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Introduction The standard treatment for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In Japan, testosterone enanthate intramuscular injection is recommended for LOH. But it needs regular clinic visits every 2-3 week, and it elicit pain. The 2% testosterone gel (AndroForte2®) is available for treatment LOH. Because of imported drug, AndroForte2® (AF2) is expensive. We have created a 2 % novel testosterone gel (NTG). Objective We hypothesized that our NTG improves Aging males' symptoms (AMS) scores, and serum testosterone in patients with LOH. Methods In this active control equivalence, randomized, double-blind, crossover study, it enrolled that were men with low serum free-testosterone (defined as below 11.8pg/mL), and symptoms of androgen deficiency (defined as AMS scores more than 27). The patients were randomly divided into two groups (A group, men receiving the NTG first; and B group, men receiving the AF2 first). Men with LOH received 2% AF2 for 28 days or 2% NTG for another 28 days separated by a 14-day washout period. The AMS score and serum hormonal data, and adverse events were assessed. Results Twenty-three patients aged 42–71 years old were enrolled in and concluded the study with no adverse events experienced. Serum testosterone and free-testosterone concentrations were significantly higher with NTG and AF2. And more, both concentrations were significantly higher in NTG than AF2. The AMS total score, physical subscore, mental subscore, and sexual subscore were significantly improved with NTG, but not significant with AF2. Conclusions This is the first study to show that our NTG may not be effective for improvement serum testosterone level but also for physical, mental, and sexual symptoms in patient with LOH. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

Background Subcutaneous injection of biologic agents gives more freedom and independence for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than intravenous injection. Despite this, patients with RA sometimes select intravenous injections due to concerns over self-injection, such as injection anxiety, including pain, and lack of confidence in giving a self-injection [1]. It is reported that one in five people are estimated to experience injection anxiety [2]. Therefore, an understanding of subcutaneous injection pain and anxiety and support for anxiety of patients with RA are important for appropriate usage of subcutaneous biologics. Objectives The aim is to evaluate pain and anxiety caused by adalimumab (ADA) subcutaneous injection and assess the effectiveness of nurses9 care. Methods Patients with RA using ADA self-injections were enrolled. Pain was assessed in 4 categories: general, needle insertion, drug injection, needle removal. Pain was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale. Effectiveness of support by nurses was also assessed using self-questionnaires and free-format comments. Statistical analyses were performed utilizing Wilcoxon9s signed rank test and Spearman9s rank correlation coefficient. Results Twenty patients (Male: Female, 4: 16) completed the questionnaire. Average age and disease duration were 68 and 12.6 years, respectively. Mean ± SD of Pain VAS were 34.9±28.1 mm (General), 30.3±30.6 mm (needle insert), 42.5±35.6mm (drug injection) and 11.8±18.4mm (needle removal). There were no statistically significant differences between general pain and needle insertion (p=0.631), or general pain and drug injection (p=0.121). However, statistically significant differences were found between general pain and needle removal (p=0.001). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences between needle insertion and removal (p=0.003), and drug injection and needle removal (p=0.00048). General pain showed statistically significant correlation with needle insertion pain (r=0.653, p=0.0018) and drug injection pain (r=0.615, p=0.004). However, general pain was not correlated with needle removal pain (r=0.137, p=0.565). Patients with RA answered that support by nurses was effective for relieving pain (30%), reduction of anxiety (35%) and improving treatment motivation (50%). According to the patients, nurses helped raise motivation by explaining that treatment prevents the progression of RA and allows many patients to feel better and have less pain. Interaction with nurses appears to be effective in reducing injection pain and anxiety and improving motivation for self-injection treatment. Conclusions These data indicate that needle insertion and drug injection pain have great influences on general pain. Support by nurses is likely to reduce injection anxiety and pain, resulting in higher motivation toward self-injection treatment. References Keininger D, et al. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2011 Jan 13; 9:2. Nir Y, et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2003, 68: 341–4. Disclosure of Interest None declared

The Kakiemon-style porcelains made from 17th century at Arita are famous Japanese porcelains, characterized mainly by their colored underglaze and overglaze and by their original design of coloring spatial patterns in the porcelain surface. Raw materials of the red-overglaze enamels have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectra using synchrotron radiations. It is found that Izumiyama porcelain ceramics of yellow color can produce the Kakiemon red-overglaze enamels by thermal treatment and water-washing, where Izumiyama is a collecting place of the raw porcelain ceramic at Arita. The brightness of the red-overglaze enamels is related on the local structure aroundFeionsand theelectronicbandstatesof FeionsnearaFermilevelin a-Fe2O3,in additiontothespatialdensity ofthe a-Fe2O3fineparticles. The structural and electronic properties are slightly affected by an electron-hybridization between Fe ions of a-Fe2O3 and oxygen ions of the (SiO2‐Al2O3) complexes in the red overglaze. # 2007 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

The reaction pp -> pf (pi0pi0pi0) ps has been studied at 450 GeV/c. The pi0pi0pi0 effective mass spectrum shows clear eta(547) and pi2(1670) signals. Branching ratios for the eta(547) and pi_2(1670) are given as well as upper limits for the decays of the omega(782), a1(1260) and a2(1320) into 3pi0., 10 pages, Latex, 4 Figures

A charge-to-amplitude converter (QAC) has been developed using the technology of a bipolar full-custom integrated circuit (IC). The newly developed QAC has two channels with different sensitivities: a high-sensitivity QAC channel and a wide dynamic range QAC channel. The sensitivities of both QAC channels are different by a factor of four. The input current signal is converted into a voltage amplitude within the gate signal width. The output voltages of the QAC are directly proportional to the input current signal. The QAC employs a current splitter at the input stage to meet a requirement for a wide dynamic-range conversion scheme. Both QAC channels with different sensitivities have achieved a non-linearity of 0.1% (10-bit-equivalent). The equivalent dynamic range can be realized to be 13 bits.

A fast charge-to-amplitude converter (QAC) chip has been developed for the readout electronics of the electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) of the COMPASS experiment at CERN SPS. It is fabricated using a new advanced complementary bipolar process from Harris Semiconductor with intrinsic radiation hardness. The new QAC chip performs the conversion of fast current pulses generated by a photomultiplier tube (PMT) into voltage signals. The output voltage of the QAC is directly proportional to the input current signal. The circuit block diagram, main features and characteristics of the chip are described. Simulation curves as well as test results of QAC prototypes are presented. They show excellent performances for the COMPASS experiment as well as for uses in high energy and nuclear physics experiments to manage fast current signals.

The reactions pp -> pf (X0) ps, where X0 is observed decaying to eta etaprime and etaprime etaprime, have been studied at 450 GeV/c. This is the first time that these channels have been observed in central production and only the second time that the etaprime etaprime channel has been observed in any production mechanism. In the eta etaprime channel there is evidence for the f0(1500) and a peak at 1.95 GeV. The etaprime etaprime channel shows a peak at threshold which is compatible with having JPC = 2++ and spin projection JZ = 0.

How structures of various scales formed and evolved from the early Universe up to present time is a fundamental question of astrophysics. EDGE will trace the cosmic history of the baryons from the early generations of massive stars by Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) explosions, through the period of galaxy cluster formation, down to the very low redshift Universe, when between a third and one half of the baryons are expected to reside in cosmic filaments undergoing gravitational collapse by dark matter (the so-called warm hot intragalactic medium). In addition EDGE, with its unprecedented capabilities, will provide key results in many important fields. These scientific goals are feasible with a medium class mission using existing technology combined with innovative instrumental and observational capabilities by: (a) observing with fast reaction Gamma-Ray Bursts with a high spectral resolution (R ~ 500). This enables the study of their (star-forming) environment and the use of GRBs as back lights of large scale cosmological structures; (b) observing and surveying extended sources (galaxy clusters, WHIM) with high sensitivity using two wide field of view X-ray telescopes (one with a high angular resolution and the other with a high spectral resolution). The mission concept includes four main instruments: a Wide-field Spectrometer with excellent energy resolution (3 eV at 0.6 keV), a Wide- Field Imager with high angular resolution (HPD 15") constant over the full 1.4 degree field of view, and a Wide Field Monitor with a FOV of 1/4 of the sky, which will trigger the fast repointing to the GRB. Extension of its energy response up to 1 MeV will be achieved with a GRB detector with no imaging capability. This mission is proposed to ESA as part of the Cosmic Vision call. We will briefly review the science drivers and describe in more detail the payload of this mission.

Small Angle Detector (SAD-150) is a PbWO4 heavy crystal electromagnetic calorimeter with high energy and coordinate resolution for multiphoton events. It has been included in the GAMS-4π setup and calibrated in muon and electron beams. Test measurements of forward emitted π0 and η in the π− p charge exchange reactions with 32.5 GeV/ c π− at the IHEP proton synchrotron are reported. The measured mass resolution in the η region agrees with the design value. SAD-150 performance does not deteriorate with π− intensities up to 106 π−/s per cell.

A study of the reactions pp -> pfps(K+K-pi+pi-) and pp -> pfps(K+K-pi+pi-pi0) shows evidence for the K*K* and phi omega channels respectively. The K*K* mass spectrum shows a broad distribution with a maximum near threshold and an angular analysis shows that it is compatible with having JP = 2+. The behaviour of the cross-section as a function of centre of mass energy, and the four momentum transfer dependence, are compatible with what would be expected if the K*K* system was produced via double Pomeron exchange. The dPT behaviour of the phi omega channel is similar to what has been observed for all the undisputed qqbar states. In contrast, the dPT behaviour of the K*K* final state is similar to what has been observed for the phi phi final state and for previously observed glueball candidates.

A study has been made of pseudoscalar mesons produced centrally in pp interactions. The results show that the eta and etaprime appear to have a similar production mechanism which differs from that of the pi0. The production properties of the eta and etaprime are not consistent with what is expected from double Pomeron exchange. In addition the production mechanism for the eta and etaprime is such that the production cross section are greatest when the azimuthal angle between the pT vectors of the two protons is 90 degrees., 11 pages, Latex, 3 Figures

The reaction pp -> pf (pi+pi-pi0) ps has been studied at 450 GeV/c in an experiment designed to search for gluonic states. A spin analysis has been performed and the dPT filter applied. The analysis confirms the previous observation that all undisputed qqbar states are suppressed at small dPT. In addition, a clear difference is observed in the production mechanism for the eta and omega. The reaction pp → p f ( π + π − π 0 ) p s has been studied at 450 GeV/c in an experiment designed to search for gluonic states. A spin analysis has been performed and the dP T filter applied. The analysis confirms the previous observation that all undisputed q q states are suppressed at small dP T . In addition, a clear difference is observed in the production mechanism for the η and ω . The reaction pp -> pf (pi+pi-pi0) ps has been studied at 450 GeV/c in an experiment designed to search for gluonic states. A spin analysis has been performed and the dPT filter applied. The analysis confirms the previous observation that all undisputed qqbar states are suppressed at small dPT. In addition, a clear difference is observed in the production mechanism for the eta and omega.

A 54/spl times/54-b multiplier with only 60 K transistors has been fabricated by 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS technology. To reduce the total transistor count, we have developed two new approaches: sign-select Booth encoding and 48-transistor 4-2 compressor circuits both implemented with pass transistor logic. The sign-select Booth algorithm simplifies the Booth selector circuit and enables us to reduce the transistor count by 45% as compared with that of the conventional one. The new compressor reduces the count by 20% without speed degradation. By using these new circuits, the total transistor count of the multiplier is reduced by 24%. The active size of the 54/spl times/54-b multiplier is 1.04/spl times/1.27 mm and the multiplication time is 4.1 ns at a 2.5-V power supply.

The ions in a multi-dipole plasma are used to moderate space charges for an electron beam. The partial neutralization of the space charges by those ions makes it possible to extract an electron beam current exceeding the space charge limit.

For accurate nm‐figure error correction of EUV multilayer mirror optics, a three‐dimensionally controlled ion milling method was developed. To demonstrate the reflection phase manipulation of an EUV multilayer, 10 periods of a 40‐period Mo/Si multilayer were partially removed. A partially milled Mo/Si multilayer with a contact double slit was successfully fabricated for interference fringe observations, which were carried out using a Young’s EUV interferometer with a reflection configuration. The fringe pattern revealed a small reflection phase change after multilayer surface milling. EUV interferometry results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for sub‐nanometer digital wavefront error correction in the case of multilayer mirror optics used in diffraction‐limited imaging.

We report an extremely rare case of a primary collision neoplasm in the lung consisting of malignant melanoma and adenocarcinoma. A malignant melanoma was histologically diagnosed by a transbronchial lung biopsy of the lung nodule in a 61-year-old woman, in whom there was no demonstrable primary malignant melanoma found elsewhere. However, at autopsy the above two components of the pulmonary tumor were both histologically and immunohistochemically confirmed. There was little intermingling of the two tumors. The malignant melanoma was positive for monoclonal antibody specific for melanotic tumor (HMB45) and S-100 protein but was negative for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), while it was the opposite in the adenocarcinoma. This case is, to our knowledge, the first reported collision tumor of the above two components.

Theoretical and experimental studies were performed on the impedance characteristics of corroding metal with the aid of a new a-c corrosion monitor. According to the theory of impedance of a mixed potential electrode, thesubtraction of the impedance at a high frequency from that at a low frequency yields, in most cases, transfer resistance that is readily reduced to the corrosion rate of the electrode (if an appropriate selection of the two frequencies has been made). By using a superimposed signal of two a-c voltages of 10 kHz and 0.01 Hz, the a-c corrosion monitor was designed to yield either transfer resistance or corrosion current on a recorder in logarithmic scale. The monitor permitted the measurement of the corrosion rate in less-conductive environments, such as tap water, distilled water, and soil. Initiation of localized corrosion was also detected in most cases by a sharp increase in corrosion current. The corrosion currents obtained with the a-c corrosion monitor and by the weight-loss measurement gave a good correlation on various metals under various environments, which cover corrosion rates of 15 to 0.0007 mm/year.

Experimental studies on the ωπ 0 and νπ − systems in the π − p reactions have been performed at KEK. The moment analysis of the ωπ 0 system shows a clear peak of b 1 0 (1235) in the IJ pc = 11 +− wave. In the 11 −− wave, no clear peak is seen. The properties of C(1480) with 11 −− and ϱ(1450) are discussed taking into account upper limits of their cross sections. The experiment on the νπ − system was planned to search for an exotic resonance with IJ pc = 11 −+ . The data taking run was finished and an analysis is under way.

In this paper we present the cell cycle analysis using the latest flowcytometer, FACScan and dedicated softwares. Although the 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and anti-BrdU method developed by Gratzner has become popular for analysis of cell kinetics, contaminating interstitial cells and cell doublets are still factors responsible for some mistakes in measuring the cell cycle accurately. These hampering cells were almost gated out on the catogram consisting of the forward scatter and DNA content (propidium iodide, PI). After that, the bivariate distribution of BrdU and PI according to the tumor growth showed reliable patterns. In LLC tumor the population, of which DNA content was compatible with S phase cells, was detected in the cytogram. Thus, the two-dimensional analysis of the cell cycle can demonstrate each population clearly. The results obtained from the BrdU method are more beneficial than autoradiography or microspectrophotometry, and reproducible data of the cell cycle parameters can be acquired with some devices described here.

Recent studies have demonstrated relationships between circadian clock function and the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether the peripheral circadian clock is impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes. Peripheral leucocytes were obtained from eight patients with diabetes and six comparatively young non-diabetic volunteers at 09:00, 15:00, 21:00 and 03:00 hours (study 1) and from 12 male patients with diabetes and 14 age-matched men at 09:00 hours (study 2). Transcript levels of clock genes (CLOCK, BMAL1 [also known as ARNTL], PER1, PER2, PER3 and CRY1) were determined by real-time quantitative PCR. In study 1, mRNA expression patterns of BMAL1, PER1, PER2 and PER3 exhibited 24 h rhythmicity in the leucocytes of all 14 individuals. The expression levels of these mRNAs were significantly (p

The self-confining RI target (SCRIT) electron scattering facility has been constructed at RIKEN RI Beam Factory. The commissioning experiment was performed, and the luminosity was achieved to around 1027 cm−2 s−1 with stable ions at a 250 mA electron beam current. For the electron scattering with short-lived unstable nuclei, the radioactive isotope production was started at electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT. Furthermore, new devices, the electron spectrometer window frame spectrometer for electron scattering and the cooler buncher system were constructed. After the setup of new devices, a first electron scattering experiment with short-lived nuclei will be performed soon.

The MEMS technology was used to fabricate two- and three-dimensional microchamber arrays, in which the chambers are interconnected with each other by microchannels, with PDMS to cultivate liver cells. This material is biocompatible and shows high gas permeability. However to realize artificial liver organ in vitro for implantation, this material is not useful because of its stability. It is therefore proposed in this paper, based on photolithography and the so-called soft-lithography techniques, to fabricate new types of microdevices with biodegradable materials, to be able in the near future to build a well-structured in vitro tissue ready for implantation. Two fabrication processes were investigated. The first one is a molding process and applied to commercially-available poly-(glycolic acid (GA)-DL-lactic acid) (pGALA), and the second one is a direct UV curing of the material through the desired pattern on a mask using photo-crosslinkable biodegradable macromonomer, poly-(?-caploracton (CL)-DL-lactic acid (LA)) tetraacrylate (pCLLA)-acrylate. Both fabrication processes are rapid and simple.

The measurement and modeling methods of multilayer devices buried in Ceramic Multilayer Functional Substrates (CMFS) are developed to improve the accuracy of simulation. For measurements, TRL, a 2-port calibration method and a microstrip test fixture were used. The equivalent circuit models consist of basic lumped circuit elements, and the values of elements are calculated using the Finite Element Method (FEM). We obtain the equivalent circuit model of the bypass (shunt) capacitor in good agreement with measured values.

We have developed various kinds of miniatured chip-type ceramic monolithic electronic components such as chip LC filters, hybrid couplers and delay lines, using low temperature cofireable ceramics (LTCC) with copper inner electrodes. The outer electrodes are also made of copper plated by Ni and Sn. Based on such LTCC multilayering technologies, our advanced microwave circuit design technologies have recently developed a chip RF diode switch and such a switch with integrated low-pass filter in a small (6.7/spl times/5.0/spl times/3.0 mm in production, 5.4/spl times/4.0/spl times/2.8 mm under development), surface-mountable package. Those devices employ the monolithic ceramic substrate, which includes relevant passive elements in it, with copper inner electrodes and copper outer/surface electrodes plated by Ni and Au. This paper discusses related ceramic material systems, manufacturing process, circuit design technologies and operating parameters of those chip RF diode switches.

A study has been made of the ηη system produced in the π−p charge exchange reaction at 32 GeV/c. The experiment was performed at the IHEP 70‐GeV proton synchrotron with the GAMS‐4π spectrometer. A partial wave analysis has been carried out in the mass range from 1.1 to 3.9 GeV with −t < 0.2 (GeV/c)2 including the waves S, D0, D−, D+, G0, G− and G+. Three states are unambiguously observed in the S‐wave: f0(1370) , f0(1500), and f0(1710). The large accumulated statistic allows to resolve the G(1590) structure into two separate states the f0(1500) and the f0(1710). Two states f0(2100) and f2(1950) are observed in one solution. The f4(2050) is seen in the G0‐wave. A new spin 4 structure observed in the region above 2.7 GeV/c2. This state needs further investigation due to the possible influence of a spin 6 state.

Background Treatment with epratuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD22 on B cells, has been associated with improvements in disease activity in patients (pts) with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an acceptable safety/tolerability profile and moderate reductions in B cell levels. Objectives To assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of epratuzumab in Japanese pts with moderate-to-severe SLE in addition to standard of care treatments. Methods Japanese pts were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to placebo (PBO) or epratuzumab (100mg/400mg/1200mg every other week [wk] [Q2W] or 600mg every wk [QW]) for a 4-wk dosing period at the beginning of the 12-wk study. Pts had moderate-to-severe SLE (BILAG A disease activity in ≥1 or BILAG B disease activity in ≥2 body systems). Levels of plasma epratuzumab, human anti-human antibodies (HAHA) to epratuzumab, B cells, T cells and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of B cell CD22 were measured and results summarized using descriptive statistics. PK parameters were computed by non-compartmental methods. Adverse events (AEs) and laboratory parameters were assessed. Results 19 of 20 randomized pts (95.0%) completed the study; 1 pt (1200mg Q2W group) discontinued due to an AE. PK appeared to be linear: after first and last epratuzumab infusion C max and AUC τ increased proportionally to dose (Table). t 1/2 was approximately 13 days and similar across groups. No pts were HAHA positive during the study (antibody concentration >2-fold the limit of quantitation; 62ng/mL). There were small-to-moderate decreases in total B cell (CD20+) counts in all epratuzumab groups (median change from baseline: -43.2% to 10.0%), no trend was seen with dose or regimen. Total T cell (CD3+) counts showed no consistent trends in any treatment group. A pharmacological effect on median CD22 MFI was observed in all epratuzumab groups: Wk1 median change from baseline was -3360 to -4092 on total B cells (CD19+CD22+) and -2147 to -2805 on memory B cells (CD19+IgD+CD27+). Decreases were maintained in 400mg Q2W/1200mg Q2W/600mg QW groups whilst increasing towards baseline in the 100mg Q2W group after Wk4 (median change on memory B cells: -954 and -674 at Wks 8 and 12, respectively). All PBO pts and 13/16 epratuzumab pts reported ≥1 AE, all mild-moderate in intensity. Most commonly reported AEs were in the system organ class of infections and infestation (7/16 pts; 43.8%). Serious AEs were reported in 2/16 pts in epratuzumab treatment groups: 1 incidence each of drug hypersensitivity and Herpes zoster. Epratuzumab was well-tolerated with no new safety signals identified. Conclusions PK of epratuzumab appeared to be linear after first and last infusions in Japanese pts with moderate-to-severe SLE. Treatment with epratuzumab was associated with downregulation of CD22 as indicated by decreased CD22 MFI, with small to moderate decreases in total B cell count. Epratuzumab was well tolerated in Japanese SLE pts. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge Costello Medical Consulting for writing and editorial assistance which was funded by UCB Pharma. Disclosure of Interest J. Yamamoto Employee of: UCB Pharma, R. Lledo-Garcia Employee of: UCB Pharma, T. Tsuru Consultant for: UCB Pharma, Y. Tanaka Grant/research support: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Abbvie, MSD, Chugai, Astellas, Daiichi-Sankyo, Consultant for: Abbott Japan, Abbvie, Asahi-Kasei, Astellas, Astra-Zeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Eli Lilly Japan, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, MSD, Pfizer, Takeda, Speakers bureau: Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Eisai, Chugai, Abbott Japan, Astellas, Daiichi-Sankyo, Abbvie, Janssen, Pfizer, Takeda, Astra-Zeneca, Eli Lilly Japan, GlaxoSmithKline, Quintiles, MSD, Asahi-Kasei, T. Koike Consultant for: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Pfizer, Santen, Taisho-Toyama, Takeda, Teijin, UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: UCB Pharma, Pfizer, Chugai, Abbott, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Takeda, Eisai, Santen, Astellas, Taisho-Toyama, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Teijin and Daiichi-Sankyo DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1754

High-power solid-state UV lasers are in high demand because of the convenient operation procedure. An effective technique for UV generation is cascaded sum-frequency generation pumped by the output of near-IR solid state lasers. The major challenge to such a UV laser seems to depend on the ability and reliability of the nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals that employed for frequency up conversion. The recent development of borate materials such as CsLiB 6 O 10 (CLBO) and (open square)-BaB 2 O 4 (BBO) have permitted an improved UV generation. In this work, we have investigated the bulk laser damage and the light scatter from bulk defects in CLBO and BBO crystals.

To determine whether cholestanol induces cornea endothelial and lens epithelial cell death in vitro.Cornea endothelial and lens epithelial cells were cultured in minimum essential media with 10% fetal bovine serum containing 10 microg/ml cholesterol in ethanol, 10 microg/ml cholestanol in ethanol, or 1% ethanol. These cells, stained using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method, were analyzed by laser cytometer. The activities of ICE and CPP32 proteases in cells were also measured.Both cornea endothelial and lens epithelial cells cultured with 10 microg/ml cholestanol showed a significant loss of viability. The nuclei of these cells cultured with 10 microg/ml cholestanol were more frequently stained than those exposed to 10 microg/ml cholesterol or 1% ethanol. Quantitative analysis of apoptotic DNA fragmentation confirmed that the cholestanol induced apoptosis of these cells in a time-dependent manner. The activities of interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE) and CPP32 proteases for cells cultured with 10 microg/ml cholestanol were significantly higher than those observed in control cells.In vitro, cholestanol was taken up by corneal endothelial cells and lens epithelial cells, an event that led to apoptosis of these cells.

The so-called bone-derived growth factor, beta2-microglobulin, has a regulatory function in bone metabolism by stimulating osteoclast activity. We undertook this study because osteoclast activity is known to be enhanced in patients with immobilized stroke, suggesting that their beta2-microglobulin concentrations may be increased.We studied 79 patients with acute stroke hemiplegia, including 36 men and 43 postmenopausal women ranging in age between 51 and 70 yr.The mean Barthel Index was 43 and 42 for men and women, respectively. The serum beta2-microglobulin concentration was increased in male and female patients, compared with the findings of 44 age-matched control subjects, and the serum concentration of pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen was also increased in male and female patients, compared with the findings of the control subjects. Serum concentrations of pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen correlated negatively with Barthel Index scores in both genders, indicating increased bone resorption caused by immobilization in these patients. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between beta2-microglobulin and pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen in both genders.These findings suggest that beta2-microglobulin reflects osteoclastic activity in response to stroke-induced immobilization in both genders. Beta2-microglobulin is a useful indicator of bone resorption in patients with immobilized stroke.

The influence of crystallinity on the bulk laser damage threshold and UV absorption of CLBO crystals was investigated. Crystals with lower defects have higher resistance to high-power laser and lower UV absorption.

A partial wave analysis of the centrally produced eta pi0 and eta pi- channels has been performed in pp collisions using an incident beam momentum of 450 GeV/c. Clear a0(980) and a2(1320) signals have been observed in S and D+ waves respectively. The dPT, phi and |t| distributions of these resonances are presented., 13 pages, Latex, 4 Figures

The cytokine profiles of specific immunosuppression after anti-adhesion molecule therapy are unknown in a mouse corneal transplantation model.Orthotopic mouse corneal transplantation was performed using BALB/c (H-2d) mice as recipients and C3H/He (H-2k) mice as donors. Anti-mouse very late antigen-4 and anti-mouse lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 monoclonal antibodies (each at a dose of 0.25/mg/day) were administered i.p. until day 7. A second corneal transplantation was performed 5 weeks after the first grafting. Delayed hypersensitivity was tested after the second grafting. Corneal cytokine expression was examined immunohistochemically. The cytokine gene transcription level was assessed in the corneas and splenocytes.All allografts with anti-adhesion molecule therapy survived for 5 weeks. Two weeks after the second grafts in the fellow eye (7 weeks after the first grafts), 50% of the mice with successful grafts bilaterally had low delayed hypersensitivity responses. Low helper T 1 (interferon-gamma and interleukin-2) cytokine gene and protein expression in corneas was observed in monoclonal antibody-treated mice 3 weeks after the first grafting. The mice with successful second grafts showed low corneal T helper 1 cytokine gene and protein expression. High interleukin-4 gene transcription levels in corneas and splenocytes was obtained in both groups in which the grafts were accepted and rejected after the second grafts.The cytokine profile to differentiate alloantigen-specific acceptance with anti-adhesion therapy to lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 and very late antigen-4 molecules from rejection after the second grafting is local and systemic low T helper 1 cytokine in corneal transplantation. High interleukin-4 cytokine expression in corneas and splenocytes is not associated with achievement of tolerance induction.

The reaction pp -> pf (eta eta) ps has been studied at 450 GeV/c. For the first time a partial wave analysis of the centrally produced eta eta system has been performed. Signals for the f0(1500), f0(1710) and f2(2150) are observed and the decay branching fractions of these states are determined., 14 pages, Latex, 5 Figures

The reactions pp -> pf (X0) ps, where X0 is observed decaying to pi0pi0pi0pi0, pi+pi-pi0pi0 and pi+pi-pi+pi-, have been studied at 450 GeV/c. There is evidence for an a2(1320)pi decay mode of the eta2(1645) and eta2(1870) in the pi+pi-pi0pi0 and pi+pi-pi+pi- final states. The f2(1950) is consistent with being a single resonance with a dominant f2(1270)pipi decay mode. The f0(1370) is found to decay dominantly to rho-rho while the f0(1500) is found to decay to rho-rho and sigma-sigma., 14 pages, Latex, 4 Figures

A search for centrally produced charmonium states has been presented. There is no significant evidence for any charmonium production. An upper limit of 2 nb is found for the cross section of chic production using the decay chic(1P)-> J/psi gamma., 10 pages, Latex, 4 Figures

The production and decay properties of the f0(1370), f0(1500), f0(2000) and f2(1950) have been studied in central pp interactions at 450 GeV/c. The dPT, phi and |t| distributions of these resonances are presented. For the J = 0 states, the f0(1370) and f0(2000) have similar dPT and phi dependences. These are different to the dPT and phi dependences of the f0(980), f0(1500) and f0(1710). For the J = 2 states the f2(1950) has different dependences to the f2(1270) and f2'(1520). This shows that the dPT and phi dependences are not just J phenomena., Comment: 14 pages, Latex, 4 Figures