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Detection of low-intensity light relies on the conversion of photons to photoelectrons, which are then multiplied and detected as an electrical signal. To measure the actual intensity of the light, one must know the factor by which the photoelectrons have been multiplied. To obtain this amplification factor, we have developed a procedure for estimating precisely the signal caused by a single photoelectron. The method utilizes the fact that the photoelectrons conform to a Poisson distribution. The average signal produced by a single photoelectron can then be estimated from the number of noise events, without requiring analysis of the distribution of the signal produced by a single photoelectron. The signal produced by one or more photoelectrons can be estimated experimentally without any assumptions. This technique, and an example of the analysis of a signal from a photomultiplier tube, are described in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microscopic coexistence between weak ferromagnetism (WFM) and superconductivity (SC) in T b 0.47 Y 0.53 N i 2 11 B 2 C was investigated. Magnetization measurements indicate that antiferromagnetic (AFM), WFM and SC transitions occur in this material. Unpolarized neutron diffraction experiments revealed that the AFM order is best described by a longitudinal spin density wave with a propagation vector of q = 0.550 a ∗. Polarized neutron diffraction experiments further confirmed that the WFM order is originated in T b 0.47 Y 0.53 N i 2 11 B 2 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a devastating disease, and treating patients with CTEPH who are not eligible for pulmonary endarterectomy is particularly challenging. Short-term bosentan or phosphodiesterase type-5-inhibitor treatment can greatly improve symptoms and hemodynamics in these patients; however, the long-term benefits of advanced pulmonary vasodilators are not known. We retrospectively investigated the long-term effects of advanced pharmacological therapy in Japanese patients with inoperable CTEPH. Main methods Seven consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH (five women; mean age, 62.6 ± 6.9 years) treated with bosentan were included. World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC), hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration were evaluated at baseline and for more than 2 years. Time to clinical worsening was also examined during long-term follow-up. Key findings WHO-FC improved significantly, from 3.1 ± 0.4 to 2.1 ± 0.4 ( p = 0.005). Significant improvement was also seen in pulmonary vascular resistance, which decreased from 786.9 ± 300.0 to 352.2 ± 210.7 dynes s cm − 5 ( p < 0.05). Plasma BNP concentration decreased significantly from 1160.0 ± 971.4 to 305.1 ± 285.9 pg/mL ( p < 0.05). No patient required hospitalization during the follow-up period (mean, 896 ± 564 days). Significance Long-term advanced therapy with bosentan significantly improves symptoms, pulmonary vascular resistance, plasma BNP concentration, and time to clinical worsening in Japanese patients with inoperable CTEPH. We consider bosentan to be an essential treatment for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] TRG neurons innervate inflamed MM and projecting Vi/Vc region are labeled by FG and MB. [•] BDNF inhibits I A and I K currents in small-diameter FG/MB-labeled TRG neurons. [•] Inhibition magnitude of potassium currents by BDNF was greater in inflamed than in naïve rats. [•] BDNF inhibited I A to a significantly greater extent than I K and inhibition was blocked by k252a. [•] Potassium channel openers and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are therapeutic agents of hyperalgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microstructure, mechanical and shape memory properties of homogenized Ti–55Pd–5x (x=Zr/Hf/V/Nb) (at%) ternary alloys were investigated to identify potential alloy systems for functional applications in the temperature range of 400–600°C. The four characteristic temperatures of these alloys were observed to be in the desired temperature range. The yield strengths of martensite and austenite phases were measured to be better than reported for binary Ti–Pd alloys. Two kinds of microstructure developed in these alloys: (i) Ti–55Pd–5Zr and Ti–55Pd–5Hf alloys had B19 martensite as their matrix phase with a significant amount of (Ti, x)2Pd3 and Pd3(Ti, x) (x=Zr or Hf) precipitates; (ii) Ti–55Pd–5V and Ti–55Pd–5Nb alloys had (Ti, x)2Pd3 (x=V or Nb) phase as their major phase along with a small amount of martensite phase. As a result, Ti–55Pd–5Zr and Ti–55Pd–5Hf alloys exhibited significant shape memory; the maximum observed shape memory strain was 1.69% for Ti–55Pd–5Hf alloy. The non-transformable nature of (Ti, x)2Pd3 phase was responsible for the poor shape memory behavior of the other two alloys. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ti–50Pt (all compositions in atomic %) alloy exhibits phase transformation from B2 phase having bcc crystal structure to orthorhombic martensitic (B19) phase above 1200K. However, it exhibits a partial shape memory effect due to its low critical stress for slip deformation compared with the stress required for martensitic transformation. In order to improve the shape memory properties and strength of Ti–50Pt alloys at high temperature, this study examined the effects of partial substitution (e.g. 5at%) of Ti with group IV (e.g. Zr) transition metals and the effects of partial substitution of Pt with platinum group (e.g. Ru) transition metals. The compressive strength and shape memory properties at high temperature were improved by partial substitution of Ti with Zr as well as by partial substitution of Pt with Ru in Ti–50Pt alloys: e.g., 1468MPa for TiPt–Zr, 712MPa for TiPt–Ru and 485MPa for TiPt alloys. Furthermore, Ti–50Pt–5Zr alloy exhibited much higher strength and better shape memory effect than Ti–45Pt–5Ru alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Heat transfer characteristics in He II have been investigated in relation to superheating. When a good thermal conductor in a narrow two-dimensional channel is heated above the critical heat flux of the λ-transition, superheated He I nucleates in the hottest area of the conductor covered with superheated He II. The spread of superheated He I, which has a low thermal conductivity, forms an intermediate state in which superheated He I coexists with superheated He II. Superheated He I together with superheated He II is apparently stabilized since part of the heat cut off by superheated He I tends to flow in the conductor. Higher heat input turns the intermediate state into a mixed state where superheating and boiling alternate irregularly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Although active smoking has been reported to be associated with poor self-rated health (SRH), its association with secondhand smoke (SHS) is not well understood. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the association of active smoking and SHS exposure with SRH. Methods: A total of 2558 workers (1899 men and 689 women), aged 16-83 (mean 45) years, in 296 small and medium-sized enterprises were surveyed by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Smoking status and exposure levels to SHS (no, occasional or regular) among lifetime non-smokers were assessed separately at work and at home. SRH was assessed with the question: How would you describe your health during the past 1-year period (very poor, poor, good, very good)? SRH was dichotomized into suboptimal (poor, very poor) and optimal (good, very good). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for reporting suboptimal vs optimal SRH according to smoking status and smoke exposure were calculated. Results: Current heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes/day) had a significantly increased suboptimal SRH than lifetime non-smokers after adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, physical and occupational factors (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.06-1.69). Similarly, lifetime non-smokers occasionally exposed to SHS at work alone had worse SRH than their unexposed counterparts (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.02-2.11 ). In contrast, lifetime nonsmokers exposed at home alone had no significant increase in suboptimal SRH. Conclusions: The present study indicates an increase in suboptimal SRH among current heavy smokers, and suggests that SHS exposure at work is a possible risk factor for non-smokers. Whether or not the association is causal, control of smoking at work may protect workers from developing future health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In situ X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed to determine the structure, thermal and magnetic properties of the ternary alloys CuMPd6 (M=Ti, V, Mn and Fe). The X-ray diffraction experiments of the polycrystalline specimens annealed at 1273K have shown that a single phase (A1-type face-centered cubic (fcc) structure) is formed at this stoichiometric composition up to a temperature of 1178K. The integrated intensity data obtained from the diffraction experiments were utilized to determine the lattice parameters, Debye temperatures (Θ D), the mean linear thermal expansion (MLTE) and the coefficients of thermal expansion (α(T)). The lattice parameters showed a positive deviation from the Vegard''s law, whereas the Debye temperatures were found to be of the same order as for CuPd3 alloy. The contribution of the static displacements to the temperature factors was found to be nearly zero for the four alloys. The linear thermal expansion follows the classical Grüneisen relationship in these alloys. The trend of magnetic properties in these alloys was observed to be similar to that for CuMPt6 alloys (see text) i.e. paramagnetic – spin glass – ferromagnetic with the increasing atomic number of the metal M. The results have been discussed by comparing with those given in literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Monolithic TiB2 films and double layer and composite TiCN–TiB2 films were deposited on Si wafers from a mixture of titanium tetra-ethoxide and boron tri-ethoxide solutions at a 1:2 mole ratio at 800 °C for 20 min by chemical vapor deposition in a thermal N2/H2 plasma. The TiB2 films were deposited without N2, while the double layer and composite TiCN–TiB2 films of various compositions were deposited by varying N2 flow rates in N2/H2 plasma. The surfaces and cross-sections of the films were observed by SEM, exhibiting the microstructures and thickness of the films. The relative atomic percentages of Ti, N, B, bonded and free C, and O in the films were determined semi-quantitatively from their XPS peak areas. Microstructures of the composite films with the composition 3TiC0.5N0.5/2TiB2 formed at N2 =50 mL min−1 were observed by TEM, revealing the sizes and orientations of the particles with the distribution of Ti and B elements in the film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, many children with severe or profound congenital hearing loss have undergone treatment to receive cochlear implants; however, the efficacy and risks associated with pediatric cochlear implants are still unknown. Some deaf adults are opposed to parents making the decision regarding cochlear implants for their children. To elucidate the benefits and risks perceived by parents and to investigate parents' decision-making processes, we interviewed 26 parents of deaf children (aged 12 years or younger) who live in the wider Tokyo area, Japan. The results showed that the participants perceived auditory and speech improvements as benefits. On the other hand, participants pointed out various risks associated with cochlear implantation such as medical complications, restrictions on daily activities, cost of cochlear implant upgrades, low effectiveness, and the negative psychosocial impact associated with the implants. Participants who emphasized the benefits of the surgery tended to approve of cochlear implants. Participants who emphasized the risks of the surgery tended to disapprove. All participants, however, were reluctant to make the decision to undergo cochlear implants on behalf of their children due to the uncertain benefits and risks. Participants who believed that early implantation during infancy would be associated with better outcomes regarded their surrogate decision-making as necessary and approved the treatment. This decision, however, was made with certain stipulations; for example, these parents resolved to discuss the decision with their children as they got older, and would give their children the option of having the implant removed. Those who did not believe claims about the effectiveness of early implantation postponed decision-making. These results suggest that guardians face difficulty in decision-making and need information and support from various professionals, deaf adults, parents of children with implants, and children with implants themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A finite element simulation tool for thermal imprint process has been developed. In the system, polymer is assumed to be a viscoelastic body represented by the generalized Maxwell model. We experimentally measured viscoelastic properties of a polymer material and derived parameters used in the simulation tool. Using the same polymer material, we performed imprint experiments to examine time dependent deformation. Comparing the polymer deformations in simulated results with those in experiments, we confirmed that the developed simulation tool and the measured material parameters were useful for analysis of thermal imprint process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various nano-/micro-structuring methods, including focused ion beam (FIB), femto-second laser, KrF eximer laser and dicing techniques, were used to fabricate glassy carbon (GC) micro-molds and were characterized in terms of the process rate, the roughness and the shape of machined structure. The combination of femto-second laser ablation with subsequent FIB milling provided a possibility for the rapid fabrication of high quality micro-structures on a wide surface area. Obtained molds were applied to the hot-emboss process of glasses to investigate process conditions needed for the replication of structures with various geometries and dimensions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Double layered TiN/TiBC and composite TiBCN coatings were deposited on WC–Co cutting tools from titanium tetra-ethoxide (TTEO) and boron tri-ethoxide (BTEO) solutions at 800 °C for 20 min by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in a thermal Ar/N2/H2 plasma. The double layered coatings were deposited in Ar/N2/H2 plasma for the first 10 min, followed by another 10 min deposition in Ar/H2 plasma. The composite TiBCN coatings of various compositions were deposited from the mixed solutions of TTEO and BTEO at a 1:2 mole ratio by changing the N2 flow rate. The crystalline phases of the coatings were identified by thin film X-ray diffraction. The surfaces and cross sections of the coatings were observed by SEM, revealing the microstructures and thickness of the coatings. The relative concentrations of Ti, N, B, bonded and free C, and O in the coatings were determined semi-quantitatively from the XPS peak areas. The composite TiBCN coatings deposited on WC–Co cutting tools exhibited superior flank and crater wear resistance compared with commercial TiN coatings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The strong interactions between free-surface flows and atmospheric surroundings may lead to substantial air–water mixing with void fractions ranging from zero in clear-water to 100%. In this study, the air–water flow properties were studied in a large stepped water channel operating at large Reynolds numbers. Interactions between free-surface and cavity recirculation were systematically investigated in the skimming flow regime. Some surface roughness was introduced on the cavity walls and identical experiments were performed with several configurations. Basic results demonstrated some influence of step surface roughness on the flow properties leading to some counter-intuitive finding. The presence of cavity roughness was associated with higher flow velocities and comparatively lower turbulence levels. Distributions of bubble/droplet chords spanned over several orders of magnitude without significant influence of the cavity roughness. The distributions of turbulence levels and bubble count rates showed some correlation and highlighted strong interactions between entrained particles (bubbles, drops) and the flow turbulence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The energy subtraction method is employed for contrast media measurements focusing on tumors. An X-ray filter which had a K-edge a little higher than the one of the contrast media, was used to make X-ray spectra sensitive to the contrast media. For practical reasons, a CdZnTe detector was used for the photon detector. The thickness of the contrast media was estimated from the measured energy spectra of X-rays, even in the presence of Al, used to simulate bones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various methods, including focused ion beam (FIB), femto-second laser, KrF eximer laser and dicing techniques, were employed for preparing glassy carbon (GC) micro-molds, and those methods were characterized in terms of the process rate, the roughness and the shape of machined structure. FIB milling using a repetitive pass method produced nano/microstructures with flat channel bottom and nearly vertical sidewalls. Although FIB milling was slowest process, it provided the best quality of machined surface (R a =4–30nm depended on milled depth). Femtosecond-pulsed laser machining also allowed fabricating flat bottom and nearly vertical sidewalls on an area of 1.2×1.2mm2 at a scanning speed of 20mm/s, but lead to an increase of the surface roughness (R a =80nm). Femto-second laser in combination with FIB milling provided a possibility for the rapid fabrication of high quality microstructures on wide surface area. The roughness of machined surface decreased to 45nm by the subsequent FIB milling. Microstructuring with a nanosecond-pulsed KrF eximer laser at an irradiation wavelength of 248nm with a fluence of 13.2J/cm2 also allowed the fast fabrication of master structure for micro-gear, resulted in slanted sidewalls and not ideally flat bottoms. The surface roughness (R a) of the bottom and the side wall was about 45 and 70nm, respectively. Dicing technique allowed machining micro-channels with a rectangular and pyramidal cross-section on an area of 15×15mm2 under the feed speed of 50mm/min. By reducing the feeding speed from 100mm/min to 50mm/min, surface roughness (R a) of the structure side wall decreased from 150nm to 70nm. Achieved glassy carbon molds were then applied to the hot-emboss process of Pyrex and quartz glasses to investigate embossing conditions (emboss temperature, pressure and hold time) needed for the replication of Pyrex and quartz glass structures with various geometries and dimensions in glass plates with thickness of 1mm. Replication results showed good replication at the nanoscale, resulted in the almost the same dimensions and surface roughness with that of cavities. Thicker plate provided faster filling in the emboss process of glass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the development of 45w%Pb-55w%Bi cooled direct contact boiling water small fast reactor (PBWFR), Pb-Bi-water direct contact boiling two-phase flow loop has been fabricated and operated. The loop consists of a Pb-Bi flow loop (four heater pin bundle, a chimney, an upper plenum, a level meter tank, an air-water cooler, and an electromagnetic flow meter) and a water-steam flow loop (a pump, a preheated, an injection nozzle, the chimney, the upper plenum with mist separators and dryers, a condenser, a buffer tank, and an air-water cooler). At the rated operating condition system pressure is 7 MPa. The sub-cooled water was injected into a Pb-Bi flow in the chimney. A power of the heater pin bundle was controlled to obtain the inlet and outlet temperatures of the heater bundle. The Pb-Bi and steam flows were simulated analytically using one-dimensional models of frictional and form losses and a drag force. The Pb-Bi-steam two-phase frictional pressure loss was calculated by means of the two-phase flow multiplication factor of Lockhart-Martinelli model. It was found that Pb-Bi temperature decreased quickly in the chimney due to high heat transfer rate of Pb-Bi-water direct contact boiling. The volumetric overall heat transfer coefficient was 60–310 kW/m3K, and decreased with the superheat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the development of 45w%Pb-55w%Bi cooled direct contact boiling water small fast reactor (PBWFR), experimental study on Pb-Bi-water direct contact boiling two-phase flow has been performed using Pb-Bi-water direct contact boiling two-phase flow loop. For stable start-up of the boiling flow operation, Pb-Bi single-phase natural circulation must be realized in a Pb-Bi flow system of the loop before water injection into Pb-Bi. The Pb-Bi flow system consists of a four-heater-pin bundle, a chimney, an upper plenum, a level meter tank, a cooler, and an electromagnetic flow meter. A stable Pb-Bi single-phase natural circulation was realized in the range of flow rate from 1.5 l/min to 4.8 l/min by heating Pb-Bi in the heater-pin bundle with a power up to 7.7 kW. The inlet and outlet temperatures of the heater bundle were in the ranges from 243°C to 278°C, and from 251°C to 278°C, respectively. The natural circulation flow was simulated analytically using one-dimensional flow model including frictional, form and drag forces. Total hydraulic head through the loop were calculated from Pb-Bi densities at measured Pb-Bi temperatures in the loop. It was found that the calculated flow rate agreed well with the measured ones, which indicated the validity of the analytical models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Motor imagery (MI) and voluntary teeth clenching (VTC) induce excitability changes of hand motor area in primary motor cortex (M1). Additionally, M1 receives thalamocortical and corticocortical afferent inputs. However, relationships between afferent inputs and excitability changes induced by above-mentioned facilitation methods are not clear. Therefore, we investigated whether different effects of MI and VTC occur on early and late I-wave components using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS was applied to the left M1 by antero-medially directed current (to preferentially elicited early I-wave components) and by postero-laterally directed current (to preferentially elicited late ones). Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the right relaxed first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle. During MI, MEP amplitudes of late components were significantly larger than those of early ones, although both MEP amplitudes were enhanced. Surprisingly, during VTC, MEP amplitudes of early components were significantly enhanced, but those of late ones were rather depressed. That is, afferent inputs to M1 induced by MI enhanced both early and late I-wave components, but those by VTC have separate influences. Thus, it is assumed that early and late components of I-waves could be differently recruited depending on different afferent input pathways to M1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have developed an (e,2e) spectrometer with the introduction of modern multiparameter techniques. In particular, the high sensitivity achieved by simultaneous detection in energy and momentum is remarkable, opening up the possibilities of more precise and more advanced studies on the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. To illustrate some of the features, an overview of our recent results is presented. Highlights are applications to collision dynamics of H2 and development of a method for a complete three-dimensional mapping of electron momentum densities in gaseous molecules. Both of these studies are based on the high sensitivity of the spectrometer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An apparatus for electron–electron-fragment ion triple coincidence experiments has been developed to examine binary (e,2e) scattering reaction in the molecular frame. In the axial recoil limit of fragmentation of the residual ion, measurements of vector correlations among the three charged particles are equivalent to (e,2e) experiments with fixed-in-space molecules. Details and performance of the apparatus are reported, together with preliminary result of collision dynamics study on ionisation–excitation processes of fixed-in-space H2 molecules. We believe that this is the first observation of molecular frame (e,2e) cross sections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An investigation has been made of the bond strength of solid-state diffusion-bonded interfaces of tin specimens whose faying surfaces were finished through four different treatments: grinding on abrasive paper of 800 grade, electrolytic polishing in a solution of perchloric acid in ethyl glycol monobutyl and ethanol, halogenation by HCl vapor, and halogenation by HF vapor. The bond strength of the joint was increased with a rise in bonding temperature for all the surface treatments. The grinding on abrasive paper required the highest bonding temperature to obtain the bond strength comparable with the base metal, followed by the electrolytic polishing, halogenation by HCl, and halogenation by HF. These effects of the surface treatments on the bond strength were discussed on the basis of TEM observations of the behavior of interfacial inclusions that were identified as tin oxide and tin oxide halide (for the halogenation treatments) based on SAD and EDX analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cyanide treatment which simply involves immersion of semiconductors in cyanide solutions can passivate interface states as well as surface states. When Si surfaces are treated with KCN solutions, a surface photovoltage greatly increases, and the surface recombination velocity is calculated to be decreased from ∼3000 cm/s to less than 200 cm/s. When the cyanide treatment is applied to ultrathin SiO2/single-crystalline Si structure, interface states are passivated. The passivation of the SiO2/Si interface states increases the energy conversion efficiency of 〈indium tin oxide (ITO)/SiO2/Si〉 MOS solar cells to 16.2% and decreases the leakage current density for 〈aluminum (Al)/SiO2/Si〉 MOS diodes to 1/3–1/8. When the cyanide treatment is performed on polycrystalline (poly-) Si, defect states in Si up to at least 0.5 μm depth from the surface are passivated, resulting in a vast increase in the energy conversion efficiency of 〈ITO/SiO2/poly-Si〉 solar cells and a decrease in the dark current density of 〈Al/SiO2/poly-Si〉 MOS diodes to 1/100–1/15 that without cyanide treatment. The defect passivation is attributed to the formation of Si&z.sbnd;CN bonds from defect states. Si&z.sbnd;CN bonds are found not to be ruptured by heat treatment at 800 °C and AM 1.5 100 mW/cm2 irradiation for more than 1000 h. Density functional calculations show that the thermal and irradiation stability results from strong Si&z.sbnd;CN bonds with the bond energy of 4.5 eV. When the cyanide treatment is performed on oxide/GaAs(1 0 0) structure, the interface state density decreases to ∼50%. The cyanide treatment can also passivate defect states in Cu2O films, resulting in increases in the carrier density and the band-to-band photoluminescence intensity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

By pulsed-neutron diffraction experiments on a DyRu2Si2 single crystal in an external magnetic field as well as in zero field we have confirmed peculiar one- and two-dimensional spin orderings in zero field, in which two paramagnetic (2 0 0)/(1 0 0) planes and two frustrated paramagnetic Dy ions are contained in the magnetic unit cells of 9a×a×c and 9a×9a×c, respectively, and made clear magnetic structures of the field-induced-metamagnetic phases. The zero field two-dimensional magnetic structure changes to one-dimensional without any paramagnetic Dy ion at H=0.5 T, similar to the high-temperature structure. At H=1.2 T, the spin arrangement becomes again two-dimensional without any paramagnetic Dy ion, then it changes at H=1.9 T to another -two-dimensional arrangement with more ferromagnetic components, and finally undergoes a fully-induced-ferromagnetic structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An electron momentum spectroscopy (EMS) study of the outer valence orbitals of N2O is reported. The experiments were performed at impact energies of 1000, 1200, 1600 and 1800 eV by using a recently developed multichannel (e, 2e) spectrometer. The experimental momentum profiles are compared with each other to examine their impact energy dependence. The results are used for comparisons with Hartree–Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations using various basis sets. The HF and DFT calculations with large basis sets are in very good agreement with the measured electron momentum profiles. Experimental spectroscopic factors for several transitions are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of photoelectron angular distributions to determine the linear polarization of VUV light over a wide range of photon energies is demonstrated. Light at wavelengths from 256 to 736 A˚, partially polarized by large angle reflections in a toroidal grating monochromator and at a refocus mirror, has been analyzed. The results are validated by comparison measurements at spot wavelengths using multilayer polarizers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A framework of goal-oriented sensing has been proposed with the emphasis on the integration of an inference mechanism with an active sensing module, which is equipped with a driving mechanism and a set of sensors. The validity of the dynamic failure identification based on the proposed framework of goal-oriented sensing has been examined under realistic experimental conditions using a small-scale test loop. Though the loops are small in scale, the validity of introducing mobile sensing mechanism has been successfully shown through the experiments emulating realistic failure conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The performances of uncorrelated single-configuration microscopic models, uncorrelated bases and correlated bases are compared. The correlated bases yield (almost) exact results for A&les;8 nuclei, which turn out to be very difficult to approximate with uncorrelated bases. Clustering and halo structure are visualized by plots of two-particle correlation functions obtained by nearly exact calculations with correlated Gaussian bases. It is shown that clustering may be present in a single-configuration uncorrelated but antisymmetrized microscopic model state as well, but it is much less pronounced than what is produced by the realistic calculation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

KEYNOTE-522 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pathological complete response (pCR) with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy and event-free survival (EFS) with neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab in patients with high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Prior studies have shown the prognostic value of the residual cancer burden (RCB) index to quantify the extent of residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this preplanned exploratory analysis, we assessed RCB distribution and EFS within RCB categories by treatment group. A total of 1174 patients with stage T1c/N1-2 or T2-4/N0-2 TNBC were randomized 2 : 1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo every 3 weeks given with four cycles of paclitaxel + carboplatin, followed by four cycles of doxorubicin or epirubicin + cyclophosphamide. After surgery, patients received pembrolizumab or placebo for nine cycles or until recurrence or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoints are pCR and EFS. RCB is a prespecified exploratory endpoint. The association between EFS and RCB was assessed using a Cox regression model. Pembrolizumab shifted patients into lower RCB categories across the entire spectrum compared with placebo. There were more patients in the pembrolizumab group with RCB-0 (pCR), and fewer patients in the pembrolizumab group with RCB-1, RCB-2, and RCB-3. The corresponding hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for EFS were 0.70 (0.38-1.31), 0.92 (0.39-2.20), 0.52 (0.32-0.82), and 1.24 (0.69-2.23). The most common first EFS events were distant recurrences, with fewer in the pembrolizumab group across all RCB categories. Among patients with RCB-0/1, more than half [21/38 (55.3%)] of all events were central nervous system recurrences, with 13/22 (59.1%) in the pembrolizumab group and 8/16 (50.0%) in the placebo group. Addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy resulted in fewer EFS events in the RCB-0, RCB-1, and RCB-2 categories, with the greatest benefit in RCB-2. These findings demonstrate that pembrolizumab not only increased pCR rates, but also improved EFS among most patients who do not have a pCR. • KEYNOTE-522 evaluated neoadjuvant pembrolizumab + chemotherapy/adjuvant pembrolizumab versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone in early TNBC. • Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab + chemotherapy/adjuvant pembrolizumab significantly improved pCR/EFS versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. • We explored the effect of adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy on outcomes by RCB category. • Pembrolizumab not only increased pCR rates, but also improved EFS among many patients who do not have a pCR. • Findings support neoadjuvant pembrolizumab + chemotherapy/adjuvant pembrolizumab as a standard of care treatment in early TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of Mg content on age-hardening response, tensile properties, and microstructures of a T5-treated thixo-cast Al–7wt.%Si–0.01wt.%Sr alloy has been investigated. The strengths of the T5-treated alloy increase with increasing the Mg content due to the dispersion of high density of needle-like precipitates (β" phases). Also, the addition of 1.0wt.% Mg results in the formation of evenly distributed fine Mg 2 Si phases and Fe-rich compounds in the eutectic Si regions, and therefore, the Al–7wt.%Si–1.0wt.%Mg–0.01wt.%Sr alloy exhibits high 0.2% proof stress of 241 MPa and moderate elongation to failure of 5.1%, which are comparable to those of T6-treated gravity-cast Al–7wt.%Si–0.3wt.%Mg (ASTM A356) alloys. Although the addition of 1.5wt.% Mg or more further improves the strengths, the excess additions of Mg lead to the formation of coarse Mg 2 Si phases. This causes significant loss of ductility, and the alloys show poor elongation to failure of ~2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of casting processing and natural aging on microstructures and mechanical properties of T5-treated Al–7wt.%Si–0.5 wt.%Mg–0.01 wt.%Sr (ASTM 357) alloys has been investigated. An artificial aging gives fine precipitation microstructures, and the thixo-cast processing provides much finer distributions of eutectic Si phases and Al 8 Si 6 Mg 3 Fe phases than the gravity-cast and die-cast processing, leading to higher level of strength-ductility balance in the thixo-cast alloys than that of T6-treated Al–Si based cast alloys. Although the prolonged natural aging significantly changes the subsequent artificial age-hardening behaviors and precipitation microstructures, it is interesting to note that the cast alloys could keep their good strengths even after the T5-treatment including the long-term natural aging. This finding will open up the development of strong and ductile cast Al–7wt.%Si–Mg based alloys which can broaden the application of aluminum alloys in automotive industry. • Thixo-casting results in uniform dispersion of fine eutectic compounds. • T5-treatment brings about fine distributions of precipitates. • Thixo-casting and subsequent T5-treatment provide good tensile property. • T5-treated alloys could keep good strengths even after prolonged natural aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ternary addition of Zn to the binary Cu–Pt system was found to result in a complete miscibility at a stoichiometric composition of CuZnPt6. The equilibrium ground state structure is face-centered cubic (fcc) (A1-type). The results are associated with the alloying behavior in the ternary CuMPt6 (M=3d metals) system reported previously. They verify the fact that the Pt-based primary solid solution found in binary MPt3 alloys extends its region in the phase diagram to the composition of Cu:M:Pt=1:1:6. The Debye temperature (Θ D) obtained is smaller than that of pure Pt, whereas no significant effect is observed on the linear thermal expansion and magnetic property of the alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To find more effective and less toxic immunosuppressive strategies in long-term treatment for organ transplantation patients, we examined the effects on rat heart allograft survival of a novel sphigosine-1-phosphate receptor agonist, KRP-203, combined with a subtherapeutic dose of cyclosporine (CsA). Rat heart transplantation was performed across a major histocompatibility complex-incompatible (DA to LEW) rat combination. KRP-203 alone showed little or no effect on heart allograft survival. In contrast, KRP-203 combined with a subtherapeutic dose of CsA led to prolonged allograft survival. Histologic analyses showed that the combination completely suppressed acute rejection, as characterized by allograft vasculopathy, mononuclear cell infiltration, and myocardial necrosis in the heart allografts. RT-PCR analysis showed that the allografts treated with CsA or KRP-203 alone showed no suppression of IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α mRNA expression, but when combined with a subtherapeutic dose of CsA it completely suppressed their mRNA expressions. Furthermore, the combination treatment reduced donor-specific antibody production. KRP-203 combined with a subtherapeutic dose of CsA synergistically prolonged rat heart allograft survival. The combination of CsA with KRP-203 may provide an option to prevent allograft rejection and reduce adverse effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In order to clarify the safety and effectiveness of WT1 peptide vaccination for the patients with CML, we started WT1 peptide vaccination in combination with imatinib therapy for a patient with CML. Materials and Methods: A 51 years-old male with CML in CP had been treated with 400 mg imatinib for 2.5 years. Bcr-abl transcripts decreased transiently but gradually increased to more than 1, 000 copies thereafter. HLA-A*2402-restricted 9mer mutant WT1 peptides (CYTWNQMNL; a.a. 235-243), which had been identified to possess an anti-tumor immunogenicity, were administered subcutaneously at the dose of 1 mg/ day every 2 weeks in combination with 400 mg imatinib for first 5 months and thereafter every 4 weeks for 12 months. The vaccination was undertaken 22 times totally. The appearance of WT1-specific CTLs in PB was confirmed by evaluating the frequency of MHC/WT1 tetramer + CD8+ T cells by using mixed lymphocyte peptide culture (MLPC). Results: Although bcr-abl transcripts increased up to more than 2,000 copies after the the initiation of WT1 vaccination every 2 weeks, the transcripts have decreased to less than 500 copies by the administration of WT1 peptides every 4 weeks. After seven months from the cessation of WT1 peptide vaccination bcr-abl transcripts decreased to the level of major molecular response (MMR), which is lasting thereafter for nearly 4 years. While WT1-specific CTLs were not detected in PB before WT1 peptide vaccination, the CTLs appeared after the second vaccination and remained at the level of nearly 15/106 CD8+ cells thereafter. The MHC/WT1 tetramer+ cells showed cytotoxicity against only leukemia cells expressing WT1 and HLA-A*2402. Conclusions: The present study showed that WT1 peptide vaccination for an imatinib-pretreated CML patient is feasible and effective, which is due to the long-lasting amplification of WT1-specific CTLs with cytotoxicity against WT1-expressing leukemia cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]