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Amidst ongoing debate about the viability of physical activity (PA) legacies associated with hosting international sports mega events, this systematic review explores quantitative evidence from pop...

Hosting the Olympic Games provides opportunities for municipalities to re-imagine urban spaces to promote active leisure. Our research systematically assessed the pre-Olympic conditions for leisure...

The fabrication of Ga 2 O 3 (010)/Si(100) and Ga 2 O 3 (001)/Si(100) interfaces is achieved by the surface-activated bonding (SAB) of Ga 2 O 3 and Si substrates. The structure of the bonding interfaces is characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Direct bonding of diamond and GaN is successfully fabricated by surface activated bonding method. An 80% contact area of diamond and GaN is obtained. The effect of annealing temperature on the structure properties of the bonding interface is investigated under in-situ annealing in a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

The self-heating of GaN-HEMTs is a serious issue in terms of the device performance and reliability. Therefore, diamond is the most promising candidate as a heat spreader material for HEMTs application because of its extremely high thermal conductivity. Therefore, we fabricate GaN-HEMTs on diamond substrate by using surface activated bonding method.

Background Fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FeNO) is widely used to support diagnosis and monitoring of bronchial asthma (BA). Tsoukias and George proposed a two‐compartment model (2CM) for assessing the alveolar concentration of NO, referred to as CANO(2CM), while Condorelli et al proposed a model based on the trumpet shape of the airway tree and axial diffusion (TMAD), referred to as CANO(TMAD). In addition, Högman et al proposed non‐linear model, referred to as CANO(non‐linear). Objective We examined associations between the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in airway cells (ACs) by bronchoscopy and NO‐parameters calculated by the three methods and identified which of them accurately reflected expression of iNOS mRNA from different airway portions. Methods We retrospectively analysed data of 18 patients with stable, mild‐moderate asthma, including 10 steroid‐naïve BA (snBA) patients. Samples were obtained from airway brushings and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Expressions of iNOS protein in tissue samples were evaluated by immunostaining. The iNOS mRNA in ACs was measured by qPCR. NO‐parameters calculated by the three methods above and evaluated whether they were associated with iNOS mRNA in ACs derived from proximal (2nd carina), distal (10‐15th) airways and alveolar regions. Results Immunostaining revealed expression of iNOS proteins mainly in epithelial cells in the airways, while it was mainly expressed in macrophages in the alveolar region in the snBA group. The iNOS mRNA expression was increased in both proximal and distal ACs in the snBA group compared with steroid‐treated BA group (stBA). CANO(2CM) negatively associated with FEV 1 (%predicted) and also associated with iNOS mRNA in distal ACs significantly. However, CANO(TMAD) and CANO(non‐linear) showed no correlation with lung function nor iNOS mRNA expression in any portions of ACs. Conclusions These results suggested that CANO(2CM) reflected distal airway inflammation in steroid‐naïve asthma.

Background As the incidence of allergic asthma in children increases, the immunoglobin E (IgE) molecular sensitization profile of allergic asthma remains underreported while the level of total IgE (tIgE) and sIgE/tIgE have not been studied as predictors of efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for allergic asthma, specifically in children. Methods Starting from August 2018 to March 2019 in the Respiratory Department of the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, asthmatic children, with positive skin prick tests to Der p or Der f, were enrolled in this study. Total IgE, allergen serum-specific IgE (sIgE) of Der p, Der f, Blomia tropicalis (Blo t), cat dander, dog dander, egg white, milk, cockroach, shrimp, and crab, along with Der p allergen components, Der p1 and Der p2, were measured by ImmunoCAP™ assay. Results A total of 142 children with allergic asthma were enrolled, all of whom showed positive IgE for Der p, Der p1, Der p2, and Der f; meanwhile, the positive rates of Blo t, cat dander, dog dander, egg white, milk, cockroach, shrimp, and crab were 91.84%, 10.96%, 7.32%, 9.15%, 11.58%, 17.03%, 18.90%, and 18.28% respectively. A significantly high correlation was found between total IgE and the sIgE of Der f, Der p, Der p 1, and Der p 2. Asthmatic children with a family history of allergy displayed higher total IgE and unknown IgE levels than those patients without a family history of allergy. The ratios of Der f sIgE/tIgE and Der p sIgE/tIgE were higher in the negative family history of allergy group than in the positive family history of allergy group. Furthermore, total IgE and unknown IgE were higher in the polysensitized group than in the in monosensitized group. The ratios of Der f sIgE/tIgE and Der p sIgE/tIgE were higher in the monosensitized group than in the polysensitized group. Conclusions From this study, we noticed that dust mites are the main cause of asthma in children investigated. Our findings indicate patients with no family history of allergy and monosensitized patients have a higher ratio of sIgE/tIgE, and those patients may benefit more from AIT.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS), an extremely rare malignancy, usually follows a progressive time course, and patients die within two years of diagnosis. At present, there is no consensus for effective chemotherapy. We report the case of a 54-year-old man who presented with low back pain and left hip joint pain. Imaging for the pain revealed multiple lesions in the mediastinum, vertebral bodies, and left ilium. Biopsies of the mediastinal and vertebral lesions yielded a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma. He received standard chemotherapy for sarcoma with doxorubicin and ifosfamide, as the initial pathological diagnosis was soft tissue sarcoma. This is called AI therapy and commonly used for soft tissue sarcoma. Palliative radiation therapy to the left iliac lesion was added for pain control. Complete remission (CR) was achieved after two courses of AI therapy. Subsequent immunopathological examination revealed that the tumor was spindle cell dominant HS. CR was maintained for more than three years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that a CR was achieved by AI therapy as first-line treatment for spindle cell dominant HS, combined with focal bone palliative irradiation. AI therapy could be an effective option as chemotherapy for HS.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the efficacy of switching therapy from fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SM) or budesonide/formoterol (BD/FM) to fluticasone furoate and vilanterol (FF/VI) at the equivalent corticosteroid dose in a real-world setting. METHODS: A prospective, 3-month, open-label, parallel group, switching therapy trial was performed in symptomatic asthma patients under routine management. Patients using 1 puff of FP 250 µg/SM 50 µg b.i.d or 2 puffs of BD 160 µg/FM 4.5 µg b.i.d were switched to FF 100 µg/VI 25 µg once daily, while patients using 1 puff of FP 500 µg/SM 50 µg b.i.d or 4 puffs of BD 160/FM b.i.d was switched to FF 200 µg/VI 25 µg once daily. The primary outcome was improvement of the predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second % (%FEV1), while secondary outcomes were improvement of asthma symptoms evaluated by the asthma control test (ACT) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). RESULTS: The %FEV1 was improved at 4 weeks after switching, and the improvement was maintained until 12 weeks. ACT also improved after switching. Patients with ACT 20. FeNO decreased from 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic asthma patients showing insufficient control, improvement of asthma was obtained by switching to FF/VI at the equivalent corticosteroid dose accompanied with the improvement of biomarkers. FF/VI can be a useful option for better control of asthma because of its high efficacy, long duration of action, and delivery via a single-action device.

Previous studies have shown that green tea catechins (GTCs) have beneficial effects on obesity and metabolic syndromes. In this study, we prepared kosen-cha from green tea using high pressure extraction, to reduce the astringent taste of the green tea. We identified a large quantity of polymerized GTCs in kosen-cha. To investigate the effects of kosen-cha containing polymerized GTCs in obese Japanese patients, we designed an open-label pilot study in which 6 obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2) were administered kosen-cha (5 g/L/d) for 12 weeks. Body composition, serum lipids, insulin resistance, vascular functions, and cardiac hypertrophy were measured before and 12 weeks after kosen-cha administration. Kosen-cha showed no significant adverse effects on the patients. Body weights, BMI, waist circumferences, serum triglyceride (TG) levels, and homeostasis model assessment as an index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly decreased after the 12 weeks of administration. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (p = 0.0214), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV)(p = 0.0141), left ventricular mass indexes (p = 0.0120), and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (p = 0.0144) were significantly improved. Overall, kosen-cha reduced obesity and improved insulin resistance, vascular function, and cardiac hypertrophy, indicating its preventive potential in obesity and metabolic syndrome.

研究グループは、窒化ガリウムとダイヤモンドの直接接合に成功しました。窒化ガリウムを利用したトランジスタは、シリコンに代わる次世代半導体として、携帯電話の基地局などで幅広く使用されているものの、動作時に極度に温度上昇するため性能が大きく制限されています。加えて大型の放熱部材も必要です。研究グループは、地球上で最も熱伝導率が高く、最も効率的に熱を逃すことができるダイヤモンドと窒化ガリウムとの常温での直接接合に成功し、直接接合が1,000℃の熱処理にも耐えることを実証しました。更に、接合に際してダイヤモンドの結晶構造が壊れるものの、熱処理することで再結晶化することを明らかにしました。これは界面で高い熱伝導率が保持することを示します。今回の成果により窒化ガリウムトランジスタで発生する温度上昇をこれまでの1/4倍程度まで抑制でき、大幅な省エネにつながると予測されます。今後、窒化ガリウムトランジスタの使用範囲が拡大し、レーダーやインバータなどの大電力用途にも使用できるとともに、持続可能な社会の実現にも貢献すると期待されます。, The direct integration of gallium nitride (GaN) and diamond holds much promise for high-power devices. However, it is a big challenge to grow GaN on diamond due to the large lattice and thermal-expansion coefficient mismatch between GaN and diamond. In this work, ...

Background Intelectin-1 (ITLN-1) is secreted by intestinal goblet cells and detectable in blood. Its expression is increased in IL-13-overexpressing mouse airways. However, its expression and function in human airways is poorly understood. Methods Distal and proximal bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were isolated from bronchoscopic brushings of disease control (D-CON), COPD, inhaled corticosteroid-treated asthma (ST-Asthma) and inhaled corticosteroid-naïve asthma (SN-Asthma) patients. ITLN-1 mRNA expression in freshly isolated BECs, primary cultured BECs with or without IL-13 and inhibition effects of mometasone furoate (MF) were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Correlations between ITLN-1 mRNA and Type-2 related parameters (e.g. FeNO, IgE, iNOS, CCL26, periostin and DPP4 mRNA) were analyzed. ITLN-1 protein distribution in asthmatic airway tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) and serum ITLN-1 protein were measured by ELISA. The effect of recombinant human (rh) ITLN-1 on stimulated production of CXCL10 and phospho(p)-STAT1 expression examined in lung fibroblasts. Results ITLN-1 mRNA was expressed in freshly isolated BECs and was correlated with Type-2 related parameters. ITLN-1 protein was increased in goblet cells in SN-Asthmatics and increased in SN-Asthmatic BAL fluid. There were no any differences in serum ITLN-1 concentration between ST and SN-Asthma. IL-13 enhanced ITLN-1 expression and inhibited by MF from BECs in vitro, while rhITLN-1 inhibited CXCL10 production and p-STAT1 expression in HFL-1 cells. Conclusion ITLN-1 is induced by IL-13 and expressed mainly in goblet cells in untreated asthma where its levels correlate with known Type-2 related parameters. Further, ITLN-1 inhibits Type-1 chemokine expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13223-017-0207-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Some patients with interstitial pneumonia (IP) have auto-antibodies, but do not fit the criteria for specific connective tissue diseases. Examination of auto-antibodies is recommended for diagnosis idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. A prospective cohort study was performed in 285 patients with IP. Eleven auto-antibodies were assessed and patients were followed for 2 years. All 285 patients underwent the myositis panel test (MPT) for 11 auto-antibodies. Among them, 23.5% (67/285) of the patients had a positive MPT and 14.7% (42/285) had connective tissue diseases. Among the 49 MPT positive patients without connective tissue diseases, 29 patients (59.2%) were positive for Ro52, including 17 patients with Ro52 mono-positivity. Among interstitial pneumonia patients without connective tissue diseases, the Ro52 mono-positive patients showed worse at 2-years survival than those who were Ro52 negative (p = 0.022, HR = 5.88, 95% CI 1.29-26.75). Most of the Ro52 positive patients also showed a low titer of anti-nucleolar antibody. About 20% of IP patients had auto-antibodies detectable by the MPT, and Ro52 positive patients accounted for more than half of the MPT positive patients without connective tissue diseases. Detection of Ro52 auto-antibodies may be useful for assessing the risk of progression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia patients without connective tissue diseases and a low anti-nucleolar antibody titer.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of height-adjustable standing desks on time-series variation in sedentary behavior (SB) among primary school children. Thirty-eight children aged 11&ndash, 12 years (22 boys and 16 girls) from two classes at a primary school in Nagano, Japan, participated in this study. One class was allocated as the intervention group and provided with individual standing desks for 6 months, and the other was allocated as the control group. Time spent in SB, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers (ActiGraph) at baseline and follow-up. Time spent in SB was significantly lower by 18.3 min/day on average in the intervention class at follow-up (interaction effects: F(1, 36) = 4.95, p = 0.035, &eta, 2 = 0.082). This was accompanied by a significant increase in time spent in MVPA (+19.9 min/day on average). Our time-series analysis showed significant decreases in SB during school time, while no change in SB was found during non-school time. This result indicates that the use of standing desks promotes an overall reduction in SB with no compensatory increase during non-school time.

Atomistic structure of interfaces fabricated by surface activated bonding (SAB) at room temperature can be modified under the irradiation of a focused ion beam for structural analysis, presumably due to the migration of atoms assisted by point defects that are introduced during the SAB process.

Studies have shown that inhaled mine dust, such as asbestos, can be translocated to various organs including the lymph nodes. Recently, we have established a protocol that enables us to identify inhaled elements using paraffin embedded lung specimens by in-air microparticle-induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE). However, little research has examined the concentration of these inhaled fibers in various organs or the mechanisms of their translocation. In this study, we compared the concentration of inhaled fibers in the lung parenchyma to the concentration in the hilar lymph node as well as to determine the elemental spatial distribution of the inhaled fibers in a patient with occupational asbestos exposure. Lung tissues and hilar lymph node in a patient with asbestos exposure were used in this study. Elemental analysis was performed by in-air micro-PIXE. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using anti CD163, smooth muscle actin, vimentin and β-catenin antibody. The analysis revealed that the amount of inhaled silicon was approximately 6 times higher in the lymph node than in the lungs. The spatial analysis showed that silicon, iron and aluminium were co-localized in the hilar lymph node. The immunohistochemical analysis showed localized agreement of the inhaled fibers with macrophages, smooth muscle actin, and vimentin in the hilar lymph node. This study showed that in-air micro-PIXE could be useful for analyzing the elemental distribution and quantification of inhaled fibers in the human body. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry in combination with in-air micro-PIXE analyses may help to determine the mechanism of mine dust distribution in vivo.

The direct integrating of GaAs and diamond is achieved at room temperature via a surface activated bonding method. An ultrathin crystal defect layer composed of GaAs and diamond was formed at the bonding interface. The thickness of the GaAs and diamond crystal defect layers was determined to be 0.4 and 1.6 nm, respectively. After annealing at 400 °C, no changes were observed in the thickness of the crystal defect layer and the interfacial structure. The thermal characterization of the transmission line model (TLM) patterns formed on the GaAs layer bonded to diamond and sapphire substrates is demonstrated. The thermal resistance of the GaAs TLM patterns formed on the diamond and sapphire substrates was determined to be 6 and 34.9 K/W, respectively. The GaAs TLM patterns formed on the diamond showed an excellent heat dissipation property due to the high thermal conductivity of diamond.

Laser-assisted atom probe tomography was used to identify the impurity distribution in Si heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells composed of thin doped/intrinsic amorphous Si layers on the textured surface of a crystalline Si wafer. A site-specific lift-out technique involving a focused ion beam enabled the selection of a ∼2 × 2 μm2 area on an arbitrary pyramidal surface. The distributions of B, P and C in the amorphous Si layers introduced by p-type (trimethyl-borane or diborane) or n-type (phosphine) dopant gases were investigated. Standard guidelines for the assessment of the H content in amorphous Si of SHJ solar cells were provided.

Surface-activated bonding (SAB) [1], that is a direct wafer bonding process without additional buffer layers, is a promising method to fabricate tough and steep heterointerfaces at low cost. SAB can fabricate any heterointerfaces free from dislocations and cracks, even for dissimilar materials with different crystal structures and lattice constants, without high-temperature annealing. Recently, SAB is applied to the next-generation semiconductors such as diamond, SiC, and GaN, as well as to the basic semiconductors such as Si and GaAs, towards low-resistance semiconductor-to-semiconductor heterointerfaces free from adherent layers. Even though such bonding is successfully demonstrated, the principle of the SAB is still controversial due to the difficulty of analyzing their non-equilibrium heterostructures at an atomistic level. In the present work, we have clarified the bonding mechanism in Si/GaAs [2] and Si/diamond [3] heterointerfaces fabricated by SAB at room temperature (RT), by using high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) under cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), combined with low-temperature focused ion beam (LT-FIB) technique that can suppress the structural modification during FIB processes [4]. In the SAB process, wafer surfaces are activated at RT by the irradiation of inert atoms in a high vacuum, and the surfaces are then bonded by the contact under a specific pressure. In the bonding process at RT, atomic intermixing across the interfaces, due to the transient enhanced diffusion assisted by the point defects introduced in the surface activation process, forms an intermediate layer of 4-5 nm thick having gradient composition (see Fig. 1 for Si/GaAs interface). Interestingly, no structural defect, such as cracks and dislocations, is introduced at the heterointerfaces even after high-temperature annealing, presumably due to the gradient nanolayer acting as a buffer layer that can reduce the interface energy, as well as forming strong chemical bonds. Spontaneous formation of the gradient nanolayer is, therefore, the key concept of SAB, by which we can create tough and steep heterointerfaces of dissimilar materials at low cost. On the other hand, since the point defects, as well as their agglomerates [5], can degrade the electronic properties such as interface resistances, the decrease of the defects would play a crucial role in fabricating electronic devices with SAB techniques. The degraded properties can be recovered by an appropriate annealing after the SAB processes, although the atomistic structure around the heterointerfaces would be modified during the annealing [6]. By controlling SAB and subsequent annealing conditions, we can obtain low-resistance heterointerfaces via the optimization of the trade-off relationship between the chemical bonding strength and the electronic properties, determined by the distribution of point defects beneath the activated surfaces before bonding. [1] T. Suga, Y. Takahashi, H. Takagi, B. Gibbesch, and G. Elssner, Acta Metall. Mater. 40 (1992) S133. [2] N. Shigekawa, J. Liang, R. Onitsuka, T. Agui, H. Juso and T. Takamoto, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 54 (2015) 08KE03. [3] J. Liang, S. Masuya, M. Kasu, and N. Shigekawa, Appl. Phys. Lett. 110 (2017) 111603. [4] Y. Ohno, H. Yoshida, N. Kamiuchi, R. Aso, S. Takeda, Y. Shimizu, Y. Nagai, J. Liang, and N. Shigekawa, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 59 (2020) SBBB05. [5] Y. Ohno, H. Yoshida, S. Takeda, J. Liang, and N. Shigekawa, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 57 (2018) 02BA01. [6] Y. Ohno, J. Liang, N. Shigekawa, H. Yoshida, S. Takeda, R. Miyagawa, Y. Shimizu, Y. Nagai, submitted. Fig. 1 (a) HAADF-STEM image of an as-bonded GaAs/Si heterointerface. The exact location of the interface is indicated with the broken line. A thin amorphous layer is formed in the Si side, while a defective crystalline layer, with small vacancy clusters [5], are formed in the GaAs side. (b) Density profiles across the interface for As, Ga, Si, and all kinds of atoms obtained by STEM-EDS. A slight atomic intermixing across the interface takes place in the bonding process at RT, via the transient enhanced diffusion assisted by the point defects introduced in the surface activation process. The total density depletes at the interface, indicating the introduction of vacancies, mainly on As sites in GaAs. The ratio between the As density and the Ga one in the GaAs side is below 1.0 down to the depth of 2 nm from the interface, and it is above 1.0 in the depth range of 2 to 6 nm, due to Frenkel-type defects (vacancy-interstitial pairs) on the As sites. Those defects would induce a high interface resistance of the order of 10-1 Ωcm2 [2]. Figure 1

Bonding mechanism at room temperature (RT) in GaAs/Si heterointerfaces fabricated by surface-activated bonding (SAB) is examined using cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with low-temperature focused ion beam and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. In the bonding process at RT, atomic intermixing at the interfaces, presumably due to the transient enhanced diffusion assisted by the point defects introduced in the surface activation process, is confirmed. The defect-assisted atomic diffusion at the interfaces, as well as the formation of atomically clean and activated surfaces, would be the key concept of SAB, by which we can create tough heterointerfaces at RT. Meanwhile, the defects on the activated surfaces would degrade the interface resistance. The degraded properties can be recovered by an appropriate annealing after the SAB processes, although the atomistic structure around the heterointerfaces would be modified during the annealing. By controlling SAB and subsequent annealing conditions, we can obtain low-resistance heterointerfaces via the optimization of the trade-off relationship between the chemical bonding strength and the electronic properties, determined by the activated surfaces before bonding.

Dementia is increasing in Australia in line with population ageing and is expected to peak by mid-century. The development of common forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is associated with lifestyle-related risk factors that are prevalent among middle-aged Australians, including obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and depression. These risk factors can be significantly ameliorated through regular participation in moderate aerobic physical activity (PA). Current national and international guidelines recommend at least 150 min of aerobic PA per week for achieving health protective effects. Lifestyle intervention is a critical area for action as there are currently no medical or pharmaceutical interventions that can halt the progression of common dementias. Physician–patient discussions concerning risk reduction via habitual aerobic PA offers a complementary intervention as part of broader dementia management. Evidence suggests that to achieve the highest rates of adherence to PA, physician advice in primary care should be supported by wider policies, institutions and community services that offer a meaningful referral pathway and patient follow up after initial assessment. International Green Prescription programs provide examples of physician-led interventions in primary care that could inform further action in Australia.

Co-infection with cryptococcus and tuberculosis has rarely been reported. We herein report a case of an 80-year-old man with cryptococcal pleuritis concurrent with pulmonary tuberculosis. He was admitted for progression of left pleural effusion and consolidation in the left upper lobe. Culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive in sputum, and analyses of pleural effusion revealed lymphocyte-predominant high levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA). Medical thoracoscopy revealed massive infiltration of Cryptococcus neoformans in pleura without granuloma. This is the first case report of cryptococcal pleuritis coincident with pulmonary tuberculosis. Cryptococcal pleuritis should be ruled out when the adenosine deaminase levels are elevated in pleural effusion.

Luminescence of erbium in silicon has been intensively explored in the past in the high power emission regime, but its employment for manufacturability of active components for silicon photonics proved unfeasible. We explore the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) at the telecomm wavelength of very low implantation doses of ErO x in Si for accessing few photon regime towards single photon emission. We achieve countable photon regime and we assess the lower-bound number of detectable emission centers by micron scale implanted dots, whose emission is collected by an inverted confocal microscope.

We have shown that the structural and compositional properties of semiconductor interfaces fabricated by surface activated bonding (SAB) would be modified during focused ion beam (FIB) processes operated at room temperature (RT), especially for wide band-gap materials, and such a modification can be suppressed by FIB processes operated at lower temperatures. During FIB processes operated at RT, SAB-fabricated Si/Si and GaAs/GaAs interfaces are amorphized along the interfaces, even at the internal locations deeper than the penetration depth of the FIB, and the impurity distribution across the interfaces is modified. This phenomenon is presumably due to the atomic diffusion assisted by the point defects that are introduced by FIB irradiation. By using FIB processes operated at −150 °C, the FIB-induced atomic diffusion would be ignored for Si/Si interfaces. Meanwhile, the diffusion would be still effective for GaAs/GaAs interfaces, presumably due to the effects of recombination-enhanced defect motion under FIB irradiation.

To evaluate dislocations induced by neutron irradiation, we developed a weak-beam scanning transmission electron microscopy (WB-STEM) system by installing a novel beam selector, an annular detector, a high-speed CCD camera and an imaging filter in the camera chamber of a spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope. The capabilities of the WB-STEM with respect to wide-view imaging, real-time diffraction monitoring and multi-contrast imaging are demonstrated using typical reactor pressure vessel steel that had been used in an European nuclear reactor for 30 years as a surveillance test piece with a fluence of 1.09 × 1020 neutrons cm-2. The quantitatively measured size distribution (average loop size = 3.6 ± 2.1 nm), number density of the dislocation loops (3.6 × 1022 m-3) and dislocation density (7.8 × 1013 m m-3) were carefully compared with the values obtained via conventional weak-beam transmission electron microscopy studies. In addition, cluster analysis using atom probe tomography (APT) further demonstrated the potential of the WB-STEM for correlative electron tomography/APT experiments.

An 81-year-old Japanese man had organizing pneumonia (OP), and he had worked as a painter and had a history of exposure of various paints over 20 years. The major features on computed tomography (CT) in patients were cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) showing airspace consolidation, and air bronchograms were consistent finding in consolidation in right lung of S¹⁰. Such parenchymal abnormalities were clinically and pathologically diagnosed COP and the lesion was improved by corticosteroid therapy. About 1.5 years later, similar shadows emerged in new locations of right S⁴ and left S⁸, and these were bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) classified as adenocarcinoma. BAC causes similar X-ray changes to COP and inflammation accompanying BAC can also respond to corticosteroids, which may lead to delay in the diagnosis of BAC associated with COP. These radiological features lead to difficulty in making a diagnosis of new parenchymal diseases. The present patient had been painter, and metals of carcinogens were proven in both tissue of COP and BAC. Here, we reported a painter with COP and new-onset BAC who had been exposed to particles proven by elemental analysis. The combination of COP with BAC is considered uncommon, but the risk of BAC may increase when there is a history of particle inhalation.

Interactions between CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 or CXCR7 are involved in tumor growth and metastasis in various types of human cancer. However, CXCL12 expression and its role in lung cancer are not fully elucidated. Here we examined the expression of CXCL12 in 54 lung cancer cell lines consisting of 23 small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and 31 non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). CXCL12 was overexpressed in lung cancer cell lines compared to non-malignant human bronchial epithelial cell lines (N = 6). CXCL12 expression was positively but weakly correlated with the expression of CXCR4 or CXCR7. We also examined CXCL12 expression in 89 NSCLC specimens and found that CXCL12 expression was significantly higher in tumor specimens from female patients, non-smokers and adenocarcinoma patients. Small interfering RNAs targeting CXCL12 inhibited cellular proliferation, colony formation and migration of CXCL12-overexpressing lung cancer cells; however, this inhibition did not occur in lung cancer cells that lacked CXCL12. Furthermore, the anti-CXCL12 neutralizing antibody mediated inhibitory effects in three lung cancer cell lines that overexpressed CXCL12, but not in two CXCL12 non-expressing lung cancer cell lines nor two non-malignant bronchial epithelial cell lines. The present study demonstrates that: CXCL12 is concomitantly overexpressed with CXCR4 or CXCR7 in lung cancers; CXCL12 is highly expressed in NSCLCs from females, non-smokers and adenocarcinoma patients; and disruption of CXCL12 inhibits the growth and migration of lung cancer cells. Our findings indicate that CXCL12 is required for tumor growth and provide a rationale for the anti-CXCL12 treatment strategy in lung cancer.

For early detection of autism, it is difficult to maintain an efficient level of sensitivity and specificity based on observational data from a single screening. The Extraction and Refinement (ER) Strategy utilizes a public children's health surveillance program to produce maximum efficacy in early detection of autism. In the extraction stage, all cases at risk of childhood problems, including developmental abnormality, are identified; in the refinement stage, cases without problems are excluded, leaving only cases with conclusive diagnoses.The city of Yokohama, Japan, conducts a routine child health surveillance program for children at 18 months in which specialized public health nurses administer YACHT-18 (Young Autism and other developmental disorders CHeckup Tool), a screening instrument to identify children at risk for developmental disorders. Children who screen positive undergo further observation, and those without disorders are subsequently excluded. To study the efficacy of early detection procedures for developmental disorders, including autism, 2,814 children born in 1988, examined at 18 months of age, and not already receiving treatment for diseases or disorders were selected.In the extraction stage, 402 (14.3%) children were identified for follow-up. In the refinement stage, 19 (.7%) of these were referred to the Yokohama Rehabilitation Center and diagnosed with developmental disorders. The extraction stage produced four false negatives, bringing total diagnoses of developmental disorders to 23 (.8%) - including 5 with autistic disorder and 9 with pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). Sensitivity was 60% for autistic disorder and 82.6% for developmental disorders. Specificity for developmental disorders rose to 100% with the ER Strategy. Picture cards used in YACHT-18 provided a finer screen that excluded some false positive cases.An extraction and refinement methodology utilizing child health surveillance programs achieve high efficacy for early detection of autism.

In urban river management, 'controlling the river flow', 'maintaining the river basin' and 'preserving the ecological environment' are the most important components. However, these are not necessarily considered at simultaneously in practical phases. Each of the components is handled individually. In this paper, a mathematical model for analyzing the relationship among the components is proposed. The relationships among elements in the components are modeled with differential equation. By analyzing the characteristics of equilibriums and their convergence paths, possible symbiotic dynamics of socio- and biospheres are considered. As one of the implications of scenario analysis, it is revealed that if local people engage in activities that improve the river environment for a purpose of relaxation, the balance of the biosphere would eventually change, which would not bring about a good symbiotic state for socio- and biospheres.

Resolvin E1 (RvE1; 5S, 12R, 18R-trihydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid) is an anti-inflammatory lipid mediator derived from the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It has been recently shown that RvE1 is involved in the resolution of inflammation. However, it is not known whether RvE1 is involved in the resolution of asthmatic inflammation. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RvE1 in asthma, a murine model of asthma was studied. After RvE1 was administered to mice intraperitoneally, there were decreases in: airway eosinophil and lymphocyte recruitment, specific Th2 cytokine, IL-13, ovalbumin-specific IgE, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to inhaled methacholine. Moreover, RvE1-treated mice had significantly lower mucus scores compared to vehicle-treated mice based on the number of goblet cells stained with periodic acid-schiff (PAS). These findings provide evidence that RvE1 is a pivotal counterregulatory signal in allergic inflammation and offer novel multi-pronged therapeutic approaches for human asthma.

In this research, a method of designing an EPS control system that achieved a good steer feeling without using an actual vehicle was examined. Firstly, evaluation functions to evaluate steer feeling theoretically were set. And it was described that steer feelings such as “inertial feeling” and “viscous feeling” could be expressed by the evaluation functions. Secondly, a target characteristic that made the steer feeling good was determined on the evaluation function, and control methods to theoretically achieve this target characteristic were described. Finally, the designed control system was installed in an EPS vehicle. As a result, it was confirmed that the steer feeling in an actual vehicle was fine with no “inertial and viscous feeling”.

Detection of resistance to drugs for Mycobacterium tuberculosis takes about two months from the sample collection using culture-based methods. To test a rapid method for detection of resistance for five antituberculosis drugs using DNA microarray and to examine its potential for clinical use, we employed a DNA microarray for detection of seven mutations genes related to resistance of five kinds of antituberculous drugs using Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA isolated from sputum. The results of microarray analysis were compared with the results of a standard culture method of Lowenstein-jensen drug sensitivity testing system. DNA microarray analysis showed a high sensitivity (>90%) for all five drugs. Specificity of rifampicin and ethambutol were nearly 90%, however specificity of isoniazid (60%) and kanamycin (67%) were not enough. The amount of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA required for microarray analysis corresponded to at least 1–9 Acid-Fast Bacilli per 10 fields by carbolfuchsin staining. DNA microarray analysis appears to be useful for estimation of drug resistances, nevertheless its limitations. To minimize misunderstanding, it is necessary to confirm the number of bacilli in the sputum, and culture method is needed for comparison when use the PCR-based array system.

Fabrication of the next generation silicon devices requires fundamental understanding of defect interactions that are characteristic of nano-scale device processing. Because a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic defects generated at surfaces and interfaces can easily diffuse and reach the active regions in the nano-scale devices, it becomes crucial to understand the transient and non-equilibrium behaviors of defect interactions related to nano-scale fabrications. In order to identify what types of kinetics and reactions are relevant to nano-processing, diffusion in silicon and silicon oxide is studied using isotopically controlled silicon heterostructures. Our experiments probing the effect of interfaces on impurity and silicon self-diffusion in silicon dioxide, silicon self-diffusion in silicon, and implanted-impurity and silicon interactions are reviewed. Then quantitative models based on such experimental studies are presented and how they will be utilized in the construction of diffusion simulators is discussed.

Information about the impacts of disasters on health is useful for establishing hazard prediction maps and action plans of disaster management. This study aims at learning effective asthma management from the volcano disaster of Mount Asama eruption in Japan on September 1, 2004. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the acute impact of volcanic ash on asthma symptoms and their treatment changes by using a questionnaire completed by 236 adult asthmatic patients and their physicians. In the ashfall over 100g/m2 area, 42.9% of asthma patients suffered exacerbations, PEF decreased, asthma treatments increased, and inhalation of β2 stimulants was used most for exacerbated asthma. Compared to severe asthma patients, mild and moderate asthma patients were most at risk. Severe asthma patients were not affected since most of them knew their asthma status was severe, and did not go outside and kept windows closed. Deteriorated asthma symptoms of wheezing, chest tightness and cough appeared in the ashfall over 100g/m2 area. Ash contained inhalable 10μm diameter particles, and included high concentrations of airway toxic substrates of silica. These data suggest that ashfall over 100 g/m2 is harmful, access to these areas by asthma patients needs to be restricted, and these areas need to improve asthma treatment. In addition, the increase in the proportion of asthma patients with wheeze and cough are diagnostic clues for ash-induced asthma in affected areas, and can be used by doctors to tell whether patients are receiving sufficient asthma treatment.

We conducted a phase I study to determine the maximum tolerated dose, the recommended dose and the safety profile of S-1 and carboplatin combination regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were treated with S-1 and carboplatin. S-1 was administered orally twice daily for 14 days and carboplatin on day 1 of each cycle, and this was repeated every 4 weeks. Doses of each drug were planned as follows: level 1, 5/65; level 2, 5/80; level 3, 6/80 [carboplatin (area under the curve, mg/ml/min)/S-1 (mg/m 2 /day)]. The dose-limiting toxicity of the regimen was assessed during the first chemotherapy cycle. Twelve patients were enrolled in this study. The main grade 3 or grade 4 toxicities observed during the first cycle were neutropenia (41%), thrombocytopenia (41 %) and transaminase elevation. Two of three patients in level 2 had dose-limiting toxicity and this level was considered the maximum tolerated dose. Level 1 was selected as the recommended dose. Objective responses were seen in four patients (response rate 33%). The combination of S-1 plus carboplatin is a feasible and well-tolerated regimen for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

It is known that the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in asthmatic patients is high. Although an endoscopic diagnosis of GERD based on the established Los Angeles (LA) classification requires the detection of erosive mucosal breaks, there are patients with GERD who have prominent erythema of the esophageal membrane without erosive mucosal breaks. Non-erosive mucosal change denotes the minimal change of the discoloring type of reflux esophagitis. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of GERD in asthmatic patients using the LA classification with the inclusion of minimal change, compared to the prevalence determined using the established LA classification without minimal change. The presence of GERD in asthmatic patients (n = 78), non-asthmatic disease control patients (n = 56), and healthy subjects (n = 150) was evaluated by endoscopic examination. The frequency of GERD in asthmatic patients based on the LA classification with minimal change was higher (54/78, 69.2%) than in asthmatic patients based on the LA classification without minimal change (37/78, 47.4%) (p < 0.05). The prevalence of GERD in asthmatic patients (69.2%) was higher than that in disease control patients (17/56, 30.4%) and healthy subjects (27/150, 18.0%) based on the LA classification with minimum change. These data indicate that asthmatic patients have a high frequency of GERD. In addition, without the inclusion of minimum change to the diagnosis of GERD, the prevalence of GERD appears to be underestimated in asthmatic patients. Therefore, physicians should carefully observe asthmatic patients with minimal change on endoscopy.