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Infection during pregnancy is common and the developing fetal brain is vulnerable to vertical transmission due to immaturity of the fetal immune system. Infection is a major cause of multiple organ abnormalities, including the neuraxis, due to the neurotropism of the infectious agents. This review sets out to give an overview of fetal infection, review the general principles of the nature and timing of the infectious insult with respect to outcomes, review the neuroimaging of infection by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and review the various pathogens involved, including the two most common, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma, and also other common viral and nonviral infections.

A method is described for the sensitive measurement of adsorbed proteins using femtoliter microwells. Quantitative measurement of adsorbed protein is demonstrated at surface densities from 10 fg/cm2 to 3 pg/cm2. Determination of the efficacy of barrier coatings is also demonstrated using femtoliter microwells. Adsorption at low surface densities is measured, indicating the highest affinity sites on the surface and therefore the initial stages of adsorption. The femtoliter microwell method is shown to be useful in detecting differences between effective protective coatings.

AIM The study compared the perceptions of nurses who participated in the clinical education of students using traditional and dedicated education unit (DEU) models. BACKGROUND In the traditional model, faculty are the primary clinical instructors for students. In a DEU, nurses provide clinical instruction with faculty support. METHOD This mixed-methods study used surveys and interviews. RESULTS Compared to nurses on traditional units, DEU nurses were more likely to agree that their unit welcomed students, had a strong commitment to teaching, and received professional development from clinical faculty. The nurses rated the learning gains of students as greater on DEUs than traditional units and viewed the leadership of the nurse manager and the quality of patient care as similar. CONCLUSION The study provides evidence that, from the nurses' perspective, the DEU faculty-nurse partnership provides students with superior clinical education experiences and may improve nurse work satisfaction.

AIM The study compared students' perceptions of their clinical learning experiences in a dedicated education unit (DEU) with their experiences in traditional clinical education. BACKGROUND Unlike traditional academic-instructor models, expert nurses in the DEU provide clinical education to students with faculty support. METHOD This repeated measures design used student surveys, supplemented by focus group data. RESULTS Students were more likely to agree that their clinical learning experience was high quality and they had a consistent mentoring relationship during DEU rotations. Students also reported the quality of the unit's learning environment, the leadership style of the nurse manager, and the nursing care on the unit was more favorable in DEUs than traditional units. Consistent with their changed role in DEUs, faculty members were less active in helping students integrate theory and practice. CONCLUSION These findings provide additional evidence of the value that the DEU model contributes t...

The aim of this study was to display the lingual artery superimposed on the anatomical image and to confirm its course and relation to the adjacent structures, noninvasively. Nineteen volunteers participated in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study and one was excluded for excessive movement during scanning. A three-dimensional phase-contrast sequence (3D-PC) of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was used for vessel images, and a 3D-T1 high-resolution volume examination (THRIVE) was used for anatomical images. Colour-coded vessel images from 3D-PC MRA were superimposed on the 3D volume anatomical images, and the arterial course and relation to the adjacent structures were confirmed with multiplanar reconstructed cross-sectional (MPR) images. 3D-PC MRA images visualized the lingual artery in all 18 subjects and the sublingual artery in 14 subjects. In seven of 18 cases the bilateral sublingual arteries were shown to run side by side but had no contact with the sublingual veins. They ran together with the sublingual veins in four cases. Three cases showed irregular patterns. The bilateral sublingual arteries could not be identified in four cases. 3D-PC MRA images of the lingual artery superimposed on the anatomical images may be clinically useful to confirm its course and relationship to the adjacent structures before surgery, in order to prevent haemorrhage.

Summary Background Solar urticaria (SU) is a photodermatosis that is thought to be caused through the effects of mast cell mediators released because of an altered chromophore, possibly a photoallergen recognized by IgE. Phototherapy for SU to induce a tolerant state appears to be most effective, but is often time consuming and provides only short-lived remission. Ultraviolet (UV) A rush hardening has been successful and less time consuming in serum factor-negative patients with SU. However, the mechanism of action and long-lasting effects of UVA rush hardening therapy remain unclear. Objectives We aimed to evaluate whether UVA rush hardening exhibits long-lasting therapeutic effects in serum factor-positive patients with SU and to examine the action mechanism of tolerance. Methods Two serum factor-positive patients with SU were exposed to multiple UVA irradiations at 1-h intervals per day for 2 or 3 days. Intradermal injection of their in vitro-irradiated autologous serum or compound 48/80 and a prick test for histamine were performed before and after UVA rush hardening. Results The two serum factor-positive patients with SU benefited greatly from UVA rush hardening, as documented by a marked increase in minimal wealing dose, and remained symptom free without using sunscreen in their daily life. Intradermal injection of in vitro-irradiated autologous serum induced wealing before hardening, but not in tolerized skin after hardening. The responses to compound 48/80 and histamine were unaltered. Conclusions UVA rush hardening is an effective and long-lasting treatment even in serum factor-positive patients with SU. The mechanism of tolerance may involve continued blockade of photoallergen binding to IgE on mast cells, rather than depletion of mast cell mediators or histamine tachyphylaxis.

To compare the efficacy of low and relatively high dosages of recombinant interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C, as well as to characterize the type of patients who will respond well to a low-dosage treatment, 88 patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C were randomly assigned to two treatment groups; one treated with IFN-alpha-2a 6 MU daily for 2 weeks followed by 6 MU three times weekly for 22 weeks (6-MU group), and another given the same initial treatment followed by 3 MU three times weekly for 22 weeks (3-MU group). The rate of sustained normalization of ALT 6 months after the cessation of treatment was 33% in the 3-MU group and 40% in the 6-MU group (p = 0.64). In addition, there was no difference in elimination of serum HCV-RNA 6 months after the cessation of treatment between the 3-MU group (26%) and 6-MU group (29%). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum HCV-RNA level (p = 0.0035) and platelet count (p = 0.0009) were independent variables useful in predicting a sustained response of ALT. The sustained response rate of ALT in patients with a serum HCV-RNA level less than 10(5) copies/ml and serum platelet level above 15 x 10(4)/microliter was 71%, whereas that in patients with a serum HCV-RNA level above 10(5) copies/ml and serum platelet level less than 15 x 10(4)/microliter was 12%. These results indicate that a high rate of sustained response to IFN therapy can be expected in chronic hepatitis C patients with a low serum level of HCV-RNA and a high level of platelets, even if treated with a low dose of IFN.

Structured Abstract Authors – Ioi H, Matsumoto R, Nishioka M, Goto TK, Nakata S, Nakasima A, Counts AL Objective – The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis (OA), head posture and dentofacial morphology. Design – Case–control study. Subjects and Methods – The subjects consisted of 34 Japanese females with TMJ OA (aged 24.7 ± 6.1 years) and a control group of 25 healthy Japanese females (aged 23.6 ± 1.3 years). Six cranio-cervical angular measurements were constructed for head posture analysis. Nine angular and three linear measurements were constructed for the skeletal hard tissue analysis. Five angular and one linear measurements were constructed for the dental hard tissue analysis. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare the mean differences of head posture measurements and dentofacial cephalometric measurements between the TMJ OA and the control group. Results – The TMJ OA group had significantly larger cranio-cervical angles (p

We present a new trial to measure real time water movement in a living plant using the positron emitting radionuclide, 15O. 15O was prepared by 14N(d,n)15O reaction and 10 ml of 15O labeled water (2 GBq) was supplied from the root of a soybean plant. To detect activity, an imaging plate (IP) as well as a BGO detector system were used. Since the half-life of 15O is extremely short, (T1/2= 122 s), water uptake measurement was performed only for 20 minutes. In order to get [15O]waterimage, an IP was exposed to the plant for 1 minute for two times. Since the exposure to an IP requires dark condition, a BGO detector system was developed to measure [15O]waterunder light condition. A couple of BGO probes was set at the lowest stem and the gamma-rays (0.511 MeV) emitted from the radionuclide were measured through coincidence counting and compared with the radioactivity measured from an IP image. Using this system, we have found that the water uptake activity of the plant was drastically reduced under high humidity (99%) and dark condition.

We have observed dip structures in photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of a highly excited single InGaAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dot. Some of the exciton PLE peaks lying in continuum states turn into the dips with increasing excitation power. The most remarkable feature is that the biexciton-PLE shows peaks at the excitation energies where the exciton PLE shows the dip structures. Using a model based on the excitation power dependence of the photoluminescence intensity, we discuss the origin of the dip structures.

After publication of this work (Fukushima et al. 2017) some errors were noticed. In Figures 2b, 2c and 2f the letters ‘N’, ‘N’ and ‘S’ appear in the images, respectively. The original article was corrected. The publisher apologises for these errors.

SummaryBackground Infiltration of fibrocytes (FC) in the airway smooth muscle is a feature of asthma, but the pathological significance is unknown. Objective We sought to explore whether FC modulate the phenotype of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) in asthmatic vs. control subjects. Methods Fibrocytes were isolated from CD14+ monocytes from asthmatic and normal subjects. Proliferation of ASMC of asthmatic or normal subjects was analysed by 3H-thymidine incorporation, cell number counting and Ki-67 expression after treatment of ASMC with FC-conditioned medium (FCCM) or co-culture with FC. ASMC-associated cytokines/chemokines implicated in asthma (TGF-β1, eotaxin, IL-6 and IL-8) were measured in co-culture or transwell culture of ASMC + FC by ELISA. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to localize these cytokines in ASMC. Cytokine secretion was measured in the transwell culture of ASMC + FC, where NF-κB-p65 or ERK1/2 in ASMC was silenced by siRNA. Contractile phenotype of ASMC in transwell culture was assessed by immunoblotting of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Results Fibrocytes did not affect ASMC proliferation and expression of TGF-β1, eotaxin, α-SMA and MLCK; however, ASMC production of IL-8 and IL-6 was increased in the co-culture and transwell culture by FC. ASMC treated with FCCM were immunopositive for IL-8/IL-6 and produced more IL-8/IL-6. Furthermore, siRNA silencing of NF-κB-p65 or ERK1/2 in transwell cultures of asthmatic ASMC with normal subject FC decreased IL-8 and IL-6 production. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Fibrocytes promoted IL-8 and IL-6 production by ASMC, demonstrating a proinflammatory role for FC and a possible mechanism of the inflammatory phenotype in asthma.

Few studies have compared esophageal dysfunction with diabetic neuropathy, and their relationship is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between esophageal function and diabetic neuropathy.A total of 59 patients with type 2 diabetes were studied. Long-term ambulatory esophageal pH and motility monitoring were performed. The motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) and coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CVRR) were also examined.The 59 patients were classified into four groups: group 1 consisted of patients with both diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) and diabetic motor neuropathy (DMN), group 2 had DMN alone, group 3 had DAN alone, and group 4 had neither DAN nor DMN. In pH monitoring, differences were observed among the four groups in DeMeester score, total number of acid reflux episodes, and % time pH4 (p0.05). A correlation was observed between % time pH4 and MCV; however, no correlation with CVRR was observed. In motility monitoring, differences were observed among the four groups in amplitude of peristaltic waves (p0.001), rising velocity of peristaltic waves (p0.01), and percentage of effective peristalsis (p0.01). A correlation was observed between esophageal motility and MCV; however, no correlation with CVRR was observed.Esophageal motility disorder and abnormal acid reflux were related to DMN in diabetic patients. A significant correlation was found between esophageal dysfunction and MCV. However, no significant correlation was found between esophageal dysfunction and CVRR.

We have investigated the carrier relaxation mechanism in InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots by photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopy. Near-field scanning optical microscope successfully shows that a PLE resonance at a relaxation energy of 36 meV can be seen in all single-dot luminescence spectra, and thus can be attributed to resonant Raman scattering by a GaAs LO phonon to the excitonic ground state. In addition, a number of sharp resonances observed in single-dot PLE spectra can be identified as resonant Raman features due to localized phonons, which are observed in the conventional Raman spectrum. The results reveal the mechanism for the efficient relaxation of carriers observed in self-assembled quantum dots: the carriers can relax within the continuum states, and make transitions to the excitonic ground state by phonon emission.

Optical reflectivity study has been made on the hexagonal (NiAs-type) Ni_{1-d}S in order to probe its electronic properties, in particular those associated with the metal-nonmetal transition in this compound. Samples with d=0.005 and 0.02 are studied, which have transition temperatures Tt=246 K and 161 K, respectively. A pronounced dip appears in the reflectivity spectra upon the transition, and the optical conductivity spectra show that the electronic structure below Tt is similar to that of a carrier-doped semiconductor with an energy gap of ~ 0.15 eV. The optical spectra indicate that the gap becomes larger with decreasing temperature, and it becomes smaller as d increases. It is also found that the overall spectrum including the violet region can be described based on a charge-transfer-type semiconductor, consistent with recent photoemission results., 4 pages, 4 figs, submitted to Solid State Commun. Fig.2 corrected

A new helical timing belt has been developed to reduce noise. In the present study, three belts, each having a curvilinear tooth profile and helix angles of 3 deg, 5 deg and 10 deg, respectively, were designed. The noise and life of the helical timing belt under a constant transmission force are compared with those of a conventional timing belt, in which the helix angle is zero. The noise level of the new helical belts having helix angles of 5 deg or 10 deg was found to be around 5 dB(A) lower than the conventional belt. The belt life was found to be almost identical for each type when the installation tension was set while the slack side tension for the transmission force was lowest. The results of the present study showed that helical belts should be selected for applications in which noise is a crucial factor.

To evaluate radiation therapy regimens for improvement in local control in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer.Radical radiation therapy results in 117 patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The protocols in 90 patients were 40 Gy in 20 fractions (n = 28), 50 Gy in 25 fractions (n = 32), and 45 Gy in 30 fractions (accelerated hyperfractionation, n = 30). The other 27 patients received thoracic irradiation (dose range, 20-60 Gy; median dose, 54 Gy). All patients underwent systemic chemotherapy.The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates in the patients with N0, N1, N2, and N3 disease were 26%, 34%, 18%, and 0%, respectively; the rates of in-field relapse were 25%, 36%, 26%, and 25%, respectively; and the rates of marginal relapse were 0%, 9%, 15%, and 29%, respectively. In 56% of patients with marginal relapse, the relapse site was at the upper margin. The 4-year in-field control rates for the patients who underwent 40, 50, and 45 Gy were 51%, 70%, and 56%, respectively.Patients with N3 limited-stage small cell lung cancer should undergo a separate protocol, and the upper margin should be extended in patients with N2 or N3 disease.

Parallel cam mechanisms have been studied in different ways. In this paper, a parametric formulation which can cover every configuration of the parallel cam mechanism is derived. As a result of parametric analysis, a new, last mechanism was found. This cam is essentially an internal cam mechanism. Based on the assumption of an equally distributed roller follower, the basic configurations of the mechanism are derived from both the pressure angle and the undercutting constraints. As a result, the possible number of rollers per spider plate is two. Thus the feasible area of the design parameters of the mechanisms are obtained. The advantages of the mechanism over the conventional parallel mechanism are the saving of space and a larger angular stroke of output.

To test the feasibility of a system for intermittent irradiation synchronized with respiratory motion in a clinical setting.A newly developed gate pulse controller that starts and stops irradiation at a chosen phase of the respiratory cycle by controlling a linear accelerator was used in six patients with lung cancer. A laser displacement sensor was used for the detection of respiratory motion. Three patients underwent radiation therapy during the cycles between 50% expiration and 50% inspiration (step 1), and three patients underwent radiation therapy during the cycles between 70% expiration and 30% inspiration (step 2).The system functioned well; irradiation was verified with portal verification radiography in all six patients. The range of the tumor position during synchronized irradiation was detectable with fast portal localization radiography. The treatment times for steps 1 and 2 were 1.38-1.71 and 2.03-2.18 times longer, respectively, than those for conventional irradiation.Synchronized irradiation with the authors' system allowed convenient and reliable reduction of the target volume. Further study is needed to standardize the system for clinical use.

To determine the significance of antibodies to single-stranded (anti-ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) in antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positive type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, sera from 53 patients were tested by enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence using the Crithidia luciliae substrate. Anti-dsDNA were detected in 18 patients (34%) by ELISA and 12 patients (23%) by the Crithidia-based assay. Twenty patients with anti-dsDNA by either assay (38%) had higher serum levels of immunoglobulin G (3971 +/- 270 mg/dL vs. 3201 +/- 247 mg/dL, P = .05) than seronegative patients. They also had human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR4 more commonly than other patients (83% vs. 41%, P = .006) and normal subjects (83% vs. 30%, P = .00007). In contrast to patients seropositive by the Crithidia-based assay, those seropositive by ELISA failed corticosteroid therapy more commonly (24% vs. 3%, P = .04). Anti-ssDNA were found in 45 patients (85%) and they did not distinguish patients with different clinical features or outcomes. We conclude that anti-dsDNA are common in ANA-positive type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. HLA DR4 is associated with their production, and seropositivity by ELISA characterizes patients who have a poorer immediate response to corticosteroid treatment. Anti-ssDNA are common but they do not have important clinical implications.

The characteristics of a single cell can be studied using optoelectrostatic micromanipulation (OEMM) techniques. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. Pombe) cells were characterized by step-wise orientational rotation driven by a high-frequency alternating electric field. The peak voltage and frequency of the electric field ranged from 2.5 to 80 V (average electric field: 0.25/spl times/10/sup 5/-0.8/spl times/10/sup 6/ V/m) and from 5 kHz to 2 MHz, respectively. The characteristics were measured by a microelectrode system installed on a microscope stage. An yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser was introduced to hold a cell at its focal point. The characteristics show that a live cell has a peak critical orientational rotation frequency (PCRF) at 1 MHz and the PCRF of a dead cell depends on the process of killing, i.e., thermal, chemical, ultraviolet light or electric pulse. The orientational rotation can be utilized to investigate the dielectric properties of an individual cell.

Heterogeneous surfaces are ofter modeled as a distribution of homogeneous “patches” of different energies. Direct testing of these models has not been possible, since the heterogeneous surfaces that have been studied are, at the start, ill-defined. We have synthesized tailored heterogeneous surfaces using a new combinatorial technique, designated PROLAPS. This method creates a mosaic of spatially encoded immobilized materials, i.e. each immobilized material is identified by its position on the support. The wetting behavior of glass vover slips on which compounds of different wettability have been synthesized in well-defined patterns is described. A model for wetting hysteresis was found to accurately mimic fluctuations in meniscus height as the wetting liquid encounters zones of alternating high and low solid surface energy. The changes in contact angle as the meniscus encounters transitions from regions of low to high surface energy and vice versa are not as abrupt in real life as in model data.

Background and Study Aims : It is believed that blind introduction of an endoscope into the esophagus causes less patient discomfort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and usefulness of endoscopic screening of the hypopharyngeal and laryngeal regions. Patients and Methods : A total of 1623 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for gastrointestinal disease between 1987 and 1992 had the instrument introduced under visual guidance, and were retrospectively studied. Results : We found 15 pathological conditions in the throat (0.92 %) : two small cancers (0.12 %), one advanced cancer (0.06%), two hypopharyngeal polyps (0.12%), one cyst (0.06%), and eight cases of lymphoid hyperplasia (0.49%) in the hypopharyngeal region. A large Zenker's diverticulum was detected in one patient (0.06%). All of these cases could have been overlooked if the instrument had been passed blindly through the throat. Conclusions : In patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, the procedure of screening the hypopharyngeal and laryngeal region is justified to detect early-stage disease in these regions.

A numerical study of an axisymmetric, coflowing, methane-air diffusion flame was made with detailed chemistry including the NO x formation reactions compiled by Miler and Bowman. The calculated flame structure was compared with that of a counterflow diffusion flame. It was found that there is a remarkable similarity in the flame structure, in the physical plane and in the mole fraction vs. conserved scalar plane, of the two flames with the same representative diffusion time of the outer diffusion layer. The agreement is more remarkable for the mole production rate profiles rather than the temperature and the concentration profiles. The mole consumption rates of the reactants per unit flame surface area of the two flames are controlled by their supply rates to the reaction zone by molecular diffusion through the outer diffusion layers, rather than by the reaction rates inside the reaction zone, and are inversely proportional to the square root of the representative diffusion time. Furthermore, the production rate of NO, which is produced and consumed by the complicated reactions inside the reaction zone, is also mostly governed by the supply rates of the original reactants from the outer diffusion layers by molecular diffusion. The production rate was found to be rather insensitive to the representative diffusion time. The results obtained suggest that the representative diffusion time is the most appropriate parameter to link diffusion flames in different flow fields, and that we can make use of counterflow diffusion flame calculations to predict the essential characteristics of diffusion flames in other flow fields that do not lead to local extinction.

Manipulation of μm-sized particle is one of the important techniques in bioengineering. Recently, the techniques have been applied to conduct DNA manipulation. DNA molecule can be attached on latex particle and the particle can be easily manipulated by laser tweezers. In this paper, the latex-DNA complex was manipulated inside a capillary (inner diameter 1-35μm). Micromanipulation inside the capillary has some advantages, because diffusion of DNA is restricted in one-dimension and the DNA can be easily stretched by suspension flow. Even through these advantages, it is some difficulties because laser focal spot is distorted by the capillary wall, and the distortion reduces trapping force inside the capillary. We designed an optical system to trap the DNA-bead complex inside the capillary and investigated the characteristics of laser trapping inside the capillary. The DNA molecule was also stretched by electric field and/or suspension flow.The conventional DNA sequencing of a long DNA molecule requires a reorganization process. This process is time consuming and requires tremendous efforts, because the long DNA is cut into smaller fragments, which lose information on their order. Utilizing the manipulation techniques of single DNA molecule, we experimentally demonstrated the sample preparation to obtain the fragments with order information. These manipulation techniques will contribute DNA sequencing of the long DNA molecule.

To define cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) epitopes, the common approach involving the use of a series of overlapping synthetic peptides covering the whole protein sequence is impractical for large proteins. Motifs identify only a fraction of epitopes. To identify human CTL epitopes in the NS3 region of hepatitis C virus (HCV), we modified an approach using recombinant protein and the ability of short peptides to bind to class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from an HCV-infected patient were stimulated with a proteolytic digest of the recombinant NS3 protein to expand CTL to any active peptides in the digest. The digest was fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and fractions were assessed for the ability to sensitize targets for lysis by CTL. The most active fraction was sequenced, identifying a 15-residue peptide (NS3-1J; TITTGAPVTYSTYGK). This sequence was confirmed to be the source of the activity by synthesis of the corresponding peptide. CTL lines specific for NS3-1J were established from two HCV-infected patients (both HLA-A2 and -B7 positive) by stimulation with the synthetic peptide in vitro. The CTL were HLA-A2 restricted, and the minimal epitope was mapped to a decapeptide NS3-1J (10.4). As this minimal epitope lacks the common HLA-A2-binding motif, this technique is useful for mapping CTL epitopes independent of known motifs and without the requirement for enormous numbers of overlapping peptides. Because this peptide is presented by the most common HLA class I molecule, present in almost half the population, it might be a useful component of a vaccine against HCV.

In order to reduce the toxicity of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator fly ash containing PCDDs and PCDFs, fly ash was hydrothermally treated. Under hydrothermal conditions, concentration of PCDDs and PCDFs decreased due to dechlorination reaction. This reaction occurred more effectively with high temperature and alkaline ingredients with/without methanol in solvent. PCDDs/PCDFs decomposed almost completely and the toxicity of treated ash decreased to 0.03 ng-TEQ/g at 573 K in 20 min with the solvent of 1 N NaOH solution containing 10 vol% methanol. Estimated activation energy for the decomposition reaction, assuming that the whole of PCDDs/PCDFs was one chemical species, was about 13 kcal/mol.

In order to develop an accurate method for measuring biological cells or DNA molecules, the opto-electrostatic micro manipulation (OEMM) has been applied. Single cells can be trapped at the center of the microscope field by the optical pressure, and can be oriented towards the electric field direction by the dielectrophoretic force. OEMM enables transportation or analysis of individual cells. Micro manipulation of single DNA molecules has also been carried out. A DNA molecule can be cut orderly from one end, and its fragments can be recovered.

Solar urticaria (SU) is a photodermatosis that is thought to be caused through the effects of mast cell mediators released because of an altered chromophore, possibly a photoallergen recognized by IgE. Phototherapy for SU to induce a tolerant state appears to be most effective, but is often time consuming and provides only short-lived remission. Ultraviolet (UV) A rush hardening has been successful and less time consuming in serum factor-negative patients with SU. However, the mechanism of action and long-lasting effects of UVA rush hardening therapy remain unclear.We aimed to evaluate whether UVA rush hardening exhibits long-lasting therapeutic effects in serum factor-positive patients with SU and to examine the action mechanism of tolerance.Two serum factor-positive patients with SU were exposed to multiple UVA irradiations at 1-h intervals per day for 2 or 3 days. Intradermal injection of their in vitro-irradiated autologous serum or compound 48/80 and a prick test for histamine were performed before and after UVA rush hardening.The two serum factor-positive patients with SU benefited greatly from UVA rush hardening, as documented by a marked increase in minimal wealing dose, and remained symptom free without using sunscreen in their daily life. Intradermal injection of in vitro-irradiated autologous serum induced wealing before hardening, but not in tolerized skin after hardening. The responses to compound 48/80 and histamine were unaltered.UVA rush hardening is an effective and long-lasting treatment even in serum factor-positive patients with SU. The mechanism of tolerance may involve continued blockade of photoallergen binding to IgE on mast cells, rather than depletion of mast cell mediators or histamine tachyphylaxis.

[1] In early October 2008, the C/NOFS satellite orbited near the magnetic equator at its perigee altitude of ∼400 km at dusk in the Peruvian sector. This provided an ideal opportunity for a comparison, under the current very low solar flux condition, of equatorial ionospheric disturbances observed with the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) in situ measurements and ground-based observations available near Jicamarca Observatory. The primary objective was the comparison of plasma density disturbances measured by a Planar Langmuir Probe (PLP) instrument on the C/NOFS satellite with VHF scintillation activity at Ancon near Jicamarca for this period. Here we discuss in detail two extreme cases: one in which severe in situ disturbances were accompanied by mild scintillation on a particular day, namely, 10 October while there was little in situ disturbance with strong scintillation on 5 October. This apparent contradiction was diagnosed further by a latitudinal ground-based GPS network at Peruvian longitudes, a Digisonde, and the incoherent scatter radar (ISR) at Jicamarca. The crucial distinction was provided by the behavior of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA). The EIA was well-developed on the day having severe in situ disturbances (10 Oct). This led to lower equatorial plasma density and total electron content (TEC) at the equator and consequently reduced the scintillations detected at Ancon. On the other hand, on the day with severe scintillations (5 Oct), the EIA was not so well developed as on 10 October, leading to relatively higher equatorial plasma density and TEC. Consequently the severe scintillations at Ancon were likely caused by ionospheric structure located below the altitude of C/NOFS. The NRL SAMI2 model was utilized to gain a greater understanding of the role of neutral winds and electric fields in reproducing the TEC as a function of latitude for both classes of irregularities. Spectral studies with high resolution in situ PLP data were also performed. The power law spectra within the plasma bubbles showed two slopes: the low frequency slope being ∼−5/3 and the high frequency ∼−5 with a break around λ = 70 m. This particular type of two-slope spectra may be related to the extremely low solar activity and its impact on ion composition and temperature.

We have measured the room temperature response of nanoscale semiconductor Hall crosses to local applied magnetic fields under various local electric gate conditions using scanning probe microscopy. Near-surface quantum wells of AlSb/InAs/AlSb, located just 5 nm from the heterostructure surface, allow very high sensitivity to localized electric and magnetic fields applied near the device surfaces. The Hall crosses have critical dimensions of 400 and 100 nm, while the mean free path of the carriers is about 160 nm; hence the devices nominally span the transition from diffusive to quasi-ballistic transport. With certain small gate voltages (V(g)) the devices of both sizes are strongly responsive to the local magnetic field at the center of the cross, and the results are well described using finite element modeling. At high V(g), the response to local magnetic fields is greatly distorted by strong electric fields applied near the cross corners. However we observe no change in behavior with the size of the device.

This study describes an extremely sensitive and simple assay to measure small volumes of solutions, –present. Typical assays can measure 10-100 picomoles of iodide in a sample. When I–is substituted for chloride ion in standard biological buffers, such as Tris-buffered saline, the assay can be used to determine the volume of solution printed in a microarray.

Few reports describe the features of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) pneumonia in children. We retrospectively reviewed 21 consecutive children admitted to hospital from September to October 2009 in the Tokyo region. The diagnosis of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus infection was based on positive results of real-time RT-PCR or rapid influenza antigen test. All patients were hospitalised for pneumonia with respiratory failure and severe hypoxia. The median interval from onset of influenza symptoms to admission was 14 hours (range: 5-72 hours) and the median interval from the onset of fever (≥38 degrees C) to hospitalisation was 8.5 hours (range: 0-36 hours). All patients required oxygen inhalation. Four patients required mechanical ventilation. Chest radiography revealed patchy infiltration or atelectasis in all patients. Antiviral agents and antibiotics were administrated to all patients. Antiviral agents were administered to 20 patients within 48 hours of influenza symptom onset. No deaths occurred during the study period. Paediatric patients with this pneumonia showed rapid aggravation of dyspnoea and hypoxia after the onset of influenza symptoms.

N-type InP substrates have been manufactured using Vertical Boat (VB) Technique. In this paper, we will report improvement in etch-pit density (EPD) distribution for 2-inch S-doped, 2-inch-Sn-doped and 4-inch S-doped VB InP substrates in comparison to VCZ (SEI's proprietary Vapor pressure controlled Czochralski) InP substrates. EPD of 2-inch S-doped VB InP substrate is lower than SEI's standard EPD specification 500 cm−2 from seed-end to tail-end. Etch-pit densities are drastically reduced compared to those of VCZ with carrier concentration ranging from 3E18 cm−3 to 4E18 cm−3. The VB technique enables a decrease in slip-line defects of S-doped InP with low carrier concentration range. Average lot size of 2-inch S-doped VB InP is almost 1.4 times larger than that of VCZ InP. 4-inch S-doped VB substrates and 2-inch Sn-doped VB substrates are also manufactured using the VB technique.

The mechanism by which recombinant human interleukin 1 alpha (rhIL-1 alpha) inhibits the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes of rat liver microsomes, especially debrisoquine monooxygenase and bufuralol monooxygenase (both cytochrome P450IID supported reactions), as well as other enzymes, was investigated by injecting IL-1 alpha into rats. rhIL-1 alpha suppressed the activities of various P450-linked monooxygenase systems such as aminopyrine N-demethylase, benzphetamine N-demethylase, and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase. It also suppressed the activities of debrisoquine monooxygenase and bufuralol monooxygenase. On the other hand, IL-1 alpha had little effect on the activity of p-nitroanisole N-demethylase. The suppression of debrisoquine monooxygenase and bufuralol monooxygenase activities was caused by a decrease in the amounts of immunoreactive P450IID protein and its mRNA. The reduction rates in the level of immunoreactive P450IID protein and its mRNA were comparable. These results suggest that at the mRNA level, the enzymatic activities of debrisoquine monooxygenase and bufuralol monooxygenase are down-regulated by IL-1 alpha.

We have isolated brefeldin A (BFA)-resistant cell lines, KB/BF-1 and KB/BF-2, from the human epidermoid carcinoma KB cell line. The BFA-resistant phenotypes have been stably maintained for more than 3 months in the absence of BFA. KB/BF-1 and KB/BF-2 showed 10-30-fold higher resistance to cytotoxicity of BFA but were 2-3-fold more sensitive to monensin and nigericin, than KB cells. KB/BF-1 showed aberrant structures of the Golgi complex with poorly developed cisternae surrounded by many small vesicles. Immunocytochemical studies were done with antibodies against a Golgi-specific antigen (chronic rheumatoid arthritis antigen) and a coatomer subunit (beta-subunit for coat proteins of non-clathrin-coated vesicles). Golgi-specific markers were distributed into the small vesicles which were localized diffusedly in cytoplasm of KB/BF-1 cells. Such Golgi markers were observed in a strictly confined perinuclear region of the parental KB cells, whereas in the mutant cells the markers were distributed more diffusedly in dot-like structures at perinuclear regions. In addition, when exposed to BFA, the mutant and parental cells showed a different distribution of these markers. Synthesis and maturation of low density lipoprotein receptor showed apparently slower rates in processing of low density lipoprotein receptor in KB/BF-1 and KB/BF-2 cells than those observed in their parental KB cells. Protein secretion in KB/BF-1 and KB/BF-2 cells was about 30% less than that in KB cells. Much less inhibition by BFA on the secretion was observed in KB/BF-1 and KB/BF-2 cells. A BFA-resistant mutation in BFA-resistant KB cell lines appears to affect assembly of the Golgi apparatus as well as some Golgi-specific functions.