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Background: Asporin (ASPN), a member of the proteoglycan family, has been shown to have a close correlation with cancer progression. It is not known whether ASPN is an oncogenic driver or a tumor suppressor in human gastric cancer. We sought herein to determine the relationship between ASPN expression and clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 296 gastric cancer patients (diffuse type, n = 144; intestinal type, n = 152) were enrolled. The ASPN expression level in each case was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: ASPN was mainly found on stromal cells, especially on fibroblasts in tumor stroma, i.e., cancer-associated fibroblasts. The ASPN expression on either cancer cells or stromal cells was significantly high in macroscopic scirrhous-type tumors (p < 0.001) and histologically abundant stroma-type tumors (p < 0.001). Interestingly, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve of the 144 cases of diffuse-type gastric cancer revealed a significantly poorer prognosis in patients with ASPN-positive expression (p = 0.043; log rank) compared to those with ASPN-negative expression, but the prognoses were not significantly different in these subgroups of the 152 cases of intestinal-type gastric cancer. A multivariate analysis with respect to overall survival showed that ASPN expression on stromal cells and/or cancer cells was significantly correlated with overall survival in patients with diffuse-type gastric cancer (p = 0.041). Conclusion: In gastric cancer, ASPN was expressed mainly on stromal cells and partially on cancer cells. ASPN expression on stromal cells and/or cancer cells might be a useful prognostic marker in patients with diffuse-type gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the structural and electrical properties of copper sulfide films as a function of the sulfurization time of 70-nm-thick Cu films. Copper sulfide films with various phases such as mixed metallic Cu-chalcocite, chalcocite, roxbyite, and mixed roxbyite-covellite phases were formed with increasing sulfurization time. The Cu/S atomic percentage ratio of the films decreased with increasing sulfurization time, and films with various compositions such as Cu-rich and stoichiometric copper sulfide with underlying unreacted Cu as well as pure stoichiometric and S-rich copper sulfide were obtained. The surface morphology and the electrical resistivity of the films depended on the chemical phase and composition of the films. The resistivity decreased with increasing Cu deficiency in the films. Distinct switching of the resistance from high to low-state, and vice versa, with the reversal of the bias polarity of the film was observed only for the mixed metallic Cu-chalcocite phased film with underlying Cu. However, the chalcocite film with underlying Cu exhibited a semiconducting behavior. This indicated that excess Cu within the chalcocite film is required for the observation of the switching behavior of the resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cancer cachexia occurs in cancer patients more frequently as the cancer progresses, with a negative impact on treatment outcomes. In this study, we sought to clarify the clinical impact of a cancer cachexia index (CXI) in patients with gastric cancer (GC) undergoing gastrectomy. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2018, we reviewed data from 556 patients treated for GC at our hospital. CXI was calculated using skeletal muscle index (SMI), serum albumin, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios (NLR). Patients were divided into high (n = 414) or low CXI (n = 142) groups. We investigated the clinical impact of CXI in patients with GC undergoing gastrectomy. Results: Multivariate analyses of 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates indicated that a low CXI was independently associated with unfavorable outcomes for patients with GC. In multivariate analyses, SMI was independent predictor of OS but not CSS. NLR was not an independent predictor of either OS or CSS. Complication incidences (≥ Clavien Dindo 3) were non-significantly higher in the low (vs. high) CXI group. Conclusion: CXI was a more valuable prognostic biomarker when compared with SMI or NLR in GC patients undergoing gastrectomy. We suggest that patients with low CXI values should be given more comprehensive treatment, including exercise and nutritional therapy to improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the risk of loss of independence (LOI) following gastrectomy in elderly patients with gastric cancer (GC). Methods: In this prospective study, frailty was assessed preoperatively by a frailty index (FI) in 243 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent gastrectomy for GC between August 2016 and December 2020. Patients were assigned into two groups (high FI vs. low FI) to investigate frailty and the risk of LOI after gastrectomy for GC. Results: Overall and minor (Clavien–Dindo classification [CD] 1, 2) complication rates were significantly higher in the high FI group, but the two groups had similar rates of major (CD ≥ 3) complications. The frequency of pneumonia was significantly higher in the high FI group. In univariate and multivariate analyses for LOI after surgery, high FI, older age (≥ 75 years), and major (CD ≥ 3) complications were independent risk factors. A risk score assigning 1 point for each of these variables was useful in predicting postoperative LOI (LOI: score 0, 7.4%; score 1, 18.2%; score 2, 43.9%; score 3, 100%; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.765.) Conclusions: LOI after gastrectomy was independently associated with high FI, older age (≥ 75 years), and major (CD ≥ 3) complications. A simple risk score assigning points for these factors was an accurate predictor of postoperative LOI. We propose that frailty screening should be applied for all elderly GC patients before surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with overweight reportedly have more comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and longer operating times as well as more blood loss during surgery compared with those with normal weight. However, the impact of overweight on the short-term outcome after transthoracic esophagectomy for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. We hypothesized that overweight has a negative impact on short-term surgical outcomes after esophagectomy for patients with ESCC. Methods: A total of 304 patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy for ESCC were included in this study. Body mass index (BMI) was classified into three categories, <18.49, 18.50-24.99, and >25.00 (kg/m), defined as low, normal, and high BMI, respectively, according to the World Health Organization criteria. We investigated the association of BMI status with patient demographics and surgical outcomes after esophagectomy for patients with ESCC. In addition, overall survival and relapse-free survival stratified by BMI were compared. Results: Fifty-nine (19.4 %) and 41 (13.4 %) patients were classified to low BMI and high BMI, respectively. The high-BMI group had significantly higher comorbidity rates of diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.01) and anastomotic leakage ( p = 0.011) than the normal-BMI group. There were no significant association between high BMI and another various complications except for an anastomotic leakage, severe complications defined by Clavien-Dindo classification and in-hospital mortality. In multivariate analysis, high BMI was a significant risk factor for anastomotic leakage ( p = 0.030, hazard ratio; 3.423, 95%CI; 1.128-10.38). On the other hand, no significant association was observed between low BMI and short surgical outcomes. There were no significant differences in overall and relapse-free survival among the three BMI groups in univariate and multivariate analysis ( p = 0.128 and p = 0.584, respectively). Conclusion: The surgical treatment should not be denied for patients with ESCC due to overweight and underweight. However, intraoperative prevention and postoperative careful monitoring for anastomotic leakage might be required after esophagectomy for overweight patients with ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of Soviet Union military threats in promoting a U.S. military alliance with Japan between 1978 and 1985. It is said that U.S. officials encouraged Japan to engage in a sea-lane defense mission, especially under Japanese Prime Ministers Suzuki Zenkō and Nakasone Yasuhiro. Other topics include a territorial dispute with the Soviet Union regarding Japan's purported Northern Territories, the impact of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan on Japanese military policy, and the influence of Japan's 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship (PFT) with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Memory is believed to occur in the human brain as a result of two types of synaptic plasticity: short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP; refs , , , ). In neuromorphic engineering, emulation of known neural behaviour has proven to be difficult to implement in software because of the highly complex interconnected nature of thought processes. Here we report the discovery of a Ag2S inorganic synapse, which emulates the synaptic functions of both STP and LTP characteristics through the use of input pulse repetition time. The structure known as an atomic switch, operating at critical voltages, stores information as STP with a spontaneous decay of conductance level in response to intermittent input stimuli, whereas frequent stimulation results in a transition to LTP. The Ag2S inorganic synapse has interesting characteristics with analogies to an individual biological synapse, and achieves dynamic memorization in a single device without the need of external preprogramming. A psychological model related to the process of memorizing and forgetting is also demonstrated using the inorganic synapses. Our Ag2S element indicates a breakthrough in mimicking synaptic behaviour essential for the further creation of artificial neural systems that emulate characteristics of human memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate memristive operations using gap-type AgS atomic switches, in which the growth and shrinkage of an Ag protrusion are controlled by using solid-electrochemical reactions. In addition to conventional memristive operations such as those proposed and demonstrated by resistive random-access memories (ReRAMs) using metal oxide compounds, gap-type AgS atomic switches also show new types of memristive operations by storing information from input signals without changing their output until a sufficient number of signals are inputted. The new types of memristive operations resemble the learning process seen in neuroplasticity, where changes occur in the organization of the human brain as a result of experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic switches are nanoionic devices that control the diffusion of metal cations and their reduction/oxidation processes in the switching operation to form/annihilate a metal atomic bridge, which is a conductive path between two electrodes in the on-state. In contrast to conventional semiconductor devices, atomic switches can provide a highly conductive channel even if their size is of nanometer order. In addition to their small size and low on-resistance, their nonvolatility has enabled the development of new types of programmable devices, which may achieve all the required functions on a single chip. Three-terminal atomic switches have also been developed, in which the formation and annihilation of a metal atomic bridge between a source electrode and a drain electrode are controlled by a third (gate) electrode. Three-terminal atomic switches are expected to enhance the development of new types of logic circuits, such as nonvolatile logic. The recent development of atomic switches that use a metal oxide as the ionic conductive material has enabled the integration of atomic switches with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices, which will facilitate the commercialization of atomic switches. The novel characteristics of atomic switches, such as their learning and photosensing abilities, are also introduced in the latter part of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the structural properties of copper sulfide films as a function of the sulfurization time of 70-nm-thick Cu films. Copper sulfide films with various phases such as mixed metallic Cu-chalcocite, chalcocite, roxbyite, and covellite phases were formed with increasing sulfurization time. To evaluate the structural stability of various films, all the films were exposed to the ambient atmosphere for the same amount of time. Although the phase structure and stoichiometry of the films were maintained at a greater depth, the near-surface region of the films was oxidized and covered with overlayers of oxide, hydroxide, and/or sulfate species due to the exposure and reaction with the ambient atmosphere. The oxygen uptake and its reactivity with the copper sulfide film surfaces were enhanced with increasing sulfur content of the films. In addition, the type of divalent state of copper formed on the film surfaces depended on the phase structure, composition, and stoichiometry of the films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of nanometer-scale devices operating under a new principle that could overcome the limitations of current semiconductor devices has attracted interest in recent years. We propose that nanoionic devices that operate by controlling the local transport of ions are promising in this regard. It is possible to control the local transport of ions using the solid electrochemical properties of ionic and electronic mixed conductors. As an example of this concept, here, we report a method of controlling the transport of silver ions of the mixed-conductor silver sulfide (Ag2S) crystal and basic research on nanoionic devices based on this mixed conductor. These devices show unique functions such as atom deposition, resistance switching, and quantum point contact switching. The switches operate through the formation and dissolution of an atomic bridge between the electrodes, and the behavior is realized by control of the local solid-state electrochemical reaction. Potential nanoionic devices utilizing the unique functions and characters that do not exist in conventional semiconductor devices are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The changes in length on the two opposite sides of etiolated radish (Raphanus sativus) hypocotyls prior to, and following gravitropic stimulation, were measured using an infrared-imaging system. It was observed that the growth suppression on the upper side began first at least 10min after the onset of gravitropic stimulation, and after 30min the acceleration in growth on the lower side started. The gravitropic curvature was steadily induced from 10min. When radish hypocotyls were switched from a vertical to horizontal position for different durations and then replaced to the vertical position, the growth suppression on the gravity-stimulated (upper) side was observed in all cases, but the acceleration in growth on the opposite (lower) side appeared only in continuously gravity-stimulated seedlings, although it occurred later than the growth suppression on the upper side. These results suggest that the suppression in growth on the upper side of the hypocotyls is a direct effect of gravitropic stimulation, but not the acceleration on the lower side. When 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (4-MTBI), which has an inhibitory activity against radish hypocotyl growth, was applied on the one side of radish hypocotyls and then the 4-MTBI-applied side or opposite side was placed in a horizontal position, the former showed greater bending than the control, suggesting that the growth suppression on the upper side is enhanced and maintained with MTBI application there. In the latter case, the seedlings showed less bending than the control, suggesting a decrease in growth on the lower side with MTBI application. All the results suggest that gravitropism of radish hypocotyls may be caused by an increase in growth-inhibiting substance(s) induced with gravitropic stimulation in the upper side, inducing growth inhibition there. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As monolithic integration of the microwave circuits progresses, the microstrip line used as a fundamental transmission medium becomes extremely small in size. As the transmission line is miniaturized, it becomes necessary to consider the effect of the shape of the edges of the strip conductor in addition to the thickness. in this paper, an integral equation is derived for the charge density distribution on the strip conductor surface as the unknown. The transmission line characteristics are obtained by discretizing the integration range. Further, the effect of the trapezoidal cross section of the strip conductor formed by etching and plating on the characteristic parameters is specifically studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memorization caused by the change in conductance in a Ag2S gap-type atomic switch was investigated as a function of the amplitude and width of input voltage pulses (Vin). The conductance changed little for the first few Vin, but the information of the input was stored as a redistribution of Ag-ions in the Ag2S, indicating the formation of sensory memory. After a certain number of Vin, the conductance increased abruptly followed by a gradual decrease, indicating the formation of short-term memory (STM). We found that the probability of STM formation depends strongly on the amplitude and width of Vin, which resembles the learning behavior of the human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Yukiko Koshiro's negative review of the author's book "Racing the Enemy: Stalin, Truman, and the Surrender of Japan." The book examines the decision-making process of ending the Pacific War from an international perspective and the involvement of the three primary actors, the U.S., Russia and Japan. Here, Koshiro argues that Japan's policy toward Russia was based on rational strategic thinking in an attempt to reconstruct postwar Asian international relations by welcoming Russia presence in Asia as a counterweight to the U.S.

Atomic structures of a Si (111) surface are dynamically observed at a 2 s/frame velocity over a scanning field about 150 Å×150 Å using a fast scanning tunneling microscope (FSTM). A FSTM has been developed and it features a compensation method for probe tip servo position error in the constant current mode. The compensation value is derived from the ratio of tunnel current fluctuation and tunnel current (Δ I/I) in differential-type tunnel current equation. The FSTM provides first dynamic observation of a residual gas molecule adsorption on atomic defects in 7×7 Si adatom reconstructions using a video tape recorder. In addition, a thermal drift of about 10 Å /s, about 30 min after direct electric flash heating of the sample for Si surface cleaning, can be easily observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of microscope, which is based upon both a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and a technique for detecting acoustic waves, is described. An acoustic wave generated in a STM’s sample, by vibration of its tip, is detected by a piezoelectric transducer coupled to the sample. The amplitude of the acoustic wave corresponds to the strength of the force interaction between the tip and the sample, and is sensitive to tip-sample spacing. We have been successful in keeping the spacing constant by using a new feedback loop that holds this amplitude constant without tunneling. This method enhances the features of the STM without reducing its functions and enables simultaneous use of both force interactions and tunneling current to investigate the properties of samples. Topographies taken by the new feedback system and tunneling current images are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver-iodide (AgI)-based superionic conductors are attracting widespread interest for their potential applications in electrochemical devices such as sensors and batteries. A new kind of nanocomposite with highly ordered AgI nanowires embedded in an anodic-aluminum-oxide (AAO) membrane was fabricated by low-temperature step-electrochemical growth. Structural evolution, phase transition, and ionic conductivity were investigated by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and impedance measurements. The phase transition from β/γ-AgI phase to α-AgI phase occurred at temperature of 168 °C, that is, higher than that of reported bulk AgI (147 °C); abnormally, the α to β/γ phase-transition temperature on cooling was also depressed as large hysteresis formed. The high-temperature phase, namely, α-AgI, remained at temperatures as low as 80 °C. The initial highly oriented-growth AgI nanowire disappeared after undergoing heating and cooling processes and a mixture of polycrystalline β/γ-AgI and amorphouslike interface phases formed. The cooled AgI-AAO composite displayed ionic conductivity in the order of 10-2 S cm-1 at room temperature. This array-structured nanocomposite of AgI-AAO may be further developed for usage as a new type of battery, i.e., “nanobatteries” and “nanosensors” with individual AgI nanowires as basic elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the structural and electrical properties of silver sulfide films as a function of the sulfurization time of 70-nm-thick Ag films. Variations in the sulfurization time caused variations in the Ag/S atomic percentage ratio of the silver sulfide films, and as-grown films with various compositions, such as S-rich (Ag/S=1.59), stoichiometric (Ag/S=2), and Ag-rich (Ag/S=2.16) films were formed. Amongst the various as-grown films, Ag ions existed in the most polarizable environment in the Ag-rich films. All the films existed in the acanthite α-phase, and the sulfurization conditions did not cause any drastic change in the preferred orientation of this phase. The resistivity of these films strongly depended on the Ag/S ratio. While the resistivity of stoichiometric or S-rich films was about 107–108 Ω cm, excess Ag of the Ag-rich film caused a decrease in the resistivity by four orders of magnitude. The Ag/S ratio also played a significant role in our observation of the change in resistance within the films from high- to low-resistance state and vice versa with the reversal of the bias polarity of the film. Distinct switching of the resistance was observed only for the Ag-rich film. We also examined the effects of post-deposition annealing (PDA) of various films at 190 °C. PDA caused the formation of Ag-rich films (Ag/S=2.12–2.17) in all cases, and Ag ions existed in a more polarizable environment in all the films as compared with stoichiometric film. All the annealed films contained mixed acanthite α-phase and argentite β-phase. Furthermore, all the films had low resistivities of about 0.01–0.02 Ω cm, which indicated that the coexisting metallic argentite β-phase of the films significantly improved the conductivity of the films as compared to the as-grown film with similar Ag/S ratio. Clear switching behavior of the resistance could be observed within all the annealed films, thereby indicating that excess Ag in the silver sulfide films is a requirement for observation of such a phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated natural oxide growth on silicon facets using an atomic force microscope with current measurement. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

The editor of the book "The End of the Pacific War: Reappraisals" responds to a book review by James J. Orr which appeared in "The Journal of Japanese Studies," volume 34, no. 2 (2008).

A fast scanning tunneling microscope (FSTM) is developed using a new method of compensating for the probe tip servo error in constant current mode. The compensation value is derived from the ratio of tunnel current fluctuation to tunnel current (ΔI/I) in a differential tunnel current equation. Dynamic video images of Si(111) adatomic structures taken using the FSTM prove that this method is effective for fast scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the impact and short-term surgical outcomes of two different main energy devices for robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The outcomes of robotic gastrectomy with ultrasonic shears and those of robotic gastrectomy with conventional forceps were compared.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 171 patients who underwent robotic distal gastrectomy or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We classified patients into the ultrasonic shears (US) and Maryland bipolar (MB) forceps groups according to the main energy device used for robotic gastrectomy.Results: We extracted 58 patients from the US group and 58 patients from the MB forceps groups using propensity score matching. The total console time (310 min [interquartile range (IQR), 253-369 min] and 332 min, [IQR, 294-429 min]; p = 0.022) and the console time to gastrectomy (222 min [IQR, 177-266 min] and 247 min [IQR, 208-321 min]; p = 0.004) were significantly shorter in the US group than in the MB forceps group. Less blood loss occurred in the US group than in the MB forceps group (20 mL [IQR, 10-40 mL] and 30 mL [IQR, 16-80 mL]; p = 0.014). The postoperative complication rate and postoperative hospital stay length were similar between groups. A multivariate multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the use of an ultrasonically activated device was one an independent factor that reduced the operative time of robotic gastrectomy.Conclusion: Using ultrasonic shears as the main energy device may contribute to better surgical outcomes after robotic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantized conductance was observed in a cation-migration-based resistive switching memory cell with a simple metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structure using a thin Ta2O5 layer. The observed conductance changes are attributed to the formation and dissolution of a metal filament with an atomic point contact of different integer multiples in the Ta2O5 layer. The results demonstrate that atomic point contacts can be realized in an oxide-based MIM structure that functions as a nanogap-based atomic switch (Terabe et al 2005 Nature433 47). By applying consecutive voltage pulses at periodic intervals of different times, we also observed an effect analogous to the long-term potentiation of biological synapses, which shows that the oxide-based atomic switch has potential for use as an essential building block of neural computing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology and composition of tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ) thin films prepared by electron-beam (EB) evaporation and radio-frequency sputtering (SP) were investigated by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), X-ray reflectometry (XRR), atomic force microscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). GIXRD revealed an amorphous nature for both films, and XRR showed that the density of the Ta 2 O 5 -EB films was lower than that of the Ta 2 O 5 -SP films; both films have lower density than the bulk value. A larger amount of molecular water and peroxo species were detected for the Ta 2 O 5 -EB films by FTIR performed in ambient atmosphere. XPS analyses performed in vacuum confirmed the presence of hydroxyl groups, but no trace of chemisorbed molecular water was detected. In addition, a higher oxygen nonstoichiometry (higher O/Ta ratio) was found for the EB films. From these results, we conclude that the oxygen nonstoichiometry of the EB film accounted for its lower density and higher amount of absorbed molecular water. The results also suggest the importance of understanding the dependence of the structural and chemical properties of thin amorphous oxide films on the deposition process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The mesentery of the jejunum (MJ) of the Roux limb is conventionally divided when Roux-en-Y reconstruction is performed after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). However, the impact of dividing or preserving the MJ on anastomotic leakage (AL) at the esophagojejunostomy (EJS) site after minimally invasive total gastrectomy for GC is unclear.Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 226 patients with GC who underwent EJS after laparoscopic or robotic total gastrectomy, including preservation of the MJ (n = 87) and division of the MJ (n = 137). The prevalence of anastomotic complications at the EJS and short-term outcomes were compared between groups using propensity score (PS) matching.Results: After PS matching, 69 patients were selected for the preserving and dividing MJ groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in patient backgrounds, including oncological stage, body mass index, and gender ratio. After PS matching, overall and severe complications after surgery were compared between the preserving and dividing MJ groups (21.7% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.554 and 8.7% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.137, respectively). However, the rate of AL at the EJS was significantly lower in the preserving than that in the dividing MJ group (1.4% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.017). In addition, the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the preserving than that in the dividing MJ group (13.0 days vs. 16.0 days, p = 0.005).Conclusions: Preserving the MJ significantly reduced AL at the EJS after minimally invasive total gastrectomy for GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gap-type atomic switch is a novel neuromorphic device that possesses functions such as analog changes in resistance and short-term/long-term memory-based learning. However, it is difficult to integrate conventional gap-type atomic switches that use a vacuum gap and Ag2+δS, which has restricted their practical use. In this study, we developed a new, easy to fabricate gap-type atomic switch that incorporates a molecular layer as a gap and Ta2O5 as an ionic transfer material. This molecular gap-type atomic switch operates in a manner that is similar to conventional vacuum gap-type atomic switches. We also demonstrate stochastic operations using the aforementioned molecular gap-type atomic switches. These results indicate a higher potential for the practical use of gap-type atomic switches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonvolatile three-terminal operation is demonstrated using a Pt/Ta2O5-x/Pt, Pt structure, by controlling oxygen vacancy drift to make/annihilate a conductive channel between a source and a drain. The as-fabricated device is in an off-state. Application of a positive gate bias moves oxygen vacancies in a Ta2O5-x layer towards a channel region, making the channel region conductive. The conductive channel remains even after unloading the gate bias. Application of a negative gate bias, which moves the oxygen vacancies back towards the gate electrode, is required to turn off the device. The device shows a high ON/OFF ratio of up to 106. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During neocortical development, the neuroepithelial or neural precursor cells that commit to neuronal fate need to delaminate and start migration toward the pial surface. However, the mechanism that couples neuronal fate commitment to detachment from the neuroepithelium remains largely unknown. Here we show that Scratch1 and Scratch2, members of the Snail superfamily of transcription factors, are expressed upon neuronal fate commitment under the control of proneural genes and promote apical process detachment and radial migration in the developing mouse neocortex. Scratch-induced delamination from the apical surface was mediated by transcriptional repression of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin. These findings suggest that Scratch proteins constitute a molecular link between neuronal fate commitment and the onset of neuronal migration. On the basis of their similarity to proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), we propose that Scratch proteins mediate the conversion of neuroepithelial cells to migrating neurons or intermediate neuronal progenitors through an EMT-related mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloride induced corrosion of reinforcing steel bar is one of the major causes of deterioration of concrete structures. Therefore, it is essential to periodically monitor the level of chloride ion (Cl) concentration in concrete structures. In this work, we developed millimeter wave attenuated total reflection measurement setup in order to determine the Cl concentration in concrete structures. We prepared concrete samples with different compositions and varying Cl concentrations and we measured their attenuated total reflectance at 65 GHz. We observed that the reflectance decreases almost linearly with the increase in Cl concentration indicating that this technique could be used to inspect the Cl concentration in concrete structures nondestructively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Raphanusanin is a light-induced growth inhibitor involved in inhibition of hypocotyl growth in response to unilateral blue light illumination in radish seedlings. To understand better the role of raphanusanin in growth inhibition, we randomly analyzed raphanusanin-induced genes using a modified DD-RT-PCR (differential display RT-PCR) approach. The differential expression RT-PCR approach resulted in identification of four known candidate genes, of which three encoded functional proteins known to be related to responsiveness to diverse environmental stimuli. One of these genes appeared to be an essential element in the inhibition of hypocotyl growth, and was named RsCSN3 (a homologue of subunit 3 of the COP9 signalosome). During the growth inhibition that was observed within minutes of irradiation, the expression of the RsCSN3 gene was increased by phototropic stimulation, as well as by raphanusanin treatment, suggesting that this gene is involved in light-induced growth inhibition. In addition, down-regulation of the RsCSN3 transcript, that is specifically expressed at 60min after the onset of stimulation under blue light, green light, and raphanusanin treatment, shows a functional correlation with the phototropic response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metal chalcogenide-based mixed ionic–electronic conductors such as Ag2S and Cu2S can be specifically architected for application in nanoelectronic devices. We present a template-confined synthesis of metal chalcogenide (e.g., Ag2S, Cu2S) nanowires for mixed conductor-based nanoelectronics. First, the metal nanowire array was electroplated into pores of a porous alumina membrane. Anodic polarization was then used to transform the metal into the metal sulfide in aqueous hydrosulfide (HS−) solutions. The as-synthesized mixed conductors'' hetero-nanowire array was characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Electronic transport measurements show non-linear and reproducible electrical switching characteristics. The high and low resistance states can be reversibly changed by altering the polarity of the applied voltage between the bottom and top electrodes. The electrical-switching behavior is attributed to electric-field-induced accumulation and dissolution of metallic conducting pathways inside the mixed conductors'' nanowires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Many phase II trials have shown that preoperative chemotherapy for lung cancer is feasible but associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the effect of preoperative chemotherapy on surgical stress and postoperative complications associated with surgical intervention. We evaluated the effect of preoperative chemotherapy on perioperative inflammatory cytokine production as a surgical stress marker. Methods: The study group comprised 38 patients undergoing anatomical lung resection and mediastinal nodal dissection for clinical stage IB/II non-small cell lung cancer during the period October 2001–December 2003. Nineteen patients received a single cycle of cisplatin (80mg/m2) and docetaxel (60mg/m2) chemotherapy prior to surgery (neoadjuvant group), and 19 patients underwent surgery without any previous chemotherapy (control group). White blood cell and neutrophil counts and serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) were determined before surgery and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Postoperative complications were reviewed. Differences were assessed by repeated analysis of variance. Results: Serum concentrations of IL-6 and GCSF rose significantly on postoperative days 1 and 3 in the neoadjuvant group in comparison to concentrations in the control group, but white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and CRP did not differ between the groups. No major complication occurred in either group. Conclusions: A single cycle of cisplatin and docetaxel chemotherapy followed by surgery can exacerbate overproduction of inflammatory cytokines during the perioperative period in lung cancer patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]