Search

Carbon fibers have been widely used for their lightweight and high mechanical properties. In order to extensively use carbon fibers, it is important to accurately understand and account for their highly anisotropic characteristics. The anisotropy of carbon fibers can be expressed as elastic constants, however evaluation of these constants is very difficult. This study reviews literatures that have analyzed the elastic constants of carbon fibers to clarify the elastic constants of various carbon fibers. This knowledge will lead to more accurate deformation and stress state calculations for structural materials, aiding future development of even higher performance composite materials. The accurate determination of the elastic constants of carbon fibers is also expected to lead to advances in the manufacturing process of carbon fibers and further improve their mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the γ d → d π + π - reaction for a study of a possible N Δ dibaryon state using a deuterium target with a magnetic spectrometer, Neutral Kaon Spectrometer 2 (NKS2), at Research Center for Electron Photon Science (ELPH), Tohoku University. The incident photon energy ranged from 0.78 to 1.08 GeV. Resonance-like structures were found at a mass of ∼ 2.15 GeV / c 2 with a width of ∼ 0.1 GeV / c 2 in the d π + and d π - invariant mass spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rudder force, including interference with a ship hull in large drifting conditions, is investigated in this study by captive model tests using a ship model with steering. In the tests, hydrodynamic forces acting on the ship, the rudder normal force, and propeller thrust are measured while changing the hull drift angle β in the range of - 180 ∘ ∼ 180 ∘ , which encompasses forward, lateral, and astern motion. The hull and rudder interaction coefficients, thrust deduction factor, inflow velocity to propeller, and inflow velocity to rudder are obtained in large drifting conditions using the measured hydrodynamic force data. The Maneuvering Model Group (MMG) model (Yasukawa and Yoshimura, 2015) is applicable for estimating the rudder force when the absolute value of β is smaller than 45 ∘ . In this region, the hydrodynamic force parameters for the inflow velocity to the rudder are nearly constant for any hull drift angle. However, in the region where the absolute value of β is greater than nearly 45 ∘ , the MMG model cannot be applied. For improving the formula for the longitudinal inflow velocity component to the rudder ( u R ), we propose a new formula that is applicable to any hull drift angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the γd → π0π0d reaction to study dibaryon resonances. The total cross section as a function of the d center-of-mass energy shows resonance-like behavior peaked at around 2.47 and 2.63 GeV. The measured angular distribution of deuteron emission is rather flat, which cannot be reproduced by kinematics for quasi-free π0π0 production with deuteron coalescence. A clear peak is observed at 2.14 GeV in the π0d invariant-mass distributions. The present work shows a sequential process γd → RIS → π0RIV → π0π0d is dominant with two 2.47- and 2.63-GeV isoscalar dibaryons (RIS) and a 2.14-GeV isovector dibaryon (RIV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two physics programs, determination of low-energy scattering parameters between the eta meson (η) and nucleon (N), and search for a possible bound state between the eta prime meson (η') and deuteron, using η photo-production from the deuteron target are conducted at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science (ELPH), Tohoku University. Among the twobody dynamics of the meson-nucleon systems, the ηN interaction is not well-known although it has been found attractive. An experiment is carried out to determine the low-energy ηN scattering parameters using a special kinematics. The energy and momentum of the emitted proton (p) are measured at 0 degrees for η photoproduction on the deuteron (d) at incident energies around 0.94 GeV, which gives the low relative momentum between η and neutron (n) in the final state. Low-energy ηn scattering is likely to take place in this condition, and the scattering parameters can be determined from the differential cross section as a function of the ηn invariant mass. The measurement is currently in progress to determine the real part of the ηn scattering length. A possible η'd bound state is theoretically predicted, and a structure corresponding to the state can be observed via the γd → ηd reaction at incident energies around 1.2 GeV. In the case of backward η emission, the structure becomes prominent because a background contribution coming from quasi-free single-step η emission is highly suppressed. The γd → ηd reaction has been also studied at ELPH below the incident energy of 1.15 GeV. The angular differential cross sections are determined at backward η emission angles. The tail of the corresponding peak is not observed, and the background level is much higher than predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To initiate a comprehensive study of the macroscopic and microscopic properties and structure of osmium, solid samples were levitated, melted, deeply undercooled, and resolidified under vacuum. Using noncontact diagnostic methods, several properties of equilibrium and nonequilibrium liquid osmium were measured. Over the 2670–3380 K temperature range, the density could be expressed as ρ(T)=1.91×104-1.16(T-Tm) kg m-3, where Tm is the melting temperature (Tm=3306 K). Similarly, the surface tension and the viscosity measurement data could be fitted, respectively, as σ(T)=2.48×103-0.34(T-Tm) mN m-1 and η(T)=0.001 67 exp[2.2×105/(RT)] mPa s over the 3230–3605 K temperature interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An internal radiator made of a carbon wire is employed to produce bremsstrahlung-photon beams for meson photoproduction experiments from circulating electrons in a synchrotron at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. The horizontal electron-beam size at the radiator location is determined from the decay rate of the resultant photon intensity as a function of the distance between the fixed position of the radiator and the centroid of the electron beam. The horizontal beam size at the radiator location is determined to be 0.74 mm with a statical error less than 0.01 mm for 1.3-GeV circulating electrons. The horizontal correlation between the position and momentum direction of the electron beam is also measured. The horizontal size and correlation are well-reproduced by the design values of the parameters of the synchrotron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coherent double neutral-pion photoproduction on the deuteron, γ d → π 0 π 0 d , has been experimentally studied at incident photon energies ranging from 0.75 to 1.15 GeV. The total cross section as a function of the γd center-of-mass energy shows resonance-like behavior, which peaks at approximately 2.47 and 2.63 GeV. The measured angular distribution of deuteron emission is rather flat, which cannot be reproduced by the kinematics of quasi-free π 0 π 0 production with deuteron coalescence. In π 0 d invariant-mass distributions, a clear peak is observed at 2.14 ± 0.01 GeV / c 2 with a width of 0.09 ± 0.01 GeV / c 2. The spin-parity of this state is restricted to 1 + , 2 + or 3 − from the angular distributions of the two π 0 s. The present work shows strong evidence for the existence of an isovector dibaryon resonance with a mass of 2.14 GeV / c 2. The 2 + assignment is consistent with the theoretically predicted D 12 state, and also with the energy dependence of the πd partial-wave amplitude P 2 3 for the π ± d → π ± d and π + d → p p reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines properties of platinum-associated deep levels in silicon. Diffusion of platinum into n-type and p-type silicon; Information on the three levels associated with platinum detected using the deep-level transient spectroscopy technique; diffusion profiles of substitutional platinum.

Presents a study which focused on the initial growth stage and optical properties of a three-dimensional indium arsenide structure on gallium arsenide. Results of reflection high-energy electron-diffraction observation; Findings of the transmission electron microscope observation; Details of the photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Presents the results of luminescence studies for free-standing cadmium-zinc-sulfur/zinc-sulfur layer superlattices. Band discontinuity; Growth of the compounds by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy; Photoluminescence characteristics.

A transmittance monitor has been developed for the second tagged-photon beamline at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University, Japan. In this beamline, an internal radiator is employed to produce the bremsstrahlung photon beam out of circulating electrons in a synchrotron. The transmittance, which is defined as the probability of finding a photon coming to the target position when an electron is detected with a photon-tagging counter, should be determined to deduce cross sections for photo-induced reactions. The developed monitor consists of a telescope of thin plastic scintillators with a positron and electron converter, and a dedicated circuit implemented in a field-programmable gate array chip. The transmittance can be measured with this monitor for high-intensity photon beams corresponding to 20 MHz tagging signals. The measured transmittance is found to be constant with respect to the photon intensity for each photon-tagging channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mn–Ir/Fe–Si exchange-coupled multilayer films for a wideband and gigahertz band noise filters are fabricated and evaluated. The Fe–Si film has characteristics of high saturation magnetization of 19 kG, low magnetostriction of the order of 10-6, and high resistivity of 73 μΩ cm. When the exchange bias magnetic field is introduced to the Fe–Si layers by the effect of Mn–Ir/Fe–Si exchange-coupling, the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency of the multilayer film is higher than the natural frequency of the single Fe–Si film. In addition, the multilayer film which has different thicknesses in each Fe–Si layer has plural FMR frequencies. The multiple FMR frequency gives the film characteristic of wideband energy absorption. The FMR absorption bandwidth of the multilayer film which has three FMR frequencies is about three times wider than that of a single FMR film. Therefore, the multilayer film with plural FMR frequencies has an advantage in wideband noise absorption and will be a useful material for the wideband and gigahertz frequency range noise filterings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a charge-to-time converting (QTC) leading-edge discriminator for plastic-scintillator signals, which is packaged in a NIM-standard double-width module. The pulse width of the discriminator output is approximately proportional to the charge integration of input signals up to 40–50 pC. The non-linearity is 20%, 10%, 4%, and 2% at maximum for the input charges below 7 pC, for 7–10 pC, for 10–20 pC, and above 20 pC, respectively, for the minimum input charges larger than 2 pC. The discriminator could be suitable in the measurement of the timing and charge of plastic-scintillator signals together with a multi-hit time-to-digital converter (TDC) module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We describe a novel scoring system, the facial Palsy Prognosis Prediction score ( PPP score), which we test for reliability in predicting pre-therapeutic prognosis of facial palsy. We aimed to use readily available patient data that all clinicians have access to before starting treatment. Design Multicenter case series with chart review. Setting Three tertiary care hospitals. Participants We obtained haematological and demographic data from 468 facial palsy patients who were treated between 2010 and 2014 in three tertiary care hospitals. Patients were categorised as having Bell's palsy or Ramsey Hunt's palsy. Main outcome measures We compared the data of recovered and unrecovered patients. PPP scores consisted of combinatorial threshold values of continuous patient data (eg platelet count) and categorical variables (eg gender) that best predicted recovery. We created separate PPP scores for Bell's palsy patients ( PPP-B) and for Ramsey Hunt's palsy patients ( PPP-H). Results The PPP-B score included age (≥65 years), gender (male) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (≥2.9). The PPP-H score included age (≥50 years), monocyte rate (≥6.0%), mean corpuscular volume (≥95 fl) and platelet count (≤200 000 /μL). Patient recovery rate significantly decreased with increasing PPP scores (both PPP-B and PPP-H) in a step-wise manner. PPP scores (ie PPP-B score and PPP-H score) ≥2 were associated with worse than average prognosis. Conclusions Palsy Prognosis Prediction scores are useful for predicting prognosis of facial palsy before beginning treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the two-body dynamics of the meson-nucleon systems, the attractive interaction between the eta meson and nucleon is not well-known. A new photoproduction experiment is planned for the determination of the low-energy scattering parameters between the eta meson and nucleon at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. The emitted proton is measured at 0° for eta photoproduction on the deuteron at the incident energy of 0.94 GeV, which gives small relative momentum between the eta meson and neutron in the final state to increase rescattering probability. The kinematics is found to have a good resolving power of the scattering length and effective range. In this contribution, the current status of the new experiment is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of the ordinary magnetoresistance (OMR) in Si has been attempted by constructing two type of Co/Si systems; one is the sputter-deposited current perpendicular to plane-type Co/Si multilayers and the other is the sputtered-Co/anodized-porous-Si system. The Co/Si multilayers show the sharp OMR at a low field and the negative granular-type giant magnetoresistance at higher fields. At 50 K, however, only the OMR appears with the ratio of about 3.0% for an in-plane field of 10 kOe. In the Co/anodized-Si system, a very large OMR of about 60% is observed at 50 K for perpendicular field of 10 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total cross sections were measured for coherent double neutral-pion photoproduction on the deuteron at incident energies below 0.9 GeV for the first time. No clear resonance-like behavior is observed in the excitation function for W γ d = 2.38 – 2.61 GeV , where the d ⁎ ( 2380 ) dibaryon resonance observed at COSY is expected to appear. The measured excitation function is consistent with the existing theoretical calculation for this reaction. The upper limit of the total cross section is found to be 0.034 μb for the dibaryon resonance at W γ d = 2.37 GeV (90% confidence level) in the γ d → π 0 π 0 d reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hyperuricemia is a common adverse event frequently found in renal transplant recipients with mizoribine (MZ). Hyperuricemia itself will be a cause of renal dysfunction, and renal dysfunction also will be a cause of hyperuricemia simultaneously. This study investigates frequency of hyperuricemia and renal failure in renal transplant recipients treated with high-dose MZ. Patients and Methods From December 2007 to October 2015, there was a total of 32 living related renal transplant recipients treated with high-dose MZ. Of the 32 patients, 28 were treated with urate-lowering medications. Results One patient received allopurinol (AP) and 13 patients received benzbromarone (BB). For 6 of them, their urate-lowering medications were converted to febuxostat (FX) form AP or BB. In the remaining 14 patients, FX was administered from the beginning. In 2 cases of ABO-incompatible living related renal transplant recipients who were maintained with high-dose MZ and BB, severe hyperuricemia and acute renal failure occurred. One patient was a 48-year-old man, and his creatinine (Cr) level increased to 8.14 mg/dL and his serum uric acid (UA) was 24.6 mg/dL. Another patient was a 57-year-old man, and his Cr level increased to 3.59 mg/dL and his UA was 13.2 mg/dL. In both cases Cr and UA were improved, and no finding of acute rejection and drug toxicity was observed in graft biopsy specimens. BB was switched to FX and discontinuance or reduction of MZ was done. Conclusion Combination of MZ and BB has the risk of acute renal dysfunction after renal transplantation. Latent renal dysfunction should be watched for in renal transplant recipients receiving high-dose MZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electromagnetic calorimeter, BGOegg, composed of 1320 BGO crystals, has been constructed at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University to study the structure of hadrons in detail using photo-induced reactions. The design of the new electromagnetic calorimeter and the basic characteristics of the manufactured BGO crystals are described. A performance test has been conducted for the prototype, which consists of 25 crystals arranged in a 5×5 matrix, using positron beams at energies ranging from 100 to 800 MeV. The obtained energy resolution is ( σ E / E ) 2 = ( 0.63 % ) 2 + ( 1.15 % ± 0.04 % ) 2 / ( E / GeV ) + ( 0.42 % ± 0.03 % ) 2 / ( E / GeV ) 2 at room temperature. The energy resolution corresponds to 1.38 % ± 0.05 % for 1-GeV positrons. The position resolution is found to be σ r / mm = ( 3.07 ± 0.03 ) ( E / GeV ) − 0.202 ± 0.008 which corresponds to an angular resolution of approximately 1 ° for 1-GeV positrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electromagnetic calorimeter complex, FOREST, has been constructed for meson photoproduction experiments at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. It consists of three types of calorimeters, which are made of pure cesium-iodide crystals, lead scintillating-fiber modules, and lead glass Cherenkov counters. Each calorimeter is equipped with a plastic scintillator hodoscope to identify charged particles. The design and performance of FOREST are described. The energy responses of test calorimeters have been investigated by using 100–800 MeV positron beams. The energy resolutions of the three calorimeters are found to be approximately 3%, 7%, and 5% for 1-GeV photons, respectively. A cryogenic hydrogen/deuterium target system fitted to the FOREST experiments and a newly developed data acquisition system are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast beam-profile monitor has been developed for high-energy photon beamlines at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. The position of the photon converted into an electron–positron pair in a 0.5 mm-thick aluminum plate is measured with two hodoscopes made of scintillating fibers with cross-sections of 3 × 3 mm 2 . Events in which charged particles are produced upstream are rejected with a charge veto plastic scintillator placed in front of the plate, and pair-production events are identified with a trigger plastic scintillator placed behind the plate. The position is determined by a developed logic module with a field-programmable gate array. The dead time for processing an event is 35 ns, and a high data acquisition efficiency ( ~ 100 % ) can be achieved with this monitor for high-intensity photon beams corresponding to 20 MHz tagging signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rusts of different kinds of weathering steels and mild steel formed by CCT and exposure to a coastal atmosphere were examined by the adsorption of nitrogen and water molecules. The specific surface area (S) of the rusts was determined from the adsorption isotherms. The rusts of the weathering steels showed higher S and smaller particle size than those of the mild steel, indicating that the weathering steels form more compact rust layers compared to the mild steel. The S of the rusts formed at different positions of a simulated girder located in the coast strongly depended on the setting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: To investigate the use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in pregnant Japanese women and to evaluate their safety in infants. METHODS: Data were extracted from the claims database of the Japan Medical Data Center. The prevalence of CNIs was evaluated 180 days before pregnancy onset, during pregnancy, and within180-days post partum. We investigated the characteristics of the infants, including the presence of major malformations and their diagnoses, for 1 year after birth. RESULTS: A total of 91,865 pregnancies in 80,049 women were included. Fifty-three women were prescribed CNIs between 180-day before pregnancy onset and 180-day postpartum; 35 of the 53 women were prescribed the drugs during pregnancy, and 10 of their infants were born preterm. Three were diagnosed with major congenital malformations, such as patent ductus arteriosus. Six preterm infants presented with infant respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: No congenital anomalies were clearly attributable to the use of CNIs during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the thermal conductivity of various transition-metal oxides with the spinel structure (MnV2O4, FeV2O4, CoV2O4, and Mn3O4) upon varying the temperature and magnetic field. We found that for the spinel oxides having V3+ ions (two electrons in the t2g states) at the octahedral site, the orbital ordering suppresses the thermal resistivity (inverse thermal conductivity) in contrast to purely magnetic ordering, indicating that the orbital fluctuation of the V t2g states is the main factor affecting the thermal conductivity. On the other hand, for Mn3O4, which has Mn3+ ions (one electron in the eg states) at the octahedral site, the thermal resistivity is suppressed in association with the successive magnetic phase transitions with decreasing temperature and increasing magnetic field. This can be explained by the frustration of Mn3+ spins and the fluctuation of Mn3+ eg orbitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In steel members strengthened with carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) plate, thermal stresses are introduced in the steel members, the CFRP plates and the adhesive layers when temperature changes because the linear thermal expansion coefficients of steel and CFRP are mismatched. Therefore, the thermal stress caused by temperature change has to be considered when designing the repair or strengthening of a steel member with CFRP plates. With this in mind, the authors proposed a technique to reduce thermal stress in steel members strengthened by CFRP plate on both side, which involves bonding aluminum alloy plates with CFRP plates. In this proposed method, the thermal stresses in steel member can be reduced so that there are negligible levels of stress when the cross sectional areas of CFRP and aluminum plates are designed to correspond the coefficient of thermal expansion of steel, even though the thermal stresses are introduced in the CFRP and aluminum plates. So far, a thermal bending moment was not considered in the proposed method, because the steel members strengthened by CFRP-aluminum laminated plate on top and bottom sides were assumed. However, if the proposed method is applied on one side of steel member, the thermal stress in the steel member might not be reduced completely by generated thermal bending moment. Therefore, to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for one-sided bonding, heat tests were conducted on a steel plate with a laminated plate bonded on one side. Additionally, to verify test results and calculate the shear and peel stresses in the adhesive layers, a numerical model that used Eigenvalue analysis was proposed and applied. The tests revealed that using the proposed method to create a two-layered laminated plate consisting of CFRP and aluminum plates could not reduce the thermal stress completely in a thin steel plate. However, it was found that the thermal stress in steel plate can be completely reduced, even in thin steel plate, when the proposed method is used to create a three-layered laminated plate consisting of one CFRP plate between two aluminum plates, which when composited has a thermal bending moment equal to zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (magnesium hydride) nanocomposites have been widely investigated for hydrogen storage. As a general feature, these nanocomposites use high purity (expensive) catalysts to improve the hydrogen sorption kinetics of magnesium. In this manuscript we tested a low cost raw material (ferroniobium alloy) as catalyst for hydriding/dehydriding magnesium nanocomposites. The MgH2 + ferroniobium nanocomposites were synthesized by high-energy ball-milling and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The hydrogen absorption and desorption curves were measured in an automated Sieverts' type apparatus. We observed that ferroniobium alloy is an effective catalyst for hydrogen sorption, mainly with ferroniobium as coarse granulates. The hydrogen sorption behavior of MgH2 + ferroniobium nanocomposites was compared to those of Mg + high purity Nb, Fe or (Fe + Nb) catalysts. It was found that the high purity metals are slightly more active catalysts than ferroniobium alloy for hydrogen sorption in Mg. This behavior is discussed regarding the thermodynamic features of the catalyst/matrix nano-interfaces formed during ball-milling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori infection induces chronic inflammation that contributes to gastric tumorigenesis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine, and polymorphism in the TNF-α gene increases the risk of gastric cancer. We herein investigated the role of TNF-α in gastric tumorigenesis using Gan mouse model, which recapitulates human gastric cancer development. We crossed Gan mice with TNF-α (Tnf) or TNF-α receptor TNFR1 (Tnfrsf1a) knockout mice to generate Tnf−/− Gan and Tnfrsf1a−/− Gan mice, respectively, and examined their tumor phenotypes. Notably, both Tnf−/− Gan mice and Tnfrsf1a−/− Gan mice showed similar, significant suppression of gastric tumor growth compared with control Tnf+/+ or Tnfrsf1a+/+ Gan mice. These results indicate that TNF-α signaling through TNFR1 is important for gastric tumor development. Bone marrow (BM) transplantation experiments showed that TNF-α expressed by BM-derived cells (BMDCs) stimulates the TNFR1 on BMDCs by an autocrine or paracrine manner, which is important for gastric tumor promotion. Moreover, the microarray analysis and colony formation assay indicated that NADPH oxidase organizer 1 (Noxo1) and Gna14 are induced in tumor epithelial cells in a TNF-α-dependent manner, and have an important role in tumorigenicity and tumor-initiating cell property of gastric cancer cells. Accordingly, it is possible that the activation of TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling in the tumor microenvironment promotes gastric tumor development through induction of Noxo1 and Gna14, which contribute to maintaining the tumor cells in an undifferentiated state. The present results indicate that targeting the TNF-α/TNFR1 pathway may be an effective preventive or therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whole-liver transcatheter arterial infusion of cisplatin before transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radical local treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (JIS 0/1) improves survival without causing liver or kidney dysfunction. Further studies are required to determine whether arterial cisplatin infusion is more beneficial as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.Background It has not yet been determined whether hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy improves survival in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the effectiveness of HAI with high-concentration cisplatin (DDP-H) for the treatment of HCC by comparing outcomes between patients who received HAI with DDP-H before radical local treatment of early-stage HCC [Japan Integrated Staging (JIS) score 0/1] and patients who did not receive HAI chemotherapy. Patients and methods Survival was analyzed in 114 patients with early-stage HCC who underwent radical local treatment. The patients were divided into two groups: a HAI group (n = 79) who received DDP-H infusion into the whole liver via the proper hepatic artery, and a non-HAI group (n = 35) who did not receive HAI chemotherapy. Results The cumulative survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 77.4%, 69.2%, and 55.3% in the non-HAI group and 97.4%, 87.0%, and 84.4% in the HAI group, respectively. Survival time prolonged significantly in the HAI group compared with the non-HAI group (log-rank test: P = 0.023; generalized Wilcoxon test: P = 0.012) Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model identified HAI with DDP-H as the most important factor affecting survival. Conclusions Whole-liver HAI with DDP-H before radical local treatment can improve the prognosis of patients with early-stage HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles present a case study of two female Miniature Schnauzer dogs, first a three year old intact with evaluation of right heart enlargement, and second an eight month old intact with same but cardiac murmur was also present which causes atrial septal defect (ASD). Topics related to diagnosis of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) discussed include echocardiography, computed tomography angiography (CTA), and multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) angiography.

Inhalation of radon (222Rn) and its short-lived decay products and of products of the thoron (220Rn) series accounts for more than half of the effective dose from natural radiation sources. At this time, many countries have begun large-scale radon and thoron surveys and many different measurement methods and instruments are used in these studies. Consequently, it is necessary to improve and standardize technical methods of measurements and to verify quality assurance by intercomparisons between laboratories. Four international intercomparisons for passive integrating radon and thoron monitors were conducted at the NIRS (National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Japan). Radon exercises were carried out in the 24.4 m3 inner volume walk-in radon chamber that has systems to control radon concentration, temperature, and humidity. Moreover, the NIRS thoron chamber with a 150 dm3 inner volume was utilized to provide three thoron intercomparisons. At present, the NIRS is the only laboratory world-wide that has carried out periodic thoron intercomparison of passive monitors. Fifty laboratories from 26 countries participated in the radon intercomparison, using six types of detectors (charcoal, CR-39, LR 115, polycarbonate film, electret plate, and silicon photodiode). Eighteen laboratories from 12 countries participated in the thoron intercomparisons, using two etch-track types (CR-39 and polycarbonate) detectors. The tests were made under one to three different exposures to radon and thoron. The data presented in this paper indicated that the performance quality of laboratories for radon measurement has been gradually increasing. Results of thoron exercises showed that the quality for thoron measurements still needs further development and additional studies are needed to improve its measuring methods. The present paper provides a summary of all radon and thoron international intercomparisons done at NIRS from 2007 to date and it describes the present status on radon and thoron passive, one-time cycle monitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baryon spectroscopy is important to understand Quantum Chromodynamics at low energies. In this purpose, a series of π and η photoproduction experiments was carried out with an electro-magnetic calorimeter FOREST at Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. The incident tagged bremsstrahlung photon energy ranges from 550 to 1,150 MeV. The differential and total cross sections obtained for π and η photoproduction processes on the proton are consistent with the SAID and MAID calculations. The analysis of π and η photoproduction on the neutron is underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increased risk of testicular cancer in men with infertility and poor semen quality has been reported. In view of the high cure rates for testicular germ cell tumours, increasing clinical importance is being placed on the protection of fertility. High-dose cytostatic therapy may be expected to cause long-term infertility. Thus, the standard procedure for fertility protection is the cryopreservation of ejaculated spermatozoa or testicular tissue before therapy. Four male patients with azoospermia and two patients with very severe oligozoospermia underwent onco-testicular sperm extraction ( TESE). We attempted onco- TESE in patients with azoospermia and very severe oligozoospermia after orchiectomy. Of the patients with testicular germ cell tumours, four had spermatozoa in their testicular tissues. Sertoli cell-only syndrome was found in one patient, and one patient showed maturation arrest without the detection of spermatozoa. Three of six showed seminomatous germ cell tumour, two of six had nonseminomatous germ cell tumour and one patient showed no malignancy. Two patients achieved clinical pregnancy. Fertility challenges in men with cancer are the most straightforward because of the relative ease of obtaining and cryopreserving sperm. Testicular sperm extraction is a useful technique for obtaining spermatozoa before cytotoxic therapy in azoospermic and very severely oligozoospermic cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN.: Immunohistological analysis of spinal glial cells and analysis of pain behavior in the rat neuropathic pain model were investigated to clarify the function of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-[alpha] receptors p55 type 1 and p75 type 2. OBJECTIVE.: Our objective was to investigate changes in hyperalgesia and glial cell activation after injection of antibodies to each TNF receptor in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Recent research has revealed that activation of spinal glia plays an important role in radicular and neuropathic pain. TNF-[alpha] is reportedly a modulator for glial cell activation; however, the precise relationship between TNF-[alpha] and its 2 receptors on glial cells has not been fully delineated. METHODS.: Chronic constriction sciatic nerve injury and sham-operated rats were used. Antibodies to p55 or p75 or saline were intrathecally injected at the L5 level into rats with chronic constriction injury. Mechanical allodynia was examined for 2 weeks. Spinal cords were removed for immunohistochemical studies of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 or glial fibrillary acidic protein. RESULTS.: Saline rats showed significantly more mechanical allodynia and the number of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-immunoreactive microglia and glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactive astrocytes were significantly increased in the saline rats compared with sham-operated rats during the 2 weeks. Injection of both antibodies significantly reduced pain behavior and anti-p55 caused significantly greater reduction compared with anti-p75. The numbers of microglia in both the antibodies groups were significantly decreased when compared with the saline group. In addition, the anti-p55 antibody suppressed microglial activation more than the anti-p75 antibody. CONCLUSION.: These results indicate that the microglial TNF-[alpha] p55 pathway played a more important role than the TNF-[alpha] p75 pathway in the pathogenesis of peripheral nerve injury pain. This suggests that future studies seeking to clarify neuropathic pain should target TNF-[alpha] and p55 receptors in microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A performance test has been made for an electro-magnetic calorimeter prototype comprised four identical BSO crystals arranged in a 2×2 matrix by utilizing a positron beam in the energy range from 100 to 800MeV. The size of each crystal is 40×40×210mm3. This is the world''s largest BSO single crystal ever used as a photon detector. The obtained energy resolution is at room temperature, where E is the incident positron energy given in GeV. A BGO calorimeter having the same geometry has been employed in the performance test for comparison. The basic scintillation characteristics of BSO crystals measured without the beam are also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When a red blood cell (RBC) is subjected to an external flow, it is deformed by the hydrodynamic forces acting on its membrane. The resulting elastic tensions in the membrane play a key role in rnechanotransduction and govern its rupture in the case of hemolysis. In this study, we analyze the motion and deformation of an RBC in a simple shear flow and the resulting elastic tensions on the membrane. The large deformation of the red blood cell is modelled by coupling a finite element method to solve the membrane mechanics and a boundary element method to solve the flows of the internal and external liquids. Depending on the capillary number Ca, ratio of the viscous to elastic forces, we observe three kinds of RBC motion: tumbling at low Ca, swinging at larger Ca, and breathing at the transitions. In the swinging regime, the region of the high principal tensions periodically oscillates, whereas that of the high isotropic tensions is almost unchanged. Due to the strain-hardening property of the membrane, the deformation is limited but the membrane tension increases monotonically with the capillary number. We have quantitatively compared our numerical results with former experimental results. It indicates that a membrane isotropic tension O(10-6 N/m) is high enough for molecular release from RBCs and that the typical maximum membrane principal tension for haemolysis would be O(10-4 N/m). These findings are useful to clarify not only the membrane rupture but also the rnechanotransduction of RBCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN.: Animal model of intravertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. OBJECTIVE.: To examine production of inflammatory mediators in IVDs and neuropeptides in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) in rat models of IVD compression and injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Sensory nerve fibers in IVDs and inflammatory mediator responses have been verified in animal models of IVD injury. However, the IVD injury in animals incompletely models degenerated human IVDs causing discogenic low back pain, because human IVDs are also subject to compression. METHODS.: Experimental groups (controls, IVD injury, IVD compression, and their combination) of Sprague Dawley rats were prepared. Fluoro-Gold (FG; Fluorochrome, Denver, CO) was applied into coccygeal IVDs. Inflammatory mediators in IVDs, including nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor [alpha], interleukin 1[beta], and interleukin 6, were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. DRGs were immunostained for calcitonin gene-related peptide, activating transcription factor 3, and growth-associated phosphoprotein 43. RESULTS.: The upregulation of inflammatory mediators was transient in the IVD injury group but delayed and long-lasting in the IVD compression group. When the IVD injury and compression were combined, the upregulation of inflammatory mediators was long-lasting through 8 weeks. The proportion of calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive neurons among Fluoro-Gold-labeled neurons remained significantly higher in the IVD injury, compression, and combination groups than in the controls. In contrast, increases in the proportions of activating transcription factor 3-immunoreactive or growth-associated phosphoprotein 43-immunoreactive neurons in the IVD injury group animals were transient but long-lasting in the compression and combination groups compared with controls. CONCLUSION.: Disc injury in rats produces persistent increases in neuropeptides in DRGs but only transient increases in inflammatory mediators in IVDs. On the contrary, disc compression in rats produces a long-lasting increase in inflammatory mediators in IVDs and neuropeptides in DRGs. Moreover, disc compression induces persistent nerve injury and regeneration of the afferent fibers innervating IVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured the thermal conductivity of spinel MnV²204 and Al-doped samples with an applied magnetic field, and they exhibited orbital and spin ordering at low temperatures. We found that the thermal resistivity (reciprocal thermal conductivity) in the orbital-disordered phase is enhanced when the system approaches the critical point of the orbital ordering under the variation of both temperature and magnetic field, but it is suppressed when it crosses the critical point and goes into the orbital-ordered phase. This result indicates that the thermal conductivity of these compounds is dominated by the fluctuation of V t2g orbitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The average numbers of scintillation photons and liberated electrons produced by 5.49-MeV were measured in high-density gaseous xenon. The density range is 0.12–1.32g/cm3 for scintillation measurements at zero electric field, and 0.12–1.03g/cm3 for the scintillation and ionization measurements under various electric fields. The density dependence of scintillation yield at zero electric field was observed. The , which is defined as the average energy expended per photon, increases with density and becomes almost constant in the density range above 1.0g/cm3. Anti-correlations between average numbers of scintillation photons and liberated electrons were found to vary with density. It was also found that the total number of scintillation photons and liberated electrons decreases with increasing density. Several possible reasons for the variation in scintillation and ionization yields with density are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: KIAA2022 has been implicated as a gene responsible for expressing X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) proteins in humans. However, the functional role of KIAA2022 in the human brain remains unclear. Here, we revealed that depletion of Kiaa2022 inhibits neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, indicating that the gene participates in neurite extension. Thus, we termed Kiaa2022 as an XLMR protein related to neurite extension (Xpn). Using the mouse brain as a model and ontogenetic analysis of Xpn by real-time PCR, we clearly demonstrated that Xpn is expressed transiently during the late embryonic and perinatal stages. In situ hybridization histochemistry further revealed that Xpn-expressing neurons could be categorized ontogenetically into three types. The first type showed transient expression of Xpn during development. The second type maximally expressed Xpn during the late embryonic or perinatal stage. Thereafter, Xpn expression in this type of neuron decreased gradually throughout development. Nevertheless, a significant level of Xpn expression was detected even into adulthood. The third type of neurons initiated expression of Xpn during the embryonic stage, and continued to express the gene throughout the remaining developmental stages. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Xpn was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm throughout brain development. Our findings indicate that Xpn may participate in neural circuit formation during developmental stages via nuclear and cytoplasmic Xpn. Moreover, disturbances of this neuronal circuit formation may play a role in the pathogenesis of mental retardation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite the importance of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in the formation of mineralized tissue, including dentinogenesis and osteogenesis, its precise role in cementogenesis remains to be clarified fully. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the ultrastructural immunolocalization of DMP1 in monkey molar tooth cementum. Japanese Macaca fuscata monkeys were fixed by perfusion. The upper molar teeth and accompanying periodontium then were dissected and demineralized with EDTA. Cryosections were obtained, incubated in anti-DMP1 polyclonal antibody, and processed by immunoperoxidase and immunogold labeling. Intense immunoperoxidase staining for DMP1 was observed in acellular extrinsic fiber cementum, particularly in Sharpey's fibers. Cementocyte lacunae with canaliculi showed DMP1 staining in the apical region of the tooth root. Electron immunomicroscopy revealed the close proximity of DMP1 to collagen fibrils in Sharpey's fibers at the mineralization front. Intense immunogold labeling was localized on the walls of the cementocyte lacunae in cellular cementum. These results should contribute to better understanding of the role of DMP1, not only in Sharpey's fiber biomineralization, but also in the maintenance of the cementocyte lacunar space in cementum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aqueous extract of Plinia edulis leaves (AEP) was evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant potential and cytotoxicity to MCF-7 cells, a human breast adenocarcinoma cell-line that express the estrogen receptor α (ER+). AEP exhibited total antioxidant capacity (324.20±3.14mg/g) and strong scavenging activity on DPPH free radical, with maximum effect at 20μg/mL. AEP and cyclophosphamide (cytotoxic agent) treatment for 24 and 48h decreased the cell protein content, as compared to control cells. Morphological analysis, after hematoxylin–eosin staining of cells, showed changes such as cell rounding-up, shrinkage, nuclear condensation and reduction of colony and cell diameter (p<0.01), thereby indicating that AEP is cytotoxic to MCF-7 cells. AEP treatment also induced cell death, with a maximum effect at 5μg/mL, and its mechanism of action seems to include the induction of apoptosis, as a DNA ladder-pattern was obtained in the DNA analysis. Oxidative stress is supposed to play an important role in cancer initiation and progression. Considering that AEP showed to be antioxidant and cytotoxic, the extract seems to be a chemopreventive agent and a good candidate for antineoplastic drug development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Radon and thoron concentration in the outdoor environment are affected by the magnitude of the exhalation rate that can vary diurnally and seasonally. This paper presents measurement results of radon and thoron exhalation rates and gamma-ray dose rate in different season at same location points in Gunma Prefecture Japan. Exhalation rates were measured by the MSZ instrument which is based on the accumulation method. Three measurement points Katashina Village, Midori City and Takasaki City were selected for measurement. Soil water saturation and soil temperature were measured to investigate their relationship with exhalation rate. The diurnal variation of exhalation rate may be correlated with soil temperature but no clear relationship was found between them. The gamma-ray dose rate do not vary significantly at the same places even in different season. The average radon exhalation rates were 11 ± 2, 2 ± 1, 5 ± 3 and 11 ± 4 mBq m s for spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Those for thoron were 1,100 ± 100, 120 ± 30, 250 ± 80 and 860 ± 140 mBq m s. Thus there was a variation of radon and thoron exhalation rate with different seasons. The radon and thoron exhalation rates in the summer and autumn surveys are higher than those in the spring and winter surveys which were affected by rainfall. It indicates that water saturation is an influential factor for radon and thoron exhalation rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Age composition, growth, and reproductive biology of the non-native Indian glassy fish Parambassis ranga (Hamilton, 1822) were surveyed in the Haebaru Reservoir on Okinawa-jima Island, southern Japan. Standard lengths (SLs) of males and females ranged from 19.7 to 44.0 mm and from 19.2 to 52.4 mm, respectively. The overall sex ratio was significantly female-biased, with the monthly percentage of females ranging from 71.4 to 100.0. Marginal growth analysis of sectioned otoliths revealed opaque zones formed annually from November to May. Observed age ranged from 0 to 3 years for both sexes, although the 1-year age class comprised the majority of the sampled population. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 48.8 mm (SL), K = 0.43 year−1, and t0 = −1.47 years for males, and L∞ = 43.7 mm, K =0.72 year−1, and t0 = −1.29 years for females. Length at 50% maturity was estimated to be 25.8 mm SL, and maturation was within 1 year after hatching. The main spawning season of P. ranga was estimated to occur from February to October, peaking in April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]