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International audience; The ground-state magnetic dipole moment of the neutron-rich O21 isotope has been measured via β-ray-detected nuclear magnetic resonance (β-NMR) spectroscopy by using a spin-polarized secondary beam of O21 produced from the Ne22 primary beam. From the present measurement, the g factor |gexp(Og.s.21)|=0.6036(14) has been determined. Based on the comparison of this value with Schmidt values, we unambiguously confirm the νd5/2 configuration with spin and parity assignments Iπ=5/2+ for the O21 ground state, suggested by previously reported studies. Consequently, the magnetic moment has been determined as μexp(Og.s.21)=(−)1.5090(35)μN. The obtained experimental magnetic moment is in good agreement with the predictions of the shell-model calculations using the USD, YSOX, and SDPF-M interactions as well as random phase approximation (RPA) calculations. This observation indicates that the O21 nucleus in its ground state does not manifest any anomalous structure and is not influenced by the proximity of the drip line.

Ξ− atomic X-ray spectroscopy is one of the most useful methods for investigation of the Ξ–nucleus strong interaction. Since the X-ray energy is shifted and/or broadened due to the Ξ–nucleus strong interaction compared to those calculated from electromagnetic interaction alone, the measurement of the energy shift, ΔE, and the width, Γ, give us information on the Ξ–nucleus potential. A serious problem in the measurement is the significant background derived from in-flight Ξ− decay. A novel method of identifying stopped Ξ− events using the nuclear emulsion was developed to realize the first Ξ− atomic X-ray spectroscopy experiment as the J-PARC E07 experiment, which also aimed at searching for ΛΛ and Ξ− hypernuclei in the emulsion. The X-rays emitted from Ξ− Br and Ξ− Ag atoms were measured using germanium detectors. No clear peaks were observed in the obtained spectra. However, we succeeded in reducing the background to 1/170 by this method employing coincidence measurements using nuclear emulsion and X-ray detectors.

To investigate the criteria for predicting biventricular circulation (BV) as an outcome after birth in cases of tricuspid valve dysplasia or Ebstein's anomaly diagnosed during the fetal period.We included 35 consecutive children who were diagnosed with tricuspid valve dysplasia or Ebstein's anomaly during the fetal period between January 2008 and December 2021 at Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan. The maximal velocity and dP/dt estimated using tricuspid regurgitation (TR) waveforms obtained during the late gestation period (gestational age ≥ 28 weeks) were collected from the patient. Additionally, dP/dt was calculated by dividing the change in estimated right ventricular pressure obtained using Bernoulli's principle by the time taken for the TR maximal velocity to change from 1/3 to 2/3. The outcome was evaluated using the following four factors: BV, single ventricular circulation, neonatal death, and fetal death. Patients with an outcome of BV were included in the BV group, while those with outcomes of single ventricular circulation, neonatal death, or fetal death were included in the non-BV (NBV) group.Overall, 19 and 16 patients were included in the BV and NBV groups, respectively. The median TR maximal velocity was 3.3 m/s (range, 2.4-3.6 m/s) in the BV group and 1.9 m/s (range, 1.0-3.3 m/s) in the NBV group. There was no case of BV when the TR maximal velocity was 2.4 m/s; both BV and NBV were noted in the range of 2.4-3.3 m/s. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were analyzed in 11 patients in the BV group and five patients in the NBV group with a TR maximal velocity of 2.4-3.3 m/s. dP/dt ≥ 350 mmHg/s and TR maximal velocity ≥ 2.9 m/s were identified as criteria for predicting the outcome in such cases. Furthermore, the sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (80.0%) of dP/dt ≥ 350 mmHg/s in predicting BV in fetuses with tricuspid valve dysplasia or Ebstein's anomaly after birth higher than those for TR maximal velocity ≥ 2.9 m/s (sensitivity, 72.3%; specificity, 80.0%).The postnatal outcome could be BV or NBV when the TR maximal velocity was 2.4-3.3 m/s. In cases with a TR maximal velocity of 2.4-3.3 m/s, by combining the TR maximal velocity with dP/dt ≥ 350 mmHg/s, the establishment of BV after birth may be predicted with greater accuracy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Aging was defined as one of the diseases by ICD-11. Preventing aging may avoid the risk of various diseases. However, it is difficult to simply prevent aging in daily life. The presence of nutrients is essential there. This time, we reviewed NMN "nicotinamide nucleotide", which is attracting attention as an anti-aging component, and conducted additional experiments using AMPK "AMP-activated protein kinase" and NAD + as indicators to determine whether or not it actually prevents aging gone. As a result, a significant increase in AMPK and NAD + was confirmed, suggesting that NMN may help prevent aging in the future.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative cell salvage is not routinely used during cesarean delivery because it is not cost-effective for patients at low risk of hemorrhage and there are theoretical concerns about amniotic fluid embolism. Some guidelines recommend using leukocyte depletion filters to decrease the risk of amniotic fluid embolism before re-infusing salvaged blood, but these filters are not available in Japan. We compared the efficacy and safety of leukocyte depletion and micro-aggregate filters in combination with intra-operative cell salvage during cesarean delivery.METHODS: Blood was collected in a Cell Saver 5 reservoir during cesarean delivery. Four samples were collected: pre-wash, post-wash, post-filtration with a leukocyte depletion filter and post-filtration with a micro-aggregate filter. Each sample was analyzed for amniotic fluid markers of zinc coproporphyrin-1 and sialyl-Tn, for fetal hemoglobin, and the sample underwent pathological examination for white blood cells and squamous cells. Post-filtration samples were compared using paired t-tests with P

Electrowetting has a potential to realize stand-alone point-of-care (POC) devices. Here we report droplet-migration characteristics on oil-infused electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) substrates. We prepare sparse micropillars to retain the oil layer in order to exploit the layer as a lubricating film. A physical model of the droplet velocity is developed, and effects of the lubrication, the oil viscosity, the droplet volume, and the thickness of solid and liquid dielectric layers are discussed. It is found that the droplet velocity is scaled as square of E, which differs from a relationship of cube of E for droplets sliding down on liquid-infused surfaces by gravity. Furthermore, our device achieves droplet velocity of 1 mm/s at the applied voltage of 15 V. The velocity is approximately tenfold as high as the same condition (applied voltage and oil viscosity) on porous-structure-based liquid-infused surfaces. The achieved high velocity is explained by a lubrication-flow effect., 16 pages, 10 figures

The differential cross sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction were measured accurately for the Σ^{-} momentum (p_{Σ}) ranging from 470 to 650 MeV/c at the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility. Precise angular information about the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction was obtained for the first time by detecting approximately 100 reaction events at each angular step of Δcosθ=0.1. The obtained differential cross sections show a slightly forward-peaking structure in the measured momentum regions. The cross sections integrated for -0.7≤cosθ≤1.0 were obtained as 22.5±0.68 [statistical error(stat.)] ±0.65 [systematic error(syst.)] mb and 15.8±0.83(stat)±0.52(syst) mb for 470p_{Σ}(MeV/c)550 and 550p_{Σ}(MeV/c)650, respectively. These results show a drastic improvement compared with past measurements of the hyperon-proton scattering experiments. They will play essential roles in updating the theoretical models of the baryon-baryon interactions.

We propose a method to measure the electron electric dipole moment (eEDM) using ultracold entangled francium (Fr) atoms trapped in an optical lattice, yielding an uncertainty below the standard quantum limit. Among the alkali atoms, Fr offers the largest enhancement factor to the eEDM. With a Fr based experiment, quantum sensing using quantum entangled states could enable a search for the eEDM at a level below 10−30 ecm. We estimate statistical and systematic errors attached to the proposed measurement scheme based on this quantum sensing technique. A successful quantum sensing of the eEDM could enable the exploration of new physics beyond the standard model of particle physics.

Purpose: To understand the processes of territorialization in the daily life and work routine of settlers in Querência do Norte, Paraná, Brazil. Originality/value: This work contributes to the context of discussions on territory and territorialization processes (Haesbaert, 2011; Raffestin, 1993, 2008; Saquet, 2008) in the daily life (De Certeau, 2014) of workers marginalized by society in general. Design/methodology/approach: We developed this qualitative article from data collected through eight life history interviews with settlers, pre-settlers, and residents of Querência do Norte, in the State of Paraná (PR). After transcribing the interviews, they went through an analysis of narratives. Findings: We identify that, through the practices of work, study and claims, the settlers territorialize the space, and there they create their own rules and norms of coexistence. In their struggles for land, it is clear that their place of belonging is the field, justifying the insistence on the struggle for the right to land to cultivate. The sense of belonging of the workers is represented by the struggle that unites them and places them as part of a larger movement. Placing men at the center of the construction of territoriality is accomplished through the daily struggle and work of the settlers and pre-settlers in Querência do Norte (PR). / Objetivo: Compreender os processos de territorialização no cotidiano de vida e trabalho de assentados em Querência do Norte, Paraná. Originalidade/valor: Este trabalho contribui com o contexto das discussões acerca do território e processo de territorialização (Haesbaert, 2011; Raffestin, 1993, 2008; Saquet, 2008) no cotidiano (De Certeau, 2014) de trabalhadores marginalizados pela sociedade de forma geral. Design/metodologia/abordagem: Este artigo de natureza qualitativa foi desenvolvido a partir de dados coletados por meio de oito entrevistas de história de vida com assentados, pré-assentados e moradores de Querência do Norte. Depois de transcritas, as entrevistas passaram por uma análise de narrativas. Resultados: Identificamos que a partir das práticas de trabalho, estudo e reivindicações, os assentados territorializam o espaço e ali passaram a criar suas próprias regras e normas de convivência. Em suas lutas pela terra, torna-se claro que seu local de pertencimento é o campo, justificando a insistência na luta pelo direito à terra para cultivar. O sentimento de pertencimento dos trabalhadores é representado pela luta que os une e os coloca como parte de um movimento maior. Tendo o homem como centro, a construção da territorialidade se faz no cotidiano de luta e trabalho dos assentados e pré-assentados em Querência do Norte.

Introduction Products marketed as dietary supplements for improving sexual performance at times include phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil and analogues. The ingestion of these dietary supplements is extremely dangerous as these are not evaluated for their efficacy and safety as pharmaceuticals, and their manufacture is not controlled. For this reason, regulatory authorities conduct inspections on these products to prevent the occurrence and spread of health hazards. Tadalafil is one of the PDE5 inhibitors, and its analogues are found as the most major adulterants in sexual products after analogues of sildenafil. Tadalafil has two chiral carbons that are both R configuration, which is important for PDE5 inhibitory activity. To confirm the molecular configuration of the tested compound, it is subject to instrumental analysis such as circular dichroism detection or X-ray crystal structure analysis. Therefore, it takes longer for testing tadalafil than for other compounds that do not require these processes. Meanwhile, in 2020, the product containing 120 times more tadalafil than the normal dosage was detected in Tokyo, making it an urgent issue to remove these dangerous products from the market. This study proposes a simple and rapid method to detect tadalafil with a newly devised detector tube. Objective Development of a detector tube for the rapid screening of tadalafil with simple functioning. Methods Approximately 80 mg of silica gel powder impregnated with sulfuric acid was filled in a glass tube, having a 3-mm inner diameter, to prepare a detector tube. The measuring method of this detector tube is quite simple; first, both tips of the detector tube are cut, then the sample solution is aspirated, and a decision is made by the colour of the detector tube after 5 minutes. It was defined as a positive result when the detector tube turned violet and negative when it showed other colours. First, the reaction of tadalafil and analogues were confirmed using the prepared detector tube. Then, specificity was tested for active pharmaceutical ingredients and common additives. The tube was also tested for the applicability to some commercially available dietary supplements. Results All tested tadalafil and analogues showed positive results in the test. The limit of detection was 5 μg/mL for tadalafil. Except for levomepromazine, results for additives and any pharmaceutical ingredients tested were negative. This tube was able to detect all real samples containing tadalafil and analogues. None of the real samples that did not contain tadalafil and analogues gave false positives. Conclusions The developed detector tube could rapidly detect tadalafil and analogues with high sensitivity in a simple procedure. It was suggested that false-positive results could occur only if levomepromazine was included in the sample. Other than that, no significant interference that leads to false results was observed in tested common adulterants and additives of supplements. Furthermore, the tube was able to detect tadalafil and analogues in all tested real samples. Accordingly, the proposed test method has the potential for the use of preliminary screening of tadalafil.

In an emulsion-counter hybrid experiment performed at J-PARC, a Ξ^{-} absorption event was observed which decayed into twin single-Λ hypernuclei. Kinematic calculations enabled a unique identification of the reaction process as Ξ^{-}+^{14}N→_{Λ}^{10}Be+_{Λ}^{5}He. For the binding energy of the Ξ^{-} hyperon in the Ξ^{-}-^{14}N system a value of 1.27±0.21 MeV was deduced. The energy level of Ξ^{-} is likely a nuclear 1p state which indicates a weak ΞN-ΛΛ coupling.

J-PARC E70 experiment measures the missing-mass of Ξ hypernuclei (12ΞBe) in Hadron Experimental Facility at J-PARC. We aim to reach the best missing-mass resolution of 2 MeV/c2 in FWHM with a new magnetic spectrometer S-2S. The high-resolution spectroscopy of Ξ hypernuclei will play an important role to understand the unknown ΞN interaction. The experiment will start at the beginning of 2023. This article presents the preparation status.

We are planning to carry out a high-resolution spectroscopy of Ξ hypernucleus at the J-PARC K1.8 beamline, which provides a highintensity K− beam (J-PARC E70 experiment). The high-resolution spectroscopy aims to be realized by introducing a new magnetic spectrometer S-2S and an active fiber target AFT. In this article, the role of the AFT in this experiment and its development status are described.

A new hyperon-proton scattering experiment, dubbed J-PARC E40, was performed to measure differential cross sections of the Σ+p, Σ−p elastic scatterings and the Σ−p → Λn scattering by identifying a lot of Σ particles in the momentum ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 GeV/c produced by the π±p → K+Σ± reactions. We successfully measured the differential cross sections of these three channels with a drastically improved accuracy with a fine angular step. These new data will become important experimental constraints to improve the theories of the two-body baryon-baryon interactions. Following this success, we proposed a new experiment to measure the differential cross sections and spin observables by using a highly polarized Λ beam for providing quantitative information on the ΛN interaction. The results of three Σp channels and future prospects of the Λp scattering experiment are described.

X-ray spectroscopy of hadronic atoms is a powerful method to study strong interaction between hadrons and nuclei. At J-PARC, we have conducted two experiments, J-PARC E07 and E03, for hadronic atoms with a doubly strange hyperon, Ξ−, aiming at the world-first detection of their X-rays. The first measurement is performed as a byproduct of J-PARC E07 experiment with the hybrid emulsion technique. The second one, J-PARC E03, is a dedicated experiment for detection of Ξ− Fe atom X rays. The preliminary results and the present status of E07 and E03 are shown in this article. Future prospects of Ξ−-atomic X-ray spectroscopy are also discussed. A new measurement has been proposed for detecting Ξ− C atom X rays, where a novel Ξ− tracking method will be applied to realize an improved signal to noise ratio.

Due to the necessity of developing new materials with better anti-corrosive properties, bulk metallic glasses are the focus of many research projects. In this study, a metallic glass with Fe48Cr15Mo14C15B6Y2 composition was produced by high-pressure atomization spray and densified by Spark Plasma Sintering. Different sintering cycles, temperatures, and pressures were carried out to conserve the amorphous structure while increasing its density. The temperatures used for this study were below the glass transition temperature, and the uniaxial force was variated between 50 and 400 MPa. Amorphous samples with nearly 98% of relative density were obtained. The effect of the sintering cycle used on the phase transformation and microstructure of the materials was studied. Additionally, the porosity and crystallinity were related to the corrosion resistance properties through electrochemical characterization.

PurposeTo determine the correlation of the degree of aniseikonia with the retinal displacements and metamorphopsia in patients that have undergone successful epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.MethodsSubjects were 28 eyes with an ERM in 28 patients. The New Aniseikonia Test (NAT) and M-CHARTS were used to quantify the degree of preoperative and postoperative aniseikonia and metamorphopsia. We also evaluated the distance between the intersections of 2 sets of retinal vessels situated vertically or horizontally by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images in 28 patients.ResultsThe vertical score of M-CHARTS (MV) was not significantly improved, but the horizontal score of M-CHARTS (MH) was significantly improved at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The preoperative NAT score was significantly correlated with the preoperative MH. The NAT score at 3 months was significantly correlated with the MH at 3 months and the MV at 3 months. The preoperative NAT score was significantly correlated with the ratio of the vertical retinal displacement at 1 month and at 3 months after surgery. However, the NAT scores did not improve significantly at any postoperative times.ConclusionsThe degree of aniseikonia was significantly correlated with the degree of metamorphopsia and the tangential displacement of the retina after ERM surgery. Aniseikonia is difficult to improve and metamorphopsia may be a more sensitive parameter to detect the functional recovery after successful ERM surgery.

To use liquid lubricants for cold forging and extrusion operations causing severe deformation without phosphate-conversion coatings, automatic re-lubricating using pulsating motion of a servo press was enhanced. In backward extrusion of a cup with internal splines, negative pressure for supplying the lubricant to the inner surface of the cup was generated under the punch bottom by the pulsating motion. Since the punch grooves are not fully filled with metal during extrusion, the gaps are formed in the grooves, and thus the liquid lubricant is supplied through these gaps up to the punch bottom without completely taking the punch from the cup. The effects of the holding time after each punch upstroke, the viscosity of the lubricant and the number of cycles on the seizure prevention and the surface quality of the formed cup were examined from experiments of extrusion with pulsating motion. To shorten the forming time, lubricant pockets on a punch bottom and billet top and increase in punch upstroke were employed.

Exotic nuclei are characterized by a number of neutrons (or protons) in excess relative to stable nuclei. Their shell structure, which represents single-particle motion in a nucleus, may vary due to nuclear force and excess neutrons, in a phenomenon called shell evolution. This effect could be counterbalanced by collective modes causing deformations of the nuclear surface. Here, we study the interplay between shell evolution and shape deformation by focusing on the magnetic moment of an isomeric state of the neutron-rich nucleus 75Cu. We measure the magnetic moment using highly spin-controlled rare-isotope beams and achieving large spin alignment via a two-step reaction scheme that incorporates an angular-momentum-selecting nucleon removal. By combining our experiments with numerical simulations of many-fermion correlations, we find that the low-lying states in 75Cu are, to a large extent, of single-particle nature on top of a correlated 74Ni core. We elucidate the crucial role of shell evolution even in the presence of the collective mode, and within the same framework, we consider whether and how the double magicity of the 78Ni nucleus is restored, which is also of keen interest from the perspective of nucleosynthesis in explosive stellar processes., 10 pages, 4 figures

We report on a new in situ laser spectroscopy technique using superfluid helium and a highly energetic ion beam. In taking advantage of superfluid helium as a host matrix for laser spectroscopy, we were able to develop an extremely low background detection system. The first demonstration using Rb-85(31+) ion beam (66 MeV/nucleon) accelerated at the RIKEN accelerator facility shows improvement of detection limit by two orders of magnitude. A quantitative evaluation of Rb atoms in the observation region enables an analysis of their optical absorption cross-section in superfluid helium from the fluorescence intensity dependence on ion-beam intensity and applied laser power. (C) 2018 The Japan Society of Applied Physics

We report on the first observation of γ rays emitted from an sd-shell hypernucleus, _{Λ}^{19}F. The energy spacing between the ground state doublet, 1/2^{+} and 3/2^{+} states, of _{Λ}^{19}F is determined to be 315.5±0.4(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.6}(syst) keV by measuring the γ-ray energy of the M1(3/2^{+}→1/2^{+}) transition. In addition, three γ-ray peaks are observed and assigned as E2(5/2^{+}→1/2^{+}), E1(1/2^{-}→1/2^{+}), and E1(1/2^{-}→3/2^{+}) transitions. The excitation energies of the 5/2^{+} and 1/2^{-} states are determined to be 895.2±0.3(stat)±0.5(syst) and 1265.6±1.2(stat)_{-0.5}^{+0.7}(syst) keV, respectively. It is found that the ground state doublet spacing is well described by theoretical models based on existing s- and p-shell hypernuclear data.

Adhesion strength is one of the most important characteristics when discussing the reliability of a cold spray. A focused ion beam (FIB) was used to conduct ultra-micro tensile tests for micro-scale adhesive strength evaluations of high-pressure type cold-sprayed copper deposition on an aluminum substrate. It was also used to determine the essential factor of adhesion strength and the coating formation mechanism. The micro-scale local adhesion strength of cold-sprayed copper deposits on an aluminum substrate was successfully evaluated by FIB microtensile tests. The average local adhesion strength of this deposit was 223 MPa. The variations in adhesion strength between deposit and substrate were smaller than the interfacial strength of cold-sprayed deposits. This was caused by the repeated collision of these subsequent particles.

Regeneration of blood vessels (neovascularization) is critical for gastric ulcer (GU) healing. The contributions of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMD-EPCs) to neovascularization during GU healing are not fully elucidated. Our specific aims were to determine whether in GU, BMD-EPCs are incorporated into blood vessels of GU granulation tissue jointly with ECs, thus forming hybrid vessels; or, form separate vessels consisting of only BMD-EPCs. GUs were induced in rats by serosal application of acetic acid. Vascular cast studies were performed at 7, 21 and 60 days after GU induction and tissue specimens were immunostained for CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, and SDF-1 at 14 days. Human relevance was determined using archival human GU specimens. In rat GU granulation tissue BMD-EPCs constituted 28 ± 3% of all cells lining newly formed blood vessels, and were nested between fully differentiated ECs. In rat GU granulation tissue, expression of stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) - the major chemoattractant for BMD-EPCs was strongly upregulated. In human GU specimens, BMD-EPCs were also present in granulation tissue constituting 34 ± 3% of all cells lining blood vessels and jointly formed hybrid vessels with differentiated ECs. Our study uncovered that BMD-EPCs incorporate into newly formed blood vessels in GU granulation tissue; and, together with ECs of pre-existing vessels, contribute to and support neovascularization through vasculogenesis. This study is the first demonstration that vasculogenesis occurs during GU healing in both humans and in rats.

A flow cytometry cross-match (FCXM) test is the gold standard for detection of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in renal transplantation because of its high sensitivity. However, this technique can produce false-positive results when non-HLA antibodies or low-titer donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are detected. To determine the clinical relevance of the recently introduced novel cross-match test termed immunocomplex capture fluorescence analysis (ICFA), we retrospectively compared the results of ICFA and FCXM, including a single-antigen bead test for detection of DSA in renal transplant recipients. We found a correlation of 71.4% (235/329) between the results of ICFA-I and FCXM-T, whereas that between ICFA-II and FCXM-B was 41.1% (134/326). Ninety-four patients were ICFA-I negative and FCXM-T positive, and 188 were ICFA-II negative and FCXM-B positive, whereas 46.8% (44/94) and 61.7% (116/188) were found to be DSA-I and DSA-II negative, respectively, which classified them into the non-HLA antibody and low-titer DSA groups, respectively. The mean value of molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome for DSA-I was 22,994 in the ICFA-I-positive group, which was significantly higher than 2117 in the negative group (P < .0001), whereas there was no significant difference for DSA-II between the ICFA-II-positive and ICFA-II-negative groups. Graft survival in the ICFA-I-negative group was significantly higher than that in the ICFA-I-positive group (P = .0058). Our results indicate that ICFA-I does not respond to non-HLA antibodies or low-titer DSA, which have influence on graft survival. Therefore, this novel hybrid test, which combines cross-match testing and HLA antibody detection functions, may be useful for clinical pretransplantation evaluation of renal transplantation patients.

Important factors that can influence interpretation of the pulse tests include the compressibility and viscosity of the fluid that either saturates the pore space of the rock or is used to pressurize the chamber, which generates the pressure pulse. Fluid compressibility can be influenced by entrained air. This paper examines theoretically, the influence of compressibility and viscosity variations in both the interstitial pore water and within the pressurizing chamber, on the performance of the hydraulic pulse test. Convenient analytical results can be derived to account for variations in compressibility and viscosity resulting from entrained air. Theoretical results indicate that the entrained gas content can have an appreciable influence on the pressure decay curves, and particularly high volume fractions of the entrained air can influence the estimation of the permeability from hydraulic pulse tests. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the influence of dissolved air on the performance of pulse tests.

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables are considered the next generation transmission line because they are compact, lightweight, and demonstrate large capacity and low loss compared to conventional cables. In particular, since a coated conductor (YBCO wire) provides high critical current, high magnetic-field property, low AC loss, and low cost, it is expected to make the HTS cable more attractive than other superconducting wire. In Japan, 66/77 kV HTS cables have developed for about 20 years. We started developing 275 kV class HTS cables three years ago based on 66/77 kV HTS cables. The goal is a 275 kV 3 kA cable with a capacity of 1.5 GVA, the same capacity as a typical overhead transmission line, which serves as the backbone of Japanese power networks. The following technical developments will be carried out: high current and low AC loss cable conductors and high voltage insulation and low dielectric loss cables. Regarding high current and low AC loss cable conductors, 3-kA cables have been fabricated, and AC losses have been measured. We found that using thin YBCO wire reduced AC losses in experiments.

We carried out the β‐decay spectroscopy on 24Si in order to investigate a change in configuration in the wave function induced by Thomas‐Ehrman shift from a perspective of mirror asymmetry of B(GT). We observed two β transitions to low‐lying bound states in 24Al for the first time. In this proceeding, the B(GT) of 24Si is compared with that of the mirror nucleus 24Ne, and the mirror asymmetry of B(GT) is determined. Then the origin of the B(GT) asymmetry is discussed through the comparison with theoretical calculations.

On the research and development of a reel-to-reel TFA-MOD (Metal Organic Deposition using Trifluoro-acetates) process, a present status is reviewed and its future strategy is addressed. As a base of the study, the 90 m long tape with uniform I c distribution of the 300 A/cm-width level was obtained on the CeO 2 buffered IBAD-Gd 2 Zr 2 O 7 /Hastelloy C276 substrate. The tape has the 56 m region with the end-to-end I c value of 250 A, which corresponds to maximum product of I c × L of 14,000 Am. Based on the results, several directions on R&D have been studied such as “higher I c ”, “higher I c – B ”, “higher production rate both in coating/calcinations and crystallization steps” and lower cost buffer/substrate”. Then, an extremely high I c value of 735 A/cm-width was achieved in a short tape by the compositional control (e.g. Ba-deficient), in the starting solutions. On the efforts for achieving higher I c – B properties, high I c values of 115 and 35 A/cm-width under the magnetic fields of 1 and 3 T were obtained by the RE mixture of Y and Gd in REBCO, addition of Zr and a growth rate control process. On the other hand, the production rate for the coating/calcinations process was improved by development of new starting solutions, which uses F-free Y salt instead of TFA salt of Y. The high J c value of 1.9 MA/cm 2 was confirmed using the precursor films fabricated at a high traveling rate of 10 m/h. Concerning a higher rate in the crystallization step, the multi-turning system with a vertical gas flow system was developed. The validity of the concept was confirmed using 2-turn parts of the furnace. The high I c value of 250 A/cm-width was realized in the 5 m tape crystallized with a traveling rate of 3 m/h, which is equivalent to 15 m/h for usage of entire area of the furnace of 10-turns. Furthermore, in order to achieve the lower cost, the architecture of the coated conductor with a low cost buffer/substrate system has been developed. An IBAD buffered substrate using IBAD-MgO layer (CeO 2 /LMO/IBAD-MgO/Hastelloy C276) was developed and a high production rate of 24 m/h was realized for IBAD-MgO layer using a small ion gun system with the area of 6 × 22 cm 2 . The grain texturing of the substrate was reached the Δ ϕ value of 4° in the CeO 2 layer. This substrate was applied to the above mentioned multi-turning crystallization furnace for TFA-MOD process. Then, a 5 m long tape with 260 A/cm-width (@77 K. s.f.) was achieved. According to the TFA-MOD process in the above achievements, the prospects of each issue for the future stage were independently confirmed. Consequently, R&D combining the above-mentioned achievements for longer tapes are expected in the next stage.

Progresses in the development of the TFA-MOD process for the coated conductors in Japan are reviewed. In the fundamental approaches, some important advantages of Ba-poor starting solution were found such as for obtaining higher Jc, shorter reaction time and wider process temperature window. The high Ic value of 735 A/cm-w@77 K was attained. Additionally, introduction of artificial pinning centers by Sm-substitution and Zr-addition to the Ba-poor films was successfully investigated. The films showed a high minimum Ic value of 42 A/cm-w at 77 K, 1 T. Furthermore, isotropic Ic properties in the angular dependence of applied magnetic fields was realized by the uniform distribution of nanoprticles of Zr-compound. On the other hand, two different process of MOD including batch and reel-to-reel (RTR) types have been developed as an engineering process for low cost and long tape production with high superconducting performances at a high rate. In the batch type, long tape synthesis process could be developed by the optimization of the growth conditions in a large furnace. A 500 m long tape was heat-treated and a high Ic value of 310 A/cm-w in a 250 m tape was confirmed. Concerning the RTR type, a high production rate system was developed after confirmation of the ability of the continuous process in a 90 m long tape. A multi-turn with a vertical gas flow system was developed for this purpose. This system was applied to the fabrication of superconducting films on the lower cost buffer layers including a high deposition rate IBAD-MgO layer. Currently, a 5 m long tape with 250 A/cm-w was obtained at the production rate of 3 m/h using a part of the multi-turn system, which is equivalent to 15 m/h in the entire use of the furnace.

Recently, a high rate of endometrial cancer has been reported in women with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), suggesting a relationship between familial endometrial cancers and HNPCC. Familial endometrial cancers constitute only about 0.5% of all endometrial carcinomas and it is essential to examine family histories in detail. A mutational analysis of three DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6) in patients with endometrial cancer who meet our criteria for familial predisposition to HNPCC-associated endometrial cancers was performed. Mutations were detected in 18 of the 120 patients (15.0%). Most HNPCC-related endometrial cancers do not meet the New Amsterdam Criteria for HNPCC. These clinical criteria may identify only some HNPCC-associated endometrial cancers. Establishing the correct family history for endometrial cancer patients is important for diagnosing familial endometrial carcinomas. An analysis of MMR genes may be useful for patients with endometrial cancer showing familial aggregation. In addition, gynecologists must be accurately informed, and it is important to perform large-scale, multicenter studies both nationwide and internationally. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1715–1719)

Recent progress on the efforts for the high performances of I c and I c -B and the development of long tapes and extremely low cost tapes using the reel-to-reel system are reviewed. The control of the starting solution composition, especially for the Ba-poor composition from the Y:Ba:Cu = 1:2:3 stoichiometric one, is found to be effective to improve the J c value of the films. Consequently, the extremely high I c value of 735 A was obtained. On the fabrication of long tapes by the reel-to-reel system, it was found that the rigorous humidity control in the coating chamber is important to obtain the uniform characteristics in long tapes. The idea was applied to fabricate long tapes and a 56 m tape with the end-to-end I c value of 250 A was realized. Additionally, a 1 m long tape using a textured NiW substrate was fabricated as an extremely low cost tape. The high end-to-end I c value of 221 A was recognized in this tape. Concerning to the high production rate over 10 m/h which is one of the required conditions for the extremely low cost, new metal organic solution especially with F-free salt for Y was developed, and coating thicker than 0.5 μm at 10 m/h for one coating and calcinations was achieved. Additionally, the possibility for the multi-turning system in the crystallization equipment was confirmed using the small furnace.