Search

Relativistic Runaway Electrons Avalanches (RREAs) development depends on the applied electric field and the environment's air density. This dependency controls the RREA exponential growth length scale. The RREA development affects the bremsstrahlung excess occurring due to the passage of charged particles through the thundercloud's electric fields, the gamma‐ray glow. We used Monte Carlo simulations to develop an empirical model showing the RREA behavior in a realistic atmospheric density profile. The new formulation shows how the density variation modulates the electron population under electric field strengths near the RREA electric field threshold. The model limits the initial RREA altitude range as a function of the electric field strength. The new model is valid between ∼0.6 and ∼18 km, covering the relevant heights to investigate the generation of ground‐detected gamma‐ray glows. Plain Language Summary: Thunderclouds are energy sources for trespassing charged particles from cosmic rays. This extra energy gain may induce electron avalanches, known as Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches (RREAs), resulting in an enhanced gamma‐ray flux via bremsstrahlung, the gamma‐ray glow. Recent studies relate this enhancement to electric field strengths close to the RREA requirement. The atmospheric density variations affect avalanche development by modifying the RREA requirement, resulting in isolated avalanches by imposing limits to the avalanche's initial altitude. We show how RREAs develop in a realistic atmospheric density profile. We present a modification on the characteristic avalanche length under this condition. The initial avalanche altitude is crucial because it completely modifies the density profile trespassed by a downward electron shower. Finally, we discuss the consequences of isolated RREAs for high‐energy emissions and show that the electric field strength constrains the possible initial altitudes for the gamma‐ray glow. Key Points: A new empirical model quantifies how electron avalanches vanish because of atmospheric density variations with ∼10% accuracyThe model limits the initial altitude of electron avalanche development for electric field strengths near the avalanche thresholdWe narrow the possible gamma‐ray glow source height range with the new model which is valid through ∼0.6–18 km [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter thunderstorms in Japan have been recognized as an ideal target to observe high‐energy atmospheric phenomena thanks to low‐charge‐center cloud structures. During four winter seasons in Japan (from 2016 October to 2020 March), seven downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) were detected by gamma‐ray and broadband low‐frequency (LF: 0.8–500 kHz) monitors. All the detected TGFs took place at the initial stage of lightning flashes. Based on the LF observation, the seven downward TGFs in the present study can be classified into two types: energetic‐bipolar and small‐bipolar types. Three of them are energetic‐bipolar events, coincident with a high peak‐current LF pulse that originates from a negative return stroke with a peak current larger than 100 kA. The others are small‐bipolar events, followed by a negative bipolar LF pulse with a moderate peak current. Three of the four small‐bipolar events are multi‐pulse TGFs, while all of the energetic‐bipolar events in this study are single‐pulse TGFs. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) are a transient high‐energy emission from lightning discharges. While a lot of upward TGFs have been detected by satellites, a few downward TGF have been detected by ground‐based experiments. Our detection network in Japan has detected seven downward TGFs in winter thunderstorms for 4 years. Lightning discharges associated with the downward TGFs were also monitored in the low‐frequency radio band. The low‐frequency pulses associated with the downward TGFs can be classified into two types. Correlation analysis of downward TGFs with gamma‐ray and low‐frequency observations is a powerful approach to reveal the production mechanism of TGFs. Key Points: Downward terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) in winter thunderstorms of Japan can be classified into two types based on low‐frequency (LF) observationsThree events were single‐pulse TGFs coincident with high peak‐current LF pulses of return strokesFour events were followed by moderate peak‐current LF pulses, and three of them are multi‐pulse TGFs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During three winter seasons from November 2016 to March 2019, 11 gamma‐ray glows were detected at a single observation site of our ground‐based gamma‐ray monitoring network in Kanazawa, Japan. These events are analyzed with observations of an X‐band radar network, a ceilometer, a disdrometer, and a weather monitor. All the detected glows were connected to convective high‐reflectivity regions of more than 35 dBZ, developed up to an altitude of >2 km. They were also accompanied by heavy precipitation of graupels. Therefore, graupels in the lower layer of thunderclouds that correspond to high‐reflectivity regions can form strong electric fields producing gamma‐ray glows. Also, these events are compared with a limited sample of nondetection cases, but no significant differences in meteorological conditions were found between detection and nondetection cases in the present study. Plain Language Summary: Strong electric fields inside thunderclouds can accelerate electrons to relativistic energies, and gamma‐ray photons from the accelerated electrons can be observed as minute‐lasting "gamma‐ray glows." During winter thunderstorms in Japan, we detected eleven gamma‐ray glows at sea level. The observations were combined with meteorological measurements such as atmospheric temperature, cloud bases, types of precipitation particles, and radar‐echo measurements. All the detected gamma‐ray glows were taking place during a passage of tall and well‐developed radar‐echo regions, and accompanied by heavy precipitation of graupel/hail pellets. The graupel/hail particles in the lower layer of thunderclouds could have contributed to gamma‐ray glows production. Key Points: Eleven gamma‐ray glows were observed during three winter seasons at a single observation site in JapanAll the detected gamma‐ray glows were associated with tall and well‐developed radar‐echo structures of thunderstormsGraupel pallets in the lower layer of thunderclouds could be related to downward electron acceleration for the gamma‐ray glows [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study conducted to estimate the ultimate performance of metal single-electron transistors. Theoretical background; Description of the experimental setup; Results.

Abstract: An on‐ground observation program for high‐energy atmospheric phenomena in winter thunderstorms along the Japan Sea has been performed via measurements of gamma ray radiation, atmospheric electric field, and low‐frequency radio band. On 11 February 2017, the radiation detectors recorded gamma ray emission lasting for 75 s, and then abruptly terminated with a nearby lightning discharge. The gamma ray spectrum extended up to 20 MeV and was reproduced by a cutoff power law model with a photon index of 1 . 3 6 − 0 . 04 + 0 . 03, being consistent with Bremsstrahlung radiation from a thundercloud (known as a gamma‐ray glow or a thunderstorm ground enhancement). The low‐frequency radio monitors, installed ∼50 km away from the gamma ray observation site recorded leader development of an intracloud/intercloud discharge spreading over ∼60 km area with a ∼300‐ms duration. The timing of the gamma ray termination coincided with the moment when the leader development of the intracloud/intercloud discharge passed 0.7 km horizontally away from the radiation monitors. The intracloud/intercloud discharge started ∼15 km away from the gamma ray observation site. Therefore, the glow was terminated by the leader development, while it did not trigger the lightning discharge in the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman images of carriers (positive polarons) at the channel of an ionic liquid-gated transistor (ILGT) fabricated with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) have been measured with excitation at 785 nm. The observed spectra indicate that carriers generated are positive polarons. The intensities of the 1415 cm −1 band attributed to polarons in the P3HT channel were plotted as Raman images; they showed the carrier density distribution. When the source–drain voltage V D is lower than the source–gate voltage V G (linear region), the carrier density was uniform. When V D is nearly equal to V G (saturation region), a negative carrier density gradient from the source electrode towards the drain electrode was observed. This carrier density distribution is associated with the observed current–voltage characteristics, which is not consistent with the “pinch-off” theory of inorganic semiconductor transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The Si resonator is applied for measuring the voltage in a highly isolated manner. The working principle is based on the resonant frequency shift caused by the electrical field from the electrode connected to the high-voltage source (supposing the battery). Here, the resonator is electrically floated, and its potential is decided by the relative position against the electrodes which are connected to the high voltage and the driving voltage. The induced voltage on the resonator is analyzed against the driving frequency. The resonance is found by the paired peaks in the amplitude curve. The setup for the electrical measurement can make the sensor system compact. A new sensor design for avoiding the electrical field concentration realizes the measurement over 400 V without the breakdown. This will match with the high-voltage dc power supply system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop the technique for the control of the crystal composition and properties such as size distribution and morphology utilizing the contact reaction field around the minute droplets in atmospheric pressure plasma, fine spherical particles of hydroxyapatite ((Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 ); HAp) were synthesized by a new plasma crystallization method. In this work, to elucidate the effects of the production region and crystal properties of hydroxyapatite for the liquid source composition, Ca 2+ concentration and the Ca/P molar ratio in minute droplets were varied. The following results were obtained: (1) fine spherical HAp particles can be produced by the introduction of minute droplets with the initial Ca 2+ concentration (( C Ca ) 0 ) of 0.50 mol/ l and the Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67. (2) When the ( C Ca ) 0 is set in the range higher than 1.00 mol/ l at the constant Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67, fine spherical particles of β-TCP and HAp mixture are crystallized. (3) For the Ca/P molar ratio below 1.67, α-TCP and HAp co-precipitated. (4) The composition of the produced particles depends on both the reactant concentration and Ca/P molar ratio in the HAp source solution. (5) The dependence of the reactant concentration on the average size of the produced HAp particles is large compared with droplet size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the role of retained austenite (γ) in improving the mechanical properties of 1.5 GPa-grade ultra-high strength (UHS) martensitic steels from in situ neutron diffraction experiments during tensile deformation. The UHS martensitic steel with retained γ of about 10% had a tensile strength (TS) of 1550 MPa and uniform elongation (U.El) of 6%. The 0.2% proof strength (YS) was smaller but better U.El was obtained with the same TS compared to the UHS martensite single microstructure steel. γ phase was judged from the phase strains to have higher strength than the tempered martensite of the matrix phase (α). However, from a detailed investigation using lattice strain, the yield behavior of γ and α phases were different due to the heat treatment at 573 K. The mechanical stability of γ varied widely and the carbon content of γ increased with increasing strain. Because the difference in phase stress between γ and deformation-induced martensite (α′) phases is small, the strength of α′ alone hardly affects the work hardening of UHS martensitic steels. The more γ transforms to α′ , the more effective it is for high TS and large U.El as a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife's role in the spread of antibiotic resistance has received insufficient attention. We report the first meta-analysis and systematic review in analyzing the prevalence of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in wildlife. Databases such as, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers and the results were reviewed by a third. Two reviewers independently assessed the study protocol using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for prevalence data. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 was used for the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used, publication bias was assessed using the Eggers test, funnel plot and the Trim-and-Fill method. Sources of heterogeneity were analyzed using the leave-one-out meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. Twenty-five studies met the eligibility criteria, but because a study reported the prevalence of VRE in more than one type of wildlife, they were considered as individual studies and 26 studies were therefore added to the final meta-analysis. Of the 3845 isolates tested in the included studies, 312 were VRE. The pooled prevalence of VRE in wildlife was estimated at 6.6% (95% CI; 4.0–10.5%; I2 = 93.011%; P < 0.001). Between-study variability was high (t2 = 1.519; heterogeneity I2 = 93.011% with heterogeneity chi-square (Q) = 357.717, df = 25, and P < 0.001). The funnel plot showed bias which was confirmed by Egger's test (t -value = 4.850; P = 0.00006), and estimates from the leave-one-out forest plot did not affect the pooled prevalence. Seven study was missed and fall at the right side of the pooled estimate by the Trim-and-Fill method. Pooled prevalence of VRE in wild mammals and wild birds were 6.9% (CI=3.7-12.5%) and 6.3% (CI=3.0-12.7%) respectively. More studies were reported from Portugal with a pooled prevalence of 5.0% (CI; 2.8-8.8%). Agar dilution and feces were utilized most in the detection and sampling of VRE respectively. Only sample type (P = 0.04) is a predictor of heterogeneity among the variables. Increased surveillance of VRE in wildlife is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the creation of a new crystallization method of hydroxyapatite ((Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2); HAp) fine particles through a simplified operation, a combined system of atmospheric plasma with minute droplets was developed. An atmospheric pressure plasma-jet was generated by an inductively coupled plasma method that is contacted to minute droplets including HAp liquid sources as Ca, PO4 and OH elements. In this paper, the effects of the organic compound chemical properties and plasma irradiation power on production of HAp fine particles were examined. Consequently, the fine spherical particles of HAp are generated by the introduction of minute droplets including Ca, PO4 and OH elements into an atmospheric plasma field. Moreover, when citric acid is added to a HAp liquid source for minute droplets, HAp yield is increased 2-times compared to other operations. In conclusion, crystalline HAp is obtained without calcination under conditions of RF irradiation power at 1500 W. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea-level change (SLC) is a much-studied topic in the area of climate research, integrating a range of climate science disciplines, and is expected to impact coastal communities around the world. As a result, this field is rapidly moving, and the knowledge and understanding of processes contributing to SLC is increasing. Here, we discuss noteworthy recent developments in the projection of SLC contributions and in the global mean and regional sea-level projections. For the Greenland Ice Sheet contribution to SLC, earlier estimates have been confirmed in recent research, but part of the source of this contribution has shifted from dynamics to surface melting. New insights into dynamic discharge processes and the onset of marine ice sheet instability increase the projected range for the Antarctic contribution by the end of the century. The contribution from both ice sheets is projected to increase further in the coming centuries to millennia. Recent updates of the global glacier outline database and new global glacier models have led to slightly lower projections for the glacier contribution to SLC (7-17 cm by 2100), but still project the glaciers to be an important contribution. For global mean sea-level projections, the focus has shifted to better estimating the uncertainty distributions of the projection time series, which may not necessarily follow a normal distribution. Instead, recent studies use skewed distributions with longer tails to higher uncertainties. Regional projections have been used to study regional uncertainty distributions, and regional projections are increasingly being applied to specific regions, countries, and coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To sustain growing food demand and increasing standard of living, global water use increased by nearly 6 times during the last 100 years, and continues to grow. As water demands get closer and closer to the water availability in many regions, each drop of water becomes increasingly valuable and water must be managed more efficiently and intensively. However, soaring water use worsens water scarcity conditions already prevalent in semi-arid and arid regions, increasing uncertainty for sustainable food production and economic development. Planning for future development and investments requires that we prepare water projections for the future. However, estimations are complicated because the future of the world's waters will be influenced by a combination of environmental, social, economic, and political factors, and there is only limited knowledge and data available about freshwater resources and how they are being used. TheWater Futures and Solutions (WFaS) initiative coordinates its work with other ongoing scenario efforts for the sake of establishing a consistent set of new global water scenarios based on the shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) and the representative concentration pathways (RCPs). The WFaS "fasttrack" assessment uses three global water models, namely H08, PCR-GLOBWB, and WaterGAP. This study assesses the state of the art for estimating and projecting water use regionally and globally in a consistent manner. It provides an overview of different approaches, the uncertainty, strengths and weaknesses of the various estimation methods, types of management and policy decisions for which the current estimation methods are useful. We also discuss additional information most needed to be able to improve water use estimates and be able to assess a greater range of management options across the water-energy-climate nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To sustain growing food demand and increasing standard of living, global water use increased by nearly 6 times during the last 100 years and continues to grow. As water demands get closer and closer to the water availability in many regions, each drop of water becomes increasingly valuable and water must be managed more efficiently and intensively. However, soaring water use worsens water scarcity condition already prevalent in semi-arid and arid regions, increasing uncertainty for sustainable food production and economic development. Planning for future development and investments requires that we prepare water projections for the future. However, estimations are complicated because the future of world's waters will be influenced by a combination of environmental, social, economic, and political factors, and there is only limited knowledge and data available about freshwater resources and how they are being used. The Water Futures and Solutions initiative (WFaS) coordinates its work with other on-going scenario efforts for the sake of establishing a consistent set of new global water scenarios based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The WFaS "fast-track" assessment uses three global water models, namely H08, PCR-GLOBWB, and WaterGAP. This study assesses the state of the art for estimating and projecting water use regionally and globally in a consistent manner. It provides an overview of different approaches, 20 the uncertainty, strengths and weaknesses of the various estimation methods, types of management and policy decisions for which the current estimation methods are useful. We also discuss additional information most needed to be able to improve water use estimates and be able to assess a greater range of management options across the water-energy-climate nexus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Climate change will very likely impact future hydrological drought characteristics across the world. Here, we quantify the impact of human water use including reservoir regulation and climate change on future low flows and associated hydrological drought characteristics on a global scale. The global hydrological and water resources model PCR-GLOBWB is used to simulate daily discharge globally at 0.5 ° resolution for 1971–2099. The model was forced with the latest CMIP5 climate projections taken from five General Circulation Models (GCMs) and four emission scenarios (RCPs), under the framework of the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project. A natural or pristine scenario has been used to calculate the impact of the changing climate on hydrological drought and has been compared to a scenario with human influences. In the latter scenario reservoir operations and human water use are included in the simulations of discharge for the 21st century. The impact of humans on the low flow regime and hydrological drought characteristics has been studied at a catchment scale. Results show a significant impact of climate change and human water use in large parts of Asia, Middle East and the Mediterranean, where the relative contribution of humans on the changed drought severity can be close to 100%. The differences between Representative Concentration Pathways are small indicating that human water use is proportional to the changes in the climate. Reservoirs tend to reduce the impact of drought by water retention in the wet season, which in turn will lead to increased water availability in the dry season, especially for large regions in Europe and North America. The impact of climate change varies throughout the season for parts of Europe and North-America, while in other regions (e.g. North-Africa, Middle East and Mediterranean), the impact is not influenced by seasonal changes. This study illustrates that the impact of human water use and reservoirs is nontrivial and can vary substantially per region and per season. Therefore, human influences should be included in projections of future drought characteristics, considering their large impact on the changing drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change very likely impacts future hydrological drought characteristics across the world. Here, we quantify the impact of climate change on future low flows and associated hydrological drought characteristics on a global scale using an alternative drought identification approach that considers adaptation to future changes in hydrological regime. The global hydrological model PCR-GLOBWB was used to simulate daily discharge at 0.5° globally for 1971-2099. The model was forced with CMIP5 climate projections taken from five global circulation models (GCMs) and four emission scenarios (representative concentration pathways, RCPs), from the Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project. Drought events occur when discharge is below a threshold. The conventional variable threshold (VTM) was calculated by deriving the threshold from the period 1971-2000. The transient variable threshold (VTMt) is a non-stationary approach, where the threshold is based on the discharge values of the previous 30 years implying the threshold to vary every year during the 21st century. The VTMt adjusts to gradual changes in the hydrological regime as response to climate change. Results show a significant negative trend in the low flow regime over the 21st century for large parts of South America, southern Africa, Australia and the Mediterranean. In 40-52% of the world reduced low flows are projected, while increased low flows are found in the snow-dominated climates. In 27% of the global area both the drought duration and the deficit volume are expected to increase when applying the VTMt. However, this area will significantly increase to 62% when the VTM is applied. The mean global area in drought, with the VTMt, remains rather constant (11.7 to 13.4%), compared to the substantial increase when the VTM is applied (11.7 to 20%). The study illustrates that an alternative drought identification that considers adaptation to an altered hydrological regime has a substantial influence on future hydrological drought characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, and it is frequently associated with food poisoning. Here, we carried out a meta-analysis and systematic review in analysing the prevalence of Campylobacteriosis in Southeast Asia (SEA) Databases such as, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers and the results were reviewed by a third. Two reviewers independently assessed the study protocol using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and the study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for prevalence data. Comprehensive meta-analysis version 2 was used for the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used, publication bias was assessed using the Eggers test, funnel plot and the Trim-and-Fill method. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed, the sources were analysed using the leave-one-out meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression. Fifty-one studies met the eligibility criteria and were therefore added to the final meta-analysis. Of the 83107 isolates tested in the included studies, 4118 were Campylobacter. The pooled prevalence of campylobacteriosis in SEA was estimated at 7.8% (95% CI; 5.8–10.4%; I2 = 98.708%; P < 0.001). Between-study variability was high (t2 = 1.254; heterogeneity I2 = 98.708% with heterogeneity chi-square (Q) = 3871.349, df = 50, and P < 0.001). The funnel plot showed bias which was confirmed by Egger's test (t -value = 0.94252; P = 0.35055), and estimates from the leave-one-out forest plot did not affect the pooled prevalence. Nine studies were missed and fall at the right side of the pooled estimate by the Trim-and-Fill method. Pooled prevalence of campylobacteriosis in adult and children were 3.0% (CI=1.9-4.8%) and 7.1% (CI=5.1-9.8%) respectively. More studies were reported in Thailand with a prevalence of 13.3% (CI; 9.6-18.2%). Culture and stool were utilized most in the detection and sampling respectively. Country (P = 0.0014) and study population (P = 0.0000) were sources of heterogeneity among the variables. Campylobacteriosis needs to be monitored more closely in SEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete high-precision set of deuteron analyzing powers for elastic deuteron-proton (dp) scattering at 250 and 294 MeV/nucleon has been measured. These data and previously existing data sets for the cross section at similar energies are compared to the results of three-nucleon Faddeev calculations based on modern nucleonnucleon (NN) potentials alone or combined with two models of three-nucleon forces: the Tucson-Melbourne 99 and Urbana IX. Large discrepancies between pure NN theory and data, which are not resolved by the current three-nucleon forces, were found at c.m. backward angles θc.m. ≳ 120° for all the deuteron analyzing powers and the cross section. Because only small relativistic effects were found for the deuteron analyzing powers and the cross section, the inclusion of short-range components of the three-nucleon force is probably required to get a better description of the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have measured all deuteron analyzing powers $${(A_{y}^{d}, A_{yy}, A_{xx}, A_{xz})}$$ for deuteron-proton elastic scattering at 294 MeV/nucleon in order to study the properties of three nucleon forces (3 NFs). Measurement was made at in an angular range of $${\theta_{{\rm c.m.}} = 35.6^{\circ} - 163.0^{\circ}}$$. Obtained data were compared with Faddeev calculations with and without the 3 NFs. At $${\theta_{{\rm c.m.}}\lesssim 120^{\circ}}$$ all the data have general agreement with the calculations, while the measured data at $${\theta_{{\rm c.m.}} \gtrsim 120^{\circ}}$$ are not explained by any theoretical calculations. These results were consistent with those at 250 MeV/nucleon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present paper deals with auto-ignition and combustion of high pressure hydrogen leaks through a tube with air into atmosphere. The experiments using a high pressure tube with hydrogen and an extension tube with air of 10 mm diameter are performed to clarify the auto-ignition and combustion behavior of high pressure hydrogen jet spouting through the extension tube. In order to improve repeatability and reliability of experiments, a plunger system with a needle is applied to control a rupture of a PET diaphragm, which separates hydrogen from air. The most important result obtained in the present study is that the minimum diaphragm burst pressure at which the auto-ignition is registered, is found to be between 1.0 and 1.2 m of the extension tube length. This tube length is longer compared to tubes used in the previous studies. Combustion and Mach disk at the extension tube exit to atmosphere are observed using a high speed camera which is set at the frame speed of 1 × 105 fps when the ignited hydrogen jet is spouted out the tube. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The first stainless-steel microchannel (MC) emulsification chips with grooved MC arrays, each consisting of uniform-sized parallel channels and a terrace, were developed. These chips enabled successful spontaneous-transformation-based generation of uniformly sized droplets of soybean oil and silicone oil. As for the influence of the dispersed-phase velocity in a channel, the critical velocity below which uniform-sized droplets were obtained from the channels depended on the interfacial tension between two phases. The maximum productivity of uniform-sized oil droplets for the stainless-steel MC emulsification chips was estimated to be several milliliters per hour. An adapted capillary number that considers the wettability of the dispersed phase of two different oils could be useful for understanding the flow state of the dispersed phase during droplet generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced prostate cancer, which is one of the most common cancers, usually progresses to hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). A recent randomized trial of treatment with docetaxel demonstrated improved survival for patients with HRPC. The combination of docetaxel and estramustine phosphate (estramustine) has been reported to be effective for HRPC. Low-dose estramustine suppresses the pituitary–gonadal axis. Docetaxel plus 5-fluoro-5′-deoxyuridine (5′-dFUrd) had supra-additive cytotoxic effects on HRPC cells consistent with the molecular mechanism. Therefore, we examined the efficacy of adding 5′-dFUrd on the chemotherapy regimen, which consist docetaxel and estramustine. All of the HRPC patients were treated with estramustine 140 mg orally twice 5′-dFUrd 200 mg orally four times daily on days 1–21, and docetaxel 60 mg/m2 was administered on day 1. We evaluated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and measurable responses, the progression-free and overall survival, and the impact on adverse effects and the quality of life (QOL). Of 34 patients with a median age of 72.3 years, 73% showed PSA responses and 70% showed measurable responses. The median progression-free survival was 18.0 and 5.8 months for PSA responders and non-responders and the overall survival was 19.4 months, respectively. There were few serious adverse effects. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 32.4% of the patients, and was easily managed with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) injection. There was no significant change in the overall QOL scores serially. This study shows that the combined regimen is tolerable and effective in Japanese HRPC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of TA who successfully gave birth after treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ) throughout the entire pregnancy. On recurrence of TA at 29 years of age, she commenced treatment with 162 mg of TCZ via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks. Moreover, the IgG concentration in our patient was low at delivery, which may have been caused by prednisolone and TCZ. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: We measured magnetic flux produced by coupled flux qubits with a switching current measurement of a DC-SQUID. Both the circulating currents and the SQUID–qubit coupling were designed to be asymmetric. The experimental result exhibits a broad peak and dip, and does not agree with the thermally averaged magnetic flux calculated with the two qubit Hamiltonian. This disagreement can be explained in terms of nonthermal excitation of the coupled qubits, which is probably caused by the microwaves generated by the DC-SQUID in the voltage state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ultrafast relaxation processes of photoexcited states in a quasi-one-dimensional halogen-bridged mixed-valence metal complex [Pt(en)2][Pt(en)2I2](SO4)2.6H2O have been investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectra measurements. A photoinduced absorption band caused by non-thermalized self-trapped excitons has been found. Oscillation of the absorption band caused by the symmetric Pt–I stretching mode of the self-trapped exciton with a frequency of 103 cm−1 has been observed. The rise time of a polaron absorption band has been measured to be 1.2 ps. This corresponds to the decay time, 1.1 ps, of a photoinduced absorption band which oscillates with a frequency of 74 cm−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Superconducting wiring layer is indispensable to actualize digital circuits constructed with trilayer junctions. However, it is complicated to fabricate the junctions with the superconducting wiring layer. Thus, we have formed Josephson junctions on mechanical polished surface of YBaCuO films for introducing the simple device structure, such as a Pb junction, to the YBaCuO junction. The surface of YBaCuO film sputtered on vicinal SrTiO3(0 0 1) substrate was polished by 12 nm depth. Peak–valley roughness of the surface decreased from 8 to 2 nm. After that YBaCuO film with 2 nm thickness for re-growth, PrBaCuO film with 13 nm thickness for barrier layer, and YBaCuO film for counter electrodes were consecutively deposited on the polished surface of the YBaCuO base electrodes. The junctions with the size of 10 μm × 10 μm showed resistively shunted junction like I–V curves with no excess current. The spreads of Ic were 12% for 16 junctions on a chip. Applying mechanical polishing may improve the uniformity of the barrier thickness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To examine the effect of age on the biochemical and functional properties, and regional distribution of endothelin (ET) receptors in the rabbit renal pelvis. Materials and methods The properties of ET receptors in 6-week-old and 6-month-old male rabbit renal pelves were examined using isolated muscle-bath and radioligand receptor-binding techniques. Results ET-1 caused a significant increase in the contractile force in muscle strips from all regions of the renal pelvis from both age groups, with the following rank order: upper = middle > lower. The magnitude of the ET-1-induced contractile responses were similar in the lower pelvic regions in both ages, but the responses in the upper and middle regions were significantly greater in younger rabbits. ET-1 increased the frequency of spontaneous activity in a concentration-dependent manner in the upper and middle pelvic regions in both age groups, with significantly smaller ED50 values in the younger than in the older rabbits. In both age groups the lower pelvic region lacked spontaneous activity. The density of total ET receptors was higher in the upper and middle regions of the renal pelvis than in the lower renal pelvis of both ages, with the density in the upper and middle regions being greater in older than in younger rabbits. In all regions, ET subtype selective compounds inhibited [125I]ET-1, binding consistent with the predominance of the ETA receptor subtype, except in the lower region of the older rabbits, in which the densities of ETA and ETB subtypes were similar. In all regions, the younger renal pelvis contained a higher proportion of ETA receptors than in older tissues. Light microscopic autoradiographic data indicated the presence of ETA and ETB receptors in smooth muscle and epithelial cells, respectively. Conclusion These data indicate the presence of regional differences in the density of ET receptors and in the contractile responses to ET-1 in rabbit renal pelvis, and that although older rabbit renal pelvis contains more total ET receptors than younger renal pelvis, the latter had a higher portion of the ETA receptor subtype and the younger tissues were more responsive to ET-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformability of red blood cells and the lipid composition of their plasma membranes were studied in ten longdistance runners, in comparison with ten sedentary matched controls. Mean corpuscular volume and corpuscular hemoglobin concentration did not differ between these groups, while the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were lower in the former. Deformability was measured in terms of the erythrocyte suspension filterability through 5 µm microchannels, using an array flow analyzer, and was significantly elevated in athletes. Analysis of the membrane phospholipid composition of red blood cells revealed an increased ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine and a decreased ratio of cholesterol to total phospholipids in athletes. The length and saturation levels of fatty acid acyl chains were unchanged. Multiple regression analysis showed clearly that these alterations of membrane lipids correlate with increased deformability and thus favor circulation in the microvasculature in long-distance runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifies the genetic regions in the swine genome that are responsible for economically important traits. Implementation of a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis by mating two female Meishan pigs with a male Gottingen pig; Effects of QTL for vertebra number on chromosomes one and two; Environmental effects included in the model of QTL analysis.

Internucleosomal DNA fragmentation is generally perceived as one of the characteristic features of apoptosis, most of which are driven by caspase activation dependent upon ATP. On the other hand, ATP depletion has been reported to induce apoptosis accompanying DNA fragmentation. To address this apparent paradox, we analyzed the DNA-fragmenting activity generated in ATP-depleted cells. In HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells cultured in glucose-free medium with oligomycin, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation occurred as an early event. The DNA fragmentation was blocked by serine protease inhibitors but not by caspase inhibitors. Consistently, ICAD/DFF45 could not inhibit the DNAfragmenting activity of the ATP-depleted cytosol in a cell-free system. When ATP was supplied to the cell-free assay, 80% of the DNA-fragmenting activity was lost. The reduced activity was then restored by proteasome inhibitors, suggesting a role of proteasome to protect from a cellular insult derived from ATP-depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a novel photocatalysis for the fixation of carbon dioxide using polyp-phenylene (PPP) as a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation and proposes a role of PPP as an electron pool for the electron transfer in the photocatalysis. Role of the anion species formed in the photocatalytic system; Details of the PPP-catalyzed fixation of carbon dioxide into benzophenone in the presence of various salts; Mechanism of photocatalysis.

Analyzes the sensitivity and the spatial resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) scanner with adjustable data-acquisition parameters. Plane sensitivity of the scanner in two-dimensional mode; Details on the transverse spatial resolution in the tangential and radial directions; Description of the transverse spatial resolution for the whole-body mode.

Discusses the quasiparticle mixing in Ba1-xKxBiO3 grain boundary superconducting junctions. Device fabrication; Current-voltage characteristics; Millimeter wave coupling.

Abstract Electroencephalography (EEG) coherence provides a measure of functional correlations between two EEG signals. The present study was conducted to examine intrahemispheric EEG coherence at rest and during photic stimulation (PS; 5, 10 and 15 Hz) in ten unmedicated patients with presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type (AD; mean age at onset 56 years). In the resting EEG, the AD patients had significantly lower coherence than gender- and age-matched control subjects in the alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta-1 frequency bands. The EEG analysis during PS also showed that the patients had significantly lower coherence in the frequency corresponding to PS at 10 and 15 Hz. In this study, the changes in coherence from the resting state to the stimulus condition (i.e. PS-related coherence reactivity) were examined. The patients were found to show significantly smaller coherence reactivity to PS at 5 and 15 Hz. These findings suggest that, in addition to the resting state, AD patients have an impairment of intrahemispheric functional connectivity during PS. They also suggest that AD shows a failure of PS-related functional reorganization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Background: b Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) in Malaysia became prominent because of its role in the livestock industry. Similarly, subgroup analysis on detection method showed disk diffusion was 45%, CI=14-39% with high study variability I SP 2 sp =99.70%, Q=3716.09, df=10, p=0.00. It is, therefore, necessary to obtain the pool prevalence of VRE in Malaysia using meta-analysis and systematic review. [Extracted from the article]

Diabet. Med. 29, 506-508 (2012) Abstract Aims It has been recognized that blood pressure shows a seasonal variation, but it remains unknown whether diabetic nephropathy shows a seasonal variation. In the present study, we investigated the change in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in relation to the season in Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 430 subjects (275 male, 155 female) with Type 2 diabetes and early nephropathy (defined by UACR 30-300 mg/g creatinine) were included. One year was divided into four seasons and each season was defined as winter (December-February), spring (March-May), summer (June-August), and fall (September-November), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine levels, and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were examined. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was also calculated and evaluated. Results The mean age (± SE) was 64.8 ± 0.8 years. The mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in winter than in summer (136 ± 0.68 vs. 133 ± 0.68 mmHg, P < 0.001). The urinary albumin/creatinine ratio showed a significantly higher value in winter than in summer (72.8 ± 4.4 vs. 54.6 ± 3.4 mg/g creatinine, P < 0.001). The curve of seasonal variation of this ratio showed a similar change to that of systolic blood pressure. No significant seasonal variation was observed in estimated glomerular filtration rate and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions Our results suggest that there is a hitherto unknown seasonal variation in the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and that it may be necessary to consider this seasonal change, especially when performing an intervention study of nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case of congestive heart failure as the presenting sign of cardiac reactive amyloid A (AA) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) managed and treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF). It utilizes mizoribine, salazosulfapyridine, and low-dose glucocorticoid to examine and treat the patient. It mentions that after a patient was then treated with a combination of such drugs, patient's cardiac symptoms were in stable condition.

Efficient dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells based on a 2-thiophen-2-yl-vinyl-conjugated ruthenium photosensitizer and a conjugated polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) have been fabricated. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 2.6% is achieved when the mesoporous TiO2 layer is 5–6 μm. The high fill factor (0.74), the open circuit voltage (0.78 V), and the linear light intensity dependence of the short circuit current density (4.5 mA cm-2 at 100 mW cm-2) make these devices promising for solid state photovoltaic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• JAEA has conducted experimental study on boiling transition (BT) for BWRs. • Data bases were developed for the AOO conditions including rewetting velocity. • We identified effects of precursor cooling on rewetting velocity. • New research was initiated for the ATWS conditions. • Promising results have been obtained for spacer effects and rewetting mechanisms. Post-boiling transition (Post-BT) heat transfer is important to analyze the duration of surface dryout and the peak cladding temperature during abnormal transient and design basis accident (DBA) conditions in light water reactors. Furthermore, the Japanese new safety regulation revised after the Fukushima Daiichi accident requires the analysis of the beyond-DBA conditions including the anticipated transient without scram (ATWS), where experimental databases for the code validation are almost-non-existent especially for those with highly oscillatory power change caused by thermo-nuclear coupling. Motivated by the importance, Japan Atomic Energy Agency has conducted a series of experiments for BT and rewetting phenomena to develop mechanistic models based on physical understanding and to validate thermal hydraulic codes. So far, the experimental databases for the Post-BT heat transfer rate, deposition rates of liquid droplets, and the dryout and rewetting behavior were developed mainly for the conditions covering the anticipated operational occurrences (AOO) for BWRs. The significance of the precursory cooling just before the rewetting was identified from comparison with a theoretical model for the two-dimensional transient heat conduction in the cladding. Recently, experiments including the simulation of the ATWS were initiated using the single-tube test apparatus with simulated spacers, liquid film heat transfer visualization apparatus for visual observation, and the HIDRA facility with test sections of a full-length 4 × 4 bundle and a short-length 3 × 3 length bundle. Some promising results have already been obtained, which show effects of simulated ferrule and swirl spacers on the post-BT heat transfer and rewetting velocity, and mechanism of the rewetting by the propagation of the liquid film on the initially heated surface of the heater rod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transverse acoustic response in the B-phase of superfluid 3He was measured by using an AC-cut quartz transducer at a pressure of 17.0bar. The measurements were performed by a CW bridge method at a frequency of about 9.6MHz utilizing a quadrature hybrid and a high-frequency lock-in amplifier. By sweeping frequency around the resonance frequency of the transducer, in-phase and quadrature responses of the resonance were obtained from the output of the high-frequency lock-in amplifier. The change of the ΔQ −1 and the resonance frequency Δf 0 which were proportional to the real and the imaginary part of the transverse acoustic impedance of superfluid 3He were obtained separately. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a precise measurement of 3 He analyzing powers for p- 3 He elastic scattering with the polarized 3 He target at 50, 65, 70, and 100 MeV. The data at 65 and 70 MeV are compared with the theoretical predictions based on the modern nucleon-nucleon potentials. Large discrepancies between the data and the predictions are clearly seen at the angles where the 3 He analyzing power takes the minimum and maximum values, which are not explained by Δ -isobar effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which analyzed the flying characteristics of a slider with a shallow step air bearing pads suitable for a very low flying height. Pressure distribution of the sliders; Air bearing stiffness of the designed sliders; Fluctuation due to manufacturing tolerances.

Observes the vacuum tunnel gap between two conductors in a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Use of a micromechanical scanning tunneling microscope; Time dependence of tunnel current and attractor voltage for working tunnel junction; Effect of bias-voltage generated electric field on TEM images.