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Previous studies have evaluated how changes in atmospheric nitrogen (N) inputs and climate affect stream N concentrations and fluxes, but none have synthesized data from sites around the globe. We identified variables controlling stream inorganic N concentrations and fluxes, and how they have changed, by synthesizing 20 time series ranging from 5 to 51 years of data collected from forest and grassland dominated watersheds across Europe, North America, and East Asia and across four climate types (tropical, temperate, Mediterranean, and boreal) using the International Long-Term Ecological Research Network. We hypothesized that sites with greater atmospheric N deposition have greater stream N export rates, but that climate has taken a stronger role as atmospheric deposition declines in many regions of the globe. We found declining trends in bulk ammonium and nitrate deposition, especially in the longest time-series, with ammonium contributing relatively more to atmospheric N deposition over time. Among sites, there were statistically significant positive relationships between (1) annual rates of precipitation and stream ammonium and nitrate fluxes and (2) annual rates of atmospheric N inputs and stream nitrate concentrations and fluxes. There were no significant relationships between air temperature and stream N export. Our long-term data shows that although N deposition is declining over time, atmospheric N inputs and precipitation remain important predictors for inorganic N exported from forested and grassland watersheds. Overall, we also demonstrate that long-term monitoring provides understanding of ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling that would not be possible with short-term studies alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoindentation experiments are performed at the vicinity of grain boundaries, in Fe-Si tricrystals, to illustrate the existence of a critical stress at which slip transmission occurs across grain boundaries. Such a critical stress can be considered as a grain boundary yield stress and can be quantified within the framework of conventional gradient plasticity theory, enhanced by introducing a new mechanically induced “interface energy” term. The present study takes a first step in trying to provide a physical interpretation for this “far from thermodynamic equilibrium” interface energy term by conducting nanoindentation tests in three Fe-3wt%Si tricrystals, each of which had three distinct types of grain boundary misorientations, namely 22.5°, 42.0° and 44.6°. By relating the experimentally measured grain boundary yield stress to the predictions of interfacial gradient plasticity, it is possible to determine the interface parameter (ξ), which provides a measure of the resistance to slip transmission for each grain boundary examined. In particular, microscopic arguments from standard dislocation theory reveal that ξ depends on both the grain interior properties and the grain boundary structure. The internal length is shown to depend on multiple characteristic lengths of the microstructure, while a new expression is deduced for relating the Hall-Petch slope to both the interface parameter and internal length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two phase emulsion is widely used to increase the reaction efficiency. Slag-metal emulsion is used widely in metallurgy to increase the efficiency of the process. Previously, Pb-salt emulsion system at high temperature has been studied experimentally and mathematically. In this work the study has been extended to Al-salt and Sn-salt systems to cover wider physical properties at much higher temperature, both experimentally as well as mathematically. Further the mathematical model has been verified against various published emulsion systems, having a wide variety of physical properties. Using this model, the effect of various physical properties of slag and iron, such as viscosity, density and drop size, on the iron-slag emulsion system has been studied. It is found that the iron droplets of the size of 100 µm or lesser may be entrapped in the slag if sufficient time is not allowed to settle them into the metal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To estimate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, we report monitoring results of their concentration in deep-sea fish, benthic invertebrates, and sediments collected off Tohoku in 2012-014. Total concentration of PCBs in the deep-sea organisms ranges from 0.12 to 51 ng g dry weight (8.7-374 ng g lipid), whereas that of sediments ranges from 0.086 to 4.0 ng g dry sediment. These ranges are well below the regulatory standards determined by the Ministry of the Environment in Japan (pelagic fish: 500 ng g dry weight, pelagic sediment: 10 μg g dry sediment). With the reported data before the 2011 tsunami event, we did not find any significant increase in PCBs concentration off Tohoku during 2012-2014. For the biological samples, we also measured the nitrogen isotopic composition of individual amino acids for determining the precise trophic position to examine possible biomagnification through the food web. We did not find any significant correlation between the trophic position and PCB concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter climate change is an important environmental driver that alters the biogeochemical processes of forest soils. The decrease in snowpack amplifies soil freeze–thaw cycles and decreases the snowmelt water supply to soil. This study examined how snow decrease affects nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification in forest soil in northern Japan by conducting an in situ experimental snowpack manipulation experiment and a laboratory incubation of soil with different moisture, temperature and freeze–thaw magnitudes. For the incubation studies, surface mineral soil (0–10 cm) was collected from a cool-temperate natural mixed forest and incubated using the resin core method during the winter. In the field, there were two treatments: 50 and 100 % snow removal and control plots. The increase in the soil freeze–thaw cycle increased net N mineralization and marginally decreased the net nitrification in soil. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and DOC/DON ratio in soil increased with the decrease in snowpack especially during the snow melt period. These results suggested that the change in substrate quality by the increase in freeze–thaw cycles caused the significant enhancement of microbial ammonium production in soil. The lower soil moisture and higher gross immobilization of inorganic N by soil microbes may be maintaining the slow net nitrification and low nitrate leaching in freeze–thaw cycles with less snowpack. The results indicate that winter climate change would strongly impact N biogeochemistry through the increase in ammonium availability in soil for plants and microbes, whereas it would be unlikely that nitrate loss from surface soil would be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fatigue tests were carried out to study the distribution of fatigue lives of the extruded Mg alloy AZ61 under constant stress amplitudes. The scattering in the distribution of fatigue lives becomes larger at lower stress amplitudes compared to higher stress amplitudes. During the fatigue process of the alloy, it was observed that cracks initiated from inclusions existing on the specimen surface, then propagated, and finally led to the final failure of the specimen. Statistical distributions of both densities and areas (sizes) of the inclusions were experimentally investigated in detail and were approximated by Weibull distributions. In addition, the distribution of $${{A}_{\rm max}^{1/2}}$$, the square root of the maximum inclusion areas within a division of 0.75 mm, was also investigated. The experimental data were approximated well by the extreme-value distribution. The distributions of the fatigue lives of the extruded Mg alloy were evaluated using both Monte-Carlo simulation and surface fatigue crack propagation behaviour. In the simulation, the random numbers corresponding to the above statistical distributions of the inclusions, i.e., densities, areas, and square root of the maximum inclusion areas were utilized. The evaluated distribution of the fatigue lives corresponded well with the experimental one. It was concluded that for the evaluation of the distribution of fatigue lives, employing the extreme-value distribution of the inclusions is recommended because of convenience and accuracy of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report our early experience with (18)F-fluoride PET/CT for detecting lesions and evaluate the usefulness of this modality in the assessment of multiple myeloma (MM). Materials and Methods: (18)F-fluoride PET/CT and (99m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy (BS) studies from 7 myeloma patients (4 male and 3 female, mean age 55 years) diagnosed according to standard criteria were reviewed retrospectively. Two reviewers visually and quantitatively analyzed the images and recorded their findings after reaching a consensus. Diagnostic certainty regarding the presence or absence of myeloma lesions was evaluated according to the reference standard consisting of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and whole-body X-ray. Results: A total of 93 affected areas were definite according to the reference standard. Of these, 83 affected areas (89 %) were identified on (18)F-fluoride PET/CT, whereas 54 affected areas (58 %) were found on BS. Mean SUVmax in the affected areas was 9.8 ± 3.2 (standard deviation) ranging from 5.0 to 21.2. A total of s17 lesions with bone fracture were also detected by (18)F-fluoride PET/CT and 2 lesions (12 %) were negative on BS. Conclusion: Our result showed that (18)F-fluoride PET was a possible modality to detect areas of lesions in patients with MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological function of charcoal has been mainly investigated by adding charcoal to soil, which is not fully adequate to understand in situ the role in fire-prone forest ecosystem. To determine in situ effects of charcoal on ecosystem functions, such as nutrient availability, we conducted an experimental burning in a Japanese white birch forest with dense coverage of dwarf bamboo in the understory with or without removal of charcoal. Ammonium-N in the remaining humus layer increased immediately after the burning, but decreased to the level of unburnt plots within 1 month of the burning. Removal of charcoal had no significant effect on the NH-N dynamics. Although burning did not affect NO-N dynamics during the sampling period, charcoal removal led to a slight increase in NO-N. The available P increased immediately after the burning, but then fell at 1 month after burning. Charcoal inhibited the available P depletion and prolonged the high availability of P. Greater availability of P might be due to the adsorption of phosphate in charcoal pores. Exchangeable Ca and Mg increased gradually; charcoal appeared to extend the period of higher concentration of exchangeable Ca and Mg. Charcoal deriving from fire is a key factor in influencing available nutrient in the humus layer of post-fire forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persistent activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is commonly detected in many types of cancer, including colon cancer. To date, whether STAT3 is activated and the effects of STAT3 inhibition by a newly developed curcumin analogue, GO-Y030, in colon cancer stem cells are still unknown.Methods: Flow cytometry was used to isolate colon cancer stem cells, which are characterised by both aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive and CD133-positive subpopulations (ALDH(+)/CD133(+)). The levels of STAT3 phosphorylation and the effects of STAT3 inhibition by a newly developed curcumin analogue, GO-Y030, that targets STAT3 in colon cancer stem cells were examined.Results: Our results observed that ALDH(+)/CD133(+) colon cancer cells expressed higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 than ALDH-negative/CD133-negative colon cancer cells, suggesting that STAT3 is activated in colon cancer stem cells. GO-Y030 and curcumin inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, cell viability, tumoursphere formation in colon cancer stem cells. GO-Y030 also reduced STAT3 downstream target gene expression and induced apoptosis in colon cancer stem cells. Furthermore, GO-Y030 suppressed tumour growth of cancer stem cells from both SW480 and HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines in the mouse model.Conclusion: Our results indicate that STAT3 is a novel therapeutic target in colon cancer stem cells, and inhibition of activated STAT3 in cancer stem cells by GO-Y030 may offer an effective treatment for colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated whether the distribution of emphysema on computed tomography (CT) images can affect chest wall motion in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).Materials and Methods: The subjects were 35 male patients with COPD (age, 69.7 ± 6.2 years). The RA-950 (the ratio of lung volume under -950 HU to total lung volume on CT) was measured separately for the upper and lower halves of the lung. We analyzed the flatness of the diaphragm (Kdome) and its motion (ΔLappo) using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Paradoxical motion (Mpr) represented the ratio of the paradoxical diaphragmatic movement (downward or upward) when the lung area decreased or increased, respectively, to he total diaphragm movement (expressed as a percent). These parameters were analyzed in correlation with pulmonary function tests and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores.Results: The RA-950 of the lower lung zone correlated significantly with the Kdome (P = 0.033), ΔLappo (P = 0.006), Mpr (%) (P = 0.001), forced expiratory volume at 1 s (% predicted; P < 0.001), and activity score of the SGRQ (p = 0.017). The RA-950 of the upper lung zone did not correlate with these parameters.Conclusion: In COPD patients, the distribution of emphysema on CT correlates with airflow obstruction and abnormal diaphragmatic motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both irinotecan (CPT-11) and S-1 are active against colorectal cancer; however, as S-1 is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), 5-FU and its metabolites might inhibit the antitumour effect of CPT-11. Therefore, we designed a sequential combination, in which CPT-11 infusion was given on day 1 and S-1 was given orally at 80 mg m(-2) per day on days 3-16 every 3 weeks.Methods: Twelve patients entered the phase I study, and the recommended doses were determined as a CPT-11 dose of 150 mg m(-2) and an S-1 dose of 80 mg m(-2).Results: In all, 36 patients entered the phase II study, of whom 4 and 16 had complete and partial responses. The overall response rate was 55.6% (95% confidence interval, 38.1-72.1%), and median progression-free survival was 7.7 months (95% confidence interval, 4.8-12.6 months). Grade 3 neutropenia was the most common haematological toxicity and occurred in 6.5% of 215 treatment courses. Grade 3 non-haematological toxicities included anorexia (1.4%) and diarrhoea (0.9%). There was no grade 4 toxicity of any kind.Conclusion: Our results suggest that this regimen is convenient, safe and promising, compared with conventional regimens for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We simulated hydrological and biogeochemical responses to logging in a forested watershed to determine the vulnerability and/or resiliency of the forest ecosystems in the Lake Shumarinai Basin in northern Hokkaido, Japan. We used a biogeochemical model (PnET-CN) and a rainfall–runoff model (HYCYMODEL) to predict ecosystem responses. The PnET-CN model simulated well the observed NO3 − concentrations in streamwater, particularly at high concentrations during snowmelt; however, the model could not simulate small increases in NO3 − during the summer. By considering hydrological processes within the watershed and combining the model with the HYCYMODEL (PnET + HYCYMODEL), the seasonality of streamwater NO3 − concentrations was better simulated. Using these models, the long-term effects of logging were simulated for coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests. NO3 − concentrations in streamwater increased in response to the logging disturbance in both coniferous and deciduous forests. In the coniferous forest, NO3 − concentrations reached a maximum 10 years after logging, and high concentrations persisted for 30 years. In contrast, NO3 − concentrations in the deciduous forest reached a maximum within 3–4 years and recovered to pre-disturbance levels after 15 years. We also used the models to determine the effects of different sizes and types (coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forest) of logging areas on Lake Shumarinai. The model results indicated that large areas of cutting require more than 100 years for complete lake recovery. Whereas the annual discharge to the lake minimally increased, the annual NO3 − load greatly increased. Our simulation results elucidate the vulnerability and resiliency of forest ecosystems and provide valuable information for ecosystem management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET) with (11)C-acetate (AC) for imaging lung adenocarcinoma and evaluating its tumor aggressiveness, AC- and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET were compared. Methods: One hundred and sixty-nine adenocarcinomas with clinical stage IA and 53 benign nodules were examined by both AC- and FDG-PET before surgery. The sensitivity and specificity for discriminating benign/adenocarcinoma were compared between AC- and FDG-PET. The AC and FDG uptakes were examined to determine the relationship with tumor aggressiveness, i.e., pathological tumor stage, lymphatic, vascular, or pleural involvement, and proliferative activity determined by Ki-67 staining score. Results: While the sensitivity of AC-PET was significantly higher than FDG-PET for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and well-differentiated (W/D) adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001 and 0.006, respectively), there was no significant difference for moderately or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The specificity was not different between them. While FDG uptakes were significantly higher in tumors with pathological advanced stages or those with lymphatic, vascular and/or pleural involvements than in tumors with pathological stage IA or those without these tumor involvements (p = 0.04 to p < 0.001), AC uptake did not show significant differences between the respective sub-groups except according to the tumor stage. While both AC and FDG uptakes showed a significant correlation with Ki-67 staining scores (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively), the correlation coefficient of former was lower than that of latter (p = 0.07). Conclusions: While AC-PET can image BAC and W/D adenocarcinoma with a higher sensitivity than FDG-PET, it cannot evaluate tumor aggressiveness of clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma as well as FDG-PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: The interferon-induced Jak-STAT signal alone is not sufficient to explain all the biological effects of IFN. The PI3-K pathways have emerged as a critical additional component of IFN-induced signaling. This study attempted to clarify that relationship between IFN-induced PI3-K-Akt-mTOR activity and anti-viral action.Result: When the human normal hepatocyte derived cell line was treated with rapamycin (rapa) before accretion of IFN-alpha, tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT-1 was diminished. Pretreatment of rapa had an inhibitory effect on the IFN-alpha-induced expression of PKR and p48 in a dose dependent manner. Rapa inhibited the IFN-alpha inducible IFN-stimulated regulatory element luciferase activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, wortmannin, LY294002 and Akt inhibitor did not influence IFN-alpha inducible luciferase activity. To examine the effect of PI3-K-Akt-mTOR on the anti-HCV action of IFN-alpha, the full-length HCV replication system, OR6 cells were used. The pretreatment of rapa attenuated its anti-HCV replication effect in comparison to IFN-alpha alone, whereas the pretreatment with PI3-K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002 and Akt inhibitor did not influence IFN-induced anti-HCV replication.Conclusion: IFN-induced mTOR activity, independent of PI3K and Akt, is the critical factor for its anti-HCV activity. Jak independent mTOR activity involved STAT-1 phosphorylation and nuclear location, and then PKR is expressed in hepatocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For sustainable use and suitable management of larch plantations, we must clarify the ecophysiological responses of larch species to environmental changes. The physical environment has been changing dramatically, e.g., increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]), nitrogen (N) deposition, and atmospheric ozone concentration ([O3]), and these changes may negatively affect growth of larch species. This review summarizes the previous experimental studies on the ecophysiological responses of larch species to elevated [CO2], soil acidification, elevated [O3], and N load. Based on the advanced studies, although elevated [CO2] will stimulate the productivity of larch, increase of [O3] and severe soil acidification will reduce it. Increase of N deposition, at least, will not negatively affect larch productivity. Finally, we propose the future direction for investigation to understand the mechanism of the responses of larch species and to predict the associated risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenovirus (Ad) serotype 35 (Ad35) vectors have attracted remarkable attention as alternatives to conventional Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors. In a previous study, we showed that intravenously administered Ad35 vectors exhibited a safer profile than Ad5 vectors in cynomolgus monkeys, which ubiquitously express CD46, an Ad35 receptor, in a pattern similar to that in humans. However, the Ad35 vectors poorly transduced the organs. In this study, we examined the transduction properties of Ad35 vectors after local administration into organs of cynomolgus monkeys. The vectors transduced different types of cells depending on the organ. Hepatocytes and microglia were mainly transduced after the vectors were injected into the liver and cerebrum, respectively. Injection of the vectors into the femoral muscle resulted in the transduction of cells that appeared to be fibroblasts and/or macrophages. Conjunctival epithelial cells showed transgene expression following infusion into the vitreous body of the eyeball. Transgene expression was limited to areas around the injection points in most of the organs. In contrast, Ad35 vector-mediated transgene expression was not detected in any of the organs not injected with Ad35 vectors. These results suggest that Ad35 vectors are suitable for gene delivery by direct administration to organs.Gene Therapy (2009) 16, 297–302; doi:10.1038/gt.2008.154; published online 18 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the experimental investigations of nonlinear-laser effects in LuVO4 vanadate under one-micron picosecond Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 pumping. In this tetragonal host-crystal for Ln3+ lasants for the first time we excited ultra-broad, more than one and half octave (13500 cm−1) Raman induced Stokes and anti-Stokes generation combs and observed multi-step cascaded parametric χ (3)-lasing in UV spectral region. All generation lines were identified and attributed to SRS-promoting modes of the crystal ( ω SRS1≈900 cm−1 and ω SRS2≈113 cm−1). We classified this vanadate as a promising material for self-Raman laser converters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have been developing a unique system for the downregulation of a gene expression through cutting a specific mRNA by the long form of tRNA 3′-processing endoribonuclease (tRNase ZL) under the direction of small-guide RNA (sgRNA). However, the efficacy of this system and the involvement of tRNase ZL in the living cells were not clear. Here we show, by targeting the exogenous luciferase gene, that the efficacy of the sgRNA/tRNase ZL method can become comparable to that of the RNA interference technology and that the gene silencing is owing to tRNase ZL directed by sgRNA not owing to a simple antisense effect. We also show that tRNase ZL together with sgRNA can downregulate expression of the endogenous human genes Bcl-2 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β by degrading their mRNAs in cell culture. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a gene expression in the livers of postnatal mice can be inhibited by an only seven-nucleotide sgRNA. These data suggest that sgRNA might be utilized as therapeutic agents to treat diseases such as cancers and AIDS.Gene Therapy (2007) 14, 78–85. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302841; published online 3 August 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of liquid → delta ferrite and delta ferrite → gamma austenite transformation in Fe-3.50 at. pct Ni alloy, and of the peritectic solidification of Fe-4.83 and 5.01 at. pct Ni alloys, have been dynamically observed in situ with a confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) combined with an infrared image furnace (IIF). The unique sequence, morphologies, and rates of these transformations have been determined at a temperature gradient of 4 K/mm and growth rates of 2 to 3 µm/s, in unidirectional solidification experiments. These observations have been discussed in terms of the constitutional undercooling description of solidification theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient gene transfer and regulated transgene expression in primate embryonic stem (ES) cells are highly desirable for future applications of the cells. In the present study, we have examined using the nonintegrating Sendai virus (SeV) vector to introduce the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene into non-human primate cynomolgus ES cells. The GFP gene was vigorously and stably expressed in the cynomolgus ES cells for a year. The cells were able to form fluorescent teratomas when transplanted into immunodeficient mice. They were also able to differentiate into fluorescent embryoid bodies, neurons, and mature blood cells. In addition, the GFP expression levels were reduced dose-dependently by the addition of an anti-RNA virus drug, ribavirin, to the culture. Thus, SeV vector will be a useful tool for efficient gene transfer into primate ES cells and the method of using antiviral drugs should allow further investigation for regulated SeV-mediated gene expression.Gene Therapy (2005) 12, 203-210. doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302409 Published online 14 October 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene responsible for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), LKB1 (also called STK11) was mapped to chromosome 19p13.3 and was found to encode a putative serine/threonine protein kinase, LKB1. As only a limited number (approximately 100) of germline mutations of the gene have been reported, and because the protein function is still unclear, information about LKB1 mutations and their expression should be accumulated to understand the phenotype-genotype correlation of this disease. Here we report a patient with sporadic PJS with early-onset gastric cancer. We found a novel germline frameshift mutation (757-758insT) in the LKB1 gene and a marked reduction in LKB1 protein expression in the carcinoma cells, suggesting that the loss of LKB1 function may have led to the carcinogenesis of the gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the radiative and conductive heat loss from a molten metal sample to the cell to obtain accurate thermal diffusivities of molten metals at high temperature. Use of a laser flash method; Numerical analysis; Adiabatic conditions for the conductive heat flow.

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In order to clarify the electron-hole symmetry in cuprates, Nd[sub 2-x] Ce[sub x] CuO[sub 4] (NCCO) thin films were fabricated for various Ce concentrations and conductance spectra were measured by tunneling spectroscopy. Since the superconductivity appears even at x=0.095, thin film samples have an advantage over single crystals for studying the electronic states in underdoped region. It is shown that the amplitude of superconducting energy gap was almost 7-11 me V in the whole superconducting range. Comparing with hole-doped cases, the energy gap of NCCO is relatively insensitive to the doping concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the measurement of thermal diffusivity by the laser flash method, a temperature rise occurs in the sample as a pulsed laser hits on the sample surface. Due to the temperature dependence of thermal diffusivity of the sample, the thermal diffusivity corresponds to a temperature that is larger by Teff than the temperature before laser irradiation is applied. This effective temperature rise, Teff, has been investigated by using a numerical simulation. The results indicate that the effective temperature rise is almost equal to a maximum temperature rise, TM, of the back surface of the sample in cases where both linear and nonlinear temperature variations of thermal diffusivity are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the efficacy of the selective amplifier gene (SAG) in the setting of a clinically applicable cynomolgus monkey transplantation protocol. Development of SAG consisting of a chimeric gene composed of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor gene and the estrogen receptor gene hormone-binding domain; Selective in vivo expansion of genetically modified cells by a non-toxic hormone treatment.

Annual biogeochemical fluxes (bulk precipitation, throughfall, stem flow, soil solution and vegetation uptake) of inorganic elements were observed in eight cool temperature forested ecosystems in Hokkaido, northern Japan, in order to determine the mechanisms of acid neutralization in Japanese forest ecosystems. We compared our results with the other biogeochemical studies in Japan, north Europe and US from the literature. In many Japanese forests, the internal proton production (IPS) by base cation accumulation into the vegetation was a major proton source, rather than external acidic deposition, and the IPS also affected the base cation fluxes from the mineral. IPS in Japanese forest tended to be larger than that in north Europe and US. Our results suggested that the high acid neutralizing ability of Japanese forests could be attributed to the strong relationship between the base cation buffering of the soil and the larger contribution of IPS as a proton source. acidic deposition|biogeochemical cycling|forest ecosystem|Japan|proton budget [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogeochemical proton and base cation fluxes in a 30-year old white birch forest composed of Dystric Cambisols in northern Hokkaido, Japan were estimated using data on atmospheric deposition (AD), throughfall (TF), stemflow (SF), and discharge from soils (DS) and plant uptake (UP) from early June to November 1999. In the monitoring period, proton flux was 0.20kmolcha-1 for AD, 0.07 for TF+SF, and 0.03 for DS, indicating that atmospheric acid input was neutralized through plant and soil. Base cation flux was 1.29 for AD, 1.23 for TF+SF, and 0.99 for DS and plant base cation uptake was 2.14, indicating that the soil was the major source of base cation for plant. However, these seasonal fluxes showed various trends. Cumulative base cation flux in TF+SF showed constant increase trend during the whole period, which was similar to AD. Proton flux in AD jumped once just after a heavy rain of 255mm for 8 days at the end of July. Trends for the proton and base cation fluxes in TF plus SF were similar to that of AD. Although proton and base cation fluxes of DS were not found until middle July because of vegetation uptake and no flow, both fluxes increased suddenly after the heavy rain in July. After August, the base cation and proton fluxes in the DS increased continuously, due to the lack of plant uptake and intermittent rainfall. In this study, it is clear that plant activity and water flow are very important driving force for seasonal dynamics of biogeochemical cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal fluctuation of concentration and flux of major inorganic ions in throughfall, stem flow, snowpack and soil solution was investigated at a natural cool temperature mixed forest in Hokkaido, northern Japan, in order to clarify the effect of snowmelt on the solute dynamics in the forest soil in snow-dominated region. Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- and SO42- concentrations in soil solution showed a large fluctuation in the snowmelt period. The percentage of output of these elements from soil during the snowmelt period in the annual output was as follows. Mg2+: 51%, Na+ and Cl-: 59 and 60%, SO42-: 65%, Ca2+: 77%. Our results indicated that the snowmelt event was very important to quantify the annual elemental budgets in this region. Although the leaching of base cation from the soil was larger than that of inputs and accumulation into the vegetation, annual decreasing rate of acid neutralization capacity (ANC(s)) from the soil was mostly affected by the base cation accumulation into the vegetation, related that the base cations weathering accompanied with bicarbonate was slow due to the acidic and weathered soil in the studied site. It is suggested that the weakly acidic soil which has low ANC(s) in snow-dominated region will be relatively sensitive to the future increase of acidic deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) belong to the class of GTP-binding protein coupled receptors and consist of eight different subtypes. The subtype 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2) gene (GRM2) is one of the possible candidate genes for schizophrenia. Phencyclidine (PCP)-induced increase in glutamate efflux and schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities were reduced by pretreatment of the mGluRII agonist LY354740 in rats and its effects are mediated via mGluR2. To evaluate involvement of the mGluR2 gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, we isolated the human mGluR2 gene and determined the transcription initiation site, the entire nucleotide sequence and the chromosomal Iocalization. The hmGluR2 gene spans 13 kb with six exons, including one non-coding exon. The gene was mapped to chromosome 3 p12-p11 by Radiation Hybrid Panel analysis. We screened polymorphisms in the coding exons of the mGluR2 gene, using the SSCP procedure. The thirteen polymorphisms identified included ten missense, one silent mutation and two onebase substitutions in the 5'-untranslated region. We genotyped 213 Japanese schizophrenics and 220 controls to study the association of polymorphisms in the mGluR2 gene with schizophrenia. As we found no statistically significant differences in allele frequencies of each polymorphism, these polymorphisms apparently do not play a major role in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The human dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) is of major interest in molecular studies of schizophrenia and personality traits. We examined the association of schizophrenia and polymorphisms in the upstream region of the DRD4 gene (-768G>A in the negative modulator region; -521C>T, -376C>T, and -291C>T in the cell typespecific promoter region; and -616C>G between the two regions) in 208 schizophrenic patients and 210 normal controls. No significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies was observed between the two groups, indicating that these polymorphisms do not make a major contribution to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We also studied the association of polymorphisms in the upstream region and a 48-bp repeat polymorphism in exon III of the DRD4 gene with personality traits in 173 Japanese individuals who completed the temperament and character inventory (TCI). The -768G>A polymorphism was significantly associated with reward dependence (P = 0.044), while no significant association was observed between novelty seeking and polymorphisms in the upstream region or the exon III repeat polymorphism of the DRD4 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and Design: We previously demonstrated that oral l-ephedrine exerts an extremely rapid (within 20 s) inhibition of 48-h passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction (PCA) in rats by a possibly unidentified mode of action. In the present experiments, we elucidated the mechanism of the PCA inhibition by l-ephedrine using adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists.¶ Materials: Rat antiserum was prepared with dinitrophenylated Ascaris suum extract + Bordetella pertussis.¶ Treatment: Passively skin-sensitised Wistar rats were mainly used. l-Ephedrine, and adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists were orally administered immediately before PCA provocation. Catecholamine depleting (6-hydroxydopamine, 6-OH-DA), amine depleting (reserpine) or ganglion blocking (hexamethonium) agent was intraperitoneally or intravenously administered before the provocation.¶ Methods: The effects of the drugs on PCA were assessed by inhibition of the dye leakage.¶ Results: β-(propranolol) and β 2-(butoxamine) blocking agents reduced the inhibition of PCA by l-ephedrine, while the inhibition was not altered by either an α-blocking agent (phentolamine) or a β 1-(atenolol) selective antagonist. On the other hand, β-(isoproterenol) and β 2-selective (salbutamol) agonists showed extremely rapid inhibition of PCA. However, the β 1-selective agonist (dobutamine) had no effect on the reaction. The pretreatment with hexamethonium, reserpine or 6-OH-DA substantially attenuated the inhibitory effect of l-ephedrine on PCA.¶ Conclusions: The results strongly suggest that β 2-adrenoceptors locate in the stomach and that their receptor excitement finally may lead to the inhibition of PCA via the stimulation of the central and peripheral nervous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ dynamic observation of the progress of a peritectic reaction and transformation of Fe-(0.14 pct C)- and Fe-(0.42 pct C)-peritectic Fe-C alloys has been successfully made with a combination of a confocal scanning laser microscope and an infrared image furnace. The peritectic reaction is characterized by the formation of the γ-austenite phase at the junction of the liquid and the grain boundary of δ-ferrite crystals and subsequent propagation of the three-phase point, liquid/ γ/ δ, along the liquid/ δ boundary, whereas the peritectic transformation occurs by the thickening of the intervening γ toward both the liquid side and the δ side. The rates of the peritectic reaction for the two peritectic alloys are found to be much faster than the rate that would be controlled by carbon diffusion, suggesting that either massive transformation to γ or solidification as γ controls the rate. This is also the case for the Fe-0.14%C transformation in the hypoperitectic alloy. However, the rate of the peritectic transformation in the Fe-0.42%C alloy is determined by carbon diffusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and Design: We previously reported that oral l-ephedrine showed extraordinarily rapid inhibition of 48-h passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate a possible mechanism for the inhibition.¶ Materials: Rat antiserum was prepared with dinitrophenylated Ascaris suum extract + Bordetella pertussis.¶ Treatment: Wistar rats were passively skin-sensitised, actively sensitised or non-sensitised. l-Ephedrine immediately before provocations was orally or intravenously administered in in vivo experiments. In in vitro experiments, the drug was added at various time and concentrations before the challenge.¶ Methods: The intensity of PCA was assessed by dye leakage method. Histamine and serotonin released in vitro or retained in the skin in vivo by anaphylaxis were assayed fluorometrically.¶ Results: Oral l-ephedrine rapidly inhibited the PCA by inhibiting the release of histamine and serotonin from the reaction site, whereas anaphylactic histamine and serotonin releases from skin fragments were not affected by the drug. Furthermore, the orally administered drug influenced neither the histamine- nor serotonin-induced cutaneous vascular permeability.¶ Conclusions: These results were strongly indicative that the prompt suppression of the PCA by oral l-ephedrine was not exerted following the drug was absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the result may be from an indirect inhibition of chemical mediator release, possibly through an unidentified stimulation of the nervous system, but not from the inhibition of chemical mediator release by the direct interaction of drug to mast cells and not from the decreased vascular permeability.¶ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective and Design: Whether Mao-Bushi-Saishin-To (MBST), one of the formulas of classical Chinese medicine, is effective on 48-h passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and which substance in the formula is responsible for its inhibitory action were examined.¶ Treatment: In the studies on PCA, MBST (hot water extract of the whole herbal formula), extracts of Ephedra herb (Mao), l-ephedrine and other reference drugs were orally administered immediately or at various times before or 5 min after the antigen challenge. In the experiments on anaphylactic histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells, l-ephedrine and d-pseudoephedrine were added at 10-4-10-7 g/ml at 30, 10, 3 or 0 min before antigen provocation.¶ Results: The time course study indicated that MBST produced a prompt and long lasting inhibition of PCA. Among the constituents of Mao, l-ephedrine exerted this prompt inhibitory activity, but d-pseudoephedrine did not. Neither pseudoephedrine nor l-ephedrine prevented the anaphylactic histamine release from isolated peritoneal mast cells.¶ Conclusions: It is strongly emphasised that the rapid suppression of PCA by orally administered l-ephedrine must be exerted by a mechanism distinct from that of suppression produced following gastrointestinal absorption of the drug, because the time required for the inhibition was extraordinarily short. However, direct inhibition of anaphylactic histamine release from isolated mast cells was excluded in this inhibition of PCA.¶ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thalassemia is a prevalent hereditary disorder characterized by impaired synthesis of globin chains. It has been suggested that the high frequency of thalassemia might reflect heterozygote advantage due to reduced susceptibility to malaria. In Nepal, malaria has often occurred in places below the altitude of 1200m. We carried out a microepidemiological study on thalassemia in two neighboring populations in Nepal, the Danuwar and the Tamang. Settlements of the Danuwar are located below the limit of the malarial zone (1200m in altitude), whereas those of the Tamang are found in malaria-free uplands. Three heterozygotes for hemoglobin (HbE) were observed in the Danuwars. We detected one type (-alpha[sup 3.71]) of alpha[sup +]-thalassemia that involves a deletion of 3.7kb, leading to a loss of one of two alpha-globin genes, in the Danuwars, at a high gene frequency of 63%, while the gene frequency in the Tamangs was only 5%. Analysis of the alpha-globin gene cluster revealed that four different haplotypes were associated with the type of alpha[sup +]-thalassemia in the Danuwars. Nucleotide sequences of the D-loop region in the mitochondrial DNA of the two populations indicated a similar nucleotide diversity in each population. The fixation index, Fsi, representing the degree of genetic differentiation estimated from mitochondrial DNA diversities (F[sub ST], 0.05), was smaller than that obtained from the gene frequencies of alpha[sup +]-thalassemia (F[sub ST], 0.55). If we assume neutral molecular evolution in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA, these results suggest that the high frequency of alpha[sup +]-thalassemia may be due to biological adaptation to the malarial environment rather than to events such as a bottleneck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue behavior has been studied on gas-nitrided smooth specimens of commercial pure titanium, an alpha/beta Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and a beta Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al alloy under rotating bending, and the obtained results were compared with the fatigue behavior of annealed or untreated specimens. It was found that the role of the nitrided layer on fatigue behavior depended on the strength of the materials. Fatigue strength was increased by nitriding in pure titanium, while it was decreased in the Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-15Mo-5Zr-3Al alloys. Based on detailed observations of fatigue crack initiation, growth, and fracture surfaces, the improvement and the reduction in fatigue strength by nitriding in pure titanium and both alloys were primarily attributed to enhanced crack initiation resistance and to premature crack initiation of the nitrided layer, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/ hypothesis. Activin A induces differentiation of amylase-secreting pancreatic AR42J cells into endocrine cells. This study assesses the role of Smad proteins in the actions of activin A in AR42J cells. Methods. The expression of Smad proteins was determined by northern blotting. Phosphorylation and translocation of Smad2 was measured by transfecting flag-tagged Smad2. Involvement of Smad2 was examined by transfecting cDNA encoding N-terminal and C-terminal domains of Smad2. Results. The mRNAs for Smad2 and Smad4 were abundantly expressed whereas the expression of mRNA for Smad1 and Smad3 was very low. Activin A induced serine-phosphorylation and the subsequent accumulation of the Smad2 in nuclei. Transfection of the N-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a dominantly negative mutant (Smad2-N), blocked the morphological changes induced by activin A whereas the C-terminal domain of Smad2, which acts as a constitutively active mutant (Smad2-C), reproduced the activin-induced morphological changes. Similarly, Smad2-N blocked apoptosis induced by activin A and Smad2-C induced apoptosis. Activin A converted AR42J into insulin-secreting cells in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor and introduction of Smad2-N inhibited the differentiation. Smad2-C, however, did not induce differentiation in the presence of hepatocyte growth factor. Conclusions/ interpretation. Activation of the Smad2 pathway is necessary and sufficient to induce apoptosis and morphological changes. Although activation of the Smad2 pathway is required, it is not solely sufficient for the differentiation of AR42J into endocrine cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 719–727] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis. Pancreatic AR42J cells express both exocrine and neuroendocrine properties. When exposed to activin A, approximately 50 % of the cells die within 3 days by apoptosis. Addition of hepatocyte growth factor prevents apoptosis induced by activin A and induces differentiation into insulin-producing cells. The present study was conducted to examine the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the action of hepatocyte growth factor. Methods. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase was assessed by using 2-(2 ′-amino-3 ′-methoxyphenol)-oxanaphthalen-4-one (PD098 059). Cells were also transfected with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase and constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. Results. Hepatocyte growth factor induced sustained activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, which was inhibited by PD098 059. PD098 059 completely blocked the differentiation and also blocked the prevention of apoptosis. Transfection of the cells with cDNA for mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase reproduced the effect of PD098 059. Conversely, transfection with cDNA for the constitutively active mutant of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase reproduced the effect of hepatocyte growth factor. In contrast, addition of wortmannin or transfection of the dominantly negative form of the p85 subunit of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase did not affect differentiation induced by hepatocyte growth factor. Instead, wortmannin enhanced the increase in the insulin content of the differentiated AR42J cells. Conclusion/interpretation. The MAP kinase pathway is necessary and sufficient for the action of HGF on differentiation of AR42J cells. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 450–456] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotypes of the ABO blood group system were studied by PCR-RFLP analysis of the eight polymorphic nucleotide positions (ups) 261, 467, 526, 646, 703, 796, 802 and 803 of the cDNA from A transferase. In 169 unrelated German individuals, 17 genotypes were found and the calculated allele frequencies of A(Pro), A(Leu), B, O(T), O(A) and O were 0.2130, 0.0770, 0.0473, 0.4260, 0.2160 and 0.0207, respectively. These frequency data may provide useful additional information for disputed paternity and stain testing. A variant O allele, O, was fout at a polymorphic frequency. As the nucleotide (np 261) of the O allele is the same as that of A and B alleles, the analysis of at least three nucleotide positions, i.e. ups 261, 526 and 802, is necessary to avoid mistyping of the ABO genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the mechanism of accumulation of radiocesium by the mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus (Fr.) Kummer Y-1), uptake of137 Cs and Cs in the presence of the alkali elements was investigated. The concentration ratio (concentration in the mycelia or the fruit body (dry)/concentration in the medium (wet); CR) of137Cs was almost identical with that of Cs. The CR of137Cs decreased with increasing of Cs, K or Rb concentration in the media. Similarly, the CR of K decreased with increasing the Cs concentration in the media. The result of137Cs gel filtration chromatography of the mycelia cultivated in the media containing Cs showed that137Cs was not bound to molecules with more than 10000 molecular weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of action of a new mitomycin C (MMC) derivative, KT6149, was studied in human leukemia HL-60 cells and in isolated phage and plasmid DNA, and its effects were compared with those of MMC. Cell growth was markedly inhibited by KT6149, with an IC50 of 2 x 10(-9) M, that for MMC being 2 x 10(-8) M. DNA synthesis of HL-60 cells as determined by incorporation of [3H]-thymidine was also inhibited by KT6149, with an IC50 of 2 x 10(-7) M as compared with 2 x 10(-6) M for MMC. RNA and protein synthesis were less markedly inhibited at low concentrations. Alkaline sucrose density-gradient centrifugation revealed a significant decrease in sedimentation velocity for cellular DNA of the cells after 1 h treatment with KT6149 at concentrations higher than 10(-7) M. In contrast, no such change was observed for DNA of cells treated with MMC, even at a concentration of 10(-5) M. In a cell-free system, analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis patterns showed that the drug induced a decrease in the amount of covalently closed circular DNA of phage PM2 and an increase in that of open circular DNA in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT), whereas MMC did not cause any change in DNA subfraction amounts. Furthermore, the electrophoretic mobility of linearized pBR322 DNA in alkaline agarose gel was significantly decreased by KT6149 in the presence of DTT and FeSO4, no such change being observed in the case of MMC. The results clearly indicate that the inhibitory effects of KT6149 on the growth and DNA synthesis of HL-60 cells are more potent than those of MMC and that KT6149-induced DNA damage is due to single-strand scission and to cross-linking of DNA, suggesting a mode of activation different from that of MMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We have measured the target thickness dependence of K-vacancy production probabilities and total cross sections for 40.6 MeV Ar ions hitting Ca and Cu targets. The probabilities were measured as a function of the scattering angle between 0.13° and 1.4° by means of a K x-ray-particle coincidence. By integrating the measured probabilities over the impact parameter a significantly lower total cross section was obtained than the directly measured value. The maximum seen in the impact parameter dependent probability varies with decreasing target thickness towards the results obtained with molecular and atomic gas targets. From these observations a multiple collision L-vacancy process prior to 2 pπ-2 pσ rational coupling is concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have measured the impact parameter dependent K-shell ionization probabilities P ( b) of Ca, Cr and Cu from collisions with 4.04 MeV He ions by particle- K X ray coincidences. A dependence on the target thickness was investigated to study a possible influence of multiple collisions on P( b). We measured the total cross section σ for K vacancy production simultaneously with P( b) and σ agrees within 30% with the integrated P( b). A comparison of the P( b) and σ with SCA calculations of Trautmann et al. using RHFS wavefunctions for united atom and separated atom states is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiply charged carbon ions up to C ions have been observed from CH and CH molecules in 1.05 MeV/amu Ar ion impact. These ions are believed to be produced through processes where multiply charged molecular ions are produced first by direct ionization and, then, dissociate via Coulomb explosion into atomic ions. The peak positions of ions from CH molecules are found to be shifted with respect to those of ions from CH molecules and this shift is understood to be due to the initial kinetic energy provided through the Coulomb potential between the dissociating ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]