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The geoid is used as a transformation linkage between ellipsoidal heights (h) determined from DGPS observations and orthometric heights (H). Widespread acceptability and adoption of GPS in local geospatial data acquisitions require the development of a local geoid model (N) for use to obtain orthometric heights in the absence of a national geoid model. Geoid model can be developed by gravimetric approach; global geopotential model (GGM); geometric technique among others. The conventional approach to GPS measurements is the use of one base reference station for field measurements. It has several drawbacks e.g. in signal range/coverage, accuracy degradation of results, etc. Based on Grashof's law of stability of triangles, this study was therefore based on dual reference base stations to improve on DGPS signal range and stability of results. Pro-online matrix solver was applied to the least squares observation equations of the two modelled FCT surfaces (multi - quadratic and bicubic) to determine polynomial coefficients. The geoid undulation was computed and orthometric height generated for production of a topographical plan at 1m contour interval for elevation data in surveying, engineering and environmental applications. Skill =1 and bias = 0 were computed to confirm the predictive capability of the models and that no bias/errors were introduced into the respective modelling exercise. Diagnostic test also confirmed the viability and feasibility of providing vertical datum surface for FCT by this approach. Standard deviation (σ) as accuracy indicator was computed and the multi-quadratic model with σ =11cm was the better geoid surface for modelling of orthometric height in the FCT by the geometric method.

International audience; The conversion of geometric as well as ellipsoidal heights from GNSS observations to practical heights for engineering constructions has necessitated the determination of the local geoid model of areas. Benin City is a developing area which requires a local geoid model for conversion of geometric heights to orthometric heights for physical developments in the area. This paper is on the best local geoid model of Benin City, Nigeria by comparing three gravimetric-geometric geoid models of the study area. GNSS and gravimetric observations were carried out on 49 points to respectively obtain their coordinates and absolute gravity values. The theoretical gravity values of the points were computed on the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid, subtracted from the absolute gravity values and corrected for the air (free air) to obtain the free air gravity anomalies of the points. The computed free air gravity anomalies were applied to compute the geoid heights of the points using the integration of the modified Stokes integral. Three geometric geoid surfaces (plane, second degree and third degree surfaces) were fitted to the computed gravimetric geoid heights using the least squares technique to obtain the gravimetric-geometric geoid models of the study area. The RMSE of the three gravimetric-geometric geoid models were computed to determine their (the models) accuracy. The three gravimetric-geometric geoid models were compared using their accuracy to obtain the most suitable geoid model of the study area. The results of the comparison showed that the third degree gravimetric-geometric geoid model is most suitable for application in the study area. It is recommended that ellipsoidal heights obtained from GNSS observation within Benin City, Nigeria should be converted to orthometric heights using the third degree geoid model.

The geometric heights obtained from GNSS observations cannot be used for engineering works as they are not reduced to the geoid. This study presents practical local geoid modelling from gravimetric observations using the modified Stokes integral for engineering applications in Benin City. A total of 52 points were observed with GNSS receivers and a gravimeter to respectively obtain their positions and absolute gravity values. The theoretical gravity values of the points were computed on the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid to obtain their local gravity anomalies. The modified Stokes integral was applied to compute the geoid heights of the points. The combined topographic effect was applied to the computed geoid heights of the points to obtain their precise geoid heights. The mean of the precise geoid heights of the points was computed to obtain the local gravimetric geoid model of the study area. The determined geoid model was validated for its reliability as well as the accuracy using the RMSE index. It is recommended that the use of assumed, as well as handheld GPS receiver heights for engineering works should be totally abolished as this study has established the local geoid model of Benin City. &nbsp

Monitoring the integrity of engineering structures such as bridges and tall buildings using geodetic methods cannot be underestimated as they provide information about the health of the structures and their safety aspects as well the safety of the public. This study monitored and analyzed the vertical deformation of Palm House in Benin City using Digital Level. Four reference stations and six monitoring points were used. The digital level was used to determine the orthometric heights of the monitoring points with respect to the reference stations heights. The observations were carried out at six epochs of three months interval and adjusted using the least squares adjustment technique to determine the reliability of the adjusted observations and that of the adjusted heights. The vertical displacement magnitudes of the monitoring points were computed using the heights differences between the first and the subsequent epochs observations. The evaluated displacement magnitudes were compared with their corresponding computed 95% confidence intervals to determine the significance of the reported movements. The comparison results showed that the building did not undergo any vertical displacement during the monitoring period. It was recommended that large engineering structures such as high rise buildings, bridges, etc should be monitored at regular basis so as to determine their structural integrity since any vertical displacement of the structure which can cause the structure to collapse and thereby result to loss of lives and properties can be detected by epoch monitoring and appropriate measures can be taken.Monitoring the integrity of engineering structures such as bridges and tall buildings using geodetic methods cannot be underestimated as they provide information about the health of the structures and their safety aspects as well the safety of the public. This study monitored and analyzed the vertical deformation of Palm House in Benin City using Digital Level. Four reference stations and six monitoring points were used. The digital level was used to determine the orthometric heights of the monitoring points with respect to the reference stations heights. The observations were carried out at six epochs of three months interval and adjusted using the least squares adjustment technique to determine the reliability of the adjusted observations and that of the adjusted heights. The vertical displacement magnitudes of the monitoring points were computed using the heights differences between the first and the subsequent epochs observations. The evaluated displacement magnitudes were compared with their corresponding computed 95% confidence intervals to determine the significance of the reported movements. The comparison results showed that the building did not undergo any vertical displacement during the monitoring period. It was recommended that large engineering structures such as high rise buildings, bridges, etc should be monitored at regular basis so as to determine their structural integrity since any vertical displacement of the structure which can cause the structure to collapse and thereby result in loss of lives and properties can be detected by epoch monitoring and appropriate measures can be taken.

Ellipsoidal heights from GNSS require geoid model for conversion to orthometric height. The geoid model could be global, regional or local. The lack of national geoid model in Nigeria makes development of local geoid very critical to local applications in place of integrated global geoid models. This study compares two polynomial geoid models for terrain representation in the FCT, Abuja. Nine coefficients were used to model the FCT surface for geoid interpolation and orthometric height modeling. Model A involved the use of the 2-D (x, y) positions while model B used 3-D (x, y, ) where = ( – ) the difference in average ellipsoidal height ( ) and each point’s ellipsoidal height ( ). The term is based on the assumption that the geoid varies with topography and may hence possibly lead to some improvements in accuracy of orthometric height determination. DGPS observations were carried out to determine ellipsoid heights. Least squares adjustment was performed to compute the coefficients of the models. Model A achieved standard deviation of σ = 11 cm while Model B achieved σ = 13cm. Though, Model B has a term that included highly accurate ellipsoidal height differences ( ), it has not resulted into any accuracy improvement over the model A. Model A based on 2-D positions is hence the better of the two models. The t-test and hypothesis test at 95% confidence limit, however, showed that the two models did not differ significantly. Model A having lower standard deviation is recommended with GNSS determined ellipsoidal heights to determine orthometric heights within the FCT. This becomes an easy alternative to conventional spirit leveling technique for production of topographical maps, cadastral surveys, and engineering/environmental applications.

Galloylated plant specialized metabolites play important roles in plant-environment interactions and in the promotion of human and animal health. The galloylation reactions are mediated by the formation of galloylglucose esters from gallic acid and UDP-glucose, catalyzed by the plant UGT84 family glycosyltransferases. To explore and exploit the structural determinants of UGT84 activities, we performed homology modeling and substrate docking of PgUGT84A23, a galloylglucose ester-forming family 84 UGT, as well as sequence comparisons of PgUGT84A23 with other functionally characterized plant UGTs. By employing site-directed mutagenesis of candidate amino acids, enzyme assays with analogous substrates, and kinetic analysis, we elucidated key amino acid sites for PgUGT84A23 substrate binding and reactivity. The galloylglucose ester-forming UGT84s have not been shown to glycosylate genistein (an isoflavonoid) in vivo. Unexpectedly, amino acids highly conserved among UGT84s that affect specifically the binding of genistein but not gallic acid or other tested sugar acceptors were identified. This result suggests that genistein may resemble the substrate profile for the enzyme ancestor of the galloylglucose ester-forming UGTs and recruited during transition from a general to a more specialized defense function. Overall, a better understanding of the structure-function relationship of UGT84s will facilitate enzyme engineering for the production of pharmaceutically and industrially valuable glycosylated compounds.

The application of gravity anomalies for gravimetric geoid model determination has necessitated the computation of normal gravity on the WGS 84 ellipsoid using the International Gravity Formula. For local gravimetric geoid model determination, the gravity anomalies are computed on the local ellipsoid adopted for geodetic computation in the area/region of study. To determine precise local gravimetric geoid model in countries where Clarke 1880 ellipsoid is adopted for geodetic computation, the theoretical gravity must be computed on the adopted geodetic computation surface. As a result, this paper derives a local theoretical gravity model on the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid for practical local geoid model determination. The model was derived using the Clarke 1880 ellipsoid parameters, angular velocity, gravitational constant and the Somiglinana's closed formula for normal gravity. The derived model was presented in two forms, model A and model B. The two forms of the derived model were compared to determine their suitability as well as agreement. The comparison results show that the two forms of the model agree. Thus, any of the model forms can be applied for accurate normal gravity computation where Clarke 1880 ellipsoid is adopted as a computation surface.

Consistency is an important characteristic in height systems which the mean sea level (msl) surface cannot guarantee. Only a geoid surface can provide height consistency. The quality of geoid undulation (N) will obviously affect the resulting orthometric height (H) determined from GNSS. The geoid undulation may be global, regional/national and local. Online software CSRS-PPP was used for post processing rinex data. 𝑁𝐸𝐺𝑀2008was computed from AllTrans EGM2008 geoid calculator while h was used to compute 𝑁𝐺𝑃𝑆 from the relationship N= h-H. H is the existing orthometric height. Twenty-four controls with FCT 260 P as base reference station were used for this study. The computed standard deviation of differences in𝑁𝐺𝑃𝑆− 𝑁𝐸𝐺𝑀2008 (σ) is used as accuracy indicator and σ =0.419m .The root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.934m. This indicates the quality and reliability of the geoid undulation from the EGM2008 model. Comparing the observed 𝑁𝐺𝑁𝑆𝑆and 𝑁𝐸𝐺𝑀2008 , the use of global models may not satisfy the accuracy level of orthometric height desired for local applications in the FCT, Abuja. GNSS (GPS) may be used along with local geoid model as a way to acquire acceptable orthometric height. The smaller the 𝑁𝐺𝑃𝑆-𝑁𝐸𝐺𝑀2008 makes it better model. The range of 1.585m from (𝑁𝐺𝑃𝑆-𝑁𝐸𝐺𝑀2008) in this study is a strong indication that global models should be avoided as much as possible in local applications.

Supplemental material, DS_10.1177_0022034518771014 for Msx2 Marks Spatially Restricted Populations of Mesenchymal Precursors by N. Sakagami, Y. Matsushita, S. Syklawer-Howle, H.M. Kronenberg, W. Ono, and N. Ono in Journal of Dental Research

Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD), as a way through which solutes and nutrients travel from terrestrial areas towards coastal areas, is part of the hydrological cycle. Various methods are used to locate SGD at different scales. Among them, 222Rn has been developed with the viewpoint of accurate local estimations of SGD points indirectly. This research aims to identify SGD areas in the Yatsushiro Sea, southwest Japan, using the 222Rn method, while considering rivers with high 222Rn concentration in the study area. The area is an inland sea with high tidal fluctuations and there is a large contribution between the sea and groundwater, which are greatly affected by rivers. A multi-detector 222Rn survey has been carried out simultaneously with sea water electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature. In addition, several river grab samples were analysed for 222Rn concentration. Considering the sea water radon distribution and river characteristics, several points were selected for future SGD volume estimations.

Background Recent studies had proven that the genetic backgrounds of ANCA associated vasculitis (AAV) were dependent on ANCAs. We and other groups had shown the differences between MPO-ANCA positive Granulomatosis with polyangitis (MPO-GPA) and Microscopic polyangitis (MPA) (1–3). It is not clear what determine these two phenotypes. Objectives To elucidate the etiologies of two phenotypes, we compared the backgrounds and comorbidities between MPO-GPA and MPA. Methods Retrospectively we recruited MPO-GPA and MPA patients through the two multi-center cohorts (Cohort A: 2001–2012, Cohort B: 2012–2016). We classified patients with EMEA classification and ANCA. We found 40 MPO-GPA and 126 MPA cases without overlaps. We compared those backgrounds, comorbidities, organ involvements and outcomes. Results The average age of MPO-GPA group was similar to that of MPA (69.1 years old vs 72.1 years old). But MPO-GPA preferentially affected female patients (80.0% vs 52.8%) with lower creatinine levels (1.03mg/dl vs 2.7mg/dl). Two year survivals of MPO-GPA were significantly better than MPA (95.8% vs 73.2%, p=0.0424). Interestingly MPO-GPA patients had less atherosclerotic risk factors, i.e. smoking history (6.3% vs 38.4%), hypertension (10.4% vs 30.5%) and diabetes (12.5% vs 17.9%). Instead these patients had more upper respiratory inflammations (chronic sinusitis, chronic otitis media and allergic rhinitis, 33.3% vs 6.6%) before the disease onset. Conclusions We found that MPA had more atherosclerotic risk factors, and MPO-GPA had more upper respiratory inflammations. These factors may determine MPA or GPA phenotypes in MPO-ANCA positive AAV. References Ono N at al. Characteristics of MPO-ANCA-positive granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a retrospective multi-center study in Japan. Rheumatol Int. 2015 Mar;35(3):555–9. Miloslavsky EM et al. MPO-ANCA-Positive and ANCA-Negative Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener9s): Distinct Patient Subsets. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 Dec;68(12):2945–2952. Schirmer JH at al. MPO-ANCA-Positive Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener9s) Is a Clinically Distinct Subset of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: A Retrospective Analysis of 315 Patients From a German Vasculitis Referral Center. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 Dec;68(12):2953–2963. Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the work of people who helped to correct patients data. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background Recent reports had shown that most of clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM), which showed poor prognosis, was positive for anti-Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody (Ab). It had been shown that patients not only with lupus but with dermatomyositis (DM) also showed increased type 1 interferon (IFN) signature. MDA5 acts as a cytosolic RNA sensor, which drives type 1 IFN production. These facts suggested that type 1 IFN might have some roles in anti-MDA5 Ab positive patients. Objectives We evaluated the association of serum type 1 IFN signature and autoantibodies in patients with inflammatory myositis, in particular anti-MDA5 Ab positive patients and anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARS) Ab positive patients. Methods Sera from 33 inflammatory myositis patients (13 DM, 10 PM and 10 CADM) were studied for type 1 IFN activity, using a functional reporter cell assay. Briefly WISH cells were incubated with serum containing media for 6 hours. Serum IFN signature scores of the incubated cells were evaluated by the sums of gene expressions of Mx1, IFIT3, IFI44L and IFI44 by real time PCR (Reference). Anti-MDA5 Ab and Anti-ARS Ab were measured by ELISA. We divided these patients into three groups, anti-MDA5 Ab positive group (MDA5 group), anti-ARS Ab positive group (ARS group) and double negative group (DN group). We included double positive patients into MDA5 group. The presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the prognosis were also investigated. Results MDA5 group had 12 patients (8 CADM and 4 DM), ARS group had 8 patients (4 DM, 1 CADM and 3 PM), and DN group had 13 patients (5 DM, 1 CADM and 7 PM). 9 of MDA5 group, 5 of ARS group, and 1 of DN group were complicated with ILD. Serum IFN signature scores of MDA5 group were significant higher than those of ARS group and DN group (12.43 1.406, 2.407, p=0.0005). The most of ARS group showed low serum IFN signature activities. The overall survivals of ARS group were fairer than MDA5 group, but not significantly. The deceased cases of MDA5 group showed especially high serum IFN signature activities. Conclusions We characterized two major groups in inflammatory myositis patients. ARS group was characterized by low IFN signature with the susceptibility to DM and ILD. MDA5 group was characterized by high serum IFN signature with the high susceptibility to CADM. Our results suggest that these two entities may have different onset mechanisms, leading to different outcomes. References Niewold TB, Rivera TL, Buyon JP, Crow MK. Serum type I interferon activity is dependent on maternal diagnosis in anti-SSA/Ro-positive mothers of children with neonatal lupus. Arthritis Rheum. 2008 Feb;58(2):541–6. Disclosure of Interest None declared

SummaryWhat is known and objective Itraconazole, a CYP3A inhibitor, is used for the treatment for onychomycosis with a three-cycle pulse therapy over 3 months, but its effects on in vivo CYP3A activity during the entire course remain unknown. Methods Urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratios were determined in 19 patients with onychomycosis, before therapy, during three cycles of itraconazole pulse therapy (200 mg twice daily for a week in each monthly cycle) and at 3 month after completion of therapy. Results and discussion The mean 6β-hydroxycortisol/cortisol ratio was reduced by 68% from baseline (P

Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) play important roles in plant herbivore deterrence and promotion of human health. A critical step in HT production is the formation of 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (β-glucogallin, ester-linked gallic acid and glucose) by a UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) activity. We cloned and biochemically characterized four candidate UGTs from pomegranate (Punica granatum), of which only UGT84A23 and UGT84A24 exhibited β-glucogallin forming activities in enzyme assays. Although overexpression and single RNAi knockdown pomegranate hairy root lines of UGT84A23 or UGT84A24 did not lead to obvious alterations in punicalagin (the prevalent HT in pomegranate) accumulation, double knockdown lines of the two UGTs resulted in largely reduced levels of punicalagins and bis-hexahydroxydiphenyl glucose isomers. An unexpected accumulation of galloyl glucosides (ether-linked gallic acid and glucose) was also detected in the double knockdown lines, suggesting that gallic acid was utilized by an unidentified UGT activity for glucoside formation. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and immunogold labeling in roots of pomegranate seedlings collectively indicated cytosolic localization of UGT84A23 and UGT84A24. Overall, functional characterization and localization of UGT84A23 and UGT84A24 open up opportunities for further understanding the regulatory control of HT metabolism in plants and its coordination with other biochemical pathways in the metabolic network.

In contrast to the numerous reports on the human therapeutic applications of hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), genes involved in their biosynthesis have not been identified at the molecular level from any plant species. Although we have previously identified candidate HT biosynthetic genes in pomegranate using transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses, characterization of in planta enzyme function remains a critical step in biochemical pathway elucidation. We here report the establishment of a pomegranate (Punica granatum) hairy root culture system that produces HTs. Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains transformed with a binary vector harboring a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) gene were used for hairy root induction, allowing visual, non-destructive, detection of transgene incorporation. It also demonstrated that the pomegranate hairy root culture system is suitable for expressing heterologous genes (YFP in this case). Expression of 26 putative UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes, obtained from a pomegranate fruit peel (a tissue highly abundant in HTs) RNA-Seq library, were verified in wild type and hairy roots. In addition, two candidate UGTs for HT biosynthesis were identified based on HPLC and differential gene expression analyses of various pomegranate tissues. Together with in vitro enzyme activity assays, the hairy root culture system holds great promise for revealing the undivulged HT biosynthetic pathway using pomegranate as a model system.

The specific functions of the prodomains of TGFβ superfamily members are largely unknown. Interactions are known between prodomains of TGFβ-1–3 and latent TGFβ-binding proteins and between prodomains of BMP-2, -4, -7, and -10 and GDF-5 and fibrillins, raising the possibility that latent TGFβ-binding proteins and fibrillins may mediate interactions with all other prodomains of this superfamily. This possibility is tested in this study. Results show that the prodomain of BMP-5 interacts with the N-terminal regions of fibrillin-1 and -2 in a site similar to the binding sites for other bone morphogenetic proteins. However, in contrast, the prodomain of GDF-8 (myostatin) interacts with the glycosaminoglycan side chains of perlecan. The binding site for the GDF-8 prodomain is likely the heparan sulfate chain present on perlecan domain V. These results support and extend the emerging concept that TGFβ superfamily prodomains target their growth factor dimers to extracellular matrix macromolecules. In addition, biochemical studies of prodomain·growth factor complexes were performed to identify inactive complexes. For some members of the superfamily, the prodomain is noncovalently associated with its growth factor dimer in an inactive complex; for others, the prodomain·growth factor complex is active, even though the prodomain is noncovalently associated with its growth factor dimer. Results show that the BMP-10 prodomain, in contrast to BMP-4, -5, and -7 prodomains, can inhibit the bioactivity of the BMP-10 growth factor and suggest that the BMP-10 complex is like TGFβ and GDF-8 complexes, which can be activated by cleavage of the associated prodomain.

Prey species often deploy different kinds of antipredator defenses, which can interact with each other in ways that are not yet completely understood. Much research into these interactions has uti­ lized gastropod mollusks, usually focusing (in part) on the protective utility of the gastropod shell. This makes the evolutionary reduction of the shell in the opisthobranch gastropods (marine slugs) particularly interesting. This loss of protective function of the shell is associated with the evolution of alternative de­ fenses. Particularly well studied are chemical defenses, especially those using secondary metabolites de­ rived from food resources. As a first step toward understanding interspecific variation in the deployment of multiple defenses, we compared the passive chemical defenses of 3 opisthobranchs (Aplysia califor­ nica, Phyllaplysia taylori, and Dolabrifera dolabrifera; hereafter referred to by their genus name). We ho­ mogenized the skin and body wall into standardized food pellets, and assayed the palatability of these pellets by measuring their consumption by a common intertidal hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis. This as­ say revealed significant variation in palatability. Pellets made from the skin and body wall of Phyllaplysia and Dolabrifera had higher palatability, indicating low levels of chemical protection, while pellets from Aplysia showed a 2-fold lesser palatability, indicating greater chemical protection. This phylogenetic variation in palatability is similar to previously reported variation in behavioral sensitization. Although the role of sensitization as a possible antipredator defense is yet poorly understood, these results on palatability raise the possibility that opisthobranchs may cospecialize defenses across species.

We explored the origin of all-female broods resulting from male death in a Hokkaido population of Lymantria dispar through genetic crosses based on the earlier experiments done by Goldschmidt and by testing for the presence of endosymbionts that are known to cause male killing in some insect species. The mitochondrial DNA haplotypes of the all-female broods in Hokkaido were different from those of normal Hokkaido females and were the same as those widely distributed in Asia, including Tokyo (TK). Goldschmidt obtained all-female broods through backcrossing, that is, F1 females obtained by a cross between TK females (L. dispar japonica) and Hokkaido males (L. dispar praeterea) mated with Hokkaido males. He also obtained all-male broods by mating Hokkaido females with TK males. Goldschmidt inferred that female- and male-determining factors were weakest in the Hokkaido subspecies and stronger in the Honshu (TK) subspecies. According to his theory, the females of all-female broods mated with Honshu males should produce normal sex-ratio broods, whereas weaker Hokkaido sexes would be expected to disappear in F1 or F2 generations after crossing with the Honshu subspecies. We confirmed both of Goldschmidt's results: in the case of all-female broods mated with Honshu males, normal sex-ratio broods were produced, but we obtained only all-female broods in the Goldschmidt backcross and obtained an all-male brood in the F1 generation of a Hokkaido female crossed with a TK male. We found no endosymbionts in all-female broods by 4,′6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Therefore, the all-female broods observed in L. dispar are caused by some incompatibilities between Honshu and Hokkaido subspecies.

The first 77 GHz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar transceiver IC with an accurate FMCW chirp signal generator using a 90 nm CMOS process is presented. To realize accurate FMCW radar system in CMOS, a PLL synthesizer based FMCW generator with chirp smoothing technique that is able to output linear FMCW frequency chirp using a nonlinear reference chirp signal supplied from a low spec/cost digital-oriented frequency reference is applied. The fabricated IC consists of an LNA, a down-conversion mixer with an output buffer, a driver amplifier, a power amplifier with power combiner, an LO distributer and an FMCW synthesizer. The measured FMCW signal from the proposed FMCW generator achieves 93 kHz frequency error (nonlinearity) at the 77 GHz chip signal. Radar performance of the IC has less than 1% ranging error from 1 m to 8 m distance from the measurement in a laboratory. These results show the transceiver achieves a fundamental function for radar applications with 520 mW power consumptions.

We are preparing for a high resolution spectroscopy of the 1s and 2s pionic states of 121Sn in the 122Sn(d,3He) reaction at the incident deuteron energy of ~500 MeV. The measurement will provide accurate information on the strong interaction between the pion and the nucleus, which leads to quantitative determination of the magnitude of the quark condensate at the normal nuclear density.

We report a determination of the antiproton magnetic moment, measured in a three-body system, independent of previous experiments. We present results from a systematic study of the hyperfine (HF) structure of antiprotonic helium where we have achieved a precision more than a factor of 10 better than our first measurement. A comparison between the experimental results and three-body quantum electrodynamic (QED) calculations leads to a new value for the antiproton magnetic moment μ s p ¯ = − 2.7862 ( 83 ) μ N , which agrees with the magnetic moment of the proton within 2.9 × 10 − 3 .

A 60-GHz phase-locked loop (PLL) with an inductor-less prescaler is fabricated in a 90-nm CMOS process. The inductor-less prescaler has a smaller chip area than previously reported ones. The PLL operates from 61 to 63GHz and consumes 78mW from a 1.2V supply. The phase noise at 100kHz and 1MHz offset from carrier are -72 and -80dBc/Hz, respectively. The prescaler occupies 80 × 40µm2. The active area of the PLL is 0.31mm2.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are morphogens with long-range signaling activities. BMP-7 is secreted as a stable complex consisting of a growth factor noncovalently associated with two propeptides. In other transforming growth factor-beta-like growth factor complexes, the prodomain (pd) confers latency to the complex. However, we detected no difference in signaling capabilities between the growth factor and the BMP-7 complex in multiple in vitro bioactivity assays. Biochemical and biophysical methods elucidated the interaction between the BMP-7 complex and the extracellular domains of its type I and type II receptors. Results showed that type II receptors, such as BMP receptor II, activin receptor IIA, and activin receptor IIB, competed with the pd for binding to the growth factor and displaced the pd from the complex. In contrast, type I receptors interacted with the complex without displacing the pd. These studies suggest a new model for growth factor activation in which proteases or other extracellular molecules are not required and provide a molecular mechanism consistent with a role for BMP receptors in the establishment of early morphogen gradients.

A visual study of underexpanded plasma jet was conducted to reveal the detailed behavior in the strong magnetic field. The images of the jet were taken by a digital single-lens reflex camera through viewing windows. The distribution of optical intensity obtained from the raw data was compared to that of the typical emission line intensity. The profile of the optical intensity agrees well with that of the emission intensity. It is illustrated that the typical structure of underexpanded jet such as Mach disk is also affected obviously by the magnetic field. The radial distribution of number density was determined by using the image analysis based on the Abel-inversion. The converted data clarify the jet behavior that is hidden on the ordinary observation. The density obtained from numerical analysis for a simple gas was also compared with the number density. It is confirmed from the comparison with numerical results that the radial profile of number density can be utilized for understanding the plasma jet behavior under the strong magnetic field.

Current models of the elastic properties and structural organization of fibrillin-containing microfibrils are based primarily on microscopic analyses of microfibrils liberated from connective tissues after digestion with crude collagenase. Results presented here demonstrate that this digestion resulted in the cleavage of fibrillin-1 and loss of specific immunoreactive epitopes. The proline-rich region and regions near the second 8-cysteine domain in fibrillin-1 were easily cleaved by crude collagenase. Other sites that may also be cleaved during microfibril digestion and extraction were identified. In contrast to collagenase-digested microfibrils, guanidine-extracted microfibrils contained all fibrillin-1 epitopes recognized by available antibodies. The ultrastructure of guanidine-extracted microfibrils differed markedly from that of collagenase-digested microfibrils. Fibrillin-1 filaments splayed out, extending beyond the width of the periodic globular beads. Both guanidine-extracted and collagenase-digested microfibrils were subjected to extensive digestion by crude collagenase. Collagenase digestion of guanidine-extracted microfibrils removed the outer filaments, revealing a core structure. In contrast to microfibrils extracted from tissues, cell culture microfibrils could be digested into short units containing just a few beads. These data suggest that additional cross-links stabilize the long beaded microfibrils in tissues. Based on the microfibril morphologies observed after these experiments, on the crude collagenase cleavage sites identified in fibrillin-1, and on known antibody binding sites in fibrillin-1, a model is proposed in which fibrillin-1 molecules are staggered in microfibrils. This model further suggests that the N-terminal half of fibrillin-1 is asymmetrically exposed in the outer filaments, whereas the C-terminal half of fibrillin-1 is present in the interior of the microfibril.

The effect of the relative grain size d/D (d: grain size, D: wire diameter) on stress–strain characteristics was investigated in Cu–Al–Mn-based shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The yield stress (σy), the work-hardening rate after yielding (dσPE/de) and the stress hysteresis (Δσ) in the wires with a random texture decrease with increasing d/D. The transformation strain (eTS) and the maximum pseudoelastic strain ( e PE MAX ) increase with increasing d/D. The effect of grain size on pseudoelastic behaviors can be clarified from the volume fraction of three-dimensionally constrained grains and the σy, dσPE/de and Δσ increase proportionally with increasing (1 − (d/D))2 while the eTS decreases proportionally with increasing (1 − (d/D))2. Consequently, the effect of grain size on the pseudoelastic behaviors can be expressed using the Taylor and inverse Schmid factors. The σy and the eTS for wires with a 〈1 1 0〉 fiber texture are larger and smaller than those for wires with a random texture, respectively.

Biochemical and biophysical methods are used to show that BMP-7 is secreted as a stable complex consisting of the processed growth factor dimer noncovalently associated with its two prodomain propeptide chains and that the BMP-7 complex is structurally similar to the small transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) complex. Because the prodomain of TGFbeta interacts with latent TGFbeta-binding proteins, a family of molecules homologous to the fibrillins, the prodomain of BMP-7 was tested for binding to fibrillin-1 or to LTBP-1. The BMP-7 prodomain and BMP-7 complex, but not the separated growth factor dimer, interact with N-terminal regions of fibrillin-1. This interaction may target the BMP-7 complex to fibrillin microfibrils in the extracellular matrix. Immunolocalization of BMP-7 in tissues like the kidney capsule and skin reveals co-localization with fibrillin. However, BMP-7 immunolocalization in other tissues known to be active sites for BMP-7 signaling is not apparent, suggesting that immunolocalization of BMP-7 in certain tissues represents specific extracellular storage sites. These studies suggest that the prodomains of TGFbeta-like growth factors are important for positioning and concentrating growth factors in the extracellular matrix. In addition, they raise the possibility that prodomains of other TGFbeta-like growth factors interact with fibrillins and/or LTBPs and are also targeted to the extracellular matrix.

The electrical resistivity and microstructure of nano-carbon materials, such as anisotropic coal tar pitch (pitch C) and polyparaphenylene (PPP), were investigated. The resistivity of the samples measured under applied pressure decreased as the packing density increased. The change ratio, ρ/PD (resistivity/packing density), for pitch C was larger than that for well-known petroleum pitch (Ashland 240), and the resistivity value of the former was about 30% smaller than that of the latter at the highest packing density. The difference in the resistivity under pressure is thought to be caused not only by the contact resistance of the grains but also by the difference in the domain structure of the two kinds of samples. The packing density of PPP, which is a disordered carbon material, is scarcely changed by applied pressure. The resistivity of PPP was found to be affected strongly by the heat treatment temperature.

Temperature dependence of the frictional stress derived from the Hall–Petch relation for pure magnesium polycrystals was compared with the critical resolved shear stress for single crystals with orientation preferable for basal or, alternatively, non-basal slip systems. The presented results suggest that the non-basal slip plays dominant role in the room temperature plastic deformation of polycrystalline magnesium, which is in excellent agreement with the recent output of computer simulation of mechanical behavior of Mg and its alloys using viscoplastic self-consistent model [Acta Mater. 49 (2001) 4277].

Primary ciliary dysfunction causes recurrent sino-pulmonary infections and shares the pathophysiology of the reproductive tract. A 34-year old man with bronchectasis and situs inversus totalis was investigated because of azoospermia. Endocrinological evaluations were all normal and scrotal exploration revealed the distended caput, but atrophic body to tail, of the epididymis. Light microscopy of testicular biopsy showed normal spermatogensis and motile sperms were easily obtained by testicular sperm extraction. Electron microscopy demonstrated normal sperm structure, whereas 65% of nasal cilias showed defect of central microtubules. This case, which bears a resemblance of Kartagener's syndrome (situs inversus totalis), is considered a unique variant of Young's syndrome.

¶A 16-year-old boy first presented with a pineal tumour identified by neuroimaging but without positive serum or cerebrospinal fluid markers. The tumour disappeared after 50 Gy cranial irradiation. One year later he returned with spinal epidural metastasis from the pineal germinoma and required emergency surgery. Intraoperative findings showed that the spinal tumour had originated from cerebrospinal fluid dissemination and had passed through the spinal nerve sleeve. The pathologic diagnosis of the tumour was of a pure germinoma metastasis. An epidural tumour frequently requires emergency diagnosis and treatment. Attention should be paid to the possibility of this rare but serious clinical situation caused by a metastasis from a pineal germinoma.

A nickel metal hydride battery has the feature of a high energy density, high capacity and high rate of utilization. The nickel hydroxide using for positive electrode material is shaped into particles which is made of fine primary particles before forming positive electrode. It is known that the characteristic of this battery is improved by additives. In order to develop a more efficient battery, the higher resolution analysis of the elemental distribution in the nickel hydroxide particles is required. We have developed an ion and electron multibeam microanalyzer for 3D analysis. The features of this apparatus is its availability for the samples having the arbitrary shape and the cross-sectioning at the aimed position of samples. As the results of application of our apparatus to the nickel hydroxide particles covered with cobalt as additives, the high resolution elemental distribution of the additives and the inside of particles was obtained. In this article, the elemental distribution of the practical sample the size of micrometers and the information about the high qualification by cobalt were indicated.

A significant improvement in the degree of superelasticity in Cu-Al-Mn ductile polycrystalline alloys has been achieved through the addition of Ni and control of the recrystallization texture by thermomechanical processing, which contain the annealing in the fcc (α) + bcc (β) two-phase region, followed by heavy cold reductions of over 60 pct. The addition of Ni to the Cu-Al-Mn alloys shows a drastic effect on the formation of the strong {112} 〈110〉 recrystallization texture. Superelastic strains on the order of 7 pct, 3 times larger than those in other Cu-based shape-memory alloys (SMAs), have been realized in the textured Cu-Al-Mn-Ni alloys. The superelastic strains obtainable in the textured Cu-based SMAs are on a par with those attainable in Ni-Ti-based alloys.