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Since high density operation is advantageous for building an efficient fusion reactor, understanding the density limit in tokamaks has been seen as one of the most important issues. This paper reports a series of measurements around the last-closed flux surface (LCFS) in L-mode plasmas by using a thermal helium beam diagnostic. Fluctuation analysis has been employed to characterize the poloidal flow and the turbulence structure. A reversal of the poloidal flow in the scrape-off layer and concomitant cooling of the outer divertor plasma are observed as the density is raised. While, in the confined region, the change in the density barely affects the poloidal flow, a higher density shifts the fluctuation power spectral densities toward lower frequencies and wave numbers. The eddy tilting of this region is consistent with what is expected from the magnetic shear effect. A radially coherent low frequency mode appears in the case of the highest density investigated in this study ( n ¯ e / n e , GW = 0.51), and higher frequencies near the LCFS are modulated by this mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, explores the endoscopic characteristics of different types of colorectal serrated polyps (SPs). The study compares sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) with microvesicular hyperplastic polyps (MVHPs) and goblet cell-rich hyperplastic polyps (GCHPs). The researchers examined various endoscopic features such as polyp size, location, mucus cap, indistinct border, expanded crypt opening, varicose microvascular vessels, and Japan NBI expert team (JNET) classification type. The findings suggest that SSL and MVHP have distinct endoscopic appearances compared to GCHP, while SSL and MVHP share similarities despite belonging to different histopathological categories. The study concludes that treating MVHP and GCHP as distinct entities may aid in the endoscopic diagnosis of SPs. [Extracted from the article]

Starch granules in potato tubers exist with varying sizes and size distribution in nature. In this study, both the tubers of seed potato ('Lady Rosetta') and true potato seed (TPS) ('BARI TPS1') varieties were stored at 5°C for 0 to 4 months, and the changes in the starch break down were analyzed physiologically and histologically to investigate how cold storage affects the starch break down. Although the starch content of both varieties reduced during cold storage, the reduction of starch content in 'BARI TPS1' was higher than that of 'Lady Rosetta'. However, both volume and ovality (length:width) of starch granule did not change significantly throughout the storage period irrespective of variety, suggesting a nonuniform breakdown of starch granules. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of starch granule showed nonuniformed deformation and enlarged cavity or hole along the storage period, which indicated that starch breakdown occurred at a specific part of starch granule rather than peripherally and penetration would be deeper in 'BARI TPS1' than that of 'Lady Rosetta'. However, there was no significant change in granule size distribution in spite of rapid degradation of amylopectin percentage in 'BARI TPS1' than that of 'Lady Rosetta', suggesting more susceptibility of 'BARI TPS1' to starch degrading enzyme and higher enzymatic action would cause deeper penetration in 'BARI TPS1' than that of 'Lady Rosetta'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a new correlation analysis technique for thermal helium beam (THB) diagnostics. Instead of directly evaluating line ratios from fluctuating time series, we apply arithmetic operations to all available He I lines and construct time series with desired dependencies on the plasma parameters. By cross-correlating those quantities and by evaluating ensemble averages, uncorrelated noise contributions can be removed. Through the synthetic data analysis, we demonstrate that the proposed analysis technique is capable of providing the power spectral densities of meaningful plasma parameters, such as the electron density and the electron temperature, even under low-photon-count conditions. In addition, we have applied this analysis technique to the experimental THB data obtained at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak and successfully resolved the electron density and temperature fluctuations up to 90 kHz in a reactor relevant high power scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of the Fourier transform and the maximum entropy method for estimating the frequency-wavenumber resolved power spectrum density is proposed. After illustrating the physical insight of the maximum entropy method by using synthetic test data, capability of the proposed method is tested using numerical simulation data. The method is also applied to experimental data obtained by the beam emission spectroscopy in the Large Helical Device. All of those examinations show that the proposed method provides more plausible results than conventional methods when the available spatial points are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Bayesian framework has been used to improve the quality of inferred plasma parameter profiles. An integrated data analysis allows for coherent combinations of different diagnostics, and Gaussian process regression provides a reliable regularization process and systematic uncertainty estimation. In this paper, we propose a new profile inference framework that utilizes our prior knowledge about plasma physics, along with integrated data analysis and a Gaussian process. In order to facilitate the use of the Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling, we use a Gaussian process to define quantities corresponding to the second derivatives of the profiles. We validate the analysis technique by using a synthetic one-dimensional plasma, in which the transport properties are known and demonstrate that the proposed analysis technique can infer plasma parameter profiles from line-integrated measurements only. Furthermore, we can even infer unknown parameters in our physics models when our physics knowledge on the system is incomplete. This analysis framework is applicable to laboratory plasmas and provides a means to investigate plasma parameters, to which standard diagnostics are not directly sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new analysis technique for Balmer line spectroscopy that enables recombination rate (particle sink) and ionization rate (particle source) inference in a closed divertor configuration is reported. Bayesian inference is employed to systematically utilize all available information from multiple Balmer lines and constrain parameter ranges by using prior knowledge about plasmas. While a closed-divertor facilitates detachment, neutral plugging typically leads to large spatial variations in plasma parameters. A forward model is developed to take into account non-uniformity in the plasma parameters and applied to test data generated by divertor plasma simulations. It is shown that the forward model robustly provides particle source and sink inference over a wide parameter range. In addition, the precision improves as more Balmer lines are resolved simultaneously. The new analysis technique is also applied to an L-mode ASDEX Upgrade plasma in the high-recycling regime. The inferred quantities and their profiles are consistent with the expectations of a high-recycling divertor plasma. The further insight into the detachment physics will be provided by using this new analysis technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new spectral analysis method, Linearized Spectrum Correlation Analysis (LSCA), for charge exchange and passive ion Doppler spectroscopy is introduced to provide a means of measuring fast spectral line shape changes associated with ion-scale micro-instabilities. This analysis method is designed to resolve the fluctuations in the emission line shape from a stationary ion-scale wave. The method linearizes the fluctuations around a time-averaged line shape (e.g., Gaussian) and subdivides the spectral output channels into two sets to reduce contributions from uncorrelated fluctuations without averaging over the fast time dynamics. In principle, small fluctuations in the parameters used for a line shape model can be measured by evaluating the cross spectrum between different channel groupings to isolate a particular fluctuating quantity. High-frequency ion velocity measurements (100-200 kHz) were made by using this method. We also conducted simulations to compare LSCA with a moment analysis technique under a low photon count condition. Both experimental and synthetic measurements demonstrate the effectiveness of LSCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The upgraded spectrometer used for charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on the Madison Symmetric Torus resolves emission fluctuations up to 400 kHz. The transimpedance amplifier's cutoff frequency was increased based upon simulations comparing the change in the measured photon counts for time-dynamic signals. We modeled each signal-processing stage of the diagnostic and scanned the filtering frequency to quantify the uncertainty in the photon counting rate. This modeling showed that uncertainties can be calculated based on assuming each amplification stage is a Poisson process and by calibrating the photon counting rate with a DC light source to address additional variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a timing counter with a monolithic array of multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) coupled to a 10 \times 12.6 \times 24~\mm^3 plastic scintillator. A signal of the MPPC was processed and its fast components were amplified by a developed readout circuit to improve the timing. The performances of the counter were evaluated by electrons with energies of 855 MeV. A set of the MPPC based scintillation counter and a PMT based reference counter achieved the TOF resolution less than 80 ps (\sigma ). The gain was almost constant up to the count rate of 170 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant factories for the steady production of high-quality vegetables year round, and which can be divided into solar and artificial-light types, have recently been expanding in Japan as trigged by a report by a collaboration study group in 2009 and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Common solar-type plant factories with mulch-span roofs are often difficult to construct in the northern areas of Japan, especially along the Japan Sea coast, because of limited sunshine duration and heavy winter snowfall, while artificial light-type factories are more promising in this region although high running costs due to electricity bills for irradiating plants and cooling the room often hinder the promotion of such facilities. The use of LEDs has recently increased in artificial light-type plant factories, but fluorescent lights are still predominant for economic reasons. Generally only small plants can be grown commercially in artificial light-type factories and the light intensity reaching the lower leaves decreases continuously as the stem of the plant elongates, deteriorating light use efficiency. Flexible organic electroluminescent devices able to cover the whole plant when irradiation is required and that can easily be applied/removed like a plastic film are expected to be introduced in both types of plant factories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a method to estimate the rotational velocity of a cylindrical plasma from its two-dimensional images by an extended use of the Fourier-rectangular function transform, which was proposed to analyze the structure and dynamics of a cylindrical plasma [K. Yamasaki e t a l., J. Appl. Phys. 126 , 043304 (2019)]. The proposed method is applied to tomography images of plasmas produced in a linear cylindrical device and succeeds in obtaining the radial distribution of rotational velocity and its fluctuations, providing an interesting finding, that is, the existence of flow modulation associated with m = 1 mode fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ghrelin, growth-hormone-releasing peptide, has been reported to accelerate food intake and gastrointestinal motility. Aim The present study was designed to investigate the plasma ghrelin levels in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Patients and Methods Ninety-seven patients, who showed no evidence of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal cancer on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were recruited. Seventeen patients who had no gastrointestinal symptoms were recruited as controls. Forty-seven patients were diagnosed to be suffering from FD, based on the Rome II criteria. The FD patients were further subdivided into those with ulcer-like FD, dysmotility-like FD and non-specific-type FD, based on their Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores. Fourteen patients were categorized as having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and 19 patients were excluded as having the irritable bowel syndrome, based on the GSRS. The plasma ghrelin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results The plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in FD patients, especially in those with dysmotility-like FD, as compared with those in controls. The plasma ghrelin levels were also correlated well with the indigestion scores. Conclusion Plasma ghrelin levels are significantly higher in patients with dysmotility-like FD, suggesting that this parameter could become useful as a novel supportive marker for the diagnosis of FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ghrelin, growth-hormone-releasing peptide, has been reported to accelerate food intake and gastrointestinal motility. Aim The present study was designed to investigate the plasma ghrelin levels in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Patients and Methods Ninety-seven patients, who showed no evidence of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal cancer on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were recruited. Seventeen patients who had no gastrointestinal symptoms were recruited as controls. Forty-seven patients were diagnosed to be suffering from FD, based on the Rome II criteria. The FD patients were further subdivided into those with ulcer-like FD, dysmotility-like FD and non-specific-type FD, based on their Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores. Fourteen patients were categorized as having gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and 19 patients were excluded as having the irritable bowel syndrome, based on the GSRS. The plasma ghrelin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results The plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in FD patients, especially in those with dysmotility-like FD, as compared with those in controls. The plasma ghrelin levels were also correlated well with the indigestion scores. Conclusion Plasma ghrelin levels are significantly higher in patients with dysmotility-like FD, suggesting that this parameter could become useful as a novel supportive marker for the diagnosis of FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to obtain working functions for the legs of a myriapod robot from a kinetic energy point of view. The realization of the high performance of energy consumption is indispensable in the battery-based robot system. We introduce the cost of transport and reduce to the minimum problem of the cost of transport. The calculus of variations is applied to obtain governing equations and the functions for legs. We obtain optimal functions for legs in an octarupedal robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the role of the gibberellin A[sub 3] on the elongation of the first internodes of Hong Mang Mai. Presence of potassium in the culture media of the first internode elongation; Accounts on the osmotic properties of cell sap; Insensitivity of gibberellin on dwarf wheats.

Reports the amino-acid sequence of human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) determined by complementary DNA cloning and the expression of biologically active human HGF from COS-1 cells transfected with cloned cDNA. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Investigates the genomic classification of fish nodaviruses by molecular phylogenic analysis of nucleotide sequences of the coat protein gene. Study of the molecular evolutionary relationships of fish nodaviruses; Divergence of the four major clusters of fish nodaviruses.

Deep-seeding and ethylene were found to stimulate extension growth of the first internode of intact wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings in darkness. Seedlings of Hon Mang Mai emerged from much deeper in the soil than the seedlings of the other varieties used and their first internodes elongated to a much greater extent in response to ethylene. Carbon dioxide slowed elongation of the first internode and inhibited ethylene action. Elongation of the first internode due to deep-seeding and ethylene treatment showed high heritabilities, suggestinga genetic basis underlying those traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Either ethylene or carbon dioxide stimulated the growth of oat mesocotyls in darkness, although the effect was much greater for carbon dioxide. Maximum elongation was obtained in the presence of both gases. Ethylene also induced lateral expansion of the mesocotyl: the volume of the mesocotyl was increased more in air with added ethylene than in air depleted of ethylene. Ethylene also stimulated mesocotyl growth under red light. gibberellin only slightly increased mesocotyl length under red light and acted cooperatively with ethylene in the promotion of growth. The oat mesocotyl is a unique organ in terrestrial plants because ethylene simultaneously stimulates not only longitudinal growth but also lateral expansion. The ecological significance of oat mesocotyl growth in relation to the response to ethylene and carbon dioxide is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress often can enhance the fruit quality of tomatoes. Seawater is one of the substrates used by growers. However, utilization of seawater on tomato production is difficult in the hinterland as it is far away from the seaside. Some "onsen" water also show a high salt concentration (2%). Therefore, it could also be used as a substrate of salt stress treatment. In this study, salt stress was provided by Yupoka "onsen" water, and the effects of different nutrient ECs on plant growth and fruit quality of tomatoes were investigated. Tomato plants 'Reika' were grown in pot soil, and nutrients with EC 2, 4, 8 and 12 mS/cm were applied at the time of irrigation. The fruits were harvested at turning stage until the 3rd truss. Soil salinity attained EC 3.6, 6.7, 12.8, and 15.6 mS/cm. SSC, organic acid, dry matter and NO3 increased by 50, 79, 50 and 27%, respectively at EC12 mS/cm while, weight, size, and water content decreased up to 40, 20, and 4%, respectively. However, fruit cracking did not occur apparently. Most of the plant growth parameters were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first direct measurements of an impurity particle flux driven by drift-wave turbulence in a toroidal magnetized plasma are reported. The correlation between the impurity density and radial velocity fluctuations is measured using ion Doppler spectroscopy. The small, very fast radial velocity fluctuation is resolved with the aid of a new linearized spectrum correlation analysis method that rejects uncorrelated noise as the sample size increases. The measured C2+ turbulent impurity flux in the edge of the plasma is directed inward and is consistent with impurity density measurements. This is also the first direct evidence for fluctuation-induced transport due to trapped-electron-mode turbulence in reversed field pinch plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear fluid simulation of drift wave turbulence in the presence of symmetry breaking particle source is performed for the cylindrical magnetized plasmas. It is demonstrated that the symmetry breaking of the system directly affects the selection rule of structure formations, the streamers disappear, and the zonal flows are enhanced in the case with the symmetry breaking. The symmetry breaking is introduced in the flux-driven simulation by inducing the particle source whose amplitude depends on the azimuthal angle. The symmetry breaking mode is driven stationarily, and the nonlinear process of the drift waves is significantly modified. By scanning the amplitude of the symmetry breaking source, the structure formation processes are systematically investigated. In addition, the nonlinear forces of the turbulence show the relaxation of the density gradient and the drive of the perpendicular/parallel flows in a two-dimensional manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the medical case report of a patient with a history of anorexia who ingested 13.2 g of aspirin with suicidal intent. Harmonic flash echo imaging was used to demonstrate increased gastric blood flow after the ingestion of an overdose of aspirin. It is stated that outcome of the diagnosis raise the possibility that changes in gastric transmural blood flow after ischemic or other events can be monitored by noninvasive methods such as harmonic flash echo imaging.

The I-mode confinement regime is promising for future reactor operation due to high energy confinement without high particle confinement. However, the role of edge turbulence in creating I-mode's beneficial transport properties is still unknown. New measurements of edge turbulence ( ρ pol = 0.9 − 1.0) in L-modes and I-modes at low and high densities at ASDEX Upgrade are presented in this paper. A high radial resolution correlation electron cyclotron emission radiometer measures the broadband turbulence throughout the L-mode and I-mode edge and pedestal. The weakly coherent mode (WCM) is measured in both L-mode and I-mode near the last closed flux surface with Te fluctuation levels of 2.3%–4.2%, with a frequency shift between the two phases related to a deeper Er well in I-mode. An n e T e phase diagnostic captures a change of the WCM n e T e phase between L-mode and I-mode from − 171 ° to − 143 °. The thermal He beam diagnostic measures a WCM wavenumber range of −0.5 to −1.0 cm−1. A low-frequency edge oscillation (LFEO) appears in the I-mode phase of these discharges and displays coupling to the WCM, but the LFEO does not appear in the L-mode phase. Linear gyrokinetic simulations of the outer core and pedestal top turbulence indicate that while the dominant turbulent modes in the outer core are ion directed and electrostatic, the turbulence becomes increasingly electron directed and electromagnetic with increasing radius. Collisionality is not found to impact characteristics of the L-mode and I-mode edge turbulence with respect to the presence of the WCM; however, the quality of global confinement decreases with collisionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new high heat flux ball-pen probe head installed on the midplane manipulator is currently being used in ASDEX-Upgrade (AUG). The probe was designed to withstand high heat fluxes making possible the investigation of the plasma edge under harsh conditions, such as low power H-mode. Composed of seven pins (four Langmuir probes, mounted in two Mach probe pairs, and three ball-pen probes), the new probe head allows us to measure several plasma parameters simultaneously and with high temporal resolution. A novel method to correct the sheath potential dynamically accounting for the total secondary electron emission is introduced together with applications to obtain the electron temperature and plasma potential profiles. The total secondary electron emission yield is obtained from particle in cell simulations in AUG condition and probe realistic impact angle with respect to the magnetic field. Finally, the probe capability to investigate turbulence around the separatrix of AUG is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was recently reported that Poly(I:C) immunization with live nervous necrosis virus (NNV) confers protection in sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus (Thunberg), from NNV infection. In the present study, we conducted field tests with sevenband grouper for the evaluation of Poly(I:C) immunization efficacy. In the first experiment, sevenband grouper were immunized with NNV followed by Poly(I:C) administration 7 weeks before natural occurrence of viral nervous necrosis (VNN). Survival rate of the naïve fish was 71.0%, whereas that of the immunized fish was 99.8%. In the second experiment, sevenband grouper were immunized 10 months before VNN occurrence and survival rate of the non-treated and vaccinated fish was 79.5% and 97.5%, respectively. In the third experiment, we administered Poly(I:C) to sevenband grouper at 20 days after natural occurrence of VNN. The survival rate of the non-treated fish was 9.8%, whereas that of fish administered Poly(I:C) was 93.7%. Based on these results, it was concluded that Poly(I:C) immunization conferred protection in fish against NNV infection in field tests and the protection lasted more than 10 months. Furthermore, even after occurrence of VNN, fish mortality could be reduced by Poly(I:C) administration and there was an unexpected curative effect on VNN-affected fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycoprotein (G) gene nucleotide sequences of four Korean isolates of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) were analyzed to evaluate their genetic relatedness to worldwide isolates. All Korean isolates were closely related to Japanese isolates of genogroup JRt rather than to those of North American and European genogroups. It is believed that Korean IHNV has been most likely introduced from Japan to Korea by the movement of contaminated fish eggs. Among the Korean isolates, phylogenetically distinct virus types were obtained from sites north and south of a large mountain range, suggesting the possibility of more than one introduction of virus from Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal macrophages are known to display profound inflammatory anergy in response to lipopolysacchraide (LPS). To study the mechanisms of unresponsiveness of intestinal macrophages to LPS, we compared the mRNA expression of molecules associated with signal transduction of intestinal macrophages with those of other tissue macrophages. Also cellular localization of CD14 protein was examined. Intestinal, alveolar and peritoneal macrophages were isolated from rats or mice. The expression of mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR, and cellular localization of CD14 protein was examined by flow cytometry. Cellular responses to LPS were examined by production of TNF and NO. The expression of CD14 mRNA in intestinal macrophages was lower than for peritoneal macrophages but higher than for alveolar macrophages. The mRNA expression of other molecules corresponding to intracellular signal transduction in intestinal macrophages was similar with alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. Despite the presence of CD14 mRNA, proteins of CD14 were not detected on cell surfaces of intestinal macrophages, and induction of TNF or NO responding to LPS were not detected. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that CD14 protein was not expressed on the cell surface but was expressed inside intestinal macrophages. The unresponsiveness of intestinal macrophages after LPS exposure is considered to be largely attributed to the lack of CD14 protein on their cell surfaces. However, CD14 protein was expressed inside of the cells, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation rather than transcriptional suppression may play a dominant role in determining the phenotype of the intestinal macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum samples obtained from 289 first-time and 114 repeat donors at the Blood Center of Mongolia (MBC) were tested for serological and molecular markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infections. Among the 403 blood donors, 33 (8.2%), 21 (5.2%), and 27 (6.7%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and/or HBV DNA, HCV RNA, and HDV RNA, respectively. Collectively, 55 donors were viremic for one or more of these viruses, and included 54 first-time donors (18.7%) and 1 repeat donor (0.9%) ( P < 0.0001). One discrepant case with HBsAg detectable only at MBC was negative for HBsAg, HBV DNA and anti-HBc in this study. Four donors who were HCV-viremic in this study were negative for anti-HCV by the MBC method. Further efforts to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the currently-used tests are urgently required in Mongolia. Three donors who were positive for anti-HBc and anti-HDV but negative for HBsAg, had both HBV DNA and HDV RNA. This suggests that introduction of a new anti-HDV serological test is useful for not only HDV screening but also HBV screening of anti-HBc-positive, HBsAg negative donors, considering a possibility of viral interference by coexisting HDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first local velocity measurements of helical equilibrium plasmas in the Reversed Field Pinch (RFP) Single Helical Axis (SHAx) state using a Charge Exchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CHERS) diagnostic are presented. Measurements show strong axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric flow, with n = 5 components of flow related to the (m , n) = (1 , 5) dominant magnetic mode on the order of the axisymmetric flow in certain regions of the plasma, as well as significant n > 5 flow. Flow measurements are compared with NIMROD simulations of visco-resistive, single-fluid MHD in toroidal and cylindrical geometries with limited axial periodicity. Both measurements and the simulation with toroidal geometry show stronger inboard flows relative to the outboard flows, which is attributed to the toroidal geometry of the device. In the experiment, the n = 5 component of flow is phase shifted from the reconnection-like flow pattern observed in the single-fluid simulations, possibly due to decoupling of the ion and electron fluids over much of the plasma. Finally, the strength of the helical angular flow shear relative to the critical shear necessary to disrupt nonlinear coupling between tearing modes is calculated around the helical magnetic axis. The shear in the measured flow is on the order of the theoretical critical threshold needed to nonlinearly decouple modes, but the measurement uncertainty in the gradient of the flow is large. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results from a joint experimental and computational effort studying the effect of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on microturbulence levels and their connection to zonal flows in the DIII-D tokamak L-mode are presented. Beam emission spectroscopy measurements show a direct increase in density fluctuations at microturbulent scales with increasing RMP amplitude, suggesting that magnetic activity introduced by the RMP affects the regulation of microturbulence on DIII-D. This is analogous to how MHD-scale magnetic fluctuations arising from tearing modes have been observed in simulations to increase microturbulence levels in the reversed-field pinch (RFP). In the RFP, this is attributed to magnetic fluctuations eroding turbulence-limiting zonal flows; this work examines if a similar mechanism is present for DIII-D microturbulence. Gyrokinetic simulations find that the application of an RMP corresponds directly to a decrease in zonal flow levels, producing a similar increase of turbulent fluctuation levels over a range of RMP amplitudes as observed in the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 78-year-old woman has suffered from pure red-cell aplasia (PRCA) associated with generalized myasthenia gravis and thymoma. Cyclosporin A (CyA) with corticosteroid increased numbers of erythroid cells in her bone marrow cells but she required monthly blood transfusions. Administration of tacrolimus as a substitution for CyA inhibited progression of anemia without the need for further blood transfusion. No serious side effects were observed. This case demonstrates that tacrolimus is another option of treatment for PRCA in patients who fail to respond to CyA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensing self-nucleic acids through toll-like receptors in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and the dysregulated type I IFN production, represent pathogenic events in the development of the autoimmune responses in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Production of high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) promotes type I IFN response in pDCs. To better understand the active pathogenic mechanism of SLE, we measured serum levels of HMGB1, thrombomodulin, and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-17F, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα) in 35 patients with SLE. Serum HMGB1 and IFNα were significantly higher in patients with active SLE (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score ≥ 6) compared with healthy donors or patients with inactive SLE. Furthermore, the HMGB1 levels were significantly correlated with IFNα levels. By qualitative analysis, the detection of serum IFNα or HMGB1 suggests active SLE and the presence of SLE-related arthritis, fever, and urinary abnormality out of SLEDAI manifestations. Collectively, HMGB1 and IFNα levels are biomarkers reflecting disease activity, and qualitative analysis of IFNα or HMGB1 is a useful screening test to estimate SLE severity and manifestations. Our results suggest the clinical significance of type I IFNs and HMGB1 as key molecules promoting the autoimmune process in SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use charge exchange recombination spectroscopy to make the first localized measurements of impurity ion flow velocity profiles in the reversed field pinch. Measurements in improved confinement plasmas reveal an intrinsic flow profile that is peaked on the axis and mostly parallel to the equilibrium magnetic field. The toroidal flow decreases in time at off-axis locations where tearing modes are resonant, giving rise to a highly sheared flow profile near the axis. The tearing mode phase velocity correlates strongly with toroidal flow near the resonant surface and weakly with flow in other locations, providing an opportunity to verify the commonly held assumption that the plasma and mode move together at the resonant surface. Mechanisms for the observed momentum loss during the improved confinement period are evaluated, and it is found that eddy currents in the conducting shell caused by the rotation of the dominant tearing mode dominate over other losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collective representation within global models of aerosol, cloud, precipitation, and their radiative properties remains unsatisfactory. They constitute the largest source of uncertainty in predictions of climatic change and hamper the ability of numerical weather prediction models to forecast high-impact weather events. The joint European Space Agency (ESA)-Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Earth Clouds, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite mission, scheduled for launch in 2018, will help to resolve these weaknesses by providing global profiles of cloud, aerosol, precipitation, and associated radiative properties inferred from a combination of measurements made by its collocated active and passive sensors. EarthCARE will improve our understanding of cloud and aerosol processes by extending the invaluable dataset acquired by the A-Train satellites CloudSat, Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations ( CALIPSO), and Aqua. Specifically, EarthCARE's cloud profiling radar, with 7 dB more sensitivity than CloudSat, will detect more thin clouds and its Doppler capability will provide novel information on convection, precipitating ice particle, and raindrop fall speeds. EarthCARE's 355-nm high-spectral-resolution lidar will measure directly and accurately cloud and aerosol extinction and optical depth. Combining this with backscatter and polarization information should lead to an unprecedented ability to identify aerosol type. The multispectral imager will provide a context for, and the ability to construct, the cloud and aerosol distribution in 3D domains around the narrow 2D retrieved cross section. The consistency of the retrievals will be assessed to within a target of ±10 W m-2 on the (10 km)2 scale by comparing the multiview broadband radiometer observations to the top-of-atmosphere fluxes estimated by 3D radiative transfer models acting on retrieved 3D domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric moisture is a key factor controlling the global climate and its variability. For instance, moistening of the lower troposphere is necessary to trigger the convective phase of a Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO). However, the relative importance of the processes controlling this moistening has yet to be quantified. Among these processes, the importance of the moistening by shallow convection is still debated. The authors use high-frequency observations of humidity and convection from the Research Vessel (R/V) Mirai that was located in the Indian Ocean ITCZ during the Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability/Dynamics of the MJO (CINDY/DYNAMO) campaign. This study is an initial attempt to directly link shallow convection to moisture variations within the lowest 4 km of the atmosphere from the convective scale to the mesoscale. Within a few tens of minutes and near shallow convection occurrences, moisture anomalies of 0.25-0.5 g kg−1 that correspond to tendencies on the order of 10-20 g kg−1 day−1 between 1 and 4 km are observed and are attributed to shallow convective clouds. On the scale of a few hours, shallow convection is associated with anomalies of 0.5-1 g kg−1 that correspond to tendencies on the order of 1-4 g kg−1 day−1 according to two independent datasets: lidar and soundings. This can be interpreted as the resultant mesoscale effect of the population of shallow convective clouds. Large-scale advective tendencies can be stronger than the moistening by shallow convection; however, the latter is a steady moisture supply whose importance can increase with the time scale. This evaluation of the moistening tendency related to shallow convection is ultimately important to develop and constrain numerical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective It has been reported that obese people have poorly organized dermal collagen structure because of the degradation of collagen fibers, which is caused by an increase in oxidative stress levels associated with the hypertrophy of subcutaneous adipose cells. However, it is unclear whether an increase in oxidative stress levels caused by the accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue and a change in the dermal structure also occur in overweight and obese Japanese people. The objectives of this study are to identify structural changes that occur in the dermis and to measure the levels of oxidative stress in Japanese overweight males. Methods The overweight group included 43 Japanese male volunteers aged between 25 and 64 years and with a body mass index ( BMI) of ≥25 and <30. The control group included 47 male volunteers aged between 22 and 64 years and with BMI of <25. The 20-MHz Dermascan C® ultrasound scanner with software for image analyses was used. Echogenicity of the upper and lower dermis was measured. The mRNA expression level of heme oxygenase-1 ( HMOX1) in hair follicles was quantitatively analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT- PCR) and was used as a marker of oxidative stress. Ultrasonographic imaging and collection of hair follicles were performed at the same site on the thigh, abdomen, and upper arm. Results The HMOX1 mRNA expression level in the abdomen and thigh was significantly lower in the overweight group than in the control group. Moreover, the echogenicity of the upper dermis of the abdomen and the lower dermis of the abdomen and thigh was significantly lower in the overweight group than in the control group. Conclusion We detected an increase in oxidative stress levels and a decrease in the density of dermal collagen at the same site on the thigh, abdomen, and upper arm of Japanese overweight males. These findings suggest the fragility of the dermis of Japanese overweight males, which might have been caused by the accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rikkunshito, a standardized Japanese herbal medicine, is thought to accelerate gastric emptying and relieve dyspepsia, although no large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of rikkunshito have been conducted. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of rikkunshito for treating functional dyspepsia ( FD). Methods FD patients received 2.5 g rikkunshito or placebo three times a day for 8 weeks in this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. The primary end point was the proportion of responders at 8 weeks after starting test drug, determined by global patient assessment ( GPA). The improvement in four major dyspepsia symptoms severity scale was also evaluated. In addition, plasma ghrelin levels were investigated before and after treatment. Key Results Two hundred forty-seven patients were randomly assigned. In the eighth week, the rikkunshito group had more GPA responders (33.6%) than the placebo (23.8%), although this did not reach statistical significance ( p = 0.09). Epigastric pain was significantly improved ( p = 0.04) and postprandial fullness tended to improve ( p = 0.06) in the rikkunshito group at week 8. Rikkunshito was relatively more effective among Helicobacter pylori-infected participants (rikkunshito: 40.0% vs placebo: 20.5%, p = 0.07), and seemed less effective among H. pylori-uninfected participants (rikkunshito: 29.3% vs placebo: 25.6%, p = 0.72). Among H. pylori-positive individuals, acyl ghrelin levels were improved just in rikkunshito group. There were no severe adverse events in both groups. Conclusions & Inferences Administration of rikkunshito for 8 weeks reduced dyspepsia, particularly symptoms of epigastric pain and postprandial fullness. ( UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, Number UMIN000003954). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Ion Doppler Spectrometer (IDS) is used for fast measurements of C VI line emission (343.4 nm) in the Madison Symmetric Torus. Absolutely calibrated flow measurements are difficult because the IDS records data within 0.25 nm of the line. Commercial calibration lamps do not produce lines in this narrow range. A light source using an ultraviolet LED and etalon was designed to provide a fiducial marker 0.08 nm wide. The light is coupled into the IDS at f/4, and a holographic diffuser increases homogeneity of the final image. Random and systematic errors in data analysis were assessed. The calibration is accurate to 0.003 nm, allowing for flow measurements accurate to 3 km/s. This calibration is superior to the previous method which used a time-averaged measurement along a chord believed to have zero net Doppler shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective The objective of this study was to clarify the effects of different body washing methods on skin texture. Methods Subjects were nine healthy women in their 20s. Skin on the inside of the forearms was washed every day for 4 weeks with protective washing (right forearm) and with non-protective washing (left forearm). We performed comparison of the right forearm and the left forearm. For the evaluation of skin texture, the interval of the sulcus cutis, and the mean and variance of the thickness of the sulcus cutis on digitized images were measured. Moreover, the numbers of equilateral triangles consisting of sulcus cutis were counted to evaluate skin texture. Results From the first week, the interval of sulcus cutis was significantly narrower with protective washing than with non-protective washing. The numbers of equilateral triangles increased significantly more with protective washing than with non-protective washing in weeks 1, 2 and 4. Although this study found no significant difference in mean of the thickness of the sulcus cutis, the interval of sulcus cutis and the number of triangles differed significantly with protective washing. The narrower intervals between sulcus cutis mean finer-textured skin and sulcus cutis are formed by triangles or quadrilaterals, and the more uniform these shapes are, the finer and more regular the texture Therefore, skin texture may have become finer as a result of protective washing. Conclusion These findings suggest that protective washing produces an even skin texture. They also suggest that number of equilateral triangles, as used in this study, may be useful as an index of skin texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the change in nervous necrosis virus (NNV) titre in sevenband grouper, Epinephalus fasciatus Thunberg with Poly(I:C) immunization. The study uses NNV isolate which was obtained from viral nervous necrosis (VNN)-affected sevenband grouper and NNV was cultured. Results show that the fish in an antiviral state survive the initial immunization with live virus.

Olive flounder artificially infected with lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) were reared at 10, 20 and 30 °C for 60 days, to compare LCD-incidence. In the fish reared at 20 °C, lymphocystis cells appeared on the skin and fins at 35 days post-challenge, and the cumulative LCD-incidence was 80% at 60 days. High levels of LCDV, with a mean polymerase chain reaction (PCR) titre of 106 PCR-U mg−1 tissue, were detected in the fins and skin of LCD-affected fish at 20 °C, but were not detected in the spleen, kidney, brain and intestinal tissues of these fish. No LCD clinical signs were observed in the fish reared at 10 °C and 30 °C; however, a low level of LCDV (103 PCR-U mg−1 tissue) was detected in the fins and skin of these fish. By increasing the rearing temperature from 10 to 20 °C, lymphocystis clusters appeared on the skin and fins of the fish with no previous LCD clinical signs within 33 days after the temperature change. It was shown that permissive cells for LCDV infection exist in the epidermis of olive flounder. At low temperatures, small amounts of LCDV were able to persist over a period extended for a further 45 days in the fish epidermis, even though the fish showed no LCD clinical signs. The optimum growth temperature of LCDV is near 20 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To examine whether Helicobacter pylori induces structural chromosomal aberrations, such as loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MSI) in the infected gastric mucosa. Methods Subjects were 13 patients with H. pylori-positive and 9 with H. pylori-negative gastric cancer and 20 patients with H. pylori-positive and 4 patients with H. pylori-negative chronic gastritis. Gastric mucosal tissues were endoscopically sampled from each subject. Each sample was checked for structural chromosomal aberrations (LOH and MSI) by PCR and microsatellite analysis, using a total of 31 primers corresponding to the regions containing the major genes of chromosomes 1q, 5q, 7q, 17p, 17q, 18q and 21q. Results All tissue samples obtained from cancer-affected regions of the stomach had structural chromosomal aberrations (LOH or MSI), irrespective of H. pylori infection. The degree of structural chromosomal aberration was greater in poorly differentiated than well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. In addition, structural chromosomal aberrations were also found in a few samples obtained from the chronic atrophic gastritis group, irrespective of H. pylori infection. Conclusions It seems unlikely that H. pylori serves as a direct promoter of gastric cancer, and H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis may not always be a precancerous state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ghrelin, a recently discovered peptide hormone, has been shown to be produced mainly by the A-like cells of the gastric mucosa. Ghrelin not only stimulates growth hormone (GH) release but also promotes gastric motility. While the effect of ghrelin on the gastric acid secretion in rats has been reported, no such reports appeared to date from studies in humans. Aim To investigate the effect of ghrelin administration on the gastric pH in humans, using a novel wireless pH capsule (Bravo, Medtronic, Shoreview, MN, USA). Methods Four healthy volunteers (male; average age, 35.0 years; Helicobacter pylori-negative) were enrolled. The pH capsule was attached endoscopically to the gastric mucosa and the data were transmitted to a portable receiver. Thirty minutes after a stabilization period, synthetic ghrelin (5 μg/kg body weight) was injected intravenously into the subjects and the data were monitored for more than 120 min while the subjects lay supine. Results The average minimum gastric pH in four cases (1.2 ± 0.10) was significantly decreased after injection of ghrelin, as compared with the basal pH value (1.8 ± 0.06). The serum gastrin level, however, showed no change after the ghrelin injection. Conclusion These results suggest that exogenous ghrelin could enhance gastric acid secretion in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although resistance of Helicobacter pylori to metronidazole had been reported to be associated with mutations in the rdxA or the frxA gene, recent studies have indicated that they may contribute little to metronidazole resistance. Aim To clarify the roles of these genes in metronidazole resistance, we examined them in strains that were not eradicated by first-line eradication therapy. Patients and methods A total of 132 patients (92 males, 40 females, average age: 53.8 years old) who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after unsuccessful first-line H. pylori eradication were enrolled. Antibiotic susceptibility to metronidazole was investigated using the agar dilution method. The H. pylori rdxA and frxA genes were then sequenced. Results In the metronidazole-resistant strains, the sensitivity of detection of frameshift mutations in the rdxA gene was 44%. A significant association between the presence of frameshift mutations in the rdxA gene and resistance to metronidazole was observed. No significant association between frameshift mutations in the frxA gene and resistance to metronidazole was observed. Conclusion Mutation in the rdxA gene was sufficient, but not necessary to confer resistance to metronidazole in H. pylori. Mutation in the frxA gene was not necessary for resistance to metronidazole in H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ghrelin is a novel appetite-promoting peptide secreted primarily from the A-like cells in the gastric fundic mucosa. As gastric inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection extends, the number of ghrelin-producing A-like cells is diminished and gastric ghrelin content decreases significantly. We previously reported that plasma levels of ghrelin, which correlated well with the serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) I and PG I/II ratio, decreased as gastric mucosal atrophy increased in non-ulcerogenic conditions and that plasma ghrelin level increased in rats with cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. Aim To investigate the plasma levels of ghrelin in patients with peptic ulcer disease. Patients and Methods Two hundred and eighty-six patients with epigastric symptoms, who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, were enrolled. Blood samples were collected after a 12-h fast before endoscopy. Patients were divided into four groups, namely chronic gastritis with high PG ( n = 197), chronic gastritis with low PG ( n = 58), duodenal ulcer ( n = 14) and gastric ulcer ( n = 17) and plasma concentrations of total and active ghrelin as well as serum concentrations of PG I and PG II were measured by radioimmunoassay. Six patients with duodenal ulcer and seven with gastric ulcer were also examined after ulcer healing. Results Plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients with duodenal ulcer or gastric ulcer than in those without ulcers. Elevated plasma total ghrelin levels did not significantly change after the healing of ulcers. Conclusions Plasma ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients with peptic ulcer than in those with gastritis without ulcer. This finding suggests a possible relationship between mucosal injury susceptibility and elevated fasting plasma ghrelin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]