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Purpose. To assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the healing response of the corneal epithelium in eyes undergoing phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Methods. We prospectively examined 20 eyes of 10 patients undergoing bilateral PTK for granular corneal dystrophy or band keratopathy. Patients were randomly assigned to start topical administration of PRP ophthalmic suspension (PRP group) or artificial tears (control group) 4 times daily for 2 weeks. Immediately, 1, and 2 days, and 1 week after PTK, we quantitatively measured the staining area of the corneal epithelium, using slit-lamp photography. We also determined the subjective symptoms and the satisfaction, using the visual analogue system (VAS). Results. The staining area in the PRP group was significantly smaller than that in the control group on days 1 and 2 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.022 and p = 0.017 , respectively), but not on day 7 (p = 0.317). The recovery rate of the corneal epithelium in the PRP group was significantly higher than that in the control group on days 1 and 2 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.017 , respectively), but not on day 7 (p = 0.317). We found no significant differences in pain (p = 0.139), foreign body sensation (p = 0.108), epiphora (p = 1.000), or satisfaction (p = 0.295), between the two groups. Postoperative complications did not occur in any of the eyes in the study. Conclusions. The PRP treatment was effective for enhancing corneal epithelial recovery in the early postoperative period, without significant adverse events, in post-PTK-treated eyes, suggesting that it may hold promise as one of the treatment options for treating such postsurgical patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene is responsible for various human cancers such as papillary and medullary thyroid carcinomas and non-small cell lung carcinomas. RET activation in these tumors is caused by point mutations or gene rearrangements, resulting in constitutive activation of RET tyrosine kinase. Physiologically, RET is activated by glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) ligands that bind to coreceptor GDNF family receptor alphas (GFRαs), leading to RET dimerization. GDNF-GFRα1-RET signaling plays crucial roles in the development of the enteric nervous system, kidney and lower urinary tract as well as in spermatogenesis. Intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation in RET and recruitment of adaptor proteins to phosphotyrosines are essential for various biological functions. Significance of intracellular RET signaling pathways activated by GDNF is discussed and summarized in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photochemical reaction of Ge[sup 2+] in 10GeO[sub 2]-90SiO[sub 2] optical fiber preform and the origin of the 5.7 eV optical absorption band induced by intense ultraviolet laser excitation have been investigated using a near-ultraviolet XeF excimer laser (3.7 eV) as the main excitation source. Based on the previous and present experimental results, it is concluded that the 5.7 eV optical absorption band does not originate from the Ge(2) electron trapped center. In place of this model, we have proposed an alternative structural model for the origin of the 5.7 eV band taking into account the experimental fact that the corresponding center is diamagnetic. In addition, it is found that the site selective excitation of the Ge[sup 2+] center can be achieved by using laser sources with different photon energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To assess the simulated keratometry (Sim K) and the total corneal refractive power (TCRP) in eyes undergoing conventional corneal cross-linking (CXL). Methods. This study comprised 20 eyes of 20 keratoconic patients (14 men and 6 women; median age (25th and 75th percentile), 26.5 (21.8, 38.0) years) who underwent CXL. The Sim K and TCRP were measured with a rotating Scheimpflug system (Pentacam HR, Oculus), preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. The values of Sim K were 52.65 (46.00, 55.70), 52.45 (45.85, 56.88), 51.70 (45.78, 55.83), 51.40 (45.68, 56.80), and 51.25 (46.08, 56.15) D preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The corresponding figures of TCRP were 52.10 (45.48, 55.08), 51.30 (45.18, 55.20), 50.95 (45.15, 54.50), 50.00 (45.18, 55.08), and 49.80 (45.48, 54.15) D, respectively. The variances of the Sim K and TCRP data were not statistically significant (p=0.994 and p=0.970, respectively, Kruskal–Wallis test). The Sim K was significantly larger than the TCRP before CXL and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after CXL (p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Conclusions. Not only the Sim K but also TCRP was decreased by approximately 1 D after CXL. The Sim K readings may overestimate the TCRP, even after CXL for progressive keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To assess visual performance at near to far distances in early presbyopic patients with undercorrection by implantation of an ICL with a central hole (hole ICL). Methods. This prospective study evaluated forty-two eyes of 21 early presbyopic patients (age, 40 to 53 years) with spherical equivalents of -7.37 ± 3.18 D [mean ± standard deviation] who underwent hole ICL implantation and whose targeted refraction was set at slight myopia (-0.61 ± 0.28 D) for both eyes. We assessed the safety, efficacy at near to far distances, predictability, and adverse events of the surgery, during the 6-month observation period. Results. Corrected distance visual acuity did not improve significantly, from -0.17 ± 0.07 preoperatively to -0.19 ± 0.08 logMAR postoperatively (p=0.066, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Uncorrected distance visual acuity was significantly improved from 1.30 ± 0.24 preoperatively to -0.03 ± 0.20 logMAR postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean binocular visual acuity was 0.02 logMAR or better at all distances (5.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3 m). All eyes were within ± 0.5 D of the targeted correction. Neither cataract formation, significant intraocular pressure rise, nor other vision-threatening complications occurred in any case during the 6-month observation period. Conclusions. Our pilot study showed that intentional undercorrection by hole ICL implantation for early presbyopia was safe with predictable refractive results and provided good binocular vision at near to far distances, without developing cataract, suggesting its viability as a surgical presbyopic treatment for such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study pertaining to the up-conversion characteristics of Er3+ in transparent oxyflouride glass-ceramics. Information on the intensities of up-conversion emissions; Object of the study; Results of study.

Abstract: TiO2 films with controlled macroporous structures have been prepared from the precursor solution containing photo monomer pentaerythritol tetraacrylate by a photo polymerization-induced phase separation method (PIPS) in the absence of any surfactant and colloidal templates. The gel TiO2 film deposited from the precursor solution by dip-coating was irradiated with ultraviolet light for some time. During the irradiation process, the polymerization of the photo monomer was induced, which resulted in the phase separation in the film system. After the reaction, two phases existed in the film, one was the emerging polymer rich phase, another was the residual monomer–TiO2 oligomer rich phase. After heat-treatment at 600 °C, the entire polymer decomposed and a well-defined interconnected macroporous TiO2 films could be obtained. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis were used to characterize the macroporous TiO2 films. The results showed that the macroporous texture could be tuned by changing the composition of the precursor solution. The solvent evaporation was controlled by the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone. Highly macroporous TiO2 films prepared by the PIPS method exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue dye than the dense TiO2 film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile and non-aqueous gel coating process to obtain optically active dyes rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) and coumarin 152 (C152) doped in phenylsilsesquioxane–diphenylsiloxane hybrid glass films has been employed using a single-step dip-coating at room temperature. The polyphenylsiloxane hybrid matrix has the interesting property to be soluble in any organic solvent without phase segregation making possible the choice and incorporation of dyes without miscibility problems. The preparation of the coating sols simply by dissolving the preformed polyphenylsiloxane hybrid directly into anhydrous dye solutions presents the advantage to obtain easy coatings on any substrate or support. Homogeneous and transparent films with controllable thickness (from 1 to 17μm) can be loaded with high concentration of optically active organic dyes of interest. In addition, the non-aqueous process permits in the case of rhodamine 6G to limit the effect of the dye dimerisation or aggregation and to enhance the fluorescence of the dye. The results obtained owing to the properties of the polyphenylsiloxane hybrid matrix and the non-aqueous films'' preparation offer up tremendous possibilities not only for applications concerning the design of new optical and photonic materials but also for protective coating and biomaterials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The optical absorption and photoluminescence of metal-free phtalocyanine (H2Pc) in a glassy matrix were discussed regarding the preparation method used. We show that fluorescent monodisperse free metal phtalocyanine can be doped in polyphenylsiloxane glass films using a non-aqueous sol–gel derived method. No fluorescence study of metal-free phtalocyanine doped in polysiloxane sol–gel materials has been reported so far due to the miscibility problem of the dye and its aggregation behavior in aqueous sols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermosoftening phenyl polysiloxane glasses have been prepared by concentration of the corresponding sol above the melting temperature of the resultant materials, which we call the ‘sol concentration method’ (SCM). Because the glass melt is directly obtained without a gelation process, a remarkable shortening of the process time and suppression of crack formation in the sol–gel transition region have been realized. That is the whole process time of the SCM (about 24h) is much shorter than that of the conventional sol–gel process (about 10 days). Thermosoftening phenyl polysiloxane glasses with high transparency in the UV region were obtained by the SCM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A facile and simple route to obtain organic–inorganic hybrid glass films based on polyphenylsiloxane (1− x)PhSiO3/2–(x)Ph2SiO2/2 (x =0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) has been proposed. The method involves the preparation of a non-aqueous coating sol composed of the polysiloxane in acetone. The films from 1 to 17μm thick were coated on silica substrate via a single-step dip-coating at room temperature prior to further heat-treatment. As the hybrid matrix remains stable in the solvent, the desired film thickness (H) can easily be obtained as a function of the viscosity (η) of the sol with H ∝ η 0.76, or as a function of the withdrawal speed (v) with H ∝ v 0.5. Homogeneous films (average surface roughness less than 20×10−4 μm) of high optical quality (optical propagation loss estimated to be less than 1dBcm−1 at the telecommunication wavelength) with refractive indices comprise between 1.5 and 1.6, stable against the ambient atmosphere were successfully obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report a facile route for the preparation of polyphenylsiloxane ((1− x)PhSiO3/2–(x)Ph2SiO2/2 (x =0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3)) glass films from 50 to 150μm thick. The films were obtained via a multi-step spin-coating process at room temperature using a non-aqueous coating sol where the preformed polyphenylsiloxane is homogeneously dissolved in acetone. The different stages of the spinning process have been described and optimised, and represent an important issue to the preparation of homogeneous films. The thickness of the films (H) coated on silica and polyethyleneterephtalate substrates showed a trend dependency with the sol viscosity (η), H ∝ η 0.37 and H ∝ η 0.41, respectively, making the thickness of the films easy to control. The average surface roughness evaluated to be less than 5nm and the high optical transmittance (99%) demonstrated the high quality coatings. In addition, the stability of the glass matrix in the solvent makes this method of practical interest for tremendous possibilities in a wide range of applications such as the development microfluidic channels, protective coatings and optical components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The relationships between the viscoelastic and structural properties of glass-forming materials with polysiloxane bonds, which serve as network formers, and phenyl groups, which act as network terminators, are examined based on shear viscoelasticity, 29Si MAS NMR, and GPC measurements during the early stages of the network-forming process. The viscosities of the present samples do not depend on the frequency at temperatures up to 200 °C, suggesting that the origin of the viscous flow does not include intermolecular entanglement. According to the results of the strain dependence of the elastic modulus, the bridging-oxygen number, and molecular weight, the present polysiloxane system has a complex structure, or distribution of various-sized molecules composed of a polysiloxane network with various dimensionalities, and furthermore an elementary process of the viscosity is simple flow of these molecules. The structural factors that determine the viscosity and its temperature dependence are categorized into the molecular size and the intramolecular structure by using a theory based on the free-volume model. The relationship between the viscosity and the structure around the glass transition temperature is quantitatively examined and it is concluded that introducing larger numbers of Ph groups makes the viscosity less sensitive to structural factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a plumbate network in binary lead silicate glasses was examined based on the leaching behavior of Pb2+ in lead silicate glasses over a wide composition region. The effective diffusion coefficient of Pb2+ at 40°C was on the order of 10−17 m2/s for PbO<35 mol% glasses, and increased three orders of magnitude for 35–50 mol% PbO contents. Such a steep composition dependence is considered to be because of changes in the medium or longer range structure. That is, it is proposed that the plumbate network forms a percolative 3D network in the composition region to form diffusion paths for the lead ions. In addition, the present results indicate that the lead ion exists as a network former over the entire glass forming composition range of the binary silicate glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: TiO2 thin films were prepared by the inductively coupled Ar+-plasma sputtering method. The effects of O2 partial pressure on photoelectrochemical performance of the mainly anatase–TiO2 electrodes were studied. O2 partial pressure systematically affected the carrier density and the current–voltage characteristics of the electrodes. An electrode deposited at lowest O2 partial pressure (11 mPa) showed almost 3 orders of magnitude greater donor density and 4 times larger photocurrent compared to the one deposited at highest O2 partial pressure (52 mPa). The differences in current–voltage characteristics of the electrode samples are discussed on the basis of the space charge layer formation in the electrodes with different carrier densities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Structure ofxPbO–(100− x)SiO2 (x=25–89) glasses has been investigated by means of the X-ray and neutron diffraction and29Si MAS NMR measurements. In the radial distribution functions of all the glasses, the Pb–O correlation was observed at 0.23 nm, indicating that the PbO3 trigonal pyramids units do exist in the whole glass forming composition range. Furthermore the existence of the first Pb–Pb correlation at∼0.385 nm in the whole composition range suggests that the basic structural unit is considered to be a Pb2O4 unit, which consists of the edge-shared PbO3 trigonal pyramids. These results strongly imply that the Pb2O4 units participate in the glass network constructed by SiO4 tetrahedra even at low PbO content. Differing from other lead-containing glass systems, these structural characteristics of Pb ions in the PbO–SiO2 glass system are responsible for the extremely wide glass-forming region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of obtaining oxide thin films with high photocatalytic activity, we have successfully prepared the TiO2 anatase polycrystalline films with a two-dimensional spinodal phase-separated structure (2D-SPSS) in micron size by the sol–gel dip-coating method from a titanium tetraisopropoxide solution containing polyoxyethylene(20) nonylphenyl ether. It has been also found that TiO2 films with a variety of morphologies in addition to the 2D-SPSS can be formed by controlling the molar ratio of water to titanium tetraisopropoxide. The methylene blue photodegradation activity of the 2D-SPSS TiO2 film was higher than that of dense TiO2 film prepared from a TiO2 sol without co-existing polymer. This fact can be interpreted in terms of possessing a high specific surface area available for the photocatalytic reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The photoluminescence spectra of the divalent Ge (Ge2+) center in GeO2–SiO2 glasses with different photosensitivities were investigated by means of excitation-emission energy mapping to correlate the ultraviolet light induced photorefractivity with the local structure around the Ge2+ centers. The glasses with a larger photorefractivity tended to exhibit a greater band broadening of the singlet–singlet transition to higher excitation energies accompanied by an increase in the Stokes shifts. This strongly suggests the existence of a highly photosensitive Ge2+ centers with higher excitation energies. It was also found that the introduction of a hydroxyl group or boron species modifies the local environment of Ge2+ leading to an enhanced photorefractivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organic–inorganic hybrid low-melting phosphite glasses have been prepared through non-aqueous acid–base reactions of Si–Cl + P–OH → Si–O–P + HCl↑ and Sn–Cl + P–OH → Sn–O–P + HCl↑ using phosphonic acid (H3PO3), dimethyldichlorosilane (Me2SiCl2) and tin(II) chloride (SnCl2) as starting materials. Transparent, colorless and homogeneous phosphite glasses were successfully obtained. Organic molecules and Eu-codoped hybrid phosphite glasses were also prepared. The europium-doped glasses obtained at 250 °C showed a fluorescence with a broad peak at 373 nm due to the 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+ ions, whereas the fluorescence due to the 5D0 → 7Fj (j=0, 1, 2) transitions of Eu3+ ions was not observed. Owing to the redox reaction P3+ + 2Eu3+ → P5+ + 2Eu2+, almost all of Eu3+ ions incorporated into the glasses are considered to be reduced to Eu2+ ions at a temperature as low as 250 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Characterizes a human homologue of the DREF transcription factor with a potential role in the regulation of the histone H1 gene. Comparison of amino acid sequences between human DREF (hDREF)/KIAA0785 and Drosophila DREF; Localization of hDREF/KIAA0785 protein in the nuclei of HeLa cells; Stimulation by hDREF/KIAA0785 protein of histone H1 gene promoter activity.

Aluminum titanate (AT) ceramic materials doped with alkali feldspar ((Na[sub 0.6]K[sub 0.4])AlSi[sub 3]O[sub 8]) have been prepared. These ceramics exhibited high sinterability, large resistance to thermal decomposition, and large flexure strength. The existence of liquid-phase feldspar at sintering temperatures promoted the formation of AT ceramics as the sintering agent. It was considered that silicon ions substituting for aluminum ions at the surface of AT crystal grains lowered the surface energy and hindered the diffusion of Ti[sup 4+] and Al[sup 3+], giving rise to the large resistance to thermal decomposition. As a result, doping with alkali feldspar was found to effectively improve the mechanical and thermal properties of AT ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic–inorganic hybrid precursors for new type low-melting glasses without pollution elements such as Pb and F have been synthesized through a non-aqueous acid–base reaction process. The hybrid compounds consist of –Si–O–P– framework, in which some of the bridging oxygens of a Si tetrahedron are substituted by organic functional groups. Terminating the oxide framework by the organic functional groups lowers the network dimension. Orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) and dialkyldichlorosilane (Me2SiCl2 and Et2SiCl2) were employed as starting materials. The formation of P–O–Si linkage was confirmed by IR spectra. The larger viscosity increase at higher Si concentrations is correlated to the formation of the linkage. It is proposed that an acid–base polycondensation reaction of P–OH+Si–Cl→P–O–Si+HCl↑ dominates the network formation. When dimethylsilane SiMe2 is substituted by divalent Sn, an organic–inorganic hybrid low-melting glass in the system of SnO–Me2SiO–P2O5 can be derived, the glass transition temperature of which is about 29 °C. So the present acid–base reactions provide a new process by which precursors for new type low-melting glass are synthesized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the correlation between macro and microstructural changes in germanosilicate and silica glasses. Changes in Raman spectra; Origin of photon-induced densitification of the glasses; Irradiation of germanosilicate optical fiber performs.

The use of deicers in urban areas, on runways and aircrafts has raised concerns about their environmental impact. Understanding the ice-melting mechanism is crucial for developing environmentally friendly deicers, yet it remains challenging. This study employs machine learning to investigate the ice penetration capacity (IPC) of 21 salts and 16 organic solvents as deicers. Relationships between their IPC and various physical properties were analysed using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP). Three key ice-melting mechanisms were identified: (1) freezing-point depression, (2) interactions between deicers and H2O molecules and (3) infiltration of ions into ice crystals. SHAP analysis revealed different ice-melting factors and mechanisms for salts and organic solvents, suggesting a potential advantage in combining the two. A mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and sodium formate demonstrated superior environmental impact and IPC. The PG and sodium formate mixture exhibited higher IPC when compared to six commercially available deicers, offering promise for sustainable deicing applications. This study provides valuable insights into the ice-melting process and proposes an effective, environmentally friendly deicer that combines the strengths of organic solvents and salts, paving the way for more sustainable practices in deicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here on a novel metallothionein-I (MT)/ret transgenic mouse line in which skin melanosis, benign melanocytic tumor and malignant melanoma metastasizing to distant organs develop stepwise. The process of tumor development and its malignant transformation in this line may resemble that of the human giant congenital melanocytic nevus that is present at birth and that frequently gives rise to malignant melanoma during aging. We observed an increase in the expression level and activity of the ret transgene during the disease progression. That increase in transgene expression accompanied an activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and c-Jun as well as matrix metalloproteinases. These results suggest that progressive dysregulation of the expression level of the ret transgene might play a crucial role in the malignant transformation of melanocytic tumors developed in the MT/ret transgenic mouse line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RET finger protein (RFP), which belongs to the B box zinc finger protein family, has a tripartite motif consisting of a Ring finger, a B box finger and a coiled-coil domain. The RET finger protein becomes oncogenic when its tripartite motif is fused with the tyrosine kinase domain of the RET protein. This study examined the RFP expression in normal and tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry. RFP was detected in the nuclei of various cells, including peripheral and central neurones, hepatocytes, adrenal chromaffin cells and male germ cells. Among them, RFP was expressed at high levels in male germ cells such as primary spermatocytes and round spermatids, and formed a perinuclear cap structure in primary spermatocytes. On the other hand, high levels of cytoplasmic expression of RFP were observed in some plasma cells as well as solitary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma. These results suggested that different nuclear/cytoplasmic distributions of RFP might play a role in the regulation of growth or differentiation of different cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) multicomponent receptor system. Roles of GDNF and NTN in the survival of peripheral sensory, sympathetic and dopaminergic neurons and motoneurons; Ability of GDNF and NTN to induce rational-emotive psychotherapy tyrosine phosphorylation; Expectation of GDNF and NTN to be a therapeutic agents in neurodegenerative disorders.

Discusses the characteristics of lightning surges and countermeasures against them. Characteristics of lightning surges on solar cell elements, modules and arrays; Equivalent circuits for electrostatic induction; Countermeasures against lightning at the Saijo Photovoltaic Power Generation Test Plant in Japan.

Aspherical- and multi-curve rigid gas-permeable hard contact lenses (HCLs) have a flattened curve in the peripheral zone and are mostly used for patients with keratoconus who cannot wear glasses, soft contact lenses, or spherical HCLs. In this retrospective study, a total of 95 eyes of 77 patients who used aspherical- or multi-curve HCLs (mean age: 40.0 ± 11.0 years) were evaluated. This study examined the types of aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values before and after wearing HCLs, the association with the Amsler-Krumeich classification, duration of wear, corneal/conjunctival disorder, and the frequency of changing HCLs. There were 78 eyes that used aspherical-curve HCLs and 17 that used multi-curve HCLs. BCVA significantly improved from 0.42 logMAR to 0.06 logMAR after wearing either form of HCL. The Amsler-Krumeich classification showed that aspherical-curve HCLs were commonly used for patients with stage 2 keratoconus, and multi-curve HCLs were commonly used for stage 4 patients. The BCVA values were worse when the disease stage was more severe (stages 3 and 4) regardless of HCL type. The mean base curve of the lenses was steeper in multi-curve HCLs than in aspherical-curve HCLs. The more severe the disease stage, the steeper the base curve in both aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs. The duration of wear significantly improved from 2.1 h to 10.2 h, and corneal/conjunctival disorder similarly improved. The mean frequency of changing HCL types was 1.1 times. This study suggests that a flat peripheral curve design with aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs is useful for patients with keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermo-optic characteristics of organically modified SiO2–ZrO2 films prepared by a nonhydrolytic reaction have been investigated. The thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) is negative on the order of -10-4/K and varies with the wavelength as a function of the ZrO2 content in organically modified SiO2 material. As the amount of ZrO2 increases, the wavelength dependence of dn/dT gradually varies from positive to negative. The magnitude and wavelength dependence of dn/dT for organically modified SiO2–ZrO2 hybrid materials make these materials highly flexible for application in thermo-optic integrated devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microstructures were fabricated by a photothermal process in a low-melting organic-inorganic hybrid material of tin silicophosphate doped with Nd3+ ion as a light absorber. The negative refractive index change of the order of 10-3 was photothermally induced inside the low-melting glass with a spatial resolution ranging from 10 to 100 μm using a 514.5 nm emission from an Ar+ laser of less than 30 mW as the excitation source. The volume expansion due to the photogenerated heat at the laser focus is found to be responsible for the photothermally induced negative photorefractive index change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines second-harmonic generation (SHG) in germanosilicate glass poled with argon fluoride laser irradiation. Measurement of the SHG coefficient; Effect of increasing poling field; Observation of anisotropic refractive index.

Examines the upconversion luminescence characteristics of erbium cations in CdX[sub 2]-based halide glasses (X=CI, Br, of I). Details on the linewidth of green emission for halide glasses; Observation of blue upconversion luminescence for CdCl[sub 2] and CdBr[sub 2] system glasses; Dependence of multiphoton relaxation rate on the phonon energies of hosts.

Examines the upconversion luminescence of erbium cations in the chloride glass system based on zinc chloride and cadmium chloride. Luminescence emissions of the structures at 800 nanometer excitation; Comparison of blue emission intensity with other Er[sup 3+]-doped systems; Source of the blue and green upconversion luminescence.

A preface for the November 15, 2006 issue of the "Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences" is presented.

Simple Summary: Aerobic glycolysis is a key driving force of tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Girdin plays a vital role in cancer cells; however, the role of Girdin in aerobic glycolysis is still unclear. In this study, we first found that knockout of Girdin markedly inhibited lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression in an autochthonous LUAD mouse model. In addition, we found that Girdin interacted with pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and impaired PKM2 activity, which promoted the Warburg effect and chemoresistance. Our results suggest that Girdin is a potential therapeutic target to overcome the resistance of LUAD cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Girdin, an Akt substrate, has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in various tumors. However, the role of Girdin in a spontaneous tumor model has not yet been explored. Here, we studied the role of Girdin in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using the autochthonous mouse model and found that Girdin led to LUAD progression and chemoresistance by enhancing the Warburg effect. Mechanistically, Girdin interacted with pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which played a vital role in aerobic glycolysis. Furthermore, Girdin impaired Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta (PDGFRβ) degradation, which in turn, promoted PKM2 tyrosine residue 105 (Y105) phosphorylation and inhibited PKM2 activity, subsequently promoting aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that Girdin is a crucial regulator of tumor growth and may be a potential therapeutic target for overcoming the resistance of LUAD cells to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about the Masahide Takahashi, editor of the periodical "Pathology International." Takahashi has been an associate editor for periodical since 2000. His research background is in experimental pathology. Takahashi vows to maintain a collaborative relationship with the periodical's associated editors to make the journal better.

The degree of pore filling is an important parameter for defining guest@MOF properties in applications including electronics, optics, and gas separation. However, the interplay of key aspects of host–guest interactions, such as a quantitative description of the guest alignment or the structural integrity of the host as function of pore filling are yet to be determined. Polarisation‐dependent infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection configuration combined with gas sorption allowed to simultaneously study the orientation of the guest molecule and structural changes of the MOF framework during the pore filling process. Thereby we found, that initially randomly oriented guest molecules align with increasing pore filling during adsorption from the gas phase. At the same time, the framework itself undergoes a reversible, guest molecule‐dependent rotation of the aromatic linker and a linker detachment process, which induce defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der Grad der Porenfüllung definiert die Gast@MOF‐Eigenschaften in Anwendungen wie Elektronik, Optik und Gastrennung. Das Zusammenspiel von Schlüsselaspekten der Wirt‐Gast‐Wechselwirkungen, wie eine quantitative Beschreibung der Gastausrichtung oder die strukturelle Integrität des Wirts als Funktion der Porenfüllung, muss jedoch noch bestimmt werden. Polarisationsabhängige Infrarotspektroskopie in abgeschwächter Totalreflexionskonfiguration in Kombination mit Gassorption ermöglichten es, gleichzeitig die Orientierung des Gastmoleküls und strukturelle Änderungen des MOF‐Gerüsts während des Porenfüllprozesses zu untersuchen. Dabei stellten wir fest, dass sich zunächst zufällig orientierte Gastmoleküle mit zunehmender Porenfüllung während der Adsorption aus der Gasphase ausrichten. Gleichzeitig erfährt das Gerüst selbst eine reversible, vom Gastmolekül abhängige Rotation des aromatischen Liganden und einen Prozess der Ligandenablösung, wodurch Defekte induziert werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 15.7 GeO[sub 2]·84.3 SiO[sub 2] glass prepared by a vapor axial deposition method, optical absorptions at 4.92 and 5.08 eV were observed from 300 to 600 K. The results were then compared with electron spin resonance (ESR) measurement using the same samples. The absorption at 4.92 eV was found to increase with increasing temperature, while the optical absorption at 5.08 eV decreased with increasing temperature. These changes of optical absorption indicate that the concentration of neutral oxygen monovacancy is reduced at higher temperatures. The changes were quite reversible with the temperature. Concentration of Ge E[sup ′] center, estimated from ESR, increased with increasing temperature, which is in contrast with the decrease of neutral oxygen monovacancy. The present result strongly suggests the thermal equilibrium reaction between neutral oxygen monovacancy and Ge E[sup ′] center. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a compartment of the tumor microenvironment, were previously thought to be a uniform cell population that promotes cancer progression. However, recent studies have shown that CAFs are heterogeneous and that there are at least two types of CAFs, that is, cancer‐promoting and ‐restraining CAFs. We previously identified Meflin as a candidate marker of cancer‐restraining CAFs (rCAFs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The precise nature of rCAFs, however, has remained elusive owing to a lack of understanding of their comprehensive gene signatures. Here, we screened genes whose expression correlated with Meflin in single‐cell transcriptomic analyses of human cancers. Among the identified genes, we identified matrix remodeling‐associated protein 8 (MXRA8), which encodes a type I transmembrane protein with unknown molecular function. Analysis of MXRA8 expression in human PDAC samples showed that MXRA8 was differentially co‐expressed with other CAF markers. Moreover, in patients with PDAC or syngeneic tumors developed in MXRA8‐knockout mice, MXRA8 expression did not affect the roles of CAFs in cancer progression, and the biological importance of MXRA8+ CAFs is still unclear. Overall, we identified MXRA8 as a new CAF marker; further studies are needed to determine the relevance of this marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The V-shaped arrangement of hair bundles on cochlear hair cells is critical for auditory sensing. However, regulation of hair bundle arrangements has not been fully understood. Recently, defects in hair bundle arrangement were reported in postnatal Dishevelled-associating protein (ccdc88c, alias Daple)-deficient mice. In the present study, we found that adult Daple−/− mice exhibited hearing disturbances over a broad frequency range through auditory brainstem response testing. Consistently, distorted patterns of hair bundles were detected in almost all regions, more typically in the basal region of the cochlear duct. In adult Daple−/− mice, apical microtubules were irregularly aggregated, and the number of microtubules attached to plasma membranes was decreased. Similar phenotypes were manifested upon nocodazole treatment in a wild type cochlea culture without affecting the microtubule structure of the kinocilium. These results indicate critical role of Daple in hair bundle arrangement through the orchestration of apical microtubule distribution, and thereby in hearing, especially at high frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time resolved infrared spectroscopy has been applied to study in situ the evaporation process of a 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane hybrid sol by casting a droplet on a ZnSe substrate; the analysis has been performed in the middle-infrared range and in the near-infrared range. The experiment has allowed following the structural changes induced by water evaporation and the formation of ordered structures within the cast film; the CH2 scissoring bands have been used as a fingerprint for the disorder to order transition of the hybrid. The experiment has been done using both a fresh sol and an aged sol which produce respectively an amorphous material and a crystalline hybrid material. The analysis has shown that the epoxy groups do not react during the evaporation while the silica structure shows only a slight condensation and an increase in open cage-like species. At the end of evaporation the hybrid has a "soft-like" state which allows structural rearrangements to self-order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Macroporous TiO2 films have been fabricated by a photo polymerization-induced phase separation method without any surfactant and colloidal templates. The gel TiO2 films deposited from the precursor solution containing photo monomer dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate were irradiated by the ultraviolet light. After that, the films were heat-treated at 600°C for 10min. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that TiO2 films with macroporous structures could be obtained. The macroporous structure could be controlled by changing the reaction parameters. The as-prepared TiO2 films exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue dye than that of the dense TiO2 film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cell motility is a critical step in cancer invasion and metastasis that must be unravelled to gain an appropriate understanding of the behaviour of cancer cells. A broad spectrum of motility mechanisms that facilitate invasion of extramammary tissues and metastasis exists in breast cancer cells (e.g. reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, regulation of focal adhesion, changes in response to a different microenvironment, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and control of membrane proteins through endocytosis). These cellular responses are tightly regulated by intracellular signalling pathways evoked by humoral factors that include growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. Learning more about the cellular and molecular basis of these different motility programmes will aid in the development of treatments for breast cancer invasion and metastasis. This review of recent literature focuses on aspects of cell biology related to motility and metastasis, and suggests some directions for future breast cancer research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Girdin (GIRDers of actIN filament, also reported as APE, GIV, or HkRP1) is a novel protein expressed ubiquitously in mammals and was recently identified as a binding partner of the serine/threonine kinase Akt. We found that Girdin is an actin-binding protein involved in both the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and in cell motility. Recent studies have uncovered new and varied functions of Girdin. For example, it prolongs the activation of Akt and regulates DNA replication in response to insulin signaling. Girdin also associates with heterotrimeric G proteins and dynamin (a large GTPase), which are involved in membrane transport. We found that Akt phosphorylates Girdin in response to growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) in fibroblasts. Furthermore, phosphorylated Girdin accumulates at the leading edge of migrating cells, suggesting its role in Akt-dependent cell migration or tumor invasion. To date, two paralogues of Girdin have been identified in mammals. One of them, Daple (also named HkRP2), is a binding partner and regulator of Dishevelled, an important cytoplasmic component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Another is a protein encoded by FLJ00354 (also named HkRP3), which has not been functionally characterized. These members are assumed to be dimers with large polypeptide chains (220–250 kDa) that associate at their central long coiled-coil domains. The amino acid sequences of the members show about 32–46% overall identity, with the greatest variation toward the carboxyl terminal domains that specify the binding partners. Here we propose roles for this family of proteins in diverse cellular processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the water durability of the inorganic–organic hybrid tin-silico-phosphate glasses Me2SiO–SnO–P2O5 (Me designs the organic methyl group) doped with organic acids (salicylic acid (SA), tartaric acid (TA), citric acid (CA) and butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA)) containing one or more of carboxylic groups per molecule. The structure, thermal properties and durability of the final glasses obtained via a non-aqueous acid–base reaction were discussed owing to the nature and the concentration of the acid added. 29Si magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and 31P MAS NMR spectra, respectively, showed clearly a modification of the network in the host glass matrix of the Me2SiO–SnO–P2O5 system. The polycondensation enhancement to form –P–O–Si–O–P– linkages (PSP) and the increase of the Q 2 unit (two bridging oxygens per phosphorus atom) over the Q 3 unit (three bridging oxygens per phosphorus atom) as a function of the acid in the order SA