Search

The seasonal features of the eastward jet through the Tsugaru Strait was investigated using surface velocity data between 2014 and 2019 obtained from high‐frequency radar located in the eastern part of the strait, as well as data obtained from repeated shipboard observations from 2009 to 2019. The potential‐vorticity‐front‐model was used, and the volume transport of low potential vorticity (PV) water and the intensity of the PV gap at the front in the eastern part of the strait were estimated from these data. The influence of these parameters on the seasonal flow pattern of the Tsugaru Warm Current out to the Pacific Ocean (the summer/autumn "gyre mode" or winter/spring "coastal mode") was examined. The distribution of the parameters was consistent with the theoretical understanding, showing that in addition to the volume transport, an increase in the local PV gap can also contribute to the development of the gyre. Plain Language Summary: The Tsugaru Warm Current forms part of the coastal flow around Japan and shows remarkable seasonal changes in its flow pattern, which are similar to the Kuroshio meandering. The current flows along the coast from winter to spring, but demonstrates large anticyclonic meandering in the offshore direction, known as "gyre mode," from summer to autumn. The cause of this change in the flow pattern has been thought to be the seasonal change in volume transport. In this study, we used high‐resolution temporal and spatial data obtained from a high‐frequency radar system, as well as shipboard hydrographic data collected over a period of 10 years, combined with a theory based on the relationship between coastal waves and offshore jets with fronts to identify another important factor that affects the seasonal flow pattern of the current, namely, "potential vorticity." This study is important because it helps our knowledge of the behavior of fluids flowing out of channels and straits as well as that in relation to the connection between local phenomena and larger phenomena. Key Points: Observational verification of the seasonal flow pattern theory of the Tsugaru Warm Current based on velocity data from high‐frequency radarImportance of potential vorticity gap at the front recognized as well as the volume transport of the current on the flow pattern changeIntegration and improvement of our understanding about the behavior of fluids flowing out from channels and straits [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the electromigration-induced void growth in bamboo structures. Electromigration accelerated testing structure for bamboo-structured aluminum lines; Changes in electrical resistance for bamboo-structured aluminum line; Description of scanning electron microscope photographs of segments in bamboo-structured aluminum line.

Investigates the preparation and properties of the dc reactively sputtered tungsten oxide films in relation to the oxygen concentration in sputtering atmosphere. Preparation of the tungsten oxide films; Methodology of the study; Discussion on the results of the study.

Presents a study which investigated the physical and electrochemical coloration characteristics of tungsten oxide films radio frequency sputtered from a compressed powder tungsten oxygen[sub 3] target. Experiment; Results; Discussion.

Fouling is one of the most significant problems in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Membranes must be washed with chemicals at appropriate times before severe fouling occurs. Long-term transmembrane pressure (TMP) prediction is attempted to plan the schedule for chemical cleaning. TMP is directly proportional to membrane resistance caused by fouling under the condition of constant-rate filtration. Statistical models have previously been used to predict TMP from operating parameters in MBRs. However, TMP predictions are difficult when operating conditions or water quality varies. We therefore propose to introduce adaptation and selection mechanisms to statistical models. Multiple TMP prediction models are updated with new measurements and a target model is selected, based on the predictive ability of the models, for long-term TMP prediction. Through case studies using two data sets obtained from actual MBRs, we confirmed that the performance of long-term TMP prediction was improved by using the proposed method because the models can adapt appropriately to changes in operating conditions or water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The O2-releasing reaction under the air with the reactive ceramics of CeO2–ZrO2 oxides which can be applied to solar hydrogen production via a two-step water splitting cycle using concentrated solar thermal energy was investigated. CeO2–ZrO2 oxides were synthesized by polymerized complex method at different Ce:Zr molar ratio. The solid solubility of ZrO2 in fluorite structure of CeO2 was in good agreement with the initial content of Zr ions at the preparation in CeO2–ZrO2 oxide. The O2-releasing reaction in air with CeO2–ZrO2 oxides was studied. Different solid solubility (0%,10%,20%,30%) of ZrO2 in CeO2 were examined. The amount of O2 gas evolved in the reaction with Ce1− x Zr x O2 (0⩽ x ⩽0.3) solid solutions was more than that with CeO2, and the largest yield of 2.9cm3/g was exhibited at x =0.2 (Ce0.8Zr0.2O2) for an O2 release at 1500°C in air. The reduced cerium ion in Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 was about 11%, which is seven times higher than that with CeO2. The optical absorption and luminescence spectra of the CeO2–ZrO2 oxide obtained before and after the O2-releasing reaction suggest that the reduction of Ce4+ with formation of oxygen defect in the air. The enhancement of the O2-releasing reaction with CeO2–ZrO2 oxide is found to be caused by an introduction of Zr4+, which has smaller ionic radius than Ce3+ or Ce4+, in the fluorite structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It is anticipated that the utilization of spermatogonia through testicular xenografting will open new avenues for the conservation of male gametes. With the aim of establishing this new technique for genetic preservation of pigs, we used it in combination with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Testicular tissues derived from neonatal piglets, which contained seminiferous cords consisting of only gonocytes/spermatogonia, were transplanted under the back skin of castrated nude mice. Between 125 and 192 d after xenografting, sperm (morphologically similar to epididymal sperm) were recovered from 41 of the 65 host mice (63.1%). Testicular spermatozoa from adult boars were used as a positive control. A single spermatozoon was injected into an in vitro matured porcine oocyte, and the oocytes were electro-stimulated and cultured (graft-ICSI and testis-ICSI, respectively). Blastocyst rates in both ICSI groups (24.9% and 37.4%, respectively) were higher (P <0.05) than those without the injection procedure (parthenogenetic; 12.7%) and after injection of a small amount of injection buffer (sham; 13.0%). Rates of diploid blastocysts in both graft-ICSI and testis-ICSI groups (48.9% and 60.6%) were higher (P <0.05) than those in the parthenogenetic and sham groups (13.5% and 28.0%). Therefore, we demonstrated that porcine oocytes injected with xenogeneic sperm have in vitro developmental ability to the blastocyst stage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The redox reaction of Ce4+–Ce3+ promoted by the catalytic function of nickel ions in a (1−x)CeO2–xNiO solid solution was investigated for solar H2 production by the two-step water-splitting reaction. By irradiation using an infrared imaging lamp as a solar simulator, the O2-releasing reaction with (1−x)CeO2–xNiO solid solution proceeded at 1673–1873K, and its reduced form was produced. The amounts of H2 gas evolved by the reduced form were 1.2–2.5cm3/g and the evolved gases amounts ratio of H2/O2 was nearly 2, which is equal to the stoichiometric value of the water-splitting reaction (H2O=H2+1/2O2). The maximum amounts of evolved H2 and O2 gases were obtained at the Ce:Ni mole ratio of 0.95:0.05 (x=0.05) in the (1−x)CeO2–xNiO system. The X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurement showed that the O2-releasing and H2-generation reactions with (1−x)CeO2–xNiO solid solution were repeatable with the redox system of Ce4+–Ce3+, which was enhanced by the catalytic function of Ni2+–Ni0. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reactive ceramics are investigated for potential use in a rotary-type solar reactor. The two-step water-splitting process, which consists of O2-releasing (MOoxidized=MOreduced+1/2O2) and H2-generation (MOreduced+H2O(g)=MOoxidized+H2) reactions with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-iron oxide solid solutions prepared by co-precipitation and solid-state reaction, is examined at temperatures of 1623K for O2 release and 1273K for H2 generation. The YSZ-iron oxide solid solutions with a single phase are obtained at mole ratios lower than 15% and 20% of iron ions to total cations (Fe3+, Zr4+, Y3+) by co-precipitation and the solid-state reaction, respectively. The two-step water-splitting process using YSZ-iron oxide solid solutions prepared by both preparation methods are repeated successfully. The amount of O2 gas evolved per weight of the sample (ml/g) is observed to increase with the iron content of the YSZ-iron oxide solid solution because of the high reactivity of iron ions in the solid solution. The maximum amounts of H2 and O2 gases evolved in the two-step water-splitting process with the YSZ-iron oxide solid solution were 0.89 and 1.2ml/g, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The continuing evolution of a variety of laparoscopic instrument and device has been gradually applied to the laparoscopic hepatectomy in many countries. Recent experience has persuaded us that there are great potential benefits derived from laparoscopic hepatectomy and much has been learned about patient selection, the grade of surgical difficulty with respect to tumor location, and the required instrumentation. Among these efforts, various ways of hepatic parenchymal transection with mechanical devices have been attempted and continuing to innovate to perform safe laparoscopic hepatectomy Important technologic developments and improved endoscopic procedures are being established equipment modifications. For safe laparoscopic hepatectomy, it is important to have all necessary equipment. The intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasonography, microwave coagulators, ultrasonic dissection, argon beam coagulators, laparoscopic coagulation shears, endolinear staplers and TissueLink monopolar sealer are essential. This procedure is in need that well experienced endoscopic surgeon and well-experienced liver surgeon should be collaborated in laparoscopic hepatectomy and the indications are strictly followed based upon the location and size of tumors. Finally critical determinant for success and safe laparoscopic hepatectomy is through familiarity with the relevant laparoscopic instruments and equipments. Laparoscopic hepatectomy is expected to develop further in the future as a new surgical instrument, equipment and method, which improves patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Three major causative genes have been implicated as the cause of early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD): the amyloid precursor protein gene (APP), presenilin-1 (PSEN1) and PSEN2. Although rare, a tau-related dementia with mutations in the microtubule-associated protein tau gene (MAPT) has been identified in patients showing clinical presentations similar to those of AD. METHODS: We performed mutational analysis of APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, and MAPT in 10 Japanese families with early-onset dementia clinically diagnosed as probable Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS: In 4 index patients, we identified 4 missense PSEN1 mutations, namely, L286V, G378E, L381V, and L392V. The mean age at onset in the patients with PSEN1 mutations was 39 years. In 2 families, we found the R406W mutation in MAPT. The mean age at onset of the patients carrying the R406W mutation was 52 years, and they presented with the peculiar AD-like phenotype without apparent behavioral or language problems. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that although PSEN1 mutations are the most frequent cause, the MAPT R406W mutation is an important cause of early-onset familial dementia clinically diagnosed as AD. Differentiation of patients with the MAPT mutation from AD patients by genetic testing would be meaningful, considering that a different therapeutic approach should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild-type baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) infects a range of mammalian cell types in vitro but does not replicate in these cells. The current study investigated the in vivo effect of AcMNPV in the mouse model of liver cirrhosis induced by the mutagen dimethylnitrosamine. Intraperitoneal injection of AcMNPV induced an immune response. The baculovirus was taken up by the liver and spleen where it suppressed liver injury and fibrosis through the induction of interferons. This study presents the first evidence of the feasibility of using baculovirus to treat liver cirrhosis.Gene Therapy (2008) 15, 990–997; doi:10.1038/gt.2008.29; published online 27 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) has been used to study the electronic structure of the TiO film formed on a Ag(100) surface. The film was prepared by Ti deposition on Ag(100) at room temperature in an O2 atmosphere at 3.0×10−9 Torr and subsequent annealing at 600°C, and the film with the composition of TiO0.92 was obtained by this procedure. The conduction band and the valence band of the film are observed at 0–2eV and 4–8eV, respectively, and thus these bands are separated by a gap of about 2eV. Resonant photoemission spectroscopy measurements show that the hν-dependence of the conduction band intensity shows a resonant behavior characteristic of the Ti 3d states. The two-dimensional electronic structure of the states in the conduction band along the direction of Ag(100) are measured with ARPES, and it was found that the states show dispersions consistent with the (1×1) periodicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We measure the frequency dependences of complex heat flows for isothermally crystallized isotactic polypropylene (iPP) by the quasi-isothermal TMDSC. Regarding the quasi-isothermal melting processes as a kind of the single relaxation process, we analyze them by the Debye model. The resultant heat capacity of iPP is larger (about 11%) than usual thermodynamic heat capacity. We also found that the excess of the heat capacity, C p (excess), has non-monotonous temperature dependence. A simple model introducing some kinetic modes into amorphous producing after and during temperature modulation can reproduce the temperature dependence of C p (excess) very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CeO2– xFe2O3 ( x = 0.026–0.214) solid solutions with different Ce:Fe mole ratios (Ce:Fe = 9.5:0.5–7.0:3.0) were prepared as reactive ceramics with the combustion method for solar hydrogen production. The prepared CeO2– xFe2O3 solid solutions were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, ICP atomic emission spectrometry, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Two-step water-splitting reaction with the CeO2– xFe2O3 solid solution proceeded at 1,673 K for the O2-releasing reaction and at 1,273 K for the H2-generation reaction by irradiation of an infrared imaging lamp as a solar simulator. The amounts of H2 gas evolved in the H2-generation reaction with CeO2– xFe2O3 solid solutions were 0.97–1.8 cm3/g, the evolved H2/O2 ratio was approximately equal to 2 of the stoichiometric value. The amounts of H2 and O2 gases were independent of the Ce:Fe mole ratio in the CeO2– xFe2O3 solid solution. It was suggested that the O2-releasing and H2-generation reactions with the CeO2– xFe2O3 solid solution were repeated with the reduction and oxidation of Ce4+–Ce3+ enhanced by the presence of Fe3+–Fe2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined RANKL expression and OCL formation in cultured bone marrow cells from eight postmenopausal women in response to E2. E2 treatment inhibited the ability of hematopoietic cells to form OCLs in response to RANKL, and decreased RANKL production. These changes are likely involved in the ability of E2 to influence the development of osteoporosis. Estrogen (E2) deficiency at menopause increases osteoclast (OCL) formation and bone resorption, predisposing women to osteoporosis. We examined receptor activator of NF-kappa B-ligand (RANKL) expression and in vitro OCL formation in cultured bone marrow cells from eight postmenopausal women before and after 3 weeks of E2 therapy and three untreated premenopausal women. TRAP staining and resorption pit assay determined OCL number and function. Flow cytometry measured the distribution of marrow cell types and expression of RANKL in the macrophage-enriched fraction (R1) and a lymphocyte-enriched fraction (R2). RANKL (3–100 ng/ml) produced a dose-dependent increase in in vitro OC formation and E2 therapy significantly ( p < 0.01) inhibited OCL formation by 33 to 50%. A small proportion of marrow cells bound anti- RANKL Ab (0.2–4.3%). There was no effect of E2 on the percentage of cells binding the anti-RANKL Ab in the R1 fraction. In the R2 fraction E2 treatment decreased the percentage of cells binding anti-RANKL Ab by 68 ± 9% ( p < 0.01). Three weeks of E2 treatment had a dual action. It inhibited the ability of hematopoietic cells to form OCLs in response to RANKL, and decreased the production of RANKL in cells of the bone marrow. The observed changes in the osteoclastic potential of bone marrow cells are likely involved in the ability of E2 to regulate bone mass and influence the development of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The proteolytic cleavage of a precursor protein into α- and β-subunits by furin is required to form functional insulin receptor (IR). In this study, we examined if IR undergoes the additional presenilin (PS)/γ-secretase-dependent processing. In cells treated with γ-secretase inhibitors or expressing the dominant-negative PS1 variant led to the accumulation of an endogenous IR C-terminal fragment. In the presence of proteasome inhibitors, we detected a PS/γ-secretase cleavage product of the IR, termed the IR intracellular domain (ICD). Cellular fractionation and confocal microscopy analyses showed that the IR-ICD is predominantly detected in the nucleus. These data indicate that IR is a tyrosine kinase receptor, which undergoes PS/γ-secretase-dependent processing. We also show that the autophosphorylation levels of the IR β-subunit upon insulin stimulation were decreased by the inactivation of PS/γ-secretase, raising the possibility that the PS/γ-secretase proteolysis of IR may play a modulatory role in insulin signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The addition of MO x (M: di- or tri-valent transition metal ion) into cerium dioxide (CeO2) enhanced the ability of CeO2 for the oxygen (O2)-releasing reaction at lower temperature and swift hydrogen (H2)-generation reaction. CeO2–MO x (M=Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu) reactive ceramics having high melting points were synthesized with the combustion method from their nitrates for solar H2 production. The prepared CeO2–MO x samples were solid solutions between CeO2 and MO x with the fluorite structure through the X-ray diffractometry measurement. Two-step water-splitting reactions with CeO2–MO x reactive ceramics proceeded at 1573–1773K for the O2-releasing step and at 1273K for the H2-generation step by irradiation of infrared image furnace as a solar simulator. The amounts of O2 evolved in the O2-releasing reaction with CeO2–MO x increased with an increase in the reaction temperature. The amounts of H2 evolved in the H2-generation reaction with CeO2–MO x systems except for M=Cu were more than that of CeO2 system after the O2-releasing reaction at the temperatures of 1673 and 1773K. The amounts of H2 evolved in the H2-generation reaction with CeO2–MnO and CeO2–NiO systems were more than those of CeO2–Fe2O3, CeO2–CuO and CeO2 systems after the O2-releasing reaction at the temperature of 1573K. The amounts of evolved H2 after the O2-releasing reaction at the temperature of 1773K in cm3 per gram of CeO2–MO x were 0.975–3.77cm3/g. The O2-releasing reaction at 1673K and H2-generation reaction at 1273K with CeO2–Fe2O3 proceeded with repetition of 4 times stoichiometrically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The involvement of bacterial translocation in small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injuries and the efficacy of using anti-CINC antibodies for treatment were investigated. A model for ischemia-reperfusion injury of the small intestine was constructed by clamping the supramesenteric artery (for 90 min) in rats. Anti-CINC antibodies and saline were given just before the induction of ischemia in the treatment group and the control group, respectively. Six hours after reperfusion, bacteria were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes, but the ‘bacteria-positive’ rate was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group. Bacterial cultures and endotoxins in the blood were negative in both groups up to 24 h later. The plasma cytokine levels showed similar variations, although the increases were significantly lower after reperfusion in the treatment group. In addition, the degrees of neutrophil infiltration and mucosal injury were attenuated in the small intestine, and the structure of the liver was maintained. Furthermore, the 1-week survival was improved. These results suggest that bacterial translocation occurred predominantly via the lymphatic system and that anti-CINC antibody treatment exerted a protective effect against small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Titanium oxide films grown on Ag(100) have been investigated with low-energy electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. As Ti is deposited on Ag(100) at room temperature in an O2 atmosphere at 10−5–10−7 Torr, a disordered TiO2-like film is formed. As the surface is subsequently heated at 600 ∘C, though the composition of the film is nearly unchanged, the film changes into an ordered film with (5×1) periodicity [(5×1) TiO2 film]. On the other hand, as Ti is deposited in O2 at 5.0×10−9–1.0×10−8 Torr, a disordered TiO-like film is formed. As the surface is subsequently heated at 600 ∘C, the composition of the film is nearly unchanged and the film changes into an ordered film with (1×1) periodicity [(1×1) TiO film]. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that the (1×1) TiO film has an electronic state around the Fermi level, and the state is ascribed to a partially filled Ti 3d state which has been theoretically expected to exist in a TiO crystal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The solar H2 generation with the oxygen deficiency of Al–Cu ferrite (, ) has been studied for application to conversion of solar thermal energy to chemical energy of H2. The Al–Cu ferrite was newly synthesized with different Al:Cu:Fe mole ratios from the co-precipitate of their nitrates. The Al–Cu ferrite (Al:Cu:Fe mole ratios = 0.43:0.43:2.14) prepared at 1473K was the single phase of the spinel type compound. The cyclic two-step water splitting reactions (O2 releasing and H2 generation reactions) using the Al–Cu ferrite (Al:Cu:Fe0.43:0.43:2.14) gave the O2 and H2 yields of 1.6 and 0.37%, respectively. In the O2 releasing reaction, the Al–Cu ferrite changes to the oxygen deficient form of spinel structure. The temperature of the O2 releasing reaction with Al–Cu ferrite was lowered by ca. 100K than those of Zn ferrite and Ni ferrite systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polypropylene- block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PP- b-PMMA) and Polypropylene- block-poly( N-isopropylacryramide) (PP- b-PNIPAAm) block copolymers were successfully synthesized by radical polymerizations of MMA or NIPAAm with polypropylene (PP) macroinitiators. Polypropylene macroinitiators were prepared by a series of end functionalization of pyrolysis PP via hydroalumination, oxidation and esterification reactions. The PP macroinitiators thus obtained could initiate radical polymerizations of MMA or NIPAAm by using transition metal catalyst systems, and 1H NMR analysis and gel permeation chromatography measurement confirmed the formation of PP- b-PMMA and PP- b-PNIPAAm block copolymers. In addition, the length of the incorporated PMMA or PNIPAAm segments in these block copolymers was controllable by the feed ratio between the monomer and the PP macroinitiator, and their molecular weights were estimated to be 35700 and 68700 (PMMA) and 1760 and 13300 (PNIPAAm), respectively. Transmission electron microscopy of the polymers obtained by NIPAAm polymerization revealed specific morphological features that reflected the difference of PNIPAAm segment length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) is an inherited immunodeficiency that is caused by a block in early B-cell differentiation. Whereas early B precursors in the bone marrow are present in substantial numbers, XLA-affected individuals have dramatically reduced numbers of circulating mature B cells, plasma cells and immunoglobulins of all isotypes. We report on a Japanese family with 3 XLA patients, in whom the serum immunoglobulin levels and number of B cells showed a significant difference among them in spite of harbouring the same splice donor site mutation in the BTK gene. We developed concise method for detection of this mutation, which is helpful for discovering the carrier. Patient 2 showed a significant serum immunoglobulin levels of all isotypes, including allergen-specific IgE. Expression of a normal and truncated size BTK gene was detected in patient 2′s peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Expression of BTK protein was also detected in some B cells. These results suggest that the leaky phenotype in patient 2 was caused in part by the expression of a normal BTK gene transcript. The increased frequency of infection with age expanded the number of B cells with normal BTK gene expression and produced the serum immunoglobulin, including IgE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective IgA deficiency is the most common form of primary immunodeficiency, the molecular basis of which is unknown. To investigate the cause of selective IgA deficiency, we examined what stage of B-cell differentiation was blocked. DNA and RNA were extracted from three Japanese patients with selective IgA deficiency and three with a partial IgA deficiency. In selective IgA deficiency patients, I α germline transcript expression levels decreased and α circle transcripts were not detected. Stimulation with PMA and TGF- β1 up-regulated I α germline and α circle transcripts. In some patients, IgA secretion was induced by stimulation with anti-CD40, IL-4 and IL-10. In partial IgA deficiency patients, I α germline, α circle transcripts and C α mature transcripts were detected in the absence of stimulation. Our findings suggest that the decreased expression level of I α germline transcripts before a class switch might be critical for the pathogenesis of some patients with selective IgA deficiency. However, in patients with a partial IgA deficiency, B-cell differentiation might be disturbed after a class switch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The O2 generation step in two-step water splitting with Zn-ferrite/Zn, Fe3O4 system was studied with a stainless steel reactor having a window of quartz glass plate (Sandwich Reactor) using the 15 kW solar dish concentrator in Australian National University. The reactant flat layer with a small thickness in the Sandwich Reactor was assumed to simulate the flow section of the particle cloud reactor. The temperature of the sample attained 1750 K in a few minutes by concentrated solar radiation, and 40% molar of the Zn-ferrite was decomposed into Fe3O4 to produce Zn0.4Fe2.6O4, which is the solid solution between ZnFe2O4 and Fe3O4. The laboratory experiment with the Xe beam irradiation showed that the Zn-ferrite decomposition reaction proceeds according to 3/2ZnFe2O4=3/2ZnFe2O4=3/2Zn + Fe3O4 + O2. In the solar furnace experiment, the metal Zn vapor produced according to this equation seems to be deposited on the surface of the inner wall of the reactor, or it seems to recombine with the released O2, converting to ZnO under the condition without quenching system in the present experimental setup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody deficiency syndrome characterized by defective B-cell maturation and antibody formation resulting in low serum antibody levels of all immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes. To investigate the pathogenesis of CVID, we developed a set of competitive polymerase chain reaction for membrane-bound Ig heavy chain (mHC) mRNAs for IgM, IgG and IgA. Data on three children with CVID in group A of Bryant's classification were analysed. All the three mHC mRNA levels in Patient 1 were almost same as those in healthy controls. In Patient 2, mHC mRNA for IgM was detected at a level similar to that in controls, but mHC mRNAs for IgG and IgA heavy chains were not detected. In Patient 3, all the three mHC mRNAs were undetectable. Our data suggest that a different molecular basis exists in these patients with CVID even though all belong to group A of Bryant's classification. Use of our method facilitates a better understanding of molecular events in CVID patients and may be useful for precise classifications of CVID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open gradient magnetic separator using solenoid magnet was proposed. Simulation study was performed to investigate the basic separation characteristics of our separation method by analyzing the dynamic motion of magnetic particles. The simulation results show that the separation of ferromagnetic particles of several tens micrometer diameter is enough feasible. Separation experiment using a high-temperature superconducting magnet was performed to verify the validity of our method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

NKB1 inhibits cytoxic activity of T lymphocytes mediated by superantigens, which is one of the contributing factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we determined the expression of NKB1 on peripheral blood T cells in patients with RA. Our findings revealed that among patients with RA, NKB1+ CD8+ T cells decreased significantly in comparison to controls (ratio: #E5/E5# < 0.05; absolute number: #E5/E5# < 0.005), and this decrease was not related to or influenced by HLA-Bw4 as a ligand of NKB1. This result may suggest that decreased expression of NKB1+ CD8+ T cells contributes to the pathogenesis of RA mediated by the activation of CD8+ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold restraint stress (CRS) induced vagal-dependent corpus mucosal erosions with hemorrhage in rats. Aggressive factors such as gastric acid, pepsin, and high-amplitude contractions have been reported to be responsible for inducing the formation of gastric lesions. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) microinjected into the cisterna magna or the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) of the vagus induced similar vagally mediated gastric injuries as CRS, and both were prevented by immunoneutralization with TRH antibody injected centrally. These findings indicated that TRH action in the DMN may contribute to CRS-induced gastric mucosal lesions. However, either exogenous or endogenous TRH at a subthreshold dose, which did not increase gastric acid secretion, alleviated gastric injury induced by intragastric administration of a strong irritant in rats. Previous studies have shown that the vagus participates in adaptive cytoprotection. Vagotomy or intracisternal injection of TRH-antibody completely abolished the protective effect of a mild irritant pretreatment in rats. The number of c-Fos protein-positive cells in the DMN increased in the process of adaptive cytoprotection. These results suggest that vagal afferent nerves activated by a topical gastric irritant influence DMN activity by releasing endogenous TRH, leading to protection against injury induced by a subsequent strong irritant. The dual vagally mediated action of TRH in the medulla to regulate the gastric mucosa's response to injury reflects the balance between the aggressive (acid, pepsin, motility) and protective (prostaglandin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, nitric oxide) factors recruited by the level of vagal activation. These data indicate a crucial role of medullary TRH and gastric vagal efferent and afferent circuits in the modulation of gastric integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This article describes the operative procedures, varying difficulties, and required instrumentation for performing laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) on the basis of a lesion's extrahepatic growing (EG) index, as calculated by computed tomography (CT). Methods: Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy cases were divided into the following two groups: an EG tumor group (n = 11) and an intrahepatic tumor group (n = 8). The surgical procedures, operative results, and laparoscopic instrumentation for these two groups were compared based on the EG index (/cm2; maximum diameter of tumor pedicle/maximum vertical diameter of tumor/area of the tumor). Results: The mean operative time was significantly shorter and the mean blood loss was significantly less in the EG tumor group than in the intrahepatic tumor group. In addition, in the EG tumor group, there were significant differences in mean operative time and mean blood loss related to the values associated with the EG index (p <0.05, P <0.01). THE SELECTION OF LAPAROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS WAS BASED ON THE EG INDEX, AS FOLLOWS: (A) LESIONS WITH AN EG INDEX >5/cm2 underwent resection in combination with a microwave tissue coagulator and an ultrasonic surgical aspirator (13 cases, including intrahepatic tumor cases); (b) lesions with an EG index of 5–15/cm2 underwent resection in combination with a microwave tissue coagulator and laparosonic coagulating shears (four cases); (c) lesions with an EG index <%15/cm2 underwent resection with a laparoscopic linear stapler (two cases). Conclusion: Our preliminary experience leads us to believe that it is useful to calculate the EG index by CT scan before formulating the technical strategy for a subsequent LH procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a thermodynamic study based on the phase diagram of the Na[sub2]O-MnO-Fe[sub2]O[sub3] system for the production of hydrogen in water splitting. Background on hydrogen energy; Observation of sodium iron manganese oxides at a certain point of the phase diagram; Discussion on the phase where the oxides were observed.

This study was performed to determine whether human urinary soluble thrombomodulin plays a role in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Liver ischemia was induced in two groups of dogs. Group 1 was exposed to 60 min ischemia, and group 2 was exposed to 60 min ischemia after preischemic administration of human urinary soluble thrombomodulin. In group 1, the thrombin-antithrombin complex and hyaluronic acid were significantly elevated after ischemia, compared with the preischemic values. While liver issue blood flow and the plasmin-α[sub 2] -plasmin inhibitor complex significantly decreased, AST, ALT and m-AST dramatically increased after reperfusion. In group 2, the increase in the thrombin-antithrombin complex and hyaluronic acid was significantly suppressed, and AST, ALT and liver tissue blood flow significantly improved, compared with group 1. Histologically, in group 2, the hepatic tissue structure, including endothelial cells, was relatively intact. These findings suggest that administration of thrombomodulin inhibits endothelial cell injury and coagulopathy and offers protection from liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Studies using human liver microsomes and recombinant human cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) were performed to identify the enzymes responsible for the formation of zotepine metabolites in man. 2. Human liver microsomes produced four metabolites and a tentative order of importance was: norzotepine, 3-hydroxyzotepine, zotepine S-oxide and 2-hydroxyzotepine. Zotepine N-oxide was also detected, but it could not be quantified. 3. The rates of formation of the major metabolite, norzotepine, and zotepine S-oxide (at a substrate concentration of 20muM) were significantly correlated with the testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activities and CYP3A4 contents of the 12 different human liver microsomal samples. Inhibition studies with P450 enzyme selective inhibitors and anti-rat CYP3A2 antibodies also indicated a predominant role of CYP3A4 in the formation of norzotepine and zotepine S-oxide. Furafylline and sulphaphenazole inhibited the N-demethylation of zotepine by up to 30%. 4. Correlation and inhibition data for the 2- and 3-hydroxylation of zotepine were consistent with the predominant role of CYP1A2 and 2D6 in the formation of these metabolites, respectively. 5. Recombinant CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B6, 2C19, 3A4 and 3A5 efficiently catalysed N demethylation of zotepine. CYP1A1, 1A2, 2B6 and 3A4 were also active for S-oxidation. CYP1A2 and 2D6*1-Val374 efficiently produced 2-hydroxyzotepine and 3-hyroxyzotepine, respectively. Recombinant human FMO3 did not catalyse zotepine S-oxidation. 6. These results suggest that both the N-demethylation and S-oxidation of zotepine are mediated mainly by CYP3A4, and that CYP1A2 and 2D6 play an important role in the 2- and 3-hydroxylation of zotepine, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An absorption method of soft x ray is applied to Heliotron E plasmas for measurement of the electron temperature. Nitrogen gas is used as an absorber for convenience, owing to its accurate, uniform, and easily controllable density. The general feature of the absorption method for measurement of the electron temperature is discussed using a model with two parameters: the generalized thickness of the absorber and the electron temperature. The energy resolution of this method is not sufficient as a general method for spectral analysis. Hence, it is necessary to assume in advance such a model spectrum as consists of bremsstrahlung, recombination radiation, and impurity line radiation. Since the spectrum is always assumed before the analysis, we should try to find the origins of deformation of the energy spectrum and to correct the contribution. The effect of line emission from impurity ions to the estimated electron temperature is evaluated as a function of the electron temperature and the energy of the line relative to the generalized absorber thickness used in the measurement. An actual spectrum is measured by a pulse-height analysis (PHA) of the soft x ray. The one clear line, from chlorine, is not significant in the present determination of the electron temperature by the absorption method. Another possible line from iron at energy less than 1 keV is included in the analysis. Using a convenient method for determination of local emissivity from a chord-integrated emissivity, the electron temperature is determined from the local emissivity. The observed broad electron-temperature profile might be an artifact due to recombination radiation of the highly ionized ion diffused out of the hot core of the plasma. It is confirmed that the absorption method gives absolute measurement of the electron temperature at the plasma center, when additional information on impurity lines are given by PHA. The estimated temperature is consistent with the PHA measurement. The... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pulse-height-analysis (PHA) technique of soft x rays is applied to Heliotron E experiments. The primary interest of this measurement is the determination of the electron temperature. Since the number of photons measured in a PHA system is extremely restricted owing to a finite processing rate of the system, it is most important to use the full amount of information involved in the spectral data. The statistical estimator from the maximum-likelihood method is efficiently used for this purpose. The estimated temperature is in good coincidence with the temperature by the electron-cyclotron-emission measurement, which is calibrated by the laser Thomson scattering. A check of reliability of the estimated electron temperature is developed from a statistical test of goodness of fit. The identification of impurity lines buried in a thermal spectrum is also discussed in the spectra accumulated through several or several tens of plasma discharges. The line emissions from Si, Cl, Ca, and Ti are identified. A systematic error in the estimated temperature due to the impurity lines is evaluated. The contributions from Cl and Ti cannot be neglected in the temperature estimation from a spectrum accumulated through several currentless ECH plasmas in Heliotron E. A removal of those contributions to the temperature estimation is successfully demonstrated. The electron temperature with several percent uncertainty is obtained by PHA every 10 ms during a Heliotron E discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (gp120) is known to induce antigen-specific and non-specific CD4+ T cell anergy. We found that early T cell activation, as indicated by HLA-DP expression in the early G1 (G1A) phase of the cell cycle, and the inhibition of mitogen-mediated IL-2 production induced by gpl20, required TNF-α produced by gp120-stiniulated macrophages. In the presence of an antibody to TNF-α, these changes induced by gpl20 were inhibited, while recombinant TNF-α induced similar abnormalities of CD4+ T cells, even in the absence of gp120. On the other hand, inhibition of the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in CD4+ T cells by gp120, which may be related to gp120-mediated down regulation of CD4 expression on T cells and activation of protein tyrosine kinase p56kk in CD4+ T cells, was observed even in the absence of macrophage-derived TNF-α induced by gp 120. These observations indicate that both TNF-α-dependent and independent events contribute to gp120-mediated CD4+ T cell anergy, and TNF-α appears to play an important role in inducing CD4+ T cell anergy in HIV-1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD28 on T cells provides a potent costimulatory signal for T cell activation. Down-regulation of CD28 on peripheral T cells has been reported in certain clinical conditions, but full studies on the mechanism and biological significance have not been performed. Our extensive phenotype analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from SLE patients revealed that the absolute number of CD28+ T cells of both CD4 and CD8 phenotypes was selectively decreased, while that of CD28- T cells was maintained. CD28+ T cells from SLE patients exhibited mostly normal proliferative responses to both CD28-dependent and -independent stimulations. In contrast, CD28- T cells were hyporesponsive to anti-CD3 stimulation in both SLE and normal controls. These results implied that the selective decrease of CD28+ T cells in SLE does not result from a hyporesponsiveness of CD28+ T cells. To investigate the reason for the selective loss of CD28+ T cells, we determined the appearance of apoptotic cells in culture with or without anti-CD3 stimulation. Apoptotic cells defined by merocyanine(MC)540 were gradually increased from 12h to 24h. Anti-CD3-induced apoptosis of CD28+ T cells was significantly accelerated in SLE, whereas apoptosis of CD28- T cells was hardly detected in both SLE and normal controls. Comparative analysis between CD28+ and CD28- T cells on CD95 (Fas) and Bcl-2 expression, which are related to activation-induced cell death (AICD), did not show a major difference, although CTLA4, which has been demonstrated to transmit an apoptosis-inducing signal, was expressed only on CD28+ T cells. Our results suggest that CD28-mediated costimulation influences T cell susceptibility to AICD and may be involved in T cell lymphopenia in SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ammonia, one of the pathogenic factors in Helicobacter pylori-induced mucosal injury, induces acute mucosal lesions in the rat glandular stomach. Methods: The effect of ammonia administered intragastrically on gastric peptides was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Results: Gastric mucosal lesions were observed 5 min after 0.3% ammonia (4 ml/kg, intragastrically). Immunoreactive endothelin-1 (ET-1) and immunoreactive thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) concentrations in the gastric wall decreased significantly 2 min and 5 min after ammonia, respectively. A significant increase in gastric juice immunoreactive ET-1 and TRH levels was reciprocally observed. The severity of gastric mucosal injury and changes in gastric immunoreactive ET-1 and TRH concentrations were shown to be concentration-dependent 30 min after ammonia. Atropine (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, -20 min) prevented ammonia-induced injury accompanied by a block of changes in gastric immunorective ET-1 and TRH concentrations. BQ-485 (ETA receptor antagonist; 2 mg/kg, subcutaneously) also abolished ammonia-induced lesions and gastric immunoreactive TRH changes. Conclusions: These findings suggested that gastric ET-1 and TRH play a role in ammonia-induced gastric mucosal injury mediated via a muscarine and an ETA receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance characteristics of WO3 electrochemichromic cells have been studied in connection with the electrical resistance of transparent electrodes and a lumped resistor connected to the electrodes in series. The sheet resistance of transparent electrodes used and the resistance of lumped resistor used are in the range of 10–1250 Ω/[Laplacian_variant] and 10–2500 Ω, respectively. The thickness of the WO3 film is ∼2400 Å or ∼4300 Å, and the electrolyte is 1 N H2SO4 aqueous solution containing 10 vol % glycerol. The current pulse form and the change in optical transmittance of experimental cells under operation were observed, and the operating characteristics of electrochemichromic cells have been found to clearly depend on the sheet resistance of transparent electrodes and/or the resistance of a lumped resistor connected serially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We construct the molecular mass function using the bivariate K-band-mass function (BMF) of the Herschel Reference Survey (HRS), which is a volume-limited sample that has already been widely studied at the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Methods. The molecular mass function was derived from the K-band and the gas mass cumulative distribution using a copula method, which is described in detail in our previous papers. Results. The H2 mass is relatively strongly correlated with the K-band luminosity because of the tight relation between the stellar mass and the molecular gas mass within the sample with a scatter, which is likely due to those galaxies which have lost their molecular content because of environmental effects or because of a larger gas consumption due to past star formation processes. The derived H2 MF samples the molecular mass range from ∼4 × 106M⊙ to ∼1010 M⊙, and when compared with theoretical models, it agrees well with the theoretical predictions at the lower end of the mass values; whereas at masses larger than 1010 M⊙, the HRS sample may miss galaxies with a large content of molecular hydrogen and the outcomes are not conclusive. The value of the local density of the molecular gas mass inferred from our analysis is ∼1.5 × 107 M⊙ Mpc−3, and it is compared with the results at larger redshifts, confirming the lack of strong evolution for the molecular mass density between z = 0 and z = 4. Conclusions. This is the first molecular mass function that has been derived on a complete sample in the local Universe, which can be used as a reliable calibration at redshift z = 0 for models aiming to predict the evolution of the molecular mass density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study regarding the lymphocyte proliferative responses of recombinant P34 (rP34) in patients with soybean allergy. The study used purification and Detoxi-Gel, an endotoxin removal column to investigate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in allergic patients. Results showed that purification did not affect the immune responses to rP34 and that endotoxin-free rP34 induced the proliferation of lymphocytes from allergic patients.

Abstract: Aim: Lactate is produced in and released from skeletal muscle cells. Lactate receptor, G‐protein‐coupled receptor 81 (GPR81), is expressed in skeletal muscle cells. However, a physiological role of extracellular lactate on skeletal muscle is not fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate extracellular lactate‐associated morphological changes and intracellular signals in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Methods: Mouse myoblast C2C12 cells were differentiated for 5 days to form myotubes. Sodium lactate (lactate) or GPR81 agonist, 3,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,5‐DHBA), was administered to the differentiation medium. Results: Lactate administration increased the diameter of C2C12 myotubes in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of 3,5‐DHBA also increased myotube diameter. Not only lactate but also 3,5‐DHBA upregulated the phosphorylation level of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), p42/44 extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 (ERK1/2) and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK). MEK inhibitor U0126 depressed the phosphorylation of ERK‐p90RSK and increase in myotube diameter induced by lactate. On the other hand, both lactate and 3,5‐DHBA failed to induce significant responses in the phosphorylation level of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin, p70 S6 kinase and protein degradation‐related signals. Conclusion: These observations suggest that lactate‐associated increase in the diameter of C2C12 myotubes is induced via activation of GRP81‐mediated MEK/ERK pathway. Extracellular lactate might have a positive effect on skeletal muscle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that is characterized as a hematopoietic disorder. Medical conditions associated with MDS; Case of MDS harboring a CDKN2 gene mutation.

A correction is presented to the article "Development of high predictive soft sensor method and the application to industrial polymer processes" in a previous issue.