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Neurons in the nucleus raphe interpositus have tonic activity that suppresses saccadic burst neurons (BNs) during eye fixations, and that is inhibited before and during saccades in all directions (omnipause neurons, OPNs). We have previously demonstrated via intracellular recording and anatomical staining in anesthetized cats of both sexes that OPNs are inhibited by BNs in the medullary reticular formation (horizontal inhibitory BNs, IBNs). These horizontal IBNs receive monosynaptic input from the caudal horizontal saccade area of the superior colliculus (SC), and then produce monosynaptic inhibition in OPNs, providing a mechanism to trigger saccades. However, it is well known that the neural circuits driving horizontal components of saccades are independent from the circuits driving vertical components. Thus, our previous results are unable to explain how purely vertical saccades are triggered. Here, we again apply intracellular recording to show that a disynaptic vertical IBN circuit exists, analogous to the horizontal circuit. Specifically, we show that stimulation of the SC rostral vertical saccade area produces disynaptic inhibition in OPNs, which is not abolished by midline section between the horizontal IBNs. This excludes the possibility that horizontal IBNs could be responsible for the OPN inhibition during vertical saccades. We then show that vertical IBNs in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, which receive monosynaptic input from rostral SC, are responsible for the disynaptic inhibition of OPNs. These results indicate that a similarly functioning SC-IBN-OPN circuit exists for both the horizontal and vertical oculomotor pathways. These two IBN-mediated circuits are capable of triggering saccades in any direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of the exchange bias field was investigated in Ag@FeCo@Ag and AgAu@FeCo@AgAu core@shell@shell nanoparticles as a function of aging time. Because of the partial oxidation of the thin (~2.5-nm thick) ferromagnetic (FM) FeCo intermediate shell to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) Co0.5Fe0.5O phase, exchange bias was clearly observed at the interface between the FM and AFM layers. The exchange bias field monotonically increased with aging time when the ratio between the volumes of the AFM (vAFM) and FM (vFM) layers, vAFM/vFM, was less than 2.8. However, the exchange bias field showed an oscillatory behavior with respect to vAFM/vFM, when vAFM/vFM > 3:6. This oscillatory behavior probably results from the small interfacial area between the FM and AFM layers, which causes fluctuations of the surplus magnetization in the AFM shell. Using the exchange bias field within the linear regime, it is possible to sensitively estimate the thickness of the AFM layer (i.e., the surface oxide layer). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Science communication is commonly framed as a battle with ignorance and the field of radiological protection is not exempt from this tendency. By correcting deficits in the public's understanding of science, the expert is often imagined to be able to convince the public of its objective safety ('anzen'), thereby inspiring a sense of calm ('anshin'). In the wake of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster, however, the International Commission on Radiological Protection has sought to break with this tradition by organising a series of participatory seminars in which experts engage those affected by the disaster as equals. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this article suggests that the Dialogue seminars can be best understood using the metaphor of therapy; using it to describe the premise, form, and objectives of the Dialogues with a view to identifying good practice for future radiological protection scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether zymosan, which is a component of fungi, affects feed passage through the digestive tract in chicks (Gallus gallus). 2. Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 2.5 mg zymosan significantly reduced the crop-emptying rate and this effect was similar to that of 100 µg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Zymosan affected phenol red transit from the proventriculus. 3. Zymosan significantly affected the gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and histidine decarboxylase in various regions of the digestive tract. 4. The present study suggested that zymosan retarded feed passage through the digestive tract in chick and interleukins and histamine may be participating in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease, and is caused by pathogenic spirochetes from the genus Leptospira. LipL21 and LipL41 are lipoproteins expressed strongly on the outer membrane of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Many studies have shown that both proteins are interesting targets for vaccines and diagnosis. However, their role in host-pathogen interactions remains underexplored. Therefore, we evaluated the capacity of LipL21 and LipL41 to bind with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the cell receptors and extracellular matrix, and plasma components by ELISA. Both proteins interacted with collagen IV, laminin, E-cadherin, and elastin dose-dependently. A broad-spectrum binding to plasma components was also observed. Only LipL21 interacted with all the GAG components tested, whereas LipL41 presented a concentration-dependent binding only for chondroitin 4 sulfate. Although, both proteins have the ability to interact with fibrinogen, only LipL21 inhibited fibrin clot formation partially. Both proteins exhibited a decrease in plasminogen binding in the presence of amino caproic acid (ACA), a competitive inhibitor of lysine residues, suggesting that their binding occurs via the kringle domains of plasminogen. LipL41, but not LipL21, was able to convert plasminogen to plasmin, and recruit plasminogen from normal human serum, suggesting that the interaction of this protein with plasminogen may occur in physiological conditions. This work provides the first report demonstrating the capacity of LipL21 and LipL41 to interact with a broad range of host components, highlighting their importance in host-Leptospira interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regions of enhanced light emission rotating in the azimuthal direction ("rotating spokes") have been observed in different types of partially magnetized E × B plasma devices such as magnetron discharges and Hall thrusters. A two-dimensional Particle-In-Cell Monte Carlo Collision (PIC MCC) model is used to study the formation of these rotating structures. The model shows that these current driven rotating structures are the results of a Simon–Hoh instability evolving into an ionization instability. The spoke is sustained by local electron heating induced by ∇ B drift along a double layer separating the cathodic presheath from the plasma at a potential close to the anode potential. The PIC MCC simulations predict that spoke rotation can take place in the + E × B direction and in the − E × B direction depending on the magnetic field intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The aim was to clarify the features affecting cardiac sympathetic denervation in autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients. Methods: Fifty‐four autopsy‐confirmed DLB patients were enrolled. Tissue samples of the left ventricular anterior wall were immunostained with anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase antibody to identify catecholaminergic nerve axons. Immunostained areas were quantified as residual cardiac sympathetic nerve (CSN) axons and the relationship between the degree of residual CSN axons and clinical and neuropathological features was examined. Results: Virtually all patients showed small amounts of residual CSN axons (0.87%, range 0.02%–9.98%), with 50 patients (92.6%) showing <2.0% of residual axons. The patients who showed psychological symptoms within the first year of the disease had significantly more residual CSN axons than the remaining patients did (1.50% vs. 0.40%, P < 0.01). Patients with a short disease duration and neocortical‐type Lewy body pathology tended to have more preserved CSN axons, although this difference was not statistically significant. Fifty‐three patients (98.1%) who had neurofibrillary tangles in the brain and strong concomitant Alzheimer's disease pathology also had statistically significantly more preserved CSN axons. The patient with the most preserved CSN axons showed different characteristics from the results, except for the first symptom. Conclusion: Psychological symptoms within the first year of the disease, a short disease duration, neocortical‐type Lewy body pathology and strong concomitant Alzheimer's disease pathology may be related to mild CSN degeneration in DLB patients. Thus, DLB patients with broad Lewy body pathology in the brain in the early stages may show mild CSN degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structure of strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) thin films has been studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet-ray photoyield spectroscopy (UV-PYS). The SBT films were prepared by metalorganic decomposition (MOD) method using a chemical solution of Sr:Bi:Ta=0.8:2.3:2. The XPS spectra imply that pyrochlore-dominant MOD-SBT films include bismuth oxides other than oxidized bismuth [(Bi[sub 2]O[sub 2])[sup 2+]] layers after high-pressure-O[sub 2] annealing. The UV-PYS spectra exhibited that high-pressure-O[sub 2]-annealed SBT thin films with dominant pyrochlore structures have electron excitation energy of about 6.0 eV, which is excitation from the Fermi level to the vacuum level, while the as-crystallized SBT thin films with dominant perovskite structures exhibit about 5.5 eV. These results indicate that the high-pressure-O[sub 2] annealing oxidizes Bi atoms more in the pyrochlore-dominant SBT thin films than in the perovskite-dominant ones. The high-pressure-O[sub 2] annealing tends to suppress current through the pyrochlore-dominant MOD-SBT thin films, which is considered to be partly because bismuth oxides other than (Bi[sub 2]O[sub 2])[sup 2+] layers have been produced at the surface by the high-pressure-O[sub 2] annealing. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic properties of various SrBi[sub 2]Ta[sub 2]O[sub 9] (SBT) thin films were studied by ultraviolet (UV)-ray photoyield spectroscopy (PYS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The UV-PYS studies have shown that O[sub 2] annealing increases the Fermi level in the SBT thin film surface which was prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) by about 0.34 eV, while the other SBT thin films deposited by metalorganic decomposition (MOD) have shown almost the same Fermi levels as the O[sub 2]-annealed PLD-SBT thin film. The XPS studies of those SBT thin films have shown that the PLD-SBT thin film is more susceptible to deoxidization by Ar[sup +] bombardment than MOD-SBT thin films. This implies that the PLD-SBT thin film includes more defective (Bi[sub 2]O[sub 2])[sup 2+] layers than MOD-SBT thin films. The O[sub 2]-annealing effects on the PLD-SBT thin films are thought to oxidize defective (Bi[sub 2]O[sub 2])[sup 2+] layers on the PLD-SBT surface and to shift the surface Fermi level towards the center of the band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There has been growing interest in faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as treatment. Although, frozen donor faeces preserved at −20°C has been widely used for practical advantages, freezing at −20°C can affect bacterial viability. Adequacy evaluation of fresh and frozen faeces as the transplant is necessary for the methodological improvement of FMT. Methods and Results: The viable bacterial compositions of faecal specimens under fresh and freezing conditions were compared by a microbiome analysis using propidium monoazide (PMA microbiome). In addition, recovery abilities from bacterial reduction by antibiotics were compared between fresh and frozen FMT using a murine model. PMA microbiome results suggested that freezing and freeze‐thawing did not significantly affect in vitro faecal bacterial viability. However, the recovery effect from antimicrobial cleansing in frozen FMT was reduced in a freezing time‐dependent manner, especially prominent in Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla. Conclusions: Short‐term freezing preservation of faeces exhibited maintenance of enteric colonization ability in frozen FMT in comparison to 1 month −20°C‐preservation. Significance and Impact of the Study: Long‐term −20°C‐preservation of transplanted faeces can result in instability of the clinical outcome in FMT therapy. The standardization of practical procedures of FMT therapy according to disease types is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of atmospheric sulfur (S) deposition and recovery of terrestrial ecosystems from acidification are matters of concerns in Asia. The Lake Ijira catchment (IJR) is located in the downwind region of the Chukyo Industrial Area in central Japan and has historically experienced large-scale deposition of S and nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere. Long-term monitoring data on the river water (RW) chemistry since 1988 were assessed with intensive-survey datasets on the input-output material budgets and S isotopic analysis (δ34S). Previous studies have suggested that IJR was acidified and N-saturated, which was triggered by climatic anomalies (cold summer and drought summer) in the mid-1990s. Analysis shows that with a decline in NO3- concentrations, RW pH recovered to its original level in the early 2000s. Reductions in atmospheric deposition, diminished effects of climatic anomalies, and forest management practices, have all contributed to RW chemistry recovery. Although the SO42- concentration in the RW has declined continuously after the peak in 1994, the mean SO42- output significantly exceeded the input; the 5-year means from 2010 to 2014 are 2.5 kmolc ha−1 year−1 and 0.86 kmolc ha−1 year−1, respectively. The mean δ34S values of SO42- in rainwater and soil solution at 20 cm depth were 4.3 ‰ and 3.5 ‰, respectively, and that in the RW was −13.2‰. The contributions of groundwater S to the RW S were estimated to range from 75 to 91%. Geological S with significantly low δ34S values largely contributed to the discrepancy of the input-output budget, while atmospheric S appeared to accumulate in soil as organic S. The tree-ring δ34S profile recorded historical changes in the atmospheric inputs in the region. With recovery of the RW, the relative contribution of atmospheric S became smaller. However, most of the atmospheric S is still retained in soil. Over the last few decades, RW chemistry has sensitively responded to changes in the atmospheric environment, including the atmospheric deposition of S and N and climatic anomalies, and as future changes are likely, long-term monitoring is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis in patients with different activity levels and different pain locations. In total, 92 patients (99 feet) who were over 40 years old with chronic plantar fasciitis were treated with ESWT after being categorized as participating in recreational sports(group R) or only activities of daily living (group D). On the other hand, patients were categorized as having pain in the plantar fascia enthesis (group E) or the entire plantar fascia (group W). Pain during activity and general tenderness were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after ESWT. Although the VAS for pain score during activity significantly improved in both groups R and D after ESWT (P<0.001 in both groups), the degree of improvement in the VAS for pain score in group R was not significantly different from that in group D (P=0.061). The VAS for tenderness score also significantly improved in both groups R and D (P<0.001 in both groups), but there was also no significant difference between the degree of improvement in the VAS for tenderness in group R and that in group D (P=0.41). However, the degree of improvement in the VAS for pain and VAS for tenderness scores was significantly greater in group E than that in group W (P<0.001,=0.042, respectively). We concluded that ESWT was effective for treating plantar fasciitis in middle-aged patients and ESWT was effective in patients not only playing recreational sports but also having activities of daily living. ESWT was more effective in patients with pain in the plantar fascia enthesis than in patients with pain in the entire plantar fascia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High resolution two-color threshold photoelectron spectra of tropolone and 9-hydroxyphenalenone (9-HPO) isolated in a free jet expansion have been measured to study the proton tunneling phenomena in the cation ground state (D0). The tunneling splitting widths of the D0 zeroth vibrational level for the both molecules lie within our experimental accuracy (2 cm-1), indicating that the proton tunneling is inhibited when compared to that obtained in their respective neutral states. By means of a comparative study of these two molecules, the tunneling inhibition has been explained in terms of a large contribution from the electronic factor which represents the changes in charge distribution of the π electrons upon ionization. The geometric factor, which is associated with the ring planarity is less important in determining the rate of tunneling in the D0 state. In the case of tropolone, we have found that the measurement of an out-of-plane skeletal vibration in various electronic states make it possible to describe the tunneling path at a higher level than a simple one-dimensional description. Moreover, the adiabatic ionization energies of 9-HPO and the deuterated 9-HPO have been determined accurately to be 65 338±5 cm-1 (8.1009±0.0006 eV) and 65 350±5 cm-1 (8.1024±0.0006 eV), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a full account of an earlier report [Takahashi, Okuyama, and Kimura, J. Mol. Struct. 249, 47 (1991)] on the cation vibrational spectra of trans and gauche n-propylbenzene, which were obtained by means of a two-color (1+1’) multiphoton ionization threshold photoelectron technique is presented. The trans and gauche cations were separately produced by (1+1’) multiphoton ionization resonant through the S1 vibronic levels of n-propylbenzene in supersonic free jets in which both the trans and gauche isomers exist. From the observed threshold photoelectron spectra, adiabatic ionization energies are determined as Ia(trans)=70 278 cm-1 (8.7134 eV) and Ia(gauche)=70 420 cm-1 (8.7311 eV) with an accuracy of ±8 cm-1 (±1 meV). Furthermore, four benzene ring modes (6b+, 1+, 12+, and 18a+) as well as several low-frequency torsional and bending modes have been identified which are sensitive to the relative conformations of the n-propyl group with respect to the benzene ring [(trans)+: 82, 212, and 300 cm-1; (gauche)+: 46, 73, 207, and 252 cm-1]. The present vibrational assignments of the trans and gauche cations are based on a normal mode analysis performed for the trans cation by ab initio calculations. In the present work, this technique is demonstrated to be quite powerful for distinguishing the vibrational spectra of different cation isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of mass-selected ion-current and threshold photoelectron spectra of jet-cooled aniline–Arn van der Waals complexes (n=1 and 2) have been carried out with a two-color resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) technique using a high-resolution threshold photoelectron analyzer developed in this laboratory. From our (1+1’) REMPI experiments via the respective excited S1 states, we have obtained photoelectron spectra with well-resolved vibrational progressions due to ‘‘low-frequency van der Waals modes’’ of the cations; νvdW=16 cm-1 (n=1) and νvdW=11 cm-1 (n=2). From Franck–Condon calculations, we have assigned these low-frequency vibrations to the ‘‘van der Waals bending’’ of the cations. We have also found that the angles of the van der Waals bonds in the cations are changed by 8.2 (n=1) and 8.8 (n=2) degrees with respect to the S1 states. The adiabatic ionization potentials (Ia) of aniline and the aniline–Arn complexes (n=1 and 2) have been determined as 62 268±4 cm-1 (aniline), 62 157±4 cm-1 (n=1), and 62 049±4 cm-1 (n=2). Their shifts ΔIa are 111 cm-1 (n=1) and 219 cm-1 (n=2) with respect to aniline. Spectral shifts due to complex formation have been observed for a total of 13 ring modes of the cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the roll reduction and concentration dependencies of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy induced by cold-rolling in cobalt and cobalt-iron alloys. Texture produced by cold-rolling; Evaluation of the induced anisotropies; Origin of the present roll magnetic anisotropy.

Studies optical absorption and emission properties of Er3 + ions in ZnCl2-based glasses. Experimental procedure used; Details on the spectroscopic measurements; Definition of radiative quantum efficiency.

Investigates nonradiative decay processes and mechanisms of frequency upconversion of erbium in ternary glasses. Spectroscopic measurements; Judd-Ofelt parameters; Fluorescence lifetime; Upconversion luminescence spectra; Nonradiative decay process; Mechanism of frequency upconversion; Upconversion from 800 to 600 nanometer.

In the time-dependent coupled cluster approach the excitation energies can be obtained as eigenvalues of a generally non-Hermitian matrix characterizing the homogeneous part of a linear response equation. This matrix consists of the Hermitian configuration interaction part as well as of a non-Hermitian part which describes the ‘‘renormalization’’ due to ground state correlations. The relationship between a singular behavior of the ground state coupled cluster equations and the existence of vanishingly small excitation energies in the linear response formalism is pointed out. The explicit form of the required matrix elements in the orthogonally spin-adapted version of the theory is given for configuration spaces restricted to single and double excitations. A numerical test of the formalism for π-electron models of trans-butadiene and benzene is carried out and the relationship of the time-dependent coupled cluster approach with other many body approaches to excitation energies calculation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optical scanning electromagnetic field probe system consisting of an optic crystal substrate and a galvano scanner has been developed for high speed, low-invasive measurement of electromagnetic near field distribution. We measured magnetic field distributions above a microstrip line using several magnetic garnet crystal substrates and the probe system. We observed that the frequency response in the gigahertz range improved when we applied a magnetic bias to the crystal. In addition, a magnetic field component in a particular direction could be detected by controlling the direction of the magnetic bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of low-intensity light relies on the conversion of photons to photoelectrons, which are then multiplied and detected as an electrical signal. To measure the actual intensity of the light, one must know the factor by which the photoelectrons have been multiplied. To obtain this amplification factor, we have developed a procedure for estimating precisely the signal caused by a single photoelectron. The method utilizes the fact that the photoelectrons conform to a Poisson distribution. The average signal produced by a single photoelectron can then be estimated from the number of noise events, without requiring analysis of the distribution of the signal produced by a single photoelectron. The signal produced by one or more photoelectrons can be estimated experimentally without any assumptions. This technique, and an example of the analysis of a signal from a photomultiplier tube, are described in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of heterophase core/shell/shell Ag/FeCo/Ag nanoparticles synthesized via a plasma method that are promising for biological applications are studied. As is established, the core/shell/shell Ag/FeCo/Ag nanoparticles exhibit a superparamagnetic state at room temperature that allows one to manage the hyperthermia process. The magnetic characteristics of core/shell/shell Ag/FeCo/Ag nanoparticles are interpreted by assuming partial oxidation of the surface layer of a ferromagnetic FeCo shell and formation of the antiferromagnetic CoFeО layer on the FeCo surface. The interaction between the surface antiferromagnetic CoFeО layer and the ferromagnetic FeCо shell causes the emergence of the exchange bias in Ag/FeCo/Ag nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental care is remarkably diverse in its modes both within and across taxa. Within amphibians, various pre- and post-hatching care behaviours have been described in frogs. In contrast, the current knowledge about salamander parental care is largely limited to pre-hatching attendance by females. In particular, post-hatching parental care by male salamanders have never been described and analysed in detail. A recent study revealed various modes of pre-hatching care provided by male Japanese giant salamanders ( Andrias japonicus). Their hatched larvae are known to stay in the nest with the father (i.e. den master) for several months before dispersal, which led to the hypothesis that den masters continue providing care for hatchlings. To test this hypothesis, we videotaped and analysed post-hatching behaviours of two male A. japonicus that remained in the nests with hatchlings in situ. We also developed and tested several predictions regarding the post-hatching care behaviours in comparison to the pre-hatching behaviours. While one male abandoned the nest, the other male remained in the nest and provided care until the larvae dispersed in the following spring. The comparative analyses on three parental care behaviours (tail fanning, agitating/checking and hygienic filial cannibalism) between pre- and post-hatching care suggest their flexible and condition-dependent nature. Furthermore, the comparison in larval mortality and potential predators between the attended and abandoned nest revealed the crucial role of a den master in improving offspring survivorship. Our observations also disclosed the possibility of leech infection posing a serious threat to larval giant salamanders. The life-history traits associated with the evolution of such prolonged post-hatching paternal care in salamanders are fully aquatic life cycle, external fertilization and stream habitat. The rare combination of these traits is unique to the family Cryptobranchidae which consists of the three imperiled and secretive giant salamanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microscopic coexistence between weak ferromagnetism (WFM) and superconductivity (SC) in T b 0.47 Y 0.53 N i 2 11 B 2 C was investigated. Magnetization measurements indicate that antiferromagnetic (AFM), WFM and SC transitions occur in this material. Unpolarized neutron diffraction experiments revealed that the AFM order is best described by a longitudinal spin density wave with a propagation vector of q = 0.550 a ∗. Polarized neutron diffraction experiments further confirmed that the WFM order is originated in T b 0.47 Y 0.53 N i 2 11 B 2 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From our high resolution REMPI threshold photoelectron measurements of jet-cooled tropolone, it has been found that no spectral doublet showing ‘‘proton tunneling’’ in the cation ground state (D0) is observed within an experimental accuracy of 2 cm-1. The adiabatic ionization potential was obtained as Ia=68 365±5 cm-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explains the type of head crash which wipes out data on one track after thousands of hours of stable operation. Illustration of the head-disk configuration; Derivation of a differential equation that governs the motion of the initial particle in the space between the head and disk.

Reports on the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and magneto-optical properties of evaporated (Fe,Co)-rare-earth amorphous binary alloy films. Origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; Temperature dependence of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; Dependence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy on magnetization.

Presents a study which investigated magnetic characteristics of three-dimensional transition-metal-mica intercalation compounds. Method of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Presents information on a study which examined the structure and magnetic properties of the rapidly quenched SmTiFe[sub11] alloy ribbons fabricated under various quenching rates. Preparation of the alloys by arc melting; X-ray diffraction patterns for SmTiFe[sub11] alloy ribbons fabricated at various roll velocities; Use of the singular point detection technique to determine the magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant.

Presents a study that described the disaccomodation and induced magnetic anisotropy for iron-boron and cobalt-boron binary alloys. Analysis of the temperature dependence of disaccommodation; Examination of the compositional dependence of disaccommodation; Assessment of induced magnetic anisotropy by magnetic annealing.

Presents information on the development of a wet process for the fabrication of Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets. How mineral oil was used in the development of this process; Features of the magnets produced by this wet process; Description of the oxygen contents and magnetic properties of the magnets fabricated by the wet process.

The effects of long-term exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) on seagrass communities are still poorly understood. This study investigates the tropical subtidal seagrass communities at three shallow volcanic CO2 vents in Papua New Guinea. Seagrass cover and biomass increased threefold and fivefold, respectively, from control to medium and high pCO2 sites (average pH = 7.9, 7.7, and 7.5, respectively). The seagrass community composition differed significantly between the pCO2 sites: Cymodocea serrulata, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halodule uninervis were more abundant at high pCO2 sites, whereas Halophila ovalis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Syringodium isoetifolium occurred only at low and mid pCO2 sites. Cymodocea rotundata was the only species common among all pCO2 sites and locations. The δ13C in its leaves significantly declined with increasing pCO2, indicating that additional CO2 influenced seagrass carbon uptake, and specifically, that there was discrimination against the heavier isotope (13C) when carbon was more abundant. Size-specific leaf growth rates (i.e. leaf turnover) also significantly declined with increasing pCO2; however, leaf growth rates showed no consistent difference in response to elevated pCO2 in two of four surveys. Our study suggests that progressive ocean acidification may lead to higher cover and above- and below-ground biomass, but lower size-specific growth and altered species composition in tropical seagrass communities. The effects of co-limiting factors, such as light and nutrient availability, on early-responding parameters, such as growth rates, require further attention to improve projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the magnetic circular dichroism of nonresonant x-ray Raman scattering. The circular dichroism has been observed at the LII,III rn edges on a pure iron sample. The observed magnetic effect is ∼2%. The dichroism spectra exhibit a significant dependence on the direction of the magnetization vector. We have constructed an effective theory to understand these behaviors. The dichroism arises from the orbital scattering and the spin scattering having different angular dependences. The calculation reproduces well the observed spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cryogen-free 20 T superconducting magnet with a 52 mm room-temperature bore was developed and installed in Tohoku University in 2013. This magnet consists of a Bi2223 insert coil, which generates 4.5 T, and outer low-temperature superconducting (LTS) coils. Both coils were cooled by a GM/JT cryocooler with 4.2 W-class cooling capacity at 4.3 K. To generate a higher magnetic field, a new cryogen-free 25 T superconducting magnet using a REBCO insert coil, which generates 11.5 T, and new outer LTS coils is now under development. The magnetic field contribution of this REBCO insert coil is considerably higher than that of the previous Bi2223 insert coil, and the ac-loss of the insert coil during field ramping rises to approximately 9.7 W. The LTS coils have to operate at about 4 K, but the REBCO coil can operate at various temperatures above 4 K. In addition, the cooling capacity of a GM cryocooler is greater than that of a GM/JT cryocooler around 10 K. Thus, the REBCO insert coil is cooled to about 10 K by using two GM cryocoolers, independently of the LTS coils, which are cooled by two GM/JT cryocoolers. To protect the cryocoolers from the leakage field of the magnet, the two GM cryocoolers cool circulating helium gas through heat exchangers, and the gas is transported over a long distance to another heat exchanger provided for the REBCO insert coil. The maximum temperature of the REBCO insert coil was calculated under the most severe condition where an insert coil ac-loss of 9.7 W was generated continuously. And it was confirmed to be less than the target maximum temperature of 12 K. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a member of the collectin family that has an important role in maintaining pulmonary homeostasis. In this study, we demonstrated that SP-D inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. We found that SP-D suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling in A549 cells, H441 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and human EGF receptor (EGFR) stable expression CHO-K1 cells. A binding study using 125I-EGF demonstrated that SP-D downregulated the binding of EGF to EGFR. A ligand blot indicated that SP-D bound to EGFR, and a lectin blot suggested that EGFR in A549 cells had both high-mannose type and complex type N-glycans. We purified the recombinant extracellular domain of EGFR (soluble EGFR=soluble EGFR (sEGFR)), and demonstrated that SP-D directly bound to sEGFR in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The binding of SP-D to sEGFR was suppressed by EDTA, mannose or N-glycopeptidase F treatment. Mass spectrometric analysis indicated that N-glycans in domain III of EGFR were of a high-mannose type. These data suggest that SP-D reduces EGF binding to EGFR through the interaction between the carbohydrate recognition domain of SP-D and N-glycans of EGFR, and downregulates EGF signaling. Our finding suggests the novel type of regulation system of EGF signaling involving lectin-to-carbohydrate interaction and downregulation of ligand binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective Clinical pharmacists have a challenging task when answering patients' question about whether they can take specific drugs with grapefruit juice ( GFJ) without risk of drug interaction. To identify the most practicable method for predicting clinically relevant changes in plasma concentrations of orally administered drugs caused by the ingestion of GFJ, we compared the predictive performance of three methods using data obtained from the literature. Methods We undertook a systematic search of drug interactions associated with GFJ using MEDLINE and the Metabolism & Transport Drug Interaction Database ( DIDB version 4.0). We considered an elevation of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve ( AUC) of 2 or greater relative to the control value [ AUC ratio ( AUCR) ≥ 2·0] as a clinically significant interaction. Results and discussion The data from 74 drugs (194 data sets) were analysed. When the reported information of CYP3A involvement in the metabolism of a drug of interest was adopted as a predictive criterion for GFJ-drug interaction, the performance assessed by positive predictive value ( PPV) was low (0·26), but that assessed by negative predictive value ( NPV) and sensitivity was high (1·00 for both). When the reported oral bioavailability of ≤0·1 was used as a criterion, the PPV improved to 0·50 with an acceptable NPV of 0·81, but sensitivity was reduced to 0·21. When the reported AUCR was ≥10 after co-administration of a typical CYP3A inhibitor, the corresponding values were 0·64, 0·79 and 0·19, respectively. What is new and conclusion We consider that an oral bioavailability of ≤0·1 or an AUCR of ≥10 caused by a CYP3A inhibitor of a drug of interest may be a practical prediction criterion for avoiding significant interactions with GFJ. Information about the involvement of CYP3A in their metabolism should also be taken into account for drugs with narrow therapeutic ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims In the brewing industry, microbial management is very important for stabilizing the quality of the product. We investigated the detailed microbial community of beer during fermentation and maturation, to manage beer microbiology in more detail. Methods and Results We brewed a beer (all-malt) and two beerlike beverages (half- and low-malt) in pilot-scale fermentation and investigated the microbial community of them using a next-generation sequencer (454 GS FLX titanium), quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and a culture-dependent method. From 28 to 88 genera of bacteria and from 9 to 38 genera of eukaryotic micro-organisms were detected in each sample. Almost all micro-organisms died out during the boiling process. However, bacteria belonging to the genera Acidovorax, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Caulobacter, Chryseobacterium, Methylobacterium, Paenibacillus, Polaromonas, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Tepidimonas and Tissierella were detected at the early and middle stage of fermentation, even though their cell densities were low (below approx. 103 cells ml−1) and they were not almost detected at the end of fermentation. Conclusions We revealed that the microbial community of beer during fermentation and maturation is very diverse and several bacteria possibly survive during fermentation. Significance and Impact of the Study In this study, we revealed the detailed microbial communities of beer using next-generation sequencing. Some of the micro-organisms detected in this study were found in beer brewing process for the first time. Additionally, the possibility of growth of several bacteria at the early and middle stage of fermentation was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variations in cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) contribute to interindividual variability in the metabolism of therapeutic agents such as clopidogrel. Polymorphisms in CYP2C19 are associated with large interindividual variations in the therapeutic efficacy of clopidogrel. This study evaluated the in vitro oxidation of clopidogrel by 21 CYP2C19 variants harboring amino acid substitutions. These CYP2C19 variants were heterologously expressed in COS-7 cells, and the kinetic parameters of clopidogrel 2-oxidation were estimated. Among the 21 CYP2C19 variants, 12 (that is, CYP2C19.5A, CYP2C19.5B, CYP2C19.6, CYP2C19.8, CYP2C19.9, CYP2C19.10, CYP2C19.14, CYP2C19.16, CYP2C19.19, CYP2C19.22, CYP2C19.24 and CYP2C19.25) showed no or markedly low activity compared with the wild-type protein CYP2C19.1B. This comprehensive in vitro assessment provided insights into the specific metabolic activities of CYP2C19 proteins encoded by variant alleles, and this may to be valuable when interpreting the results of in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the acute effect of increased participation in weekend physical activity on postprandial lipemia in postmenopausal women. Ten postmenopausal women, aged 63 ± 4 years (mean ± SD), completed 2 trials in a random order: 1) control trial and 2) active trial. In the control trial, participants maintained their usual weekend lifestyle. In the active trial, participants increased their weekend activities above their usual lifestyle levels, freely deciding the duration and intensity of their chosen activities. On Monday of each trial, participants rested and consumed a standardised breakfast and lunch. Capillary blood samples were collected in the fasted state (0 h) and at 2, 4 and 6 h after eating. In the active trial, participants increased their moderate to vigorous weekend physical activity by 16 min (mean ± SD: 12.3 ± 6.7 min vs. 27.9 ± 11.9 min, P = 0.009). Area under the capillary triacylglycerol concentration vs. time curve was 13 % lower in the active trial than control trial (8.8 ± 3.8 vs. 10.1 ± 3.9 mmol/L∙6 h, P = 0.024). These findings demonstrate that small increases in moderate to vigorous physical activity under a real-life setting lowers postprandial lipemia in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a devastating disease, and treating patients with CTEPH who are not eligible for pulmonary endarterectomy is particularly challenging. Short-term bosentan or phosphodiesterase type-5-inhibitor treatment can greatly improve symptoms and hemodynamics in these patients; however, the long-term benefits of advanced pulmonary vasodilators are not known. We retrospectively investigated the long-term effects of advanced pharmacological therapy in Japanese patients with inoperable CTEPH. Main methods Seven consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH (five women; mean age, 62.6 ± 6.9 years) treated with bosentan were included. World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC), hemodynamics, exercise capacity, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration were evaluated at baseline and for more than 2 years. Time to clinical worsening was also examined during long-term follow-up. Key findings WHO-FC improved significantly, from 3.1 ± 0.4 to 2.1 ± 0.4 ( p = 0.005). Significant improvement was also seen in pulmonary vascular resistance, which decreased from 786.9 ± 300.0 to 352.2 ± 210.7 dynes s cm − 5 ( p < 0.05). Plasma BNP concentration decreased significantly from 1160.0 ± 971.4 to 305.1 ± 285.9 pg/mL ( p < 0.05). No patient required hospitalization during the follow-up period (mean, 896 ± 564 days). Significance Long-term advanced therapy with bosentan significantly improves symptoms, pulmonary vascular resistance, plasma BNP concentration, and time to clinical worsening in Japanese patients with inoperable CTEPH. We consider bosentan to be an essential treatment for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tumor-selective non-lytic retroviral replicating vector (RRV), Toca 511, and an extended-release formulation of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), Toca FC, are currently being evaluated in clinical trials in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (NCT01156584, NCT01470794 and NCT01985256). Tumor-selective propagation of this RRV enables highly efficient transduction of glioma cells with cytosine deaminase (CD), which serves as a prodrug activator for conversion of the anti-fungal prodrug 5-FC to the anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) directly within the infected cells. We investigated whether, in addition to its direct cytotoxic effects, 5-FU generated intracellular^ by RRV-mediated CD/5-FC prodrug activator gene therapy could also act as a radiosensitizing agent. Efficient transduction by RRV and expression of CD were confirmed in the highly aggressive, radioresistant human glioblastoma cell line U87EGFRvlll and its parental cell line U87MG (U87). RRV-transduced cells showed significant radiosensitization even after transient exposure to 5-FC. This was confirmed both in vitro by a clonogenic colony survival assay and in vivo by bioluminescence imaging analysis. These results provide a convincing rationale for development of tumor-targeted radiosensitization strategies utilizing the tumor-selective replicative capability of RRV, and incorporation of radiation therapy into future clinical trials evaluating Toca 511 and Toca FC in brain tumor patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of human CD34-negative (CD34−) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) provides a new concept for the hierarchy in the human HSC compartment. Previous studies demonstrated that CD34− severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-repopulating cells (SRCs) are a distinct class of primitive HSCs in comparison to the well-characterized CD34+CD38− SRCs. However, the purification level of rare CD34− SRCs in 18 lineage marker-negative (Lin−) CD34− cells (1/1000) is still very low compared with that of CD34+CD38− SRCs (1/40). As in the mouse, it will be necessary to identify useful positive markers for a high degree of purification of rare human CD34− SRCs. Using 18Lin−CD34− cells, we analyzed the expression of candidate positive markers by flow cytometric analysis. We finally identified CD133 as a reliable positive marker of human CB-derived CD34− SRCs and succeeded in highly purifying primitive human CD34− HSCs. The limiting dilution analysis demonstrated that the incidence of CD34− SRCs in 18Lin−CD34−CD133+ cells was 1/142, which is the highest level of purification of these unique CD34− HSCs to date. Furthermore, CD133 expression clearly segregated the SRC activities of 18Lin−CD34− cells, as well as 18Lin−CD34+ cells, in their positive fractions, indicating its functional significance as a common cell surface maker to isolate effectively both CD34+ and CD34− SRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on exercise- induced oxidative stress in humans. 10 male participants, ages 26.8 ± 2.0 years (mean ± SE), completed 3 trials in a random order: (1) placebo (control), (2) single (only before exercise) and (3) double (before and immediately after exercise) curcumin supplementation trials. Each participant received oral administration of 90 mg of curcumin or the placebo 2 h before exercise and immediately after exercise. Each participant walked or ran at 65 % of ̇VO2max on a treadmill for 60 min. Blood samples were collected pre-exercise, immediately after exercise and 2 h after exercise. The concentrations of serum derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites measured immediately after exercise were significantly higher than pre-exercise values in the placebo trial (308.8 ± 12.9 U. CARR, P < 0.05), but not in the single (259.9 ± 17.1 U. CARR) or double (273.6 ± 19.7 U. CARR) curcumin supplementation trials. Serum biological antioxidant potential concentrations measured immediately after exercise were significantly elevated in the single and double curcumin supplementation trials compared with pre-exercise values (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that curcumin supplementation can attenuate exercise-induced oxidative stress by increasing blood antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An application of photodynamic therapy for myocardial ablation, which would induce myocardial electrical conduction block, is proposed. For the proposed application, an extracellular photosensitization reaction (PR) is performed while photosensitizer is distributed in myocardial interstitial space by employing a short drug-light interval. Because the myocardial necrosis depth must be accurately controlled to prevent surrounding tissue injury during the myocardial ablation procedure, the necrosis depth during PR needs to be predicted. The purpose of this study is to investigate the availability of predicting PR-induced myocardial necrosis depth ( d) using a defined fluorescence-fall amount (FA), which is the calculated result of fluorescence intensity decrease from the start of the PR multiplied by irradiation duration and corresponds to photosensitizer consumption amount under an assumption that the photosensitizer consumption rate is faster than the photosensitizer supply rate. The correlation between FA and d was experimentally investigated in vivo using an open-chested canine heart model with 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg of talaporfin sodium at an irradiance of 5-20 W/cm for 5-20 s. The fluorescence measurement was performed at a wavelength of 710 nm during the PR to derive FA. One week after the PR, a uniform necrosis depth was measured histopathologically as d. A logarithmic correlation between d and FA was confirmed with R = 0.69-0.80 and a d range of 0.2-7.1 mm. The defined FA might be useful for predicting d for the extracellular PR in myocardium when using talaporfin sodium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]