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Quantum spin liquid is a nontrivial magnetic state of longstanding interest, in which spins are strongly correlated and entangled but do not order; further intriguing is its doped version, which possibly hosts strange metal and unconventional superconductivity. A promising candidate of the doped spin liquid is a triangular-lattice organic conductor, κ-(BEDT-TTF)4Hg2.89Br8, recently found to hold metallicity, spin-liquid-like magnetism, and BEC-like superconductivity. The nature of the metallic state with the spin-liquid behaviour is awaiting to be further clarified. Here, we report the thermoelectric signature that mobile holes in the spin liquid background are in a quantum critical state and it pertains to the BEC-like superconductivity. The Seebeck coefficient divided by temperature, S/T, is enhanced on cooling with logarithmic divergence indicative of quantum criticality. Furthermore, the logarithmic enhancement is correlated with the superconducting transition temperature under pressure variation, and the temperature and magnetic field profile of S/T upon the superconducting transition change with pressure in a consistent way with the previously suggested BEC-BCS crossover. The present results reveal that the quantum criticality in a doped spin liquid emerges in a phase, not at a point, and is involved in the unconventional BEC-like nature. A triangular-lattice organic conductor κ-(BEDT-TTF)4Hg2.89 Br8 is a promising doped spin liquid candidate which also exhibits superconductivity. Here the authors report thermoelectric measurements under pressure and find a quantum critical phase that could be correlated to BEC-like superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvement in the thermal tolerance of Si-based spin devices is realized by employing thermally stable nonmagnetic (NM) electrodes. For Au/Ta/Al electrodes, intermixing between Al atoms and Au atoms occurs at approximately 300 °C, resulting in the formation of a Au/Si interface. The Au–Si liquid phase is formed and diffuses mainly along an in-plane direction between the Si and AlN capping layers, eventually breaking the MgO layer of the ferromagnetic (FM) metal/MgO electrodes, which is located 7 µm away from the NM electrodes. By changing the layer structure of the NM electrode from Au/Ta/Al to Au/Ta, the thermal tolerance is clearly enhanced. Clear spin transport signals are obtained even after annealing at 400 °C. To investigate the effects of Mg insertion in FM electrodes on thermal tolerance, we also compare the thermal tolerance among Fe/Co/MgO, Fe/Co/Mg/MgO and Fe/Co/MgO/Mg contacts. Although a highly efficient spin injection has been reported by insertion of a thin Mg layer below or above the MgO layer, these thermal tolerances decrease obviously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interplay between the formation of neutron skin and α cluster at the dilute surface of neutron-rich nuclei is one of the interesting subjects in the study of neutron-rich nuclei and nuclear clustering. A theoretical model has predicted that the growth of neutron skin will prevent the α clustering at nuclear surface. Quite recently, this theoretical perspective, the suppression of α clustering by the neutron-skin formation, was firstly confirmed experimentally in Sn isotopes as the reduction of the (p , p α) reaction cross section. Motivated by the novel discovery, in this work, we have investigated the relationship between the neutron-skin thickness and α clustering in C isotopes. Based on the analysis by the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics, we show that the α spectroscopic factor at nuclear exterior decreases in neutron-rich C isotopes, and the clustering suppression looks correlated with the growth of the neutron-skin thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

12 C (α , γ) 16 O radiative-capture process is a key reaction to produce the element of oxygen in stars. Measuring the cross section near the Gamow window is extremely hard because it is too small. To make a theoretical contribution towards resolving the long-standing problem, I present a microscopic formulation that aims at providing all materials needed to calculate the cross section. The states of 12 C and 16 O relevant to the reaction are respectively described with fully microscopic 3 α -particle and 4 α -particle configurations, in which the relative motion among the α particles is expanded in terms of correlated Gaussian basis functions. The configuration space has the advantage of being able to well describe the reduced α -width amplitudes of the states of 16 O. Both electric dipole and electric quadrupole transitions are responsible for the radiative-capture process. The α particle is described with a (0 s) 4 configuration admixed with a small amount of an isospin T = 1 impurity component, which is crucially important to account for the isovector electric dipole transition. The isoscalar electric dipole operators are also taken into account up to the first order beyond the long-wavelength approximation. All the necessary ingredients are provided to make the paper self-contained and ready for numerical computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The incidence of localized periosteal thickening (LPT, also termed beaking) of the lateral cortex that often precedes an atypical femoral fracture (AFF) was not high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but incomplete AFFs developed in two patients. Higher-dose prednisolone was a significant risk factor for LPT in patients with RA. Introduction: Atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are stress fractures; bisphosphonate (BP) use is a major risk factor for the development of such fractures. Localized periosteal thickening (LPT, also termed beaking) of the lateral cortex often precedes a complete or incomplete AFF. We evaluated the incidence of latent LPT in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to evaluate LPT progression, and to define LPT risk factors. Methods: A total of 254 patients with RA were included; all underwent annual X-ray evaluation, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and analyses of serum and bone metabolic markers for 2–3 years. LPT of the lateral cortex was sought in femoral X-rays. Results: The incidence of LPT was 2.4% (6/254). Among patients on both BP and prednisolone (PSL) at enrollment, the incidence was 2.3% (3/131). Two femurs of two patients with LPT developed incomplete AFFs; LPT was extensive and associated with endosteal thickening. One patient had been on BP and PSL and microscopic polyangiitis was comorbidity. The other was on a selective estrogen receptor modulator and PSL. A daily PSL dose >5 mg (OR 11.4; 95%CI 2.15–60.2; p = 0.004) and higher-dose methotrexate (OR 1.22; 95%CI 1.01–1.49; p = 0.043) were significant risk factors for LPT. Conclusions: The incidence of latent LPT was not high (2.4%) but incomplete AFFs developed in two RA patients. Higher-dose PSL because of a comorbid disease requiring glucocorticoid treatment other than RA or refractory RA were risk factors for LPT; X-ray screening for latent LPT would usefully prevent complete AFFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tryptophan metabolites have immunomodulatory functions, suggesting possible roles in cancer immunity. Methods: Plasma tryptophan metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry before immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results: The 19 patients with NSCLC had significantly lower levels of tryptophan (p = 0.002) and xanthurenic acid (p = 0.032), and a significantly higher level of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA) (p = 0.028) compared with the 10 healthy volunteers. The patients achieving objective responses had significantly lower levels of 3-HAA than those who did not (p = 0.045). Receiver operating characteristic analyses determined that the cutoff value of 3-HAA for objective response was 35.4 pmol/mL (sensitivity: 87.5% and specificity: 83.3%). The patients with 3-HAA < 35.4 pmol/mL had significantly longer median progression-free survival (7.0 months) than those without (1.6 months, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Tryptophan metabolites may have a potential for predicting the efficacy of ICIs. Registration number: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry 000026140. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to give linear independence results for the values of Lambert type series. As an application, we derive arithmetical properties of the sums of reciprocals of Fibonacci and Lucas numbers associated with certain coprime sequences { n ℓ } ℓ ≥ 1 . For example, the three numbers 1 , ∑ p : prime 1 F p 2 , ∑ p : prime 1 L p 2 are linearly independent over Q (5) , where { F n } and { L n } are the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitability properties at the motor point of the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle were measured using an accelerometer placed on the little finger tip in 31 healthy subjects, and the results were compared with those at the wrist level of the ulnar nerve. ADM motor point stimulation allowed us to demonstrate a significantly shorter strength-duration time constant and smaller threshold changes in deporalizing and hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus than those at wrist stimulation. At the wrist, hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus correlated with age (smaller threshold changes), while other excitability indices did not show age-dependent changes at both sites. There were no significant gender differences at these sites. The differences between the wrist and ADM motor point suggest that there are smaller persistent sodium currents and greater inward and outward rectification at the ADM point compared with the wrist. Motor point excitability testing can provide new insights into the pathophysiology of distal motor axons in various peripheral neuropathies and motor disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag system was designed to streamline cryopreservation and thawing procedures. This study evaluated the usefulness of the RFID tag system for improving the efficiency of cryopreserving/thawing bovine ovarian tissue by the closed vitrification protocol. Methods: Six participants carried out closed vitrification and thawing of bovine ovarian tissues procedures using either the conventional or the new RFID tag method, and the time required to perform each step of the respective methods was measured. After normality of data was confirmed by the Shapiro-Wilk test, the significance of differences was assessed by the unpaired t test. Results: When closed vitrification was performed, the time required for each step showed a significant difference between the two methods (t(4) = 2.938, p = 0.042, d = 2.40), and the total cryopreservation time was 11 min shorter using the RFID tag system. When thawing was performed, the time required for each step also showed a significant difference between the two methods (t(4) = 2.797, p = 0.049, d = 2.28), and the total thawing time was 2 min shorter using the RFID tag system. Conclusion: The RFID tag system tested in this study seems to be suitable for managing biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen. Adoption of an RFID tag system by fertility centers may not only improve the efficiency of cryopreserving/thawing reproductive tissues but could also reduce human error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation detection characteristics of a device combining a YAP:Ce (cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite) scintillator and a ZnO UV sensor were studied using X-ray radiation. Both ZnO and YAP have high resistance to radiation. A photoconductive-type UV sensor with comb-shaped Al electrodes with a gap of 50 μm was fabricated on the Zn-face of a nitrogen-doped ZnO single crystal. A photocurrent spectrum of the ZnO UV sensor showed a peak at wavelength of about 370 nm, and the sensor did not show a response in wavelengths of the visible light region. Scintillation characteristics of YAP:Ce were investigated under the condition of X-ray radiation. Scintillation luminescence of YAP:Ce showed a spectrum with a peak at a wavelength of about 360 nm, which almost corresponds to the peak wavelength of a photocurrent spectrum of the ZnO UV sensor. A device having a structure in which the YAP:Ce scintillator is placed above the ZnO UV sensor was fabricated. When the YAP:Ce scintillator was irradiated by X-rays, the photocurrent of the ZnO UV sensor was proportional to the X-ray intensity. The sensitivity of the device was improved by deposition of a reflective Al film on the YAP:Ce scintillator. The device using the combination of a YAP:Ce scintillator and a ZnO UV sensor can be used as a radiation detector with high radiation resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveal the tumor on the anterior side with suspected invasion of the prostate. Graph: Fig. 4Schema of the technique for transecting the dorsal vein complex (DVC) and urethra. a Schema of the laparoscopic view in urethral and DVC transection performed using a linear stapler from the perineal aspect. b Schema of the sagittal view of the transection line from both the abdominal and perineal aspects. However, surgical forceps can be easily inserted from the perineal aspect and directed along the pubic bone, and with this approach, it seems easier to obtain a negative CRM of the tumor near the DVC and urethra (Fig. 4b). Even if transection of these structures is performed from the perineal aspect along the pubic bone, it seems difficult to achieve hemostasis after transection once bleeding has occurred from the DVC and urethra near the pubic bone.

The manipulation of the spin degrees of freedom in a solid has been of fundamental and technological interest recently for developing high-speed, low-power computational devices. There has been much work focused on developing highly spin-polarized materials and understanding their behavior when incorporated into so-called spintronic devices. These devices usually require spin splitting with magnetic fields. However, there is another promising strategy to achieve spin splitting using spatial symmetry breaking without the use of a magnetic field, known as Rashba-type splitting. Here we report evidence for a giant Rashba-type splitting at the interface of LaTiO3 and SrTiO3. Analysis of the magnetotransport reveals anisotropic magnetoresistance, weak anti-localization and quantum oscillation behavior consistent with a large Rashba-type splitting. It is surprising to find a large Rashba-type splitting in 3d transition metal oxide-based systems such as the LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interface, but it is promising for the development of a new kind of oxide-based spintronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dielectric measurements are one of the most reliable techniques for investigating the molecular dynamics of water in moist materials. However, dielectric measurements of moist wood have not yet been carried out in a wide frequency range that can be used to evaluate the molecular dynamics of water in wood. We performed dielectric measurements of a deciduous tree, Zelkova serrata, along the fiber direction in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 10 GHz at room temperature around the fiber saturation point of wood to investigate the molecular dynamics of water in wood. Cole-Cole-type relaxation process reflecting the molecular dynamics of the water is observed in the GHz region. The water content dependences of the relaxation time and strength of this process are similar to those of the relaxation process of free water observed in polymer-water mixtures. However, the τ − β diagram of this process markedly deviates from that of the relaxation process of free water in polymer-water mixtures. The molecular mechanism of this characteristic relaxation process is interpreted as the formation of the local structure of water restricted in the void spaces of wood. The water molecules adsorbed on the inner walls of the void spaces form a local structure, and the local structure grows in the length direction along the walls of the void spaces with increasing water content of wood. The molecular dynamics of these water molecules is strongly restricted between the inner walls of the void spaces and air spaces, and the strongly restricted molecular dynamics of the water leads to the characteristic relaxation process observed in the GHz region. We give molecular descriptions of the strongly restricted water adsorbed on the inner walls of the void spaces of wood around the fiber saturation point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongly enhanced quantum fluctuations often lead to a rich variety of quantum-disordered states. Developing approaches to enhance quantum fluctuations may open paths to realize even more fascinating quantum states. Here, we demonstrate that a coupling of localized spins with the zero-point motion of hydrogen atoms, that is, proton fluctuations in a hydrogen-bonded organic Mott insulator provides a different class of quantum spin liquids (QSLs). We find that divergent dielectric behavior associated with the approach to hydrogen-bond order is suppressed by the quantum proton fluctuations, resulting in a quantum paraelectric (QPE) state. Furthermore, our thermal-transport measurements reveal that a QSL state with gapless spin excitations rapidly emerges upon entering the QPE state. These findings indicate that the quantum proton fluctuations give rise to a QSL—a quantum-disordered state of magnetic and electric dipoles—through the coupling between the electron and proton degrees of freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to measure friction coefficients of tire grounding surfaces in car running, a simple cantilever-type tactile sensor that can detect the vertical load and friction force applied to the sensing part as well as direction of the friction force, simultaneously, has been proposed. The present study equips the proposed sensor to a tire and confirms that the sensor can measure the friction coefficient of the tire grounding surface. For this purpose, measurements in this study were conducted using a sensor under a similar load as that of a common automobile travelling in an arbitrary direction. In order to perform the experiments under a high load in an arbitrary direction, we developed a parallel mechanism-type tire-driving device. The developed device can apply a high load to the tire in an arbitrary direction and can measure the vertical load, friction force, and the direction of the friction force applied to the tire involving the sensor. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the proposed sensor can be verified by comparing the output of the sensor to that of the driving device. As a result of this study, we clarified that the measurement values of the sensor are affected by the deformation of the tire, and proposed a method for correcting the effect of the tire deformation. By introducing the proposed correction method to the measurement of the sensor, it was confirmed that the friction coefficients of various surfaces can be measured with sufficient accuracy under a practical high-load condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Once a localized reaction (beaking) was detected, discontinuation of bisphosphonates (BPs) and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved its shape. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete atypical femoral fracture increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required. Introduction: Femoral localized reaction (localized periosteal thickening of the lateral cortex, beaking) is reported to precede atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and to develop in 8-10% of patients with autoimmune diseases taking BPs and glucocorticoids. The aims of the present study were to retrospectively investigate the shapes of localized reaction to consider how to manage the condition. Methods: Twenty femora of 12 patients with autoimmune diseases who were on BPs and glucocorticoids exhibited femoral localized reaction. The heights of localized reaction were measured and the shapes classified as pointed, arched, and other. Localized reaction changes were divided into three categories: deterioration, no change, and improvement. A severe form of localized reaction was defined; this was associated with prodromal pain, de novo complete AFF, or incomplete AFF with a fracture line at the localized reaction. Results: The mean height of localized reaction was 2.3 ± 0.8 mm (range, 1.0-3.7 mm) and the pointed type was 35%. Localized reaction was significantly higher (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003) and the pointed type more common (78 vs. 27%; p = 0.035) in those with the severe form of localized reaction. Seven patients with localized reactions discontinued BPs just after localized reaction was detected, but five continued on BPs for 2 years. Localized reaction deterioration was more common in patients who continued than discontinued BPs (100 vs. 29%; p = 0.027). After 2 years, all patients had discontinued BPs and localized reaction did not deteriorate further in any patient. Conclusions: Once a localized reaction was detected, discontinuation of BPs and switching to vitamin D supplementation or teriparatide therapy effectively improved it. When the localized reaction was high, of the pointed type, and/or accompanied by prodromal pain, the risks of complete and incomplete AFF increased and consideration of prophylactic fixation for such patients was required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effect is related to the relative orientation of the magnetizations of the two ferromagnetic electrodes in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). The tunnel anisotropic magnetoresistance (TAMR) effect is related to the orientation of the magnetization with respect to the current direction or the crystallographic axes. Beyond the TMR, the TAMR is not only present in MTJs in which both electrodes are ferromagnetic but may also appear in tunnel structures with a single magnetic electrode. We investigated the magnetotransport properties in an Au/MgO/Fe nanoparticles/MgO/Cu tunnel junction. We found that both the TMR and TAMR can appear in tunnel junctions with Fe nanoparticles embedded in an MgO matrix. The TMR is attributed to spin-dependent tunneling between Fe nanoparticles, so the device resistance depends on the magnetization directions of adjacent Fe nanoparticles. The TAMR is attributed to the interfacial spin-orbit interaction, so the device resistance depends on each magnetization direction of an Fe nanoparticle. This is the first observation of the TAMR in Fe nanoparticles embedded in an MgO matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decoupling paths of carrier collection and illumination within photovoltaic devices is one promising approach for improving their efficiency by simultaneously increasing light absorption and carrier collection efficiency. Orthogonal photovoltaic devices are core-shell type structures consisting of thin film photovoltaic stack on vertical nanopillar scaffolds. These types of devices allow charge collection to take place in the radial direction, perpendicular to the path of light in the vertical direction. This approach addresses the inherently high recombination rate of disordered thin films, by allowing semiconductor films with minimal thicknesses to be used in photovoltaic devices, without performance degradation associated with incomplete light absorption. This work considers effects which influence the performance of orthogonal photovoltaic devices. Illumination non-uniformity as light travels across the depth of the pillars, electric field enhancement due to the nanoscale size and shape of the pillars, and series resistance due to the additional surface structure created through the use of pillars are considered. All of these effects influence the operation of orthogonal solar cells and should be considered in the design of vertically nanostructured orthogonal photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiography using a synchrotron radiation X-ray source was performed to examine solidification and melting behaviors in hypereutectic cast iron specimens containing 0.002 and 0.05mass pctMg. The solidification sequence in the alloy containing 0.002mass pctMg was (1) nucleation and growth of graphite particles of which transformed to a flake-like shape, (2) growth of γ-Fe dendrites, (3) nucleation of graphite particles ahead of the interface just prior to the eutectic solidification, and (4) the eutectic solidification. In contrast, (1) and (2) occurred nearly at the same time in the specimen containing 0.05 mass pct Mg. The addition of 0.05mass pctMg significantly reduced the temperature range in which the graphite particles grew as the primary phase. Image-based analysis of melting behavior showed that even 0.05 mass pct addition was sufficient to modify the phase equilibrium of the liquid, γ-Fe, and graphite phases. Thus, the observed influence of Mg on the solidification sequence was attributed to the modification of the phase equilibrium. The influence was consistently explained by considering the shift of the eutectic composition to the carbon side in the pseudo-ternary system. It was also suggested that supersaturation of carbon in the melt increased as the temperature decreased even though the primary graphite particles existed. The supersaturation may cause the nucleation of the graphite particles just before the eutectic solidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mucin 1 (MUC1) oncoprotein has been linked to the inflammatory response by promoting cytokine-mediated activation of the NF-κB pathway. The TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an essential effector of proinflammatory NF-κB signaling that also regulates cancer cell survival. The present studies demonstrate that the MUC1-C transmembrane subunit induces TAK1 expression in colon cancer cells. MUC1 also induces TAK1 in a MUC1+/−/IL-10−/− mouse model of colitis and colon tumorigenesis. We show that MUC1-C promotes NF-κB-mediated activation of TAK1 transcription and, in a positive regulatory loop, MUC1-C contributes to TAK1-induced NF-κB signaling. In this way, MUC1-C binds directly to TAK1 and confers the association of TAK1 with TRAF6, which is necessary for TAK1-mediated activation of NF-κB. Targeting MUC1-C thus suppresses the TAK1NF-κB pathway, downregulates BCL-XL and in turn sensitizes colon cancer cells to MEK inhibition. Analysis of colon cancer databases further indicates that MUC1, TAK1 and TRAF6 are upregulated in tumors associated with decreased survival and that MUC1-C-induced gene expression patterns predict poor outcomes in patients. These results support a model in which MUC1-C-induced TAK1NF-κB signaling contributes to intestinal inflammation and colon cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the radioactive material leak accident at the J-PARC hadron experimental facility on May 23, 2013, we designed a new production target, which is capable of a primary proton beam with the energy of 30 GeV and power of 50 kW. It is made of gold and cooled by water through a copper block. For the countermeasures of the recurrence of the accident, the target is enclosed by an airtight chamber and helium gas is circulated to monitor the target soundness. In this paper, technical details of the new target design are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risperidone (RIS) is a frequently used efficacious psychotropic drug. However, it prolongs the QTc interval and may cause fatal arrhythmia. Little is known on the determinants of this RIS side effect. RIS is metabolized by CYP2D6, and is subject to drug efflux by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) encoded by the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene. P-gp removes both RIS and its metabolite 9-OH-RIS from cardiac tissue. To investigate the effect of RIS metabolism and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms on QTc, steady-state plasma RIS and 9-OH-RIS levels, and QTc were measured. CYP2D6, ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A genotypes were determined in 66 schizophrenia patients on RIS. QTc was significantly longer in patients with ABCB1 3435CT+3435 TT than in those with 3435CC (P=0.006). ABCB1 G2677T/A genotype did not affect QTc. Multiple regression analysis showed that C/T or T/T genotypes at the ABCB1 C3435T locus, lower weight, and older age prolonged QTc. In summary, the T allele of the ABCB1 C3435T genotype should be considered in future diagnostic development efforts for RIS-associated QT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterised by the loss of cell-to-cell adhesion and gaining of mesenchymal phenotypes. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is proposed to occur in various developmental processes and cancer progression. 'Cadherin switch', a process in which cells shift to express different isoforms of the cadherin transmembrane protein and usually refers to a switch from the expression of E-cadherin to N-cadherin, is one aspect of EMT and can have a profound effect on tumour invasion/metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of EMT-related proteins and cadherin switch in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC).Methods:We investigated the association between altered expression of 12 EMT-related proteins and clinical outcomes in patients with EHCC (n=117) using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays.Results:Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that, in addition to N classification (P=0.0420), the expression of E-cadherin (P=0.0208), N-cadherin (P=0.0038) and S100A4 (P=0.0157) was each an independent and a significant prognostic factor. We also demonstrated that cadherin switch was independently associated with poor prognosis (P=0.0143) in patients with EHCC.Conclusions:These results may provide novel information for selection of patients with EHCC who require adjuvant therapy and strict surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of an electron-collecting-type pixel array by use of an epitaxially grown thick single-crystal CdTe layer on p-Si substrate is discussed. To achieve such an array with an n-CdTe/ p-like CdTe/ p-Si heterojunction diode structure, charge transport at the p-like CdTe/ p-Si heterointerface was studied. It was confirmed that ohmic conduction via holes occurs at this interface. A single-element detector was then fabricated by growth of 40 μm thick undoped p-like CdTe then 5 μm thick n-CdTe layers on the p-Si substrate. Rectification by the diode detector was good, and its energy-resolving capability was demonstrated by detection of gamma peaks from the Am source, thus confirming the feasibility of using this structure for fabrication of an electron-collecting-type array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formulate a core plus few-nucleon model allowing for a rotational excitation of the core. Three and four-body systems including a C core nucleus are studied using an explicitly correlated Gaussian basis. Effects of the core excitation are tested by investigating energy levels and electric quadrupole transition probabilities. Though some improvements are obtained, we realize that the Pauli principle for the nucleon-deformable core motion has to be appropriately defined for better understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly sensitive microwave devices that are operational at room temperature are important for high-speed multiplex telecommunications. Quantum devices such as superconducting bolometers possess high performance but work only at low temperature. On the other hand, semiconductor devices, although enabling high-speed operation at room temperature, have poor signal-to-noise ratios. In this regard, the demonstration of a diode based on spin-torque-induced ferromagnetic resonance between nanomagnets represented a promising development, even though the rectification output was too small for applications (1.4 mV mW−1). Here we show that by applying d.c. bias currents to nanomagnets while precisely controlling their magnetization-potential profiles, a much greater radiofrequency detection sensitivity of 12,000 mV mW−1 is achievable at room temperature, exceeding that of semiconductor diode detectors (3,800 mV mW−1). Theoretical analysis reveals essential roles for nonlinear ferromagnetic resonance, which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio even at room temperature as the size of the magnets decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonances and continuum states of 4He are studied using correlated Gaussians. Applicability of the square-integrable functions is tested with use of a complex scaling method. All the known levels of 4He up to the excitation energy of 26 MeV are well understood with a realistic nucleon-nucleon potential. The importance of the tensor force is stressed. Strength functions for isoscalar monopole and spin-dipole tensor operators are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we discuss the electroweak responses of He based on a full four-body calculation. The wave function of the ground state is obtained accurately using an explicitly correlated basis. Four-body final states are expressed in a superposition of many basis functions including configurations which have 3+1 and 2+1+1 cluster partitions of four-nucleon system explicitly. The continuum is properly treated by taking the two approaches: one is the complex scaling method and the other is the microscopic R-matrix method. The calculated photoabsorption cross sections agree up to the rest energy of a pion. The spin-dipole strength function is also presented and its relationship between the spectrum of He is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H( d, γ)He capture reaction and the H( d, p)H and H( d, n)He transfer reactions at very low energies are studied in an extended microscopic cluster model with a realistic nucleon-nucleon force. Our results show that the tensor force in realistic interactions plays an essential and indispensable role to reproduce the very low-energy astrophysical S factor of these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of pharmaceuticals in the water environment is thought to be a potential problem for aquatic organisms. In this study, we conducted a nationwide survey to clarify the occurrence of 24 selected pharmaceuticals in major Japanese rivers and evaluated their environmental risk to aquatic organisms. We found a total of 22 substances in river waters at concentrations from several nanograms per liter to several micrograms per liter. We found the highest, which was 2.4 μg/L of caffeine, followed by 1.5 μg/L of crotamiton and 1.4 μg/L of sulpiride. We conducted an environmental risk assessment of the 22 pharmaceuticals detected in river water, for which predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values for crustacea and algae had been obtained. The measured environmental concentration/PNEC values of four substances, caffeine, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, and ketoprofen, exceeded 0.1 with the maximum value of 9.0 for clarithromycin. As clarithromycin exhibits a high environmental risk to aquatic organisms, particular attention is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the short-range correlations in light nuclei. The highly correlated many-body states are obtained with an explicitly correlated basis which enables us to get a precise solution of a many-body Schrödinger equation for a realistic interaction. We show two-body density distributions for the different spin-isospin channels calculated from three- and four-body states to investigate the short-range correlations between nucleon pairs. At distances below 1 fm a universal behavior is found which does not depend on the many-body states. The universality is also seen in high momentum components of the two-body momentum distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the various catalyst supports that have been developed, nanoporous alumina prepared by anodic oxidation of aluminum layers has attracted particular interest because of its extremely high specific area, easy controllability of porosity, coating thickness, and high bond strength with substrates. In the present study, kinetic- and plasma-spraying methods are employed to deposit aluminum, and the effect of the deposition method on the nanopore density after anodic oxidation is examined through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction observations. It is found that nanopore densities in the kinetically sprayed aluminum layers are much denser than in plasma-sprayed layers. It is hypothesized that this is attributed to the dense dislocation because of large internal stress during the deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase C (ITPKC) (rs28493229) and caspase-3 (CASP3) (rs113420705; formerly rs72689236) are associated with susceptibility to Kawasaki's disease (KD). To evaluate the involvement of these 2 SNPs in the risk for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) unresponsiveness, we investigated 204 Japanese KD patients who received a single IVIG dose of 2 g kg−1 (n=70) or 1 g kg−1 daily for 2 days (n=134). The susceptibility allele of both SNPs showed a trend of overrepresentation in IVIG non-responders and, in combined analysis of these SNPs, patients with at least 1 susceptible allele at both loci had a higher risk for IVIG unresponsiveness (P=0.0014). In 335 prospectively collected KD patients who were treated with IVIG (2 g kg−1), this 2-locus model showed a more significant association with resistance to initial and additional IVIG (P=0.011) compared with individual SNPs. We observed a significant association when all KD patients with coronary artery lesions were analyzed with the 2-locus model (P=0.0031). Our findings strongly suggest the existence of genetic factors affecting patients' responses to treatment and the risk for cardiac complications, and provide clues toward understanding the pathophysiology of KD inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown increased rates of hyperglycemia and diabetes in schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is known to affect insulin secretion by pancreatic β cells. Recently, a meta-analysis study reported an association between a GIP receptor (GIPR) gene polymorphism (rs10423928) and insulin secretion measured by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We assessed the influence of this GIPR gene polymorphism on glucose metabolism in 60 schizophrenic patients treated with olanzapine and 103 healthy controls. The GIPR gene polymorphism was determined using TaqMan methods. We performed repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way ANOVA for the glucose and insulin levels during OGTTs in four groups divided by the GIPR gene polymorphism and cohort (schizophrenia or control). We found significant effects of the GIPR gene and cohort on the insulin levels at 30 min. Our findings suggest that schizophrenic patients with the A allele of GIPR rs10423928 are at risk of developing hyperinsulinemia when treated with antipsychotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]