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Despite advances in molecular imaging, preoperative diagnosis of astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas can be challenging. In the present study, we assessed whether 7T SWI can be used to distinguish astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas and whether malignant grading of gliomas is possible.7T SWI was performed on 21 patients with gliomas before surgery with optimization for sharp visualization of the corticomedullary junction. Scoring for cortical thickening and displacement of medullary vessels, characteristic of oligodendroglial tumors, and cortical tapering, characteristic of astrocytic tumors, was performed. Additionally, characteristics of malignancy, including thickening of the medullary veins, the presence of microbleeds, and/or necrosis were scored.Scoring for oligodendroglial (highest possible score, +3) and astrocytic (lowest score possible, -3) characteristics yielded a significant difference between astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas (mean, -1.93 versus +1.71,Visualization of the corticomedullary junction by 7T SWI was useful in distinguishing astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. Observation of tapering of the cortex was most sensitive and specific for diagnosing astrocytomas. Reliably predicting malignant grade was also possible by 7T SWI.

Background:Rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) is an unusual subset of osteoarthritis of the hip characterized by rapid chondrolysis with progressive loss of the joint space as the first manifestation of the disease. Because rapid progression of RDC makes it difficult to obtain sequential radiographs in its early stage, the process of disease progression in the early stage remains unclear. Although the pathogenesis of RDC is still unclarified, the potential causes of RDC include subchondral insufficiency fracture of the femoral head resulting from osteoporosis, pelvic posterior inclination in RDC as a mechanical factor, and increased serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 as a biological factor.Objectives:This study aimed to differentiate the process of disease progression in the early stage of RDC and provide its new classification system.Methods:This monocentric retrospective study included 42 female patients who met the criteria of RPOH, chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain based on a series of radiographs and computed tomography (CT). This study also included 9 female patients with osteoarthritis secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), who demonstrated chondrolysis >2 mm during 12 months from the onset of hip pain. Cortical thickness index (CTI) correlated with bone mineral density of the hip, pelvic tilt, and serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 were analyzed.Results:RDC were classified into two types based on the absence (type 1, n=17) and presence (type 2, n=25) of subsequent femoral head destruction shown by CT within 12 months after the onset of hip pain. MMP-3 significantly increased in RDC type 2 compared with type 1 and DDH. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in RDC type 2 compared with DDH. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that MMP-3 may be associated with differentiation between RDC types 1 and 2. No difference was found in CTI between RDC types and DDH.RDC type 2 hips developed partial (type 2A) and massive (type 2B) femoral head destruction within the first 12 months. Whereas partial destruction showed 40% collapse ratio. Increased posterior pelvic tilt was found in massive destruction. Femoral head destruction started earlier within the first 6 months in massive destruction compared with that in partial destruction. From receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, pelvic tilt differentiated the femoral head destruction types using the initial radiograph at the onset before first demonstration of femoral head destruction. No difference was found in CTI or MMP-3 between the two subtypes.Conclusion:Disease progression of RDC during 12 months after the onset of hip pain could be classified into two distinct types based on the absence (type 1) and presence (type 2) of femoral head destruction in association with MMP-3 and pelvic tilt as biological and mechanical factors, respectively. MMP-3 may be helpful to differentiate those two types in the early stage of RPOH. The extent of femoral head destruction could further differentiate RDC type 2 into two subtypes based on pelvic tilt.Acknowledgments :This study was supported by the Japan Hip Joint Foundation.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Development of an electron-collecting-type pixel array by use of an epitaxially grown thick single-crystal CdTe layer on p +-Si substrate is discussed. To achieve such an array with an n-CdTe/p-like CdTe/p +-Si heterojunction diode structure, charge transport at the p-like CdTe/p +-Si heterointerface was studied. It was confirmed that ohmic conduction via holes occurs at this interface. A single-element detector was then fabricated by growth of 40 μm thick undoped p-like CdTe then 5 μm thick n-CdTe layers on the p +-Si substrate. Rectification by the diode detector was good, and its energy-resolving capability was demonstrated by detection of gamma peaks from the 241Am source, thus confirming the feasibility of using this structure for fabrication of an electron-collecting-type array.

Objective and Background Periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder of the supporting tissue of teeth, which is composed of gingival soft tissue, cementum covering the tooth root, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) is known to be an essential factor for osteoclastogenesis. Recent clinical studies indicate that levels of RANKL in the gingival crevicular fluid are increased while levels of its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), are decreased in patients with periodontitis. Although the gingival sulcus is composed of gingival tissue, RANKL and OPG expression in gingival epithelial cells is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of RANKL and OPG in gingival tissue and which factors regulate RANKL expression in gingival epithelial cells. Material and Methods Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to confirm RANKL and OPG expression in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) and in gingival tissue. Immunostaining was also examined to confirm tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF receptor type 1 (TNFR1) expression in gingival tissue. Ca9-22 cells, a human gingival epithelial cell line and human primary GECs were treated with TNF-α. Ca9-22 cells were treated by antibodies against TNF receptors, an inhibitor and an activator of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling and inhibitors of p38, Erk and NF-κB signaling to examine TNF-α-RANKL signaling pathways. Results RANKL mRNA and protein were expressed in GECs. Immunohistochemistry also showed RANKL expression in gingival tissue. On the other hand, the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assay showed that GECs did not express OPG. In addition, TNF-α and TNFR1 proteins were expressed in junctional epithelium. TNF-α increased RANKL expression in GECs. TNF-α-induced RANKL expression was inhibited by an antibody against TNFR1 and an inhibitor of PKA signaling. Surprisingly, forskolin, a PKA activator, increased TNF-α-induced RANKL expression. Conclusion RANKL, TNF and TNFR1 were coexpressed in junctional epithelium of gingival tissue. TNF-α induced RANKL expression via TNFR1 and PKA signaling in GECs of junctional epithelium.

Tsukamoto Y, Usui M, Yamamoto G, Takagi Y, Tachikawa T, Yamamoto M, Nakamura M. Role of the junctional epithelium in periodontal innate defense and homeostasis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 750–757. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: The junctional epithelium provides the front-line defense against periodontal bacterial infection. The migration of neutrophils into the junctional epithelium might represent a protective reaction against bacterial infections. However, neutrophils penetrate into the junctional epithelium even under sterile conditions. In this study, we analyzed and compared the number of neutrophils and the cytokine expression related to neutrophil migration in the junctional epithelium in conventional and germ-free mice. Material and Methods: Germ-free and conventional ICR mice were used at 12 wk of age. Frozen sections were used for the detection of Gr-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the two groups of mice. Laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR analysis were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC/CXCL1), MIP-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNAs in the two groups of mice. Results: Morphometric examination indicated an increase in the area of the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Immunohistochemical studies also detected an increased number of neutrophils in the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Higher up-regulation of KC and MIP-2 were detected in the junctional epithelium of conventional mice than in germ-free mice, whereas the expression of Il-1β and Tnfα mRNAs was not affected. Conclusion: Junctional epithelium cells constitutively expressed several types of chemokines and cytokines and the expression of chemokines was augmented by bacterial infection. Therefore, the constitutive expression of cytokines in junctional epithelium might be related to the morphological and functional homeostasis of the junctional epithelium in addition to the defense against the bacterial infection.

To cite this article: Saito F, Kajii TS, Sugawara-Kato Y, Tsukamoto Y, Arai Y, Hirabayashi Y, Fujimori O, Iida J: Morphological evaluation of cranial and maxillary shape differences of the brachymorphic mouse with spontaneous malocclusion using three-dimensional micro-computed tomography Orthod Craniofac Res 2011;14:100–106 Structured Abstract Authors – Saito F, Kajii TS, Sugawara-Kato Y, Tsukamoto Y, Arai Y, Hirabayashi Y, Fujimori O, Iida J Objectives – The aim of this study was to determine whether significant cranial and maxillary deformity exists in BALB/c-bm/bm (brachymorphism) mouse with spontaneous malocclusion using three-dimensional (3D) images. Materials and Methods – Thirty female mice were divided into the following three groups: control group (BALB/c mice, n = 10), Norm group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with normal occlusion, n = 10), and Mal group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with malocclusion, n = 10). Nine points in the skull were selected, and transverse and antero-posterior distances were measured using three-dimensional images of micro-computed tomography (CT). Moreover, 3D images were superimposed at the median plane to visualize the skull shape asymmetry. Results – The transverse distances at the posterior cranial and maxillary region and the antero-posterior distances in the Norm and Mal groups were significantly shorter than those in the control group. The nasal septum of the Mal group was significantly shorter than that of the Norm group. Morphological measurements and superimposed 3D images showed that lateral deviation occurred at the anterior cranial and maxillary region in the Mal group. Conclusion – The 3D micro-CT images revealed that the antero-posterior length and posterior transverse width at the cranium and maxilla in BALB/c-bm/bm mice were significantly smaller than those in BALB/c mice. It was quantitatively and morphologically clear that BALB/c-bm/bm mice show a spontaneous transverse crossbite owing to lateral deviation of the maxilla and nasal bone.

Variations in otolith patterns, sizes and body morphometrics of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus juveniles were investigated. Under transmitted light, translucent (W(t)) and opaque otoliths (W(o)) were detected in juveniles collected from Wakasa Bay between July 2005 and April 2006, whereas only opaque otoliths (G(o)) were detected in Goto-nada Sea individuals between May and June 2006. Three groups of juveniles were distinguished based on differences in hatch season, otolith size and growth history, and body morphometrics. As T. japonicus has different spawning seasons according to spawning grounds, each group was estimated to hatch in different waters. Juveniles with W(t) otoliths were considered to have stayed in coastal habitat longer, as the hatch area was estimated to be near Wakasa Bay. Juveniles with W(o) and G(o) otoliths appear to recruit to coastal waters at larger size, since their hatch areas were estimated to be far from each collection area. Larger otoliths of W(t) were attributed to otolith accretion after the second growth flexion, which was observed only for W(t) . Standard length of W(t) fish at the second otolith growth flexion was estimated to correspond to recruitment size to coastal rocky reefs in Wakasa Bay. Body morphometrics were correlated with otolith size after removing body size effect, suggesting that morphological variations of T. japonicus juveniles were also associated with the timing of recruitment to coastal habitat.

A longitudinal vortical structure is typically observed in near-wall turbulence. This vortical structure is elongated in the streamwise direction, though it is also tilted in the spanwise direction. The sense of this spanwise tilting is determined by the sign of the streamwise vorticity associated with the vortex, and longitudinal vortical structures with a different streamwise vorticity become asymmetric (mirror symmetric). The tilting must be due to the combined effects of the non-linear terms and mean spanwise vorticity associated with the mean shear. However, the detailed mechanism of the tilting is not well known. To study the tilting in detail, we performed direct numerical simulations of a homogeneous shear flow where the longitudinal vortical structures similar to those in the near-wall region are observed. In particular, the effects of spanwise system rotation as well as the Reynolds number on the vortical structure are studied. As a result, we found that spanwise system rotation has more marked effects on the vortical structure than the Reynolds number. When the system rotation is imposed in the same direction as the mean spanwise vorticity, the tilting is enhanced, while the system rotation of the opposite direction attenuates it. We also found that when the longitudinal vortical structure is tilted in the spanwise direction, it is sandwiched between the streamwise vorticity of the opposite sign. The cyclonic rotation enhances the streamwise vorticity of the opposite sign, though the longitudinal vortical structure at the center is attenuated. In the anticyclonic case, the streamwise vorticity of the opposite sign almost disappears and the longitudinal vortical structure is isolated from the surrounding flow.

In order to realize more efficient electricity supply system, smart grid technologies, which are driven by the collaboration between power system technology and information and communication technology, are indispensable. One of these technologies is the smart metering infrastructure, which play a big role especially in the field of retail supply and distribution network modernization. This paper describes the overview of smart metering infrastructure and its applications developed so as to meet the current and future requirements.

Molecular approaches were applied to identify and enumerate denitrifying bacteria subsisting in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). The FBR was continuously operated as a unit for the removal of nitrogen from the effluents of domestic sewage treatment plant, with an additional supply of methanol as a carbon source. By denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA genes, Thauera group was found to be dominant among the denitrifying bacteria in the FBR sludge. Oligonucleotide probe THA155 for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was newly designed for specifically targeting the Thauera group. However, the THA155 signal obtained from the sludge was only 0.9–5.7% of the DAPI-stained total cells. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the sequences of nitrite reductase (NIR) gene, a key enzyme of denitrification processes, was performed to quantify the cells of denitrifying bacteria cells including the Thauera group in FBR sludge. An excellent correlation was obtained between the numbers of nirS genes and the activity of denitrifiers in the FBR sludge.

Using in situ hybridisation and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) reaction in rats with osteonecrosis of the femoral head we have studied the effect of ischaemia on the gene expression of the stress proteins oxygen-regulated protein 150 (ORP150) and haemoxygenase 1 (HO1) and the death mechanism of the cells involved in osteonecrosis. Both ORP150 and HO1 have been reported to have important roles in the successful adaptation to oxygen deprivation. ORP150 and HO1 mRNA expression was induced by ischaemia in osteoblasts and osteocytes. In proliferative chondrocytes, these signals were detected constitutively. During the development of ischaemic osteonecrosis, the mechanism of cell death was apoptosis as indicated by DNA fragmentation and the presence of apoptotic bodies in osteocytes, chondrocytes and bone-marrow cells. After the initial ischaemic event, expression of ORP150 and HO1 mRNA, the TUNEL-positive reaction and empty lacunae were found sequentially. These findings were exclusive and may be considered to be markers for each stage in the development of osteonecrosis.

Ayu Plecoglossus altivelis is an annual osmeroid fish with a single breeding season. Its reproductive mode tends to vary such that large females spawn once, while small females spawn twice with an interval of some 2 weeks. The hypothesis was examined that certain female reproductive modes are governed by adequate resource allocation according to maternal body size, to maximize lifetime reproductive success. A series of rearing experiments revealed that immediately before spawning, larger females had relatively higher diversion from the soma and higher investment into the gonad, in contrast to smaller females which maintained higher protein synthetic activity for further reproduction. It was concluded that the extant plasticity in the reproductive mode that occurred in P. altivelis was an outcome of different tactics on the semelparity-iteroparity continuum rather than maladaptive deviation from the optimum.

A contact SCC-MIG head with three contact pads was prepare by using the dry etching process, and its read/write performance was evaluated. The magnetic spacing of the contact system was estimated to be about 30 nm and the bouncing height was 10 nm. A D50 of 250 kFCI was achieved by using a gap length of 0.10 μm and a track width of 1.2 μm. The read/write performance can be theoretically improved by reducing the overcoat thickness and/or optimizing the magnetic properties of the medium. Regarding the gap length dependence, the read/write performance was significantly improved by using a small gap length in applications involving narrow magnetic spacing, such as contact recording.

The effects of tolcapone, a catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, on the bioavailability and efficacy of levodopa were evaluated in 12 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 8 of whom showed signs of daily motor fluctuations (wearing-off phenomenon). Motor disabilities were assessed in 12 patients at 7 time points before and after the chronic administration of tolcapone using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). The UPDRS score was improved at all points of determination. Eight patients with wearing-off phenomenon on levodopa showed symptomatic improvement on the combination. The area under the curve (AUC) for levodopa increased by 34% (p = 0.0059) after the administration of tolcapone. The elimination half-life (T1/2) of levodopa was significantly prolonged by 81% (p = 0.0001) after the treatment. The AUC of 3-O-methyldopa, a metabolite of levodopa, was decreased by 79% (p = 0.0001) and the Cmax (maximum concentration) was also decreased by 80%d after the administration (p = 0.0001) of tolcapone. The combination of tolcapone and levodopa was well tolerated. Our findings suggest that tolcapone improves the pharmacokinetics of levodopa in plasma and motor symptoms of fluctuating PD patients. It is suggested that tolcapone may be useful drug adjunct to levodopa in treating patients with PD with wearing-off phenomena.

Optimization of CdTe crystal growth by adjusting effective Te/Cd ratio at the growth surface, as well as growth-interrupted annealing together with detector array fabrication techniques were studied to achieve large-area, uniform x-ray spectroscopic imaging arrays. The ${\rm p}\hbox{-}{\rm CdTe}/{\rm n}\hbox{-}{\rm CdTe}/{{\rm n}^ +}\hbox{-}{\rm Si}$ heterojunction diode-type detector arrays were fabricated by using epitaxially grown thick single crystal CdTe layers on ${{\rm n}^ +}\hbox{-}{\rm Si}$ substrates, where pixels were patterned by making deep vertical cuts on p-CdTe side using a dicing saw. The study was first focused on development of 2D ( $8 \times 8$ ) array using $12.6~\hbox{mm} \times 11.4~\hbox{mm}$ size wafers, which confirmed uniform dark current distribution among the pixels. We further demonstrated possibility of making larger arrays by fabricating ( $18 \times 18$ ) array using a $25~\hbox{mm} \times 25~\hbox{mm}$ size uniform single crystal CdTe epilayer grown on Si substrate.

Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) technology is utilized for wide variety of applications for its easiness of handling and robustness against environmental variation. Thanks to its large core diameter (typically 1mm) and large numerical aperture (typically 0.5) which provides wider acceptance angle, dimensional tolerance of POF can be extremely large. This is the reason why the simple and low cost connection technology can be used with POF. Among these existing applications, the POF manufactures are primarily focusing on growing automotive and industrial data-com areas. Industrial data-com applications include field-bus system in plant area, power application (power station, sub-station) and locomotive control systems. Automotive data-com with POF is used for In-vehicle networks for infotainment systems or safety information bus. For these applications, POF is required to be durable against harsh environment such as high temperature (~105C), dynamic mechanical movement for robotic arms and compatibility with machine oil or other chemical substances. To satisfy these application specific requirements, the structure and material of POF and its jacketing are optimally designed. Through these development activities, POF technology evolved into well adopted industrial standard. As an extension of this evolution, aero space application is another great possibility to challenge for POF industry. The present paper reports the latest technology and the features of those jacketed POF used in these applications, and describe about future possibility for aerospace applications.

This paper summarizes the theory and practice of geosynthetic reinforcement of fills over extremely soft ground in Japan. Emphasis is placed on artificially reclaimed soft ground composed of marine soils which are characterized by high water contents and low shear strengths. The use of geosynthetics facilitates the movement of construction equipment and the placement of fill. The bearing capacity of the ground is improved by using high strength geosynthetics. Classical bearing capacity theory, cable theory combined with modulus of subgrade reaction theory, and plate theory are found to be useful in designing embankments on soft ground. The empirical parameters used in these theories are available for most projects. The unique geotechnical conditions of the soft ground typically inhibit the construction procedures specified in the design. The experience gained from past geosynthetic reinforced fill projects, one of which is highlighted in the paper, facilitates the improvement of fill placement and spreading techniques on soft ground.

SUMMARY We determined the kinetics and phenotypes of infiltrating B cells in gastric ulcer in the rat induced by gastric injection of acetic acid (day 0). Few B cells were found in the lesion in the early stages of ulceration. On day 40, two kinds of B cells with phenotypes of IgMhighIgDlowOX33 (CD45)+OX19 (CD5)- and IgMlowIgDhighOX33 (CD45)+ OX19(CD5)- were scattered in the granulation tissue of open ulcers, but not in the healed scar tissue. On day 180, those two kinds of B cells formed primary follicles in the granulation tissue of open ulcers, but were absent from the healed scar tissue. The IgMhighIgDlowOX33 (CD45)+OX19 (CD5)- B cell was considered to be identical to the marginal zone B cell of rat spleen. This phenotype of B cell might be associated with inflammatory process in chronic gastric ulcer.

The Japanese government policy for carbon emission reduction is based on the increasing of generation capacity for photovoltaic to 28GW by 2020 and 53GW by 2030. Even if renewable energy sources are expected to contribute to the emission reduction, there may be some technical difficulties to integrate a large amount of renewable sources to the existing electric power system. Difficulties and challenges associated with the renewable energy sources are mainly related to the location of the sources and to the unstable output of the generation. Smart grid technologies are the key to solve these challenges. This paper introduces a smart grid test facility developed starting from 2010 in Amagasaki Japan. The aim of the facility is to create an advance environment with a large amount of renewable sources integrated. In a Mitsubishi factory, 4MW of photovoltaic panels are connected to a distribution grid in several combinations and voltage level. The test facility is used to develop and test new algorithms, systems and equipments for the smart grid of 2020. The paper focuses on equipment and technologies to ensure high power quality in the power system especially regarding frequency and voltage stabilization.

The junctional epithelium provides the front-line defense against periodontal bacterial infection. The migration of neutrophils into the junctional epithelium might represent a protective reaction against bacterial infections. However, neutrophils penetrate into the junctional epithelium even under sterile conditions. In this study, we analyzed and compared the number of neutrophils and the cytokine expression related to neutrophil migration in the junctional epithelium in conventional and germ-free mice. Germ-free and conventional ICR mice were used at 12 wk of age. Frozen sections were used for the detection of Gr-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2/CXCL2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells in the two groups of mice. Laser capture microdissection and RT-PCR analysis were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC/CXCL1), MIP-2, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNAs in the two groups of mice. Morphometric examination indicated an increase in the area of the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Immunohistochemical studies also detected an increased number of neutrophils in the junctional epithelium upon bacterial infection. Higher up-regulation of KC and MIP-2 were detected in the junctional epithelium of conventional mice than in germ-free mice, whereas the expression of Il-1β and Tnfα mRNAs was not affected. Junctional epithelium cells constitutively expressed several types of chemokines and cytokines and the expression of chemokines was augmented by bacterial infection. Therefore, the constitutive expression of cytokines in junctional epithelium might be related to the morphological and functional homeostasis of the junctional epithelium in addition to the defense against the bacterial infection.

The BALB/c-bm/bm mouse is characterized by short limbs and short tail attributed to undersulfated glycosaminoglycans. Anterior transverse crossbite sometimes spontaneously appears in BALB/c-bm/bm mice. The BALB/c-bm/bm mouse shows a short nose and cranium. The reason for hypo-growth of anterior craniofacial structures has not been clarified, although the nasal septal cartilage might be related to the growth of anterior craniofacial structures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate histological findings of the nasal septal cartilage at the border region of the ethmoid and sphenoid bone in BALB/c-bm/bm mice.BALB/c mice (wild type) and BALB/c-bm/bm mice with normal occlusion (bm/bm) were used. Sagittal sections of female mice aged 2, 4, and 8 weeks were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological analysis.At the border region between the nasal septal cartilage and the ethmoid bone in bm/bm, the area of proliferative zone was significantly smaller than that in wild type. At the border regions between the nasal septal cartilage and both the ethmoid and sphenoid bones, the number of proliferative chondrocytes was significantly smaller. Normal endochondral ossification was not observed at the border region between the nasal septal cartilage and the sphenoid bone in bm/bm.The findings suggest that disorder of endochondral ossification in the nasal septal cartilage contributes to the hypo-growth of anterior craniofacial structures in bm/bm.

The relationship between superficial findings and the inner structure of gastric ulcers is unclear. The present study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between them.In the first study, 43 patients with active gastric ulcers were examined by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in each stage of Sakita's endoscopic classification. In the second study, 16 patients with gastric ulcer scars were examined by EUS in both S1 stage and S2 stage.Ulcer area, ulcer length, thickness of the ulcer base, and diameter of the crater differed significantly in each endoscopic stage. Ulcer area, ulcer length, and thickness of the ulcer base differed significantly even between S1 stage and S2 stage. Mean ulcer area in S1 stage was 96.9 mm2; this shows that the ulcer scar in S1 stage is incomplete with regard to tissue contraction. Although ulcer area in S2 stage had shrunk significantly compared with that in S1 stage, it still remained 53.3 mm2. This implies that the risk of local recurrence remains even in S2 stage.Sequential observation by EUS showed that the healing of the ulcer surface strongly reflected the healing within the ulcers.

In this paper, a method to estimate total power output of clustered photovoltaic power generation system (PV systems) is proposed. The proposed method make use of the realtime communication between pyranometer, current/voltage sensors, and control center to estimate power output of PV systems based on solar irradiation and power flow in the feeder, where PV systems are connected. The proposed method is divided into low-frequency and high-frequency component estimations. The low-frequency component is estimated based on the correlation between solar irradiation and energy generated from PV systems. On the other hand, the high-frequency component is estimated based on the frequency classification of power flow. Performance of the proposed method is confirmed based on real data from Demonstrative Project on Grid-Interconnection of Clustered Photovoltaic Power Generation Systems supported by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Japan. Results show that the error of estimation is approximately 3–4% of installed capacity of PV system.

The aim of this study was to determine whether significant cranial and maxillary deformity exists in BALB/c-bm/bm (brachymorphism) mouse with spontaneous malocclusion using three-dimensional (3D) images.Thirty female mice were divided into the following three groups: control group (BALB/c mice, n = 10), Norm group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with normal occlusion, n = 10), and Mal group (BALB/c-bm/bm mice with malocclusion, n = 10). Nine points in the skull were selected, and transverse and antero-posterior distances were measured using three-dimensional images of micro-computed tomography (CT). Moreover, 3D images were superimposed at the median plane to visualize the skull shape asymmetry.The transverse distances at the posterior cranial and maxillary region and the antero-posterior distances in the Norm and Mal groups were significantly shorter than those in the control group. The nasal septum of the Mal group was significantly shorter than that of the Norm group. Morphological measurements and superimposed 3D images showed that lateral deviation occurred at the anterior cranial and maxillary region in the Mal group.The 3D micro-CT images revealed that the antero-posterior length and posterior transverse width at the cranium and maxilla in BALB/c-bm/bm mice were significantly smaller than those in BALB/c mice. It was quantitatively and morphologically clear that BALB/c-bm/bm mice show a spontaneous transverse crossbite owing to lateral deviation of the maxilla and nasal bone.

The stability of radiation-induced radicals in solid H2O and CO2 was investigated to study the possibility of future ESR dating in outer planets, their satellites and comets in the solat system (Triton and etc.). Solid samples were irradiated by gamma rays at 77K and measured with ESR at several temperature to obtain the isothermal decay time of the signal intensity. Extrapolation of the straight line in the Arrhenius plot of the decay time gave the lifetime of the defects at the ambient temperature of outer planets and their satellites. ESR dating of an outer planet is possible with radiation-induced radicals in ice and dry ice.

In the present study, the quasi-one-dimensional flow model through the scramjet engine which consists of the inlet, combustor and nozzle is proposed. The performances of the components are analysed thermodynamically. In the analysis, there are severe difficulties in the combustor due to problems such as turbulent diffusion of hydrogen fuel and mixing with air at supersonic speed range. For the combustion reaction, the global hydrogen-air combustion model with two-step reaction schemes of hydrogen and oxygen are introduced. To estimate the demerit of weight increase, the axial length of the components is calculated, which presented the basic information about the optimum configuration of the scramjet engine.

The particle filter estimates a probability distribution of target objectpsilas state by sampled hypotheses and their weights. This method is more expressive than existing method such as Kalman filtering, because the object state is represented as a multi-modal distribution. However, the method canpsilat be directly applied to temporally variable appearance object tracking, for example, a firefly or a flickering neon-sign. For solving this problem, we propose a particle filter for a variable appearance object, which estimates a unique state parameter independent of targetpsilas position. Our method decomposes the state space into disjoint parameter spaces, i.e., object position and posture space and Appearance parameter space. In the appearance parameter space, the likelihood of each hypothesis is evaluated at the position parameters generated in the other space, and the best explain parameter is determined. Based on this parameter, likelihood in the position and posture space is evaluated. By interacting the parameter estimations in different spaces, we can successfully track blinking firefly in the darkness.

To ensure the system reliability in a deregulated environment, Japan chooses to strictly manage the transactions among control areas and to implement a strong congestion management approach. This paper describes the basic rules that are executed in the daily operation by transmission users and system operators. The authors focus on the points of the management approach adopted and on how it is important to release some points to ensure reliable operations.

A new criterion about substrate cleanliness level was established by an adhesion measurement for Al and Cu thin films deposited onto both Si and quartz glass substrates cleaned by various methods, such as swab scouring, ultraviolet light irradiation, and oxygen plasma ashing. The substrate surface contamination level was controlled by exposing the substrate itself to low vacuum impregnated with rotary pump oil mists. The new criterion about the substrate cleanliness level was somewhat different from the water wettability one. In the case of the UV irradiation, adhesion strength increased with exposure time, and then a constant maximum value was kept. On the other hand, the excess oxygen plasma ashing resulted in adhesion degradation due to the Si surface oxidation.

This study was designed to clarify the recovery time course of water immersion stress ulcers. Rats were divided into two groups: the control group and the cetraxate group. In the cetraxate group, 6 h after water immersion stress, cetraxate (300 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically twice a day until the end of the experiment. Ulcer indices were observed immediately, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after water immersion stress in each group. Changes in gastric mucosal prostaglandin (PG) levels were measured by means of high-performance liquid chromatography. In the control group ulcer healing was not observed within 1 day after stress. Gastric lesions had decreased significantly after 3 days, but 21 days were required for total healing. Accelerated ulcer healing was observed in the cetraxate group. Four kinds of PGs were detected in gastric mucosa: 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and PGD2. Recovery of PG levels differed from each other. Fourteen days were required for full recovery of PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. In contrast, 7 days were required for recovery of PGF2 alpha and PGE2. Cetraxate accelerated the recovery of gastric mucosal PGD2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha levels, especially the former. These results suggest that PGs, especially PGD2, are linked with the healing processes of stress ulcers.

We report a case of a 62-year-old female with a prior thoracotomy for solitary fibrous tumor of the diaphragmatic pleura. There was no clear evidence of malignant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura (SFTP). In the 19th postoperative month, she had a disseminated recurrence of SFTP in the left thoracic cavity. There was no evidence of metastasis from medical imaging. Accordingly, a left extrapleural pneumonectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed a disseminated recurrence of malignant SFTP, showing a higher grade of malignancy, because the resected specimen was identical to the only section suspicious of malignancy in the previous tumor. She had no complaint and kept better performance status until the 7th postoperative month after the re-resection, when she had a recurrence in the left thoracic cavity and dissemination in the peritoneal cavity. She died of the recurrence 15 months after the re-resection and 34 months after the prior thoracotomy.

Self-sustained oscillations with acoustic feedback take place in a flow over a two-dimensional two-step configuration: a small forward-backward facing step, which we hereafter call “a bump”, and a relatively large backward-facing step (backstep). These oscillations can radiate intense tonal sound and fatigue nearby components of industrial products. We clarify the mechanism of these oscillations by directly solving the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The results show that vortices are shed from the leading edge of the bump and acoustic waves are radiated when these vortices pass the trailing edge of the backstep. The propagated acoustic waves shed new vortices by stretching the vortex formed by the flow separation at the leading edge of the bump, and a feedback loop is formed. Moreover, we propose a formula for predicting the frequencies of the tonal sound based on the detailed investigation of the phase relationship between the vortices and the acoustic waves. Also, we investigate the flow conditions for these oscillations by changing the bump configurations. The results show that the oscillations strongly occur when the bump is sufficiently high and the trailing edge of the bump is sufficiently distant from the backstep.Copyright © 2007 by ASME