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A 57 Fe nucleus in the solar core could emit a 14.4-keV monochromatic axion through the M1 transition if a hypothetical elementary particle, axion, exists to solve the strong CP problem. Transition edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeters can detect such axions very efficiently if they are again converted into photons by a 57 Fe absorber. We have designed and produced a dedicated TES array with 57 Fe absorbers for the solar axion search. The iron absorber is set next to the TES, keeping a certain distance to reduce the iron-magnetization effect on the spectroscopic performance. A gold thermal transfer strap connects them. A sample pixel irradiated from a 55 Fe source detected 698 pulses. In contrast to thermal simulations, we consider that the pulses include either events produced in an iron absorber or gold strap at a fraction dependent on the absorption rate of each material. Furthermore, photons deposited on the iron absorber are detected through the strap as intended. The identification of all events still needs to be completed. However, we successfully operated the TES with the unique design under iron magnetization for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric discontinuities within fault systems known as geometric barriers contribute to irregular rupture evolutions during earthquakes. We applied a hybrid backprojection method to high-frequency teleseismic P-waveforms to investigate the role of geometric barriers in the rupture propagation during the MW 7.9 2008 Wenchuan, China, earthquake. We found that sources of high-frequency waves were concentrated near the intersections of a northwesttrending cross-cutting fault with the dominant northeast-trending fault system and in areas around steps between fault segments of the dominant fault system. We recognized these areas as geometric barriers to rupture propagation. Our analysis of the high-frequency waves associated with the geometric discontinuities within the fault system showed that geometric barriers can decelerate or stop rupture propagation, but can also accelerate rupture when the rupture front crosses a geometric barrier and instigates rupture in an adjacent fault segment. Our result suggests that geometric discontinuities within fault systems can cause earthquake rupture propagation that is more complex than that of faults of simpler geometry associated with subduction zone megathrust earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seismic source model for the M w 8.1 2017 Chiapas, Mexico, earthquake was constructed by kinematic waveform inversion using globally observed teleseismic waveforms, suggesting that the earthquake was a normal-faulting event on a steeply dipping plane, with the major slip concentrated around a relatively shallow depth of 28 km. The modeled rupture evolution showed unilateral, downdip propagation northwestward from the hypocenter, and the downdip width of the main rupture was restricted to less than 30 km below the slab interface, suggesting that the downdip extensional stresses due to the slab bending were the primary cause of the earthquake. The rupture front abruptly decelerated at the northwestern end of the main rupture where it intersected the subducting Tehuantepec Fracture Zone, suggesting that the fracture zone may have inhibited further rupture propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignancy with advanced stage or a high risk of recurrence is a contraindication to lung transplantation. However, lung transplant could improve survival and quality of life in patients with early-stage primary non-small cell lung cancer, especially when their pulmonary function precludes the use of traditional therapies. A 72-year-old male, a 40-pack/year smoker with a history of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE), presented to our institution for lung transplant evaluation. His cardiac evaluation was unremarkable with normal pulmonary artery pressure (32/14 (16]) mmHg). Computed tomography (CT) showed upper lobe-predominant pulmonary fibrosis with foci of honeycombing with emphysematous changes in the right upper lobe. There was a 21 mm irregular nodule in the posterior right apex and a 13 mm solid nodule in the right middle lobe. On positron emission tomography (PET) scan, the right apical nodule was hypermetabolic (SUV max 5.5) and was concerning for primary lung malignancy. The right middle lobe nodule had no activity. Given his emphysema, biopsy was deferred due to the risk of pneumothorax. He underwent cervical mediastinoscopy, and stations 4R, 4L, and 7 were negative for malignancy. His case was discussed at our multidisciplinary transplant and thoracic oncology meetings, and we decided to proceed with the transplant. Before listing, he was diagnosed with clinical stage 1 (T1bN0M0) lung cancer and underwent empiric stereotactic body radiotherapy (5400cGy). On follow up PET/CT scan 3 months later, the right apical nodule measured 14 mm with decreased metabolic activity (SUV max 4.1)He was listed for right or bilateral lung transplant. After 6 days, he received an organ offer for a right single lung transplant. The surgery was uneventful, and final pathology of his explanted right lung showed bronchocentric granulomatous inflammation without evidence of carcinoma. He had an unremarkable course in the hospital and after discharge, with no nodule recurrence 6 months post-transplant. We report a case of a right single lung transplant in a 72-year old male with CPFE and suspected stage I lung cancer. We believe that lung transplant can increase survival and quality of life in patients with end-stage lung disease and early-stage lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of short- and long-term mortality associated with lung transplants. The association between pre-donation donor blood transfusion and intra operative massive blood transfusion with PGD has been reported. However the impact of pre-transplantation recipient blood transfusion on PGD risk has not been studied. This study aimed to assess the association between PGD and pre-transplant recipient blood transfusion. We conducted a retrospective study of 206 patients who underwent lung transplant at a single institution from January 2018 through July 2022. Data on patient characteristics, pre-transplantation laboratory values, transfusion requirements, and intra- and post-operative outcomes were collected. Results were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests and logistic regression analyses. PGD 2/3 occurred in 30.1% of the cohort (n=62). Thirty-three patients received a blood transfusion within 4 weeks, while 21 received a blood transfusion within 1 week before their lung transplant. Pre-transplant transfusion was strongly associated with higher incidence of PGD 2/3 (48.5% vs 6.9%, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in one year survival between pre-transplant transfused group and non-transfused group (77.7% vs 88.0 %, P =0.478).In univariate analysis, pre and intra-transplant predictors of PGD3 included younger age (p <0.01), pre extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use (p <0.001), higher lung allocation score (p <0.001), COVID related acute respiratory distress syndrome (p <0.01), lower hemoglobin (p <0.01), lower platelets (p =0.003), lower albumin (p <0.001), higher total bilirubin (p <0.01), lower PaO2 (p <0.02), blood transfusion within 4 weeks (p <0.001), longer operative time (p <0.001), intra-transplant blood transfusion (p <0.001), intra transplant VA ECMO use (p <0.001). In multivariate analysis, lower albumin was an independent risk factor of PGD3 (OR 0.25, 95%CI: 0.08-0.76, P <0.015). Pre-transplant blood transfusion could be attributed to a higher rate of PGD. We found no significant difference in one post lung transplant one year survival between pre-transplant blood transfused recipient group and non-transfused group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which provides a distributional information and descriptions of larval development in Doederleinia berycoides in the coastal waters of Niigata in the northern Japan Sea. The ontogenic development of D. berycoides such as the appearance of distinctive melanophores on the rostral tip, isthmus, throat is cited. It is inferred that the larvae of the species disperse to a wide extend from near-shore to offshore waters during their pelagic phases.

Highlights: [•] Graphene oxide acts as active radical scavenger. [•] Grafting of PEG onto graphene oxide by radical trapping. [•] Grafting of poly(Vf-co-MMA) onto graphene oxide by ligand-exchange reaction. [•] Dispersibility of graphene oxide was remarkably improved by polymer grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support is increasingly used instead of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during lung transplant for mechanical circulatory support. In this study, we analyzed the feasibility of central VA-ECMO without full anticoagulation during lung transplantation. We also analyzed the incidence of morbidity including ischemic and thrombotic complications, stroke, and postoperative outcomes. This is a retrospective review of an institutional lung transplant database. We included consecutive patients from March 2018 through January 2021. Patients were stratified into two cohorts: those undergoing central VA-ECMO during lung transplant and those undergoing traditional cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients undergoing VA-ECMO did not receive systemic anticoagulation at the time of surgery. 109 total patients were included in the study. 57 patients underwent central VA-ECMO during lung transplant while 52 underwent traditional cardiopulmonary bypass. The VA-ECMO patients had longer operative time and ischemic time then non VA-ECMO patients (7.9 ± 1.4 vs 6.4 ± 2.0, p<0.001, 5.3 ± 1.1 vs 4.2 ± 2.0, p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in all of blood transfusion between two groups. Post-lung transplant complications between the VA-ECMO and non-VA-ECMO patients were similar, with the exception of AKI which was higher in VA-ECMO patients (52.2% vs 25.0%, p=0.01). Intensive care unit stay and overall hospital stay was not significantly different between the two groups. These findings suggest that central VA-ECMO without anticoagulation is a safe alternative to traditional cardiopulmonary bypass during lung transplantation. While use of VA-ECMO increased operative time, it did not result in increased rate of blood transfusions or lengthen overall hospital stay. We believe this approach could improve outcomes associated with mechanical life support for lung transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we perform experiments and analyses to examine the warpage of Al/AlN layered structures connected by direct brazing. Al/AlN layered structures are considered under the high temperature fluctuations that occur in the brazing and baking processes. Three Al thicknesses are considered, using A3003 (JIS code) Al to clarify the variations in warpage. For the inelastic analysis, two types of constitutive model are used for Al: a non-linear kinematic hardening model considering cyclic hardening, viscoplasticity, and creep, and a conventional isotropic hardening model. Then, it is shown that the warpage in both brazing and baking processes can be simulated well using the kinematic hardening model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thermal expansion of a Cu/Si3N4/Cu layered structure was studied by actual measurement and finite element analysis. Thicker Cu and subjecting the samples to cyclic thermal loading increase the thermal expansion of the layered structure. Strain-controlled cyclic tension/compression tests in Cu were performed to obtain the characteristics of cyclic plasticity. A multi-linear kinematic hardening model was applied to represent the elastoplasticity of Cu. Two sets of material parameters were determined: One set from the initial and a second set from the stabilized stress–strain relationship, respectively. It was demonstrated that the determined material parameters allow accurate prediction of the thermal expansion coefficient within 1ppm/°C for structures subjected and non-subjected to cyclic thermal loading. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The diagnostic time required for a full, 8-hour video capsule endoscopy is usually between 45 and 120 min. The aim of this work is to evaluate the diagnostic time required when applying a method that adaptively controlls the image display rate. The advantage of the method is that the sequence can be played at high speed in stable smooth sequences to save time and then decreased at sequences where there are sudden rough changes, in order to assess suspicious findings detail. In this paper, this method is examined under real conditions: 10 sequences were independently evaluated by 4 medical doctors. The methods of evaluation include: 1) the time required for reading a sequence, 2) the percentage of abnormal regions accurately found, and 3) the manipulations of the evaluating physicians. The results indicate that the proposed method reduces diagnostic time to around 10 ± 1.5% length of the sequence and is of valuable assistance to medical doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed poloidal current drive technique reduces the magnetic chaos that characterizes reversed-field pinch configurations and produces a regime with an improved confinement. In this paper, we describe that, in TPE-RX [Y. Yagi et al., Fusion Eng. Des. 45, 409 (1999)], the termination phase of this regime is due to the increase of the slinky structure that creates a stochastic region and produces the expulsion of energy in a localized toroidal position. Before the plasma reaches the improved confinement regime, the slinky distorts the chain of m=0 islands on the reversal surface. During this regime, the magnetic activity and the phase locking decrease, the distortion in the island chain disappears, and the confinement increases. At the termination of this regime the magnetic activity markedly increases, as well as the phase locking, recreating the distortion in the m=0 magnetic island chain. As a consequence, at the position of the distortion the plasma region inside the reversal surface is characterized by a rapid energy loss, and outside the reversal surface a toroidally localized energy expulsion is induced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The close relationship between the locked mode (LM) and pulsed poloidal current drive (PPCD) regime in a reversed-field pinch device is described. If the modes lock close to the shell gap then the LM is enhanced and there is a high probability that the PPCD will not improve plasma performance. The physical reason will be discussed. If the position of the locked mode is far from the shell gap then the PPCD is effective with a high probability. LM energy is reduced and the more the LM energy decreases, the better the plasma performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting the magnitude of sawtooth crashes in soft x-ray (SXR) signals (ISXR) have been studied using data from high-Θ (pinch parameter) discharges in the toroidal pinch experiment TPE-1RM20 reversed-field pinch device [Y. Yagi et al., J. Plasma Fusion Research 69, 700 (1993)]. In TPE-1RM20, discharges with a high Θ that are free of large sawteeth (improved high-Θ mode discharges), spontaneously appeared [Y. Hirano et al., Nucl. Fusion 36, 721 (1996)] among typical conventional discharges exhibiting large sawtooth crashes. The reason for the spontaneous appearance of sawtooth-free discharges has been unclear. It is shown that the normalized magnitude of the SXR crashes, [Δ(ISXR)/ISXR], is well correlated with the m (poloidal mode number)=0 mode amplitude in the postcrash phase. It is also shown that Δ(ISXR)/ISXR is smaller when the quasi-single helicity state precedes the crash rather than when the multiple-helicity state precedes the crash, and Δ(ISXR)/ISXR is smaller when E∥ (the parallel electric field at the plasma surface) is approximately zero in the precrash phase rather than E∥ being negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to reduce the thermal wall load due to the phase- and wall-locked modes particularly in the high plasma current regime, neutral gas puffing experiments have been conducted in the TPE-RX reversed-field pinch. The temperature of the plasma-facing wall at the mode-locking position sometimes exceeds the melting temperature of stainless steel. It has been determined that the maximum temperature increment of the wall becomes almost half in the neon and deuterium gas puffing cases at a plasma current of 350kA. This indicates that neutral gas puffing can reduce the severe thermal wall load. The radiative cooling around the peripheral region as a result of neon gas puffing and the decrease in the heat flux along local magnetic field lines as a result of deuterium gas puffing are possible reasons behind the decrease in the rate of energy flow to the wall. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of the pulsed poloidal current drive (PPCD) technique in reversed-field pinch (RFP) devices leads to the improvement of the confinement properties of the plasma. In this article the conditions necessary to achieve high PPCD performance in the TPE-RX [Y. Yagi, S. Sekine, H. Sakakita et al., Fus. Eng. Des. 45, 409 (1999)] RFP device will be shown. One of the key parameters is the component of the electric field parallel to the magnetic field E∥. The positive trend between E∥ and the PPCD performance can be explained in terms of reduction of magnetic fluctuations. It will also be shown that important roles are played by the triggering time of the PPCD pulses, the filling pressure of the deuterium gas, and the wall condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaemia is the most important clinical manifestation in cattle infected with Theileria sergenti. In order to determine the mechanism of red blood cells (RBC) destruction in anaemic cattle, we studied the binding of autoantibody (IgG) to RBC during the development of anaemia in T. sergenti infection. The low levels of IgG-bound RBC before the development of anaemia were triggered in proportion with the progression of anaemia and parasitaemia. Our results suggest an accelerated destruction of RBC in anaemic cattle by IgG-dependent phagocytosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulsed poloidal current drive (PPCD) [J. S. Sarff et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 72, 3670 (1994)] experiment is conducted in a reversed-field pinch device, the toroidal pinch experiment RX (TPE-RX) after providing an auxiliary power supply system with increased energy in the main power supply system for the PPCD. The PPCD system thus provides double-pulsed operation with higher current in the toroidal coil than that in single-pulsed PPCD operation in TPE-RX [Y. Yagi et al., Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 44, 335 (2002)]. The central electron temperature, ion temperature, and electron density increase during PPCD, and there is, on average, a fivefold improvement in energy confinement, τ[SUBE], relative to standard discharges. Double-pulsed PPCD) yields better performance than that of single-pulsed PPCD operation where twofold improvement in τ[SUBE] was obtained. It is shown that the enhancement factor of τ[SUBE] in the double-pulsed PPCD experiment in TPE-RX is consistent with the trends, observed previously, versus magnetic fluctuation amplitude and versus Δγ, where Δγ is the difference in γ[=1-F)/&THgr;] between the start and the end of the PPCD period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An overview of the present diagnostics system for a reversed-field pinch machine, the toroidal pinch experiment RX [TPE-RX, R/a = 1.72/0.45 m, I[sub p] < 1 MA (designed)], is presented. The diagnostic system of TPE-RX consists of measurement systems for (1) equilibrium configuration, (2) perturbing modes, and (3) global confinement properties. A concise explanation is given for these diagnostics systems. The mode-measurement system, in particular, is equipped with high toroidal resolution (up to the mode number of 32), which is necessary for the reversed-field pinch configuration. We have magnetic, thermal, and spectroscopic measurement systems for the toroidal distribution of the perturbing modes, which are useful for revealing the mode-locking structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data acquisition and analysis systems for a reversed-field pinch (RFP) machine, the toroidal pinch experiment (RX) [TPE-RX, R/a = 1.72/0.45 m, I[sub p] < 1 MA (designed)], are presented. Many kinds of diagnostic systems are installed on TPE-RX, and 392 signal channels at maximum from the diagnostic systems are routinely acquired by using the Computer Automated Measurement and Control system. The data are acquired through a serial highway into a front-end computer. A custom made, special computer program system, called DAQR, has been developed for the data acquisition routine. Software libraries are also developed for the data analyses of the plasma parameters, perturbed mode structures of the RFP plasma, and radiation from plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X11-like (X11L) protein was originally isolated as a protein bound to the cytoplasmic domain of the β-amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. In mammals, X11L is believed to play an important role in the regulation of APP metabolism. Here we isolated and characterized the Drosophila X11L (dX11L) protein, also may be referred to this protein as Drosophila Mint (dMint), Lin 10 (dLinl0) or X11 (dX11), is thought to be expressed in neuronal tissues from late embryonic through to the adult stages of the fly. The phosphotyrosine interaction domain of dX11L interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the Drosophila amyloid precursor protein-like (APPL) similar to the way human X11L (hX11L) interacts with APP. Overexpression of dX11L on post-mitotic neurons had a lethal effect on flies and, when it was localized to the eye imaginal disc, disruption of compound eye morphology due to enhanced apoptosis of neuronal cells was observed. Overexpression of hX11L and the PDZ domain of dX11L resulted in identical eye phenotypes. The PDZ domain is highly conserved between Drosophila and human, and appears to be responsible for this phenotype. Our findings suggest that the X11L family may be involved with the regulation of apoptosis during neural cell development and that aberrant X11L function could be contribute in this way to the neuronal degeneration observed in Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wall-locking and phase-locking modes are studied in detail in a reversed-field pinch device, TPE-RX [Y. Yagi et al., Fusion Eng. Design 45, 409 (1999)]. These mode-locking phenomena arise from tearing instabilities. Wall locking means the stopping of mode rotations, and phase locking means the locking of the phases of multiple modes. Phase locking induces a toroidally localized enhanced magnetic amplitude. There are two types of mode-locking states in TPE-RX. One of them exhibits a clear phase-locked structure, while the other exhibits a weak toroidal localization. Both types show finite toroidal rotation during the current-rising phase of the discharge, and are eventually wall locked during the current flat-top phase. However, the rotation speeds are clearly different between the two types. Confinement properties are compared between the two types of mode-locking states. It is shown that the threshold for the mode amplitude necessary to wall lock the toroidal rotation, as well as the bifurcation of phase-locked structures, agrees with theoretical predictions IR. Fitzpatrick et al., Phys. Plasmas 6, 1168, 3878 (1999)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on lactating bovine mammary functions such as milk protein secretion and the integrity of the milk-blood barrier. The effect on the induction of the systemic inflammatory response was also examined using concentrations of serum haptoglobin (Hp), a major inflammatory acute-phase protein, as an index. One hundred micrograms per mammary gland of recombinant bovine (rBo) TNF-α or placebo saline was individually infused into a rear mammary gland of each of four lactating cows, and milk and blood samples were collected before and 4, 8, 24, 32, 48, 96 and 168 h after infusion. In the rBoTNF-α-infused gland, increases of somatic cell counts were observed at 4–48 h. Although concentrations of total milk protein were not changed, compositions of milk proteins varied following rBoTNF-α infusion. Concentrations of caseins, α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin were significantly decreased at 4 and 8 h. Lactoferrin concentrations were significantly increased at 4 h. Significant infiltrations of serum albumin, immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2 were observed at 4 and 8 h. Elevations of the serum concentration of Hp were detected at 8-32 h, but were very small in comparison with those reported in inflammatory diseases. Changes in rectal temperature and white blood cell counts were not significant. These results show that single rBoTNF-α infusion into the lactating mammary gland suppresses the lactogenic function of the gland and influences the function of the milk-blood barrier, with little effect on the generalized inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy for large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) is expanding, and there is growing interest in how it can be optimally combined with radiation therapy (RT). Tumor control status before a CAR-T infusion is an important, predictive factor of outcomes, but little is known whether tumor control status is important in patients receiving RT as bridging therapy. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship of pre-CAR-T infusion tumor control status with therapeutic outcomes in RT recipients. Patients who received CAR-T therapy for relapsed or refractory LBCL between June 2020 and November 2023 at a single, tertiary cancer center were identified, and those who received RT within four months before a CAR-T infusion were enrolled. RT was indicated mainly for localized disease after systemic treatment as bridging or for the palliation of local symptoms in accordance with the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group guidelines. Patients were classified into a complete response/ partial response (CR/PR) group or a no-response, stable disease/ progressive disease (SD/PD) group by tumor control status at the time of the CAR-T infusion in accordance with the Lugano criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Additionally, risk factors of local failure following RT were explored. Tumor size > 5 cm on CT obtained for RT planning was defined as bulky. Of 76 CAR-T recipients, 30 eligible patients with a median age of 55 years (range: 18-75) were identified. All the eligible patients received two or more (median: 3) systemic treatment regimens at the time of leukapheresis. A median dosage of RT 40 Gy (range: 9.3-50 Gy) was administered in equal, 2-Gy doses daily using an alpha/beta ratio of 10. Sixteen patients achieved CR/PR before CAR-T infusion, and 14 patients had SD/PD. At the 17-month median follow-up, the CR/PR cohort had significantly greater 1-year PFS (78% vs 18%; P <.001) and OS (94% vs 29%; P <.001) than the SD/PD cohort. Local tumor progression was observed in six patients, and all were within the planning target volume. Of these, four patients had only local recurrences. Bulky tumor was identified as a risk factor of local recurrence (P = 0.02). Two patients with a bulky tumor who received a higher radiation dosage (50 Gy in 25 fractions) experienced no local recurrence thereafter. When RT is used as bridging for CAR-T therapy, the tumor control status before CAR-T infusion predicts the outcome. A higher RT dosage may be effective for controlling bulky tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic field fluctuations have been measured in the TPE-1RM20 reversed-field pinch [in Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion Research, Proceedings of the 14th International Conference, 1992, Würzburg (International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1992) Paper IAEA-CN-56/C-4-3]. The dominant modes are m=1/n=7–9, resonant near the axis. The fluctuations are coherent, corresponding to nearly continuous rigid body rotation with poloidal and toroidal frequencies of fθ=130–170 kHz and f[lowercase_phi_synonym]=11–14 kHz, respectively. Discrete dynamo events (in which toroidal magnetic flux is generated) of two different types are observed at high values of pinch parameter (Θ>=1.6). The first type is triggered by a single, wall-locked m=1/n=7 mode. The slowing down of the mode rotation is in rough agreement with a simulation which assumes the effect of induced eddy current in the vacuum liner. In the subsequent relaxation event, the locked mode decays and the m=1 spectrum cascades to higher-n modes. However, in some cases the saturated m=1/n=7 mode exists for periods up to t=0.4 msec, resembling single helicity Ohmic states. The second type of event is characterized by phase locking of several m=1/n=7–9 modes and the appearance of large m=0/n=1–5 modes. Mode rotation continues through the event, similar to the normal machine operating condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A part of the IgG from normal rabbit serum has been isolated which shows specificity of reaction when compared with the whole of rabbit serum IgG. When it is injected intravenously into mice bearing the L1210 leukaemia it has been found to be fixed in spleens to a much higher degree than is whole IgG. It is also fixed selectively in vitro on the sediments of L1210 cells. Some of this particular component cross-reacts well with other mouse tissues, while the rest shows an appreciable specificity for the L1210 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, temperature dependence of breakdown electrical field (E bd) and time-to-failure (TTF) in AC TDDB for thick insulator film (300 nm) deposited by plasma process are discussed. In SiO 2 film deposited using TEOS and O 2 gases, increase of both E bd and TTF beyond 100 °C is observed. On the other hand, in the SiO 2 film and SiN film involving nitrogen, both E bd and TTF decrease with increasing temperature. In order to explain this difference, we focused on the type of conductivity and introduced de-trapped effect by thermal energy. And we proposed a simple model to explain the temperature dependence of those AC TDDB results. In the SiO 2 film deposited using TEOS and O 2 , the temperature dependence of number of trapped carrier is smaller because the conductivity type is the FN tunnelling, while the number of de-trapped carrier significantly increases with temperature and the TTF beyond 100 °C becomes longer. In these films involving nitrogen, the de-trapped effect is negligible because the number of trapped carrier exponentially increases with temperature because of Poole-Frenkel conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a patient with severe cryoglobulinaemia (CG) type I due to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), who showed formation serum cryoprecipitates at a temperature as high as 25 °Centigrade. The patient was a 63-year-old Japanese man who has a 43-year history of purpura on the ears and legs, which appeared in winter and resolved in spring. He presented with a severe purpura on the limbs, colaescing into multiple, painful cutaneous ulcers.

We have studied the effects of the magnetic field up to 10 T on Raman spectra at 40 K in (Nd0.50Sr0.50)MnO3. The folded-phonon modes due to the superlattice in the charge-ordered phase disappear at 10 T, indicating the phase transition to the ferromagnetic metallic phase. We have observed a clear magnetic-field hysteresis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the tolerability of oral therapy for hemophilia with inhibitors. Administration of factor VIII (fVIII) in the treatment of hemophilia patients; Disadvantages of the fVIII infusion on pediatric patients; Use of synergists to increase the efficacy of oral tolerance therapy.

This study attempted to develop detection methods for solar axions using transition-edge-sensor (TES) microcalorimeters. Since the axion absorber comprised of iron-57 (57Fe) is electroplated upon the membrane instead of directly onto the TES itself (with the absorber hence thermally connected to the TES via a gold thermal strap), some of the heat deposited into the absorber consequently escapes into the heat bath through the membrane before being detected by the TES. If the heat-loss depends upon the axion interaction position within the absorber, position dependence may degrade the energy resolution. Therefore, this study endeavored to evaluate the dependence of heat-loss and pulse shape on axion incident position with the COMSOL Multiphysics software package (using a finite element method). In addition, heat-loss and pulse shape were likewise evaluated when the energy was deposited directly within the gold thermal strap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a Bayesian multi‐model fault slip estimation (BMMFSE), which incorporates many candidates of the underground structure (Earth structure and plate boundary geometry) model characterized by a prior probability density function (PDF). The technique is used to study long‐term slow slip events (L‐SSEs) that occurred beneath the Bungo Channel, southwest Japan, in around 2010 and 2018. We here focus on the two advantages of BMMFSE: First, it allows for estimating slip distribution without introducing relatively strong prior information such as smoothing constraints, by combining a fully Bayesian inference and better consideration of model uncertainty to avoid overfitting. Second, the posterior PDF for the underground structure is also obtained during the fault slip estimation, which can be used as priors for the estimation of slip distribution for recurring events. The estimated slip distribution obtained using BMMFSE agreed better with the distribution of deep tectonic tremors at the down‐dip side of the main rupture area than those based on stronger prior constraints when the corresponding Coulomb failure stress changes are compared. This finding suggests a mechanical relationship between the L‐SSE and the synchronized tremors. The use of the posterior PDF of the underground structure estimated for the 2010 L‐SSE as prior PDF for the 2018 event resulted in more consistent estimation with the data, indicated by a smaller value of an information criterion. Plain Language Summary: This study attempts to accurately estimate the slow motion between two plates, which does not produce seismic waves and is known as slow slip events (SSEs), targeting those occurred in southwest Japan. This was accomplished by analyzing satellite data of ground movement during the SSEs using a novel approach called the Bayesian multi‐model fault slip estimation (BMMFSE) framework, which considers multiple candidates of assumptions for Earth structures. BMMFSE stabilizes the analysis and removes artifacts from the estimation results which are otherwise introduced because of the choice of a wrong Earth model. These advantages were validated by comparing the estimation results obtained based on previous approaches that do not consider multiple Earth models. The result of BMMFSE exhibited spatial distributions of motion between plates that are more consistent with other slow earthquakes which occurred synchronously in the nearby fault. In addition, BMMFSE improved the consistency of the estimates with the data by taking over the model uncertainty in the sequential analysis of repeated SSEs. Key Points: Fault slip distributions for slow slip events (SSE) at southwest Japan were estimated considering the uncertainty of underground structureThe mechanical relationship between the SSEs and synchronized tectonic tremors are better justified than in previous studiesInformation criterion indicates that estimates for recurring SSEs taking over model uncertainty result in better consistency with the data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have developed a lithium ion cell using an aluminum-laminated sheet casing for its container, and we estimated the reliability of the heat-sealing for the casing and the life characteristic for the cell. The tensile strength of the heat-sealed margin soaked in electrolyte solvent was found to fade in proportion to square root of the soaking time. The weight loss of dummy cells was in proportion to the storage time, which implies that the solvent molecules diffuse through the aluminum-laminated sheet, namely in the layer of polypropylene resin which heat-sealed the cell. The specific energy for the prototype cell with capacity of 2Ah was 57Whkg−1, which was 30% higher than that of our previous cylindrical can-type cell with capacity of 3.6Ah. The specific power was 3800Wkg−1 at 25°C, which was 25% higher than that of our previous cell. These results indicate that the mass reduction by introducing the aluminum-laminated casing enhanced the specific energy and power effectively without any loss of reliability or life characteristics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thick Al wires bonded on chips of power semiconductor devices were examined for thermal cycle tests, then the bonded joints were cut using microtome method, after that those were observed by scanning electron microscope and analyzed by electron back scattered diffraction. Some cracks were observed between Al wires and the chips, unexpectedly the crack lengths were almost constant for −40/150°C, −40/200°C and −40/250°C tests. It is considered that re-crystallization has been progressed during the high temperature side of the thermal cycle tests. Furthermore, joint samples were prepared using high temperature solders such as Zn–Al and Bi with CuAlMn, Direct Bonded Copper insulated substrates and Mo heatsinks. The fabricated samples were evaluated by scanning acoustic microscope before and after thermal cycle tests. Consequently, almost neither serious damages nor delaminations were observed for −40/200°C and −40/250°C tests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interleukin (IL)-32 is a recently described proinflammatory cytokine, characterized by induction of nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. We studied IL-32α expression in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We also investigated mechanisms regulating IL-32α expression. Tissue samples were obtained endoscopically or surgically from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) ( n = 10), Crohn's disease (CD) ( n = 10), ischaemic colitis ( n = 4) and normal colorectal tissues ( n = 10). IL-32α expression was evaluated by standard immunohistochemical procedure. IL-32 mRNA expression was analysed by Northern blot. IL-32α was expressed weakly by colonic epithelial cells from normal individuals and subjects with ischaemic colitis. In the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients, epithelial IL-32α expression was increased markedly. In UC and CD patients, IL-32α expression was enhanced in affected mucosa compared to non-affected mucosa. In intestinal epithelial cell lines, expression of IL-32α mRNA and protein was enhanced by IL-1β, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. A combination of TNF-α plus IFN-γ exerted synergistic effects. IL-32α induction by IL-1β and/or TNF-α was mediated by NF-κB activation. Epithelial IL-32α expression was increased in IBD patients, and in CD patients in particular. IL-32α might be involved in the pathophysiology of IBD as a proinflammatory cytokine and a mediator of innate immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reliabilities of joints for power semiconductor devices using a Bi-based high temperature solder has been studied. The Bi-based solder whose melting point is 270 °C were prepared by mixing of the CuAlMn particles and molten Bi to overcome the brittleness of Bi. Then, joined samples using the solder were fabricated and thermal cycling tests were examined. After almost 2000 test cycles of −40/200 °C test, neither intermetallic compounds nor cracks were observed for CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) matched sample with Cu interface. On the other hand, certain amount of intermetallic compound such as Bi3Ni was found for a sample with Ni interface. In addition, higher reliability of this solder than Sn-Cu solder was obtained after −40/250 °C test. Furthermore, an example power module structure using double high temperature solder layers was proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper results of an experimental study of magnetic fluctuations in the Toroidal Pinch Experiment (TPE–RX) [Y. Yagi, S. Sekine, H. Sakakita et al., Fus. Eng. Design 45, 409 (1999)] are reported. This study has permitted the identification of the experimental conditions under which the usually turbulent spectrum of magnetic fluctuations in TPE–RX turns into a single tearing mode, in the so-called quasi-single helicity (QSH) state. The large data set has allowed us to provide a complete two dimensional map of QSH probability in the current F plane, being F=Bϕ(a)/〈Bϕ〉. Two main basins of high QSH probability have been found. The first one, at high current and low |F|, confirms previous results on QSH in other machines; the second one is completely new, and is found at low current and high |F|. These studies show that QSH is a robust, device-independent phenomenon, and a significant step towards a laminar type of dynamo in the reversed-field pinch configuration. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Keloid lesions are characterized by mesenchymal cell proliferation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Previous microarray analyses have been performed to investigate the mechanism of keloid development. However, the molecular pathology that contributes to keloid development remains obscure. Aim: To explore the underlying essential molecules of keloids using microarrays. Methods: We performed microarray analyses of keloid and nonlesional skin tissues both in vivo and in vitro. Gene expression levels were compared between tissues and cells. Quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)‐PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to determine the expression levels of molecules of interest in keloid tissues. Results: Several common molecules were upregulated in both keloid tissues and keloid‐lesional fibroblasts. PTPRD and NTM were upregulated both in vivo and in vitro. The genes MDFI and ITGA4 were located at the centre of the gene coexpression network analysis using keloid tissues. qRT‐PCR revealed significant expression levels of PTPRD and MDFI in keloid tissues. Immunopathological staining revealed that MDFI‐positive cells, which have fibroblast characteristics, were located in the keloid‐associated lymphoid tissue (KALT) portion of the keloid tissue. Conclusion: Our gene expression profiles of keloids could distinguish the difference between lesional tissue and cultured lesional fibroblasts, and MDFI was found to be commonly expressed in both tissues and cells. Thus, MDFI‐positive cells, which were located in the KALT, may play an important role in keloid pathogenesis and thus might be useful for in vitro keloid studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on edge plasma fluctuations with inserted triple Langmuir probes and magnetic coils in the TPE-1RM20 reversed-field pinch. Low mode numbers of the density and potential fluctuations; Low frequencies of the electrostatic field fluctuations in the same frequency range as magnetohydrodynamics fluctuations; Poloidal and toroidal mode number spectra.

Antigenic determinants recognizable by rabbits were found to be present on the molecular fragments (48,000 Daltons) which were obtained by papain-solubilization of the membrane fractions of cultured human lymphoid cells and which carried the HL-A determinants. Results were obtained which suggest that these antigenic determinants are present in common on these molecular fragments carrying HL-A determinants regardless of their HL-A specificity and are restricted to the molecular fragments which carry HL-A determinants. The study was made by use of radioimmune methods involving the binding of radioiodine-labelled soluble HL-A antigen preparations by anti-HL-A alloanti- sera and by rabbit antisera raised against the membrane fractions of cultured human lymphoid cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major early complication of lung transplantation that is associated with increased mortality. In addition, its effect on chronic renal function is also a concern. As the impact of AKI on chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown, we analyzed the association between AKI severity and CKD over time. This was a retrospective review of a single-center database of consecutive lung transplant recipients between January 2018 and June 2022. Both AKI and CKD were classified using KDIGO criteria. The Spearman test was used to compare the AKI and CKD grades. Kaplan-Meier and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate survival rates. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess changes in CKD over time. In total, 206 patients were included in this study. The numbers of patients with AKI grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 96 (46.6%), 47 (22.8%), 27 (13.1%), and 36 (17.5%), respectively. The numbers of patients with CKD grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 at 12 months post-transplant were 49 (38.2%), 39 (30.5%), 22 (17.2%), and 18 (14.1%), respectively. There was a significant correlation between AKI and CKD grades at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after lung transplantation (all p <0.001, Figure1). The Kaplan-Meier curves stratified by CKD grade at 12 months postoperatively were nearly identical. In all AKI grades, CKD grade worsened over time postoperatively (Figure 2). AKI grade was significantly correlated with CKD grade. Although CKD did not affect one-year conditional survival, as CKD grade gradually worsens with postoperative time, renal protection strategies are important in both the early and chronic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe right heart failure (RHF) is a known complication of pulmonary hypertension, which increases mortality before lung transplantation. The safety and feasibility of venovenous (VV)-extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO) using ProtekDuoTM (CardiacAssist Inc., Pittsburgh, PA) as a bridge to lung transplantation in severe RHF caused have not been well studied. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of VV-ECMO using ProtekDuoTM as a bridge to lung transplantation in patients with severe RHF. This study was a prospective review of the institutional lung transplantation database from June 2020 to June 2022. Patients who underwent lung transplantation with VV-ECMO using ProtekDuoTM for COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were prospectively enrolled; and preoperative and postoperative transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) data were analyzed. RV function and size were evaluated and scored. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-operative TTE values. During the study period, 20 patients underwent lung transplantation for COVID-19-associated ARDS with preoperative VV-ECMO using ProtekDuoTM. TTE was assessed at a median of 15 days preoperatively (IQR, 7.75-31) and 155.5 days postoperatively (IQR, 112-210). Pre and post-operative median RVSP was 45.4 mm Hg (IQR, 29.4-49.0) and 30.0 mm Hg (IQR, 28.0-35.0), p=0.02, and the median mitral valve A was 0.70 cm/s (IQR, 0.70-0.80) and 0.55 cm/s (IQR, 0.50-0.70), p=0.03 (Table1). All patients were hemodynamically stable with active rehabilitation and did not require inotropes or inhaled nitric oxide. VV-ECMO with ProtekDuoTM for patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS before lung transplantation can stabilize patients without significant complications and allows active rehabilitation of patients with severe RHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physiological changes after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) in patients with rectoanal intussusception (RAI) remain unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate physiological and morphological changes after LVR for RAI, and to study clinical outcomes following LVR with special reference to fecal incontinence (FI).Methods: The study was conducted on patients who had LVR for RAI between February 2012 and December 2016 at our institution Patients with RAI and FI were included in the study. Patients with RAI and obstructed defecation and those with RAI and neurologic FI were not included. The patients had anorectal manometry preoperatively, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Defecography was performed before and 6 months after the procedure. FI was evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI).Results: There were 34 patients (median age 77 years (range 60-93) years). Thirty-two patients (94%) were female and the median number of vaginal deliveries was 2 (range 0-5). Neither maximum resting pressure nor maximum squeeze pressure increased postoperatively. There was an overall increase in both defecatory desire volume (median preoperative 75 ml vs. 90 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002) and maximum tolerated volume (median preoperative 145 ml vs.175 ml at 12 months; p = 0.002). Postoperatively, RAI was eliminated in all patients but one, although 13 had residual rectorectal intussusception found at defecography. There was an overall reduction in both rectocele size (median preop 29 mm vs. postop 10 mm; p = 0.008) and pelvic floor descent (median preop 26 mm vs. postop 20 mm; p = 0.005). Twelve months after surgery, a reduction of at least 50% was observed in the FISI score for 31 incontinent patients (91%).Conclusions: LVR for RAI produced adequate improvement of FI, and successful anatomical correction of RAI was confirmed by postoperative proctography. Postoperative increase in the rectal volume may have a positive effect on continence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the dispersion of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP)-derived radiocesium in the Sea of Japan and western Pacific coastal region and determine the sources of radiocesium in these areas, we examined the temporal and spatial variations of 134 Cs and 137 Cs concentrations (activities) during 2011–2016 in seawaters around the western Japanese Archipelago, particularly in the Sea of Japan. In May 2013, the surface concentration of 134 Cs was ∼0.5 mBq/L (decay-corrected to March 11, 2011), and that of 137 Cs exceeded the pre-accident level in this study area, where the effects of radiocesium depositions just after the FDNPP accident disappeared in surface waters in October 2011. Subsequently, radiocesium concentrations gradually increased during 2013–2016 (∼0.5–1 mBq/L for 134 Cs), exhibiting approximately homogeneous distributions in each year. The temporal and spatial variations of 134 Cs and 137 Cs concentrations indicated that FDNPP-derived radiocesium around the western Japanese Archipelago, including the Sea of Japan, has been supported by the Kuroshio Current and its branch, Tsushima Warm Current, during 2013–2016. However, in the Sea of Japan, the penetration of 134 Cs was limited to depths of less than ∼200 m during three years following the re-delivery of FDNPP-derived radiocesium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are major early complications of lung transplantation and have been reported to lead to increased mortality. Acidosis, hypoxia and inflammatory conditions, due to lung injury, can contribute to renal dysfunction; however, the association between the severity of PGD and AKI has not been well studied. We analyzed the comorbidity rate between PGD and AKI, and the association between PGD and AKI grade classification. This was a retrospective review of an institutional lung-transplant database. We included consecutive lung transplant recipients treated between January 2018 and June 2022. PGD was defined according to the modified ISHLT criteria. AKI was classified with KDIGO criteria. The Spearman test was used to compare PGD and AKI grades. In total, 206 patients were included in this study. The number of patients with PGD grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 was 119 (57.8%), 25 (12.1%), 34 (16.5%), and 28 (13.6%), respectively. The numbers of patients with AKI grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 96 (46.6%), 47 (22.8%), 27 (13.1%), and 36 (17.5%), respectively (Figure 1). Neither PGD nor AKI grade was observed in 69 (33.5%) patients. Both PGD and AKI grades were ≥ 1 in 60 patients (29.1%). A significant correlation was found between PGD and AKI grade (p < 0.001) (Figure 2). AKI grade, as defined by KDIGO, was significantly correlated with the PGD grade. Well-balanced respiratory management and renal protection strategies are essential during the early postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving treatment for critically ill patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Many patients require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as life-saving support when other traditional treatments fail. However, there is limited information regarding the long-term outcomes of VV-ECMO use as a bridge to lung transplantation in patients with ARDS. This was a retrospective review of an institutional lung transplant database. We included consecutive lung transplant recipients between June 2020 and June 2022. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment data, the outcomes of lung transplantation, and survival were collected and analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate survival rates. Among the 41 lung transplant recipients for COVID-19-associated ARDS, 25 patients (median age 53 years [IQR, 36-55]; 11 women [44.0%]) had ECMO bridges and 16 patients (median age 54.5 years [IQR, 52.75 to 63]; 7 women [43.8%]) did not. For lung transplant recipients with ECMO bridges compared to those without, the median lung allocation scores were 88.1 vs. 74.9 (p<0.001). During transplantation, patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS received transfusions with a median of ten units of packed red blood cells vs. two units in those without ECMO bridges; 96.0% vs. 93.8% underwent intraoperative venoarterial ECMO, and the median operative time was 9.5 hrs. vs. 7.8 hrs., respectively. Postoperatively, the rates of primary graft dysfunction grade 3, within 72 hrs., were 44% in the ECMO bridge vs. 0% in those without them. The median duration of intensive care unit stays was 20 days vs. 13 days, and the median post-lung transplant hospitalization duration was 35 days vs. 19.5 days, respectively. After follow-up (median follow-up period: 448 days [IQR, 314-664] in patients with ECMO bridges vs. 417 days [IQR, 389.5-506] in patients without them), one-year survival rates were 78.3% in patients with ECMO bridges and 100.0% in patients without (p=0.06). In this single-center case series of 41 consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation for COVID-19-associated ARDS, patients on an ECMO bridge showed a more severe cohort. However, there was no significant difference in the overall outcomes between the two groups (p=0.06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]