic progression, in addition to membrane trafficking. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms of clathrin during mitosis remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate novel regulation of clathrin during mitotic phase of the cell cycle. Clathrin heavy chain (CHC) was phosphorylated at T606 by its association partner cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK). This phosphorylation was required for proper cell proliferation and tumor growth of cells implanted into nude mice. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the localization of CHC-pT606 signals changed during mitosis. CHC-pT606 signals localized in the nucleus and at the centrosome during interphase, whereas CHC signals were mostly cytoplasmic. Co-immunoprecipitation suggested that CHC formed a complex with GAK and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Depletion of GAK using siRNA induced metaphase arrest and aberrant localization of CHC-pT606, which abolished Kiz-pT379 (as a phosphorylation target of PLK1) signals on chromatin at metaphase. Taken together, we propose that the GAK_CHC-pT606_PLK1_Kiz-pT379 axis plays a role in proliferation of cancer cells.

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexic peptide hormone that also exerts cardiovascular protective effects in rodent models. However, nesfatin-1 treatment at high doses also exerts vasopressor effects, which potentially limits its therapeutic application. Here, we evaluated the vasoprotective and vasopressor effects of nesfatin-1 at different doses in mouse models. Wild-type mice and those with the transgene nucleobindin-2, a precursor of nesfatin-1, were employed. Wild-type mice were randomly assigned to treatment with vehicle or nesfatin-1 at 0.2, 2.0 or 10 μg/kg/day (Nes-0.2, Nes-2, Nes-10, respectively). Subsequently, mice underwent femoral artery wire injury to induce arterial remodeling. After 4 weeks, injured arteries were collected for morphometric analysis. Compared with vehicle, nesfatin-1 treatments at 2.0 and 10 μg/kg/day decreased body weights and elevated plasma nesfatin-1 levels with no changes in systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, these treatments reduced neointimal hyperplasia without inducing undesirable remodeling in injured arteries. However, nesfatin-1 treatment at 0.2 μg/kg/day was insufficient to elevate plasma nesfatin-1 levels and showed no vascular effects. In nucleobindin-2-transgenic mice, blood pressure was slightly higher but neointimal area was lower than those observed in littermate controls. In cultured human vascular endothelial cells, nesfatin-1 concentration-dependently increased nitric oxide production. Additionally, nesfatin-1 increased AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, which was abolished by inhibiting liver kinase B1. We thus demonstrated that nesfatin-1 treatment at appropriate doses suppressed arterial remodeling without affecting blood pressure. Our findings indicate that nesfatin-1 can be a therapeutic target for improved treatment of peripheral artery disease.

Strong association of skeletal muscle composition with insulin resistance has been reported. We investigated whether skeletal muscle composition is a predictor of atherosclerosis. The subjects were 606 Japanese men who [...]

Sphingosine involves the regulation of cellular processes as a second messenger in various kinds of cells. Since the possible involvement of sphingosine has not been established in pancreatic [Beta]-cells, we [...]

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.We aimed to assess the kinetics of the release of proinflammatory cytokines and to clarify clinical usefulness as an indicator of the disease activity inhuman parechovirus type 3 virus (HPeV3)-induced sepsis-like syndrome. We measured serum levels of neopterin, interleukin (IL)-6 and the soluble forms of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor types I (sTNF-RI) and II (sTNF-RII). Serum samples were obtained from 12 patients with HPeV3-induced sepsis-like syndrome and 28 healthy children. Disease course after onset was divided into 3 phases: early (day 1–2), peak (day 3–6) and recovery (day 9–16) phases. Serum IL-6 levels rapidly and markedly elevated in early phase and gradually decreased to those in healthy children in recovery phase. Furthermore, serum neopterin, sTNFR-I and sTNFR-II levels increased rapidly and markedly in onset phase and remained elevated in peak phase. These levels gradually decreased in recovery phase. Serum IL-18 levels increased from onset phase to peak phase and decreased in recovery phase. These results indicate that proinflammatory cytokines, in particular, interferon gamma, TNF-α and IL-18 are closely related to the development of HPeV3-induced sepsis-like syndrome. Serum levels of these cytokines might be a useful indicator of the disease activity.

A pyroclastic density current (PDC) is characterized by its strong stratification of particle concentration; it consists of upper dilute and lower dense currents, which generally control the dynamics and deposits of PDCs, respectively. To explain the relationship between the dynamics and deposits for magmatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions in a unified way, we developed a two‐layer PDC model considering thermal energy conservation for mixing of pyroclasts, external water, and air. The results show that the run‐out distance of dilute currents increases with the mass fraction of external water at the source (wmw) owing to the suppression of thermal expansion of entrained air. For wmw∼ 0.07–0.38, the particle concentration in the dilute current becomes too low to generate the dense current so that the deposits directly form at the bottom of the dilute current in the entire area. These results capture the diverse features of natural PDCs in magmatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions. Explosive volcanic eruptions eject mixtures of hot fragmented magma and gas from the volcanic vent and form eruption columns, which can collapse and propagate along the ground surface as pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). The dynamics and deposits of PDCs are extremely diverse depending on the amount of external water (e.g., groundwater, lakes, and oceans) that mixes with magma. To explain the diverse features of the dynamics and deposits of PDCs for various amounts of external water, we developed a two‐layer model for PDCs considering thermal energy conservation for mixing of magma and external water. The two‐layer model successfully reproduces the dynamics and deposits of PDCs with strong stratification of particle concentrations in a unified way. The results show that the run‐out distance of upper dilute currents increases with the increasing amount of external water. For a relatively small proportion of external water, the lower dense current tends to be absent, resulting in the direct formation of the deposits from the dilute current in the entire area. These model predictions are useful to mitigate the diverse hazards caused by natural PDCs under various geological conditions. A two‐layer pyroclastic density current model with heat conservation for mixing of pyroclasts, external water, and air is developedIn phreatomagmatic eruptions, the upper dilute current flows over longer distances and the lower dense current tends to be absentOur results explain the diverse features of the dynamics and deposits of natural pyroclastic density currents in a unified way A two‐layer pyroclastic density current model with heat conservation for mixing of pyroclasts, external water, and air is developed In phreatomagmatic eruptions, the upper dilute current flows over longer distances and the lower dense current tends to be absent Our results explain the diverse features of the dynamics and deposits of natural pyroclastic density currents in a unified way

Sleep disturbance, which is often observed among patients with diabetes (1), is possibly caused by impaired glucose metabolism or physical and psychological discomfort due to the disorder. In addition, a [...]

Although once considered rare, incidence of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections has been increasing throughout the 21st century, and is connected to cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP),1,2a condition for which there is no established treatment. We report a 28-year-old Japanese woman admitted to our hospital with distal muscular weakness after experiencing upper respiratory symptoms and subsequently diagnosed with AFP.

The round robin test (the simultaneous analysis of the same problem) is a method to investigate the variance and sensitivity of results provided by different analysts for a given problem and the reliability of the particular software used by each group participating in the test. A round robin test has been conducted for the traditional numerical method (e.g., finite difference method), but not yet for the discrete element method (DEM). This paper presents the results of the first ever round robin test on the DEM simulation for the angle of repose, involving 16 groups from around the world using different softwares. Within the scope of this round robin test, most groups reported similar simulation results for the angle of repose that differed only by a few degrees from the average of the experimental values, which was initially concealed from participants. There was also good agreement on the degree of variance of the angle of repose. In addition, this paper revealed the recent trends on the interparticle constitutive models and DEM softwares by considering the reports obtained from the participants.

Little is known about differences in the risk of poor nutritional status as assessed by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in relation to physical performance in elderly female cardiac inpatients. The present study aimed to determine both differences in physical performance based on the GNRI and physical performance cut-off values according to the GNRI in elderly female cardiac inpatients. We enrolled 105 consecutive female Japanese inpatients aged ≥65 years (mean age, 74.6 years) with cardiac disease in this cross-sectional study. We divided the patients into two groups according to GNRI: high-GNRI group (≥92 points) (n= 71) and low-GNRI group (<92 points) (n= 34). Handgrip strength (HG), knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS), gait speed (GS), and one-leg standing time (OLST) were assessed as indices of hospital physical performance and compared between the two groups to determine cut-off values of physical performance. After adjustment for age and left ventricular ejection fraction, HG, KEMS, GS, and OLST were significantly lower in the low-GNRI versus high-GNRI group. Cut-off values by ROC curve analysis were 16.2 kgf (AUC = 0.66; p< 0.001) for HG, 34.3 % of body weight (AUC = 0.62; p= 0.04) for KEMS, 1.24 m/s (AUC = 0.72; p< 0.01) for GS, and 8.28 s (AUC = 0.62; p= 0.04) for OLST. The risk of poor nutrition, as indicated by a low GNRI, might be a predictor of lower physical performance. Cut-off values determined in this study might be minimum target goals for physical performance that can be attained by elderly female cardiac inpatients.

Strict control of blood glucose and blood pressure levels sometimes fail to delay the development of diabetic nephropathy, and effective therapy for diabetic nephropathy is not yet available. AST-120, a [...]

Hiroyuki Shimizu Chairman and chief executive www.nykline.com A familiar industry trend in today's world of international transportation is to bolster business activities through consolidation and acquisition. The goal is to [...]

Little is known about the differences in the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) status in older patients and their relationship to accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity (PA) levels. We determined both differences in daily measured PA based on the GNRI and related cut-off values for PA in elderly cardiac inpatients. We divided 235 consecutive elderly cardiac inpatients (mean age 73.6 years, men 70.6 %) into four groups by age and GNRI: older-high group, 65–74 years with high GNRI (≥92 points) (n= 111); older-low group, low GNRI (<92 points) (n= 30); very old-high group, ≥75 years with high GNRI (n= 55); and very old-low group with low GNRI (n= 39). Average step count and physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE in kcal) per day for 2 days of these inpatients were assessed by accelerometer and compared between the four groups to determine cut-off values of PA. Step counts and PAEE were significantly lower in the low-GNRI versus high-GNRI groups in the older (2,742.1 vs. 4,198.1 steps, 55.4 vs. 101.3 kcal, P< 0.001), and very old (2,469.6 vs. 3,423.7 steps, 54.5 vs. 79.1 kcal, P< 0.001) cardiac inpatients. Respective cut-off values for step counts and PAEE were 3,017.6 steps/day and 69.4 kcal (P< 0.01) in the older and 2,579.4 steps/day and 58.8 kcal in the very old cardiac inpatients (P< 0.01). Poor nutritional status, as indicated by a low GNRI, may be a useful predictor of step counts and PAEE. The cut-off values determined in this study might be target values to be attained by older cardiac inpatients.

ABSTRACTLaboratory diagnosis has played a critical role in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative since 1988, by isolating and identifying poliovirus (PV) from stool specimens by using cell culture as a highly sensitive system to detect PV. In the present study, we aimed to develop a molecular method to detect PV directly from stool extracts, with a high efficiency comparable to that of cell culture. We developed a method to efficiently amplify the entire capsid coding region of human enteroviruses (EVs) including PV. cDNAs of the entire capsid coding region (3.9 kb) were obtained from as few as 50 copies of PV genomes. PV was detected from the cDNAs with an improved PV-specific real-time reverse transcription-PCR system and nucleotide sequence analysis of the VP1 coding region. For assay validation, we analyzed 84 stool extracts that were positive for PV in cell culture and detected PV genomes from 100% of the extracts (84/84 samples) with this method in combination with a PV-specific extraction method. PV could be detected in 2/4 stool extract samples that were negative for PV in cell culture. In PV-positive samples, EV species C viruses were also detected with high frequency (27% [23/86 samples]). This method would be useful for direct detection of PV from stool extracts without using cell culture.

Obesity arises from impaired energy balance, which is centrally coordinated by leptin through activation of the long form of leptin receptor (Leprb). Obesity causes central leptin resistance. However, whether enhanced peripheral leptin sensitivity could overcome central leptin resistance remains obscure. A peripheral metabolic organ targeted by leptin is the liver, with low Leprbexpression. We here show that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and obese patients with hepatosteatosis exhibit increased expression of hepatic helicase with zinc finger 2, a transcriptional coactivator (Helz2), which functions as a transcriptional coregulator of several nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in vitro. To explore the physiological importance of Helz2, we generated Helz2-deficient mice and analyzed their metabolic phenotypes. Helz2-deficient mice showing hyperleptinemia associated with central leptin resistance were protected against HFD-induced obesity and had significantly up-regulated hepatic Leprb expression. Helz2deficiency and adenovirus-mediated liver-specific exogenous Leprb overexpression in wild-type mice significantly stimulated hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase on HFD, whereas Helz2-deficient db/dbmice lacking functional Leprb did not. Fatty acid-β oxidation was increased in Helz2-deficeint hepatocytes, and Helz2-deficient mice revealed increased oxygen consumption and decreased respiratory quotient in calorimetry analyses. The enhanced hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase energy-sensing pathway in Helz2-deficient mice ameliorated hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, and insulin resistance by reducing lipogenic gene expression and stimulating lipid-burning gene expression in the liver. These findings together demonstrate that Helz2deficiency ameliorates HFD-induced metabolic abnormalities by stimulating endogenous hepatic Leprb expression, despite central leptin resistance. Hepatic HELZ2 might be a novel target molecule for the treatment of obesity with hepatosteatosis.

Obesity arises from an impairment of energy homeostasis, which essentially involves the balance of food intake and energy dissipation. Some secreted molecules in the hypothalamus have become the focus of recent attention for their important roles in the regulation of food intake. One such molecule, nesfatin-1, is a novel molecule originally expressed in the hypothalamic nuclei of the brain, which exerts its satiety function in conjunction with other molecules, including oxytocin and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Nesfatin-1 is processed from its precursor, DNA binding/EF-hand/acidic protein (NEFA)/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), and its mRNA is unexpectedly stabilized by troglitazone, a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). Subsequent analyses and observations have demonstrated that nesfatin-1 is also located in brain nuclei outside the hypothalamus and in peripheral tissues, and that nesfatin-1 neurons in the brain receive several signals. These findings imply that nesfatin-1 is an endogenous molecule important for the regulation of not only food intake but also other physiological functions. We discuss what is currently known about nesfatin-1, including new developments in our understanding of its distribution, regulation, and biological function.

We investigated why the nonlinear behaviors of (Bi,Na,Ba)(Ti,Mn)O3(BNBTM) ceramics and (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15(SCNN) ceramics occur in comparison with Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-based (PZT) ceramics by evaluating their high-power properties with the distinction between mechanical nonlinearity and temperature dependence of properties. The equivalent stiffness of PZT decreased with increasing vibration velocity and sample temperature. However, the equivalent stiffnesses of BNBTM and SCNN did not depend on vibration velocity, they decreased and increased linearly with an increase in sample temperature, respectively. The nonlinear behavior of PZT originated from the soft-spring effect through which the mechanical nonlinearity was induced and the temperature dependence of stiffness was enhanced. On the other hand, it appeared that the nonlinear behaviors of BNBTM and SCNN originated from the apparent soft- and hard-spring effects through which the temperature dependence of stiffness was induced. The temperature characteristic of elasticity is important for controlling the high-power properties.

The high-power piezoelectric characteristics of $c$-axis crystal-oriented (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15(SCNN) ceramics were studied by the constant-motional-current driving method, and compared with those of the randomly oriented ceramics superior to those of hard Pb(Ti,Zr)O3(PZT) ceramics. The $c$-axis crystal-oriented SCNN ceramic showed a large Lotgering factor of 0.98. The effective piezoelectric constant $d_{33}^{*}$ was 260 pm/V, as large as those of hard PZT ceramics. In the 31-mode of the rectangular plate, the quality factor, $Q$, was five times larger than that of the randomly oriented ceramic, and almost constant at approximately 3300 up to the maximum vibration velocity of 1.84 m/s rms. The resonant frequency change was also stable up to a vibration velocity of 1.84 m/s rms. The change was approximately +0.05% in the driving range, which was much smaller than that of +0.8% of the randomly oriented ceramic. The high-power piezoelectric characteristics were also clarified by a comparison with the mechanical characteristics. Therefore, the highly $c$-axis crystal-oriented SCNN ceramics are good candidates for high-power piezoelectric applications in comparison with hard PZT ceramics.

The CO2gas-shielded arc welding process with solid wire is widely used in Japan due to its good weld quality, high efficiency and reasonable wire and shielding gas costs. However, this process has its drawbacks, especially in the globular transfer mode at a high welding current, where significant amounts of spatter and fume are generated. To solve this problem, the author has investigated how to control globular transfer with a special pulsed current and has developed a regulated method and power source for practical use. The present report discusses the mechanism of this new method of regulating the globular transfer of molten droplets, in which each droplet is squeezed at its upper part in peak current duration and is detached silently in base current duration. Also various effects are reported concerning this new method and its application in the welding robot system for fabricating steel frames for buildings.

Nucleobindin-2 is a 420 amino acid EF-hand Ca2 binding protein that can be further processed to generate an 82 amino terminal peptide termed Nesfatin-1. To examine the function of secreted Nucleobindin-2 in adipocyte differentiation, cultured 3T3-L1 cells were incubated with either 0 or 100 nM of GST, GST-Nucleobindin-2, prior to and during the initiation of adipocyte differentiation. Nucleobindin-2 treatment decreased neutral lipid accumulation (Oil-Red O staining) and expression of several marker genes for adipocyte differentiation (PPARγ, aP2, and adipsin). When Nucleobindin- 2 was constitutively secreted into cultured medium, cAMP content and insulin stimulated CREB phosphorylation were significantly reduced. On the other hand, intracellularly overexpressed Nucleobindin-2 failed to affect cAMP content and CREB phosphorylation. Taken together, these data indicate that secreted Nucleobindin-2 is a suppressor of adipocyte differentiation through inhibition of cAMP production and insulin signal.

The properties of miniature cantilever-type ultrasonic motors using lead-free array-type multilayer piezoelectric ceramics of (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15(SCNN) developed using the design rule were investigated under high input power by comparison with the high-power properties of SCNN ceramics. The frequency dependence of the revolution speed reflected the nonlinear behavior of SCNN ceramics with the hard-spring effect and showed a mirror-reversed image relative to that of the motor of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT) ceramics. The output power increased linearly with increasing input power up to 110 mW without heat generation, and the driving properties were almost the same as the expectations under low input power. The output power density characteristics of the motors were high in comparison with those of the commercialized motors of PZT ceramics. It appeared that the motors have a high potential as an environmental friendly piezoelectric device with excellent properties, reflecting the high-power properties of SCNN ceramics.

ABSTRACTA transcription-reverse transcription (RT) concerted reaction (TRCR) method was developed for rapid and specific detection of EV71 from clinical specimens. This method was validated with EV71 strains from all of the known genotypes (genotypes A, B1 to B5, and C1 to C5), with detection limits of 10 to 103copies, and was useful for identification of EV71 from throat swabs of patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) bearing the B’γ (= B’α/B56γ1/PR61γ) subunit is recruited to dephosphorylation targets by cyclin G. We demonstrate here that cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK), a component of the GAK/B’γ/cyclin G complex, directly phosphorylates the B’γ-Thr104 residue and regulates PP2A activity. Indeed, an anti-B’γ-pT104 antibody detected immunofluorescence signals at the chromosome and centrosome during mitosis; these signals were reduced by siRNA-mediated GAK knockdown. After DNA damage by γ-irradiation, the chromosome signals formed foci that colocalized with a DNA double-strand break (DSB) marker H2AX-pS139 (γH2AX) and CHK2-pT68. Moreover, B’γ-pT104 enhanced PP2A holoenzyme assembly and PP2A activity, as shown by the results of an in vitro phosphatase assay. These results suggest a novel role for GAK as a regulator of dephosphorylation events under the control of the PP2A B’γ subunit.

Prospective studies on physical activity and diet and the onset of natural menopause are scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association of physical activity and dietary factors potentially related to endogenous estrogen levels such as fats, dietary fiber, soy isoflavones, and alcohol with the onset of menopause in a cohort of premenopausal women.

In the shipbuilding industry, welding efficiency without deteriorating weld quality has been desired to, as a consequence of the recent increase in the amount of shipbuilding and the size of ship hulls. Especially, an innovation in the welding efficiency and weld quality in horizontal fillet welding is a more important issue, because the amount of horizontal fillet welding work generally accounts for 70 percent or higher of the total welding work for ship hulls. One of high-speed horizontal fillet welding processes known as “Twin Tandem One Pool process” has been used in actual fabrication. However, the maximum welding speed of the twin tandem one pool process is approximately 1.5 m/min. In order to increase welding speed and welding quality of the twin tandem one pool process, the authors have employed an additional filler wire positioned between the two wires of the twin tandem one pool process. The additional wire carries DC-EN currents, opposite to DC-EP currents for the main welding wires, thereby reducing arc interference and arc blow at high currents. With this new technique, the authors have improved the stability of the weld pool formation at high currents. Consequently, horizontal fillet welding at a speed of 2.0 m/min on primer-coated steel plates has been achieved with excellent bead appearance, shape, and porosity resistance. Recently, this new process has just been installed in actual shipbuilding and it is confirmed that it truly contributes to improve welding efficiency and minimize repair time.

Aims/Introduction: The effects of 5‐day voluntary exercise on muscle damage and muscle protein degradation were investigated in a streptozotocin‐induced rat model of moderately glycemic, uncontrolled, type 2 diabetes.

ABSTRACTIn the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating and identifying poliovirus (PV) from the stool samples from acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases. In recent years, reestablishment of PV circulation in countries where PV was previously eliminated has occurred because of decreased herd immunity, possibly due to poor vaccination coverage. To monitor the vulnerability of countries to PV circulation, surveillance of neutralizing-antibody titers against PV in susceptible populations is essential in the end game of the polio eradication program. In this study, we have developed a PV neutralization test with type 1, 2, and 3 PV pseudoviruses to determine the neutralizing-antibody titer against PV in human serum samples. With this test, the neutralizing-antibody titer against PV could be determined within 2 days by automated interpretation of luciferase signals without using infectious PV strains. We validated the pseudovirus PV neutralization test with 131 human serum samples collected from a wide range of age groups (ages 1 to >60 years) by comparison with a conventional neutralization test. We found good correlation in the neutralizing-antibody titers determined by these tests. These results suggest that a pseudovirus PV neutralization test would serve as a safe and simple procedure for the measurement of the neutralizing-antibody titer against PV.

The Relationship between the Piezoelectric Properties and Crystal Lattice Deformation and Distortion Resulting from the Li Substitution in LiXNa0.52K0.48-XNbO3, Alkaline Niobate-Based Perovskite Ceramics of (Li, Na, K)NbO3, Was Investigated. the Lattice Parameters of the Sample with a Li Content X = 0.05 and Having a Monoclinic System with Space Group PM Were a = 3.9789(6) Å, B = 3.9385(5) Å, C = 4.0134(6) Å, and B = 90.305(4)º. the ET33/e0, Kr, and -D31 Values of the Sample by Poling in the Monoclinic System Were 450, 44.6%, and 57 PC/N, Respectively. on the other Hand, the ET33/e0, Kr, and -D31 Values of the Sample by Poling in the Tetragonal System Were 600, 38.7%, and 56 PC/N, Respectively. the Remarkable Piezoelectric Properties of these Ceramics Can Be Attributed only to the Low Symmetry of their Monoclinic System, which Is a Subgroup of aMm2 and P4mm. Li0.05Na0.52K0.43NbO3 Ceramics with a Monoclinic System Were Observed to Have the Unique Piezoelectric Characteristics.

Obese people show marked hyerinsulinemia, but the exact mechanism has not been clarified. Hyperleptinemia is one of possible candidates, although there is an obvious difference in the effect of leptin on insulin secretion between isolated pancreatic islets and β-cell line. Since glucagon may modulate the effect of leptin on insulin secretion, we determined the influences of glucagon in the leptin effect on insulin secretion. The influences of glucagon in the leptin effect on insulin secretion for 10 minutes were determined by using isolated mouse islets and HIT-T 15 cells. The influences of 3-isobutyl-1- methylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP were investigated in the leptin effect on insulin secretion. Leptin-inhibited insulin and glucagon secretion in isolated mouse pancreatic islets. In contrast, leptin stimulated insulin secretion in isolated mouse islets previously incubated with monoclonal anti-glucagon antibodies for 18 hours. In HIT-T 15 cells, leptin dose-dependently increased insulin secretion, but this effect was attenuated by the addition of glucagon. The stimulatory effect of leptin on insulin secretion was attenuated by 48 hour pre-incubation with glucagon. In the presence of 100 mM IBMX, leptin decreased insulin secretion from HIT-T 15 cells. Leptin also reduced insulin secretion in the presence of 1mM forskolin or 1mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The leptin effects on insulin secretion were affected by the existence of glucagon. Intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations may determine the leptin effects on insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells.

The polarization system and phase transition on Li0.055(Na0.50K0.50)0.945NbO3(LNKN) ceramics were investigated to determine the piezoelectric properties, relative permittivities and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The piezoelectric properties and relative permittivities were strongly dependent on the poled state, which poling temperatures were 25 or 150 \mbox{\circC}. The XRD did not exhibit orthorhombic--tetragonal phase transition around the phase transition temperature because no orthorhombic phase was observed below the phase transition temperature. The LNKN ceramics had multiple poled states, the origin of the multiple poled states was considered to be attributable to the multiple spontaneous polarization ($P_{\text{s}}$) direction on perovskite structure. From these results, we proposed that the phase transition on LNKN was not an orthorhombic--tetragonal phase transition but a monoclinic-tetragonal phase transition. The monoclinic perovskite structure [$Z=1$, $Pm$, $a=3.9825(5)$ $Å$, $b=3.9438(4)$ $Å$, $c=4.0217(5)$ $Å$, $\beta =90.292(3)$\mbox{\circ}] can provide multiple $P_{\text{s}}$ directions, such as [101]\text{pcand [001]\text{pc.

ABSTRACTIn the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, laboratory diagnosis plays a critical role by isolating and identifying poliovirus (PV) from the stool samples of patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP). In this study, we developed a particle agglutination (PA) method with a soluble human PV receptor (hPVR) in the form of an immunoadhesin (PVR-IgG2a) for the simple and rapid identification of PV. Sensitized gelatin particles with PVR-IgG2a showed specific agglutination with the culture fluid of PV-infected cells within 2 h of reaction in a one-step procedure. Detection limits for type 1, 2, and 3 PV(Sabin) strains were 1.5 × 10650% cell culture infectious doses (CCID50), 5.3 × 105CCID50, and 9.1 × 105CCID50, respectively. Wild-type PVs and PV isolates from acute flaccid paralysis cases examined were identified correctly with this PA method, except for some samples with a mixture of different serotypes of PVs, where a minor population of PV failed to be detected. These results suggest that this PA method is useful for the simple and rapid identification of PV, although the sensitivity was not high enough to detect a minor population of PV (<1/10 of the major population) among mixed PVs.

Recently, we have developed crystal-oriented sheet forming (COSF) process from green sheet process and high-magnetic-field method. We formed c-axis-oriented (Sr,Ca)2NaNb5O15 (SCNN) sheets by the COSF process, and succeeded in realizing c-axis-oriented single-plate type piezoelectric ceramics (O-SP) and c-axis-oriented multilayered type piezoelectric ceramics (O-MLPC) for SCNN. From the measurement results of displacement induced by electric field, it was clarified that effective d33 of the O-SP was 210~240 pm/V. This value was about 3 times larger than that of the randomly oriented single-plate type, which was 70% of that of single crystal. Moreover, it was confirmed that O-MLPC indicated displacements 2.5 times as large as that of the conventional multilayer piezoelectric ceramics. In this study, we clarified that piezoelectric properties in bulk and multilayer structure can be drastically enhanced using the COSF process.

Although smoking is a well-known risk factor for the onset of airway diseases, the associations between smoking and asthma are inconsistent.

We describe the case of a 7-year-old girl with repeated vaginal Enterobius vermicularisinfection, never detected as a digestive tract infection. Two-dose pyrantel pamoate or 2-dose albendazole could not suppress recurrence. Finally, 3-dose albendazole after 2-week intervals was successful in preventing relapse.

In utero exposure to high levels of endogenous estrogens has been hypothesized to increase breast cancer risk in later life. A high intake of soy has been suggested to protect against breast cancer. We examined the hypothesis that maternal soy intake may be inversely associated with pregnancy hormone levels.The concentrations of hormones (estradiol, estriol, and testosterone) and isoflavones (genistein, deidzein, and equol) were measured in the maternal urine and serum, and umbilical cord blood of 194 women during pregnancy and at delivery. Soy intake during pregnancy was assessed by 5-day diet records at approximately the 29th week of pregnancy.High correlations were observed for isoflavone levels between maternal samples and umbilical cord blood, indicating that isoflavone can be transferred from the maternal to the fetal compartment. None of the hormones measured in umbilical cord blood was significantly associated with any of the isoflavones measured. There were a few significant associations between maternal hormone levels and isoflavone measures during pregnancy, but their patterns of associations varied by gestational week and differed depending on whether isoflavone exposure was measured by diet records, urine or serum.Our data contain no strong evidence showing that soy intake affects hormone levels during pregnancy.

In the study of the application of a laser technique on the bulk of press formed Bi system, the authors have reported that a superconductive layer can be obtained underneath the laser melted layer. In a continuing series of this study, this paper deals with the mechanical properties of the bulk laser treated. Superconductive powder of Bi system, 2223 phase was pressed to form a disk specimen of 2 mm thick and 10 mm at 29 MPa to 196 MPa. Then a CO2 laser beam of output power 6 W to 9 W was scanned linearly in air to melt the surface of the specimen to be subjected to the evaluation of hardness and fracture strength. The experimental results showed that the values of microvickers hardness of superconductive layer and melted layer are 135 and 105 respectively while that of the specimen as press formed is as low as 45. The fracture strength of the laser treated specimen was increased to 34 N from 15 N. The mechanical properties obtained deserve non sensitive handling in a practical use of the treated bulk.

The purpose of this study is to examine the basic characteristics of the single layer type microwave absorber in X band. Samples were produced from Bi system (2223) superconductor powder and metallic powder and inserted into a wave guide system where the complex reflection intensity was measured (The short circuit method) by using the vector network analyzer[1]. As the result, at the room temperature (300K), the reflection loss is apt to increase with increasing the content of the Bi system superconductor powder. Furthermore, the measured value of the reflection loss agreed with the value calculated from the complex permittivity εr* . At liquid nitrogen temperature (77K) where the superconductor powders are in the superconducting state, some differences occurred between the calculated value and the measured one of the reflection loss. For the metallic powders, copper powder showed good agreement between the calculated and the measured of reflection loss. For the magnetic material, it was concluded that the theoretical formula under consideration of complex permeability μr* should be derivated.

We report an effective substitution of aluminum for gallium in langasite-type La3Ta0.5Ga5.5O14 (LTG) crystals for use in a pressure sensor at high temperature. Al-substituted LTG (La3Ta0.5Ga5.5-xAlxO14; LTGAx) single crystals up to the solubility limit of x=0.5 have been grown by the conventional Czochralski technique. The electric properties of the LTGAx crystals were investigated and compared with those of LTG. By Al substitution, the piezoelectric constant d11 and the electromechanical coupling factors (k12) became slightly larger. The LTGAx crystals showed a lower temperature dependence of d11 and a higher electric resistivity ρ than those of the LTG crystals.

Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OX-LDL) levels are elevated in patients with renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. We examined effects of OX-LDL on cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production by using normal human mesangial cells. Furthermore, we examined possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Mesangial cell proliferation with OX-LDL, 9-hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid (9HODE), and 13-hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13HODE), the major components of OX-LDL, were determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) or 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) incorporation. The effect of OX-LDL on mesangial cell proliferation with PD98059 pretreatment was determined by BrdU incorporation. Type IV collagen, fibronectin, and PPARγ expression with OX-LDL or 9HODE or 13HODE was determined by Western blotting. Type IV collagen expression with antisense oligonucleotide against PPARγ pretreatment was also determined by Western blotting. The effect of PD98059 pretreatment on PPARγ expression was determined by Western blotting. In mesangial cells exposed to isolated OX-LDL from human plasma, BrdU incorporation was increased, and this increase was deleted by PD98059. Type IV collagen expression was significantly increased by OX-LDL. 9HODE and 13HODE increased BrdU and MTT incorporation into mesangial cells and also increased expressions of Type IV collagen and fibronection, the major components of ECM. PPARγ expression in mesangial cells was stimulated by 9HODE. The reduction of PPARγ synthesis by pretreatment of antisense oligonucleotide against PPARγ remarkably attenuated Type IV collagen synthesis induced by 9HODE. PPARγ expression induced by 9HODE was also reduced by PD98059 pretreatment. These findings demonstrate that 9HODE, the major component of OX-LDL, stimulates cell proliferation and ECM production of human mesangial cells. In addition, the stimulatory effects are, at least in part, mediated by PPARγ, which may exist in downstream of ERK1/2 pathway.

The effects of extracorporeal shock waves (ESWs) on callus formation during bone lengthening were studied in 25 female Japanese white rabbits. Bone lengthening of 9.8?mm was obtained over 2 weeks using the Orthofix M-100 bone fixator. ESWs were applied 3 weeks after surgery. Pins were removed 7 weeks after surgery, and specimens were prepared after the animals were killed at 9 and 24 weeks. The shock wave setting used was 0.42?mJ/mm 2 with a pulse interval of 2?Hz; 3000 shots each were applied to the central and peripheral areas. The specimens were evaluated using radiography, bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual energy absorptiometry (DXA), and a three-point bending test to evaluate mechanical strength. Histological examination was performed on the lengthened portion. Radiographs and histological observations revealed no apparent fractures in nonlengthening tibias at the shock wave energy densities used. Radiographic observations revealed no apparent differences between the control group and the ESW group. BMD measurements by DXA revealed significantly increased bone mass in the ESW group 9 weeks after surgery. At 24 weeks after surgery the mean BMD had decreased to 25% and 15% of the values at 9 weeks in the control and ESW groups, respectively. The three-point bending test revealed no significant differences between the groups. Histological observations revealed significant capillary formation and osteoblasts and chondrocytes in the bone marrow as well as bridging of newly formed trabeculae 2 weeks after the bone was lengthened. At 4 weeks after treatment, observations included parts of the lengthened portion with no cortex or immature bone. At 9 weeks after surgery, cortex formation and a normal medullary cavity were clearly observed in the control group, whereas observations in the treated group included areas of the lengthened portion with no cortex and formation of immature trabecular structures and increased cancellous bone in the center of the lengthened portion. At 24 weeks after surgery, more prominent cortex formation and fatty marrow were observed in the ESW group than in the control group.