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Atom probe tomography (APT) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to nano-scale precipitates formed in a neutron-irradiated iron (99.99% pure) at high temperatures. In the conventional TEM, we discovered donut-type precipitates on the {100} planes that formed at the dilatational side of interstitial type dislocation loops with the Burgers vector of <100> on the habit planes of {100} in the bcc iron lattice. The precipitates were identified as nitride, bct α″-Fe16N2, by chemical composition and lattice structural analyses using APT and SAED. Image contrasts of the α″-Fe16N2 in a weak beam dark-field electron microscopy study were carefully analysed with the diffraction vector and the sign of deviation parameter from the Bragg condition, and it was concluded to be a selective visualisation of α″-Fe16N2 on one of the {100} planes. These results were in agreement with the crystallographic orientation between the α″-Fe16N2 and matrix iron, thereby bridging a knowledge gap in α″-Fe16N2 formation during neutron irradiation using a sodium-cooled experimental fast reactor, JOYO, or a 14 MeV D-T neutron source, RTNS-II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dependence of chemical composition on the average sizes of subnanometer-scale intrinsic structural open spaces surrounded by glass random networks in two-component silica-based glasses was investigated systematically using positronium (Ps) confined in the open spaces. The average sizes of the open spaces for SiO2-B2O3 and SiO2-GeO2 glasses are only slightly dependent on the chemical compositions because the B2O3 and GeO2 are glass network formers that are incorporated into the glass network of the base SiO2. However, the open space sizes for all SiO2-R2O (R=Li, Na, K) glasses, where R2O is a glass network modifier that occupies the open spaces, decrease rapidly with an increase in the R2O concentration. Despite the large difference in the ionic radii of the alkali metal (R) atoms, the open space sizes decrease similarly for all the alkali metal atoms studied. This dependence of the chemical composition on the open space sizes in SiO2-R2O observed by Ps shows that the alkali metal atoms do not randomly occupy the structural open spaces, but filling of the open spaces by R2O proceeds selectively from the larger to the smaller open spaces as the R2O concentrations are increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positron annihilation spectroscopy is employed to estimate the size of subnanometer-scale open spaces in insulating materials. In most cases, the size is estimated from the lifetime of long-lived ortho-positronium (o-Ps) by pickoff annihilation using a simplified model. However, reactions of Ps with surrounding electrons other than the pickoff reaction, such as spin conversion or chemical reaction, could give a substantially underestimated size using the simplified model. In the present paper, we report that the size of the open spaces can be evaluated correctly by the angular correlation of positron annihilation radiation (ACAR) with a magnetic field using the spin-polarization effect on Ps formation, even if such reactions of Ps occur in the material. This method is applied to the subnanometer-scale structural open spaces of silica-based glass doped with Fe. We demonstrate the influence of the Ps reaction on size-estimation of the open spaces from the o-Ps lifetime. Furthermore, the type of reaction, whether spin conversion or chemical, is distinguished from the magnetic field dependence of the Ps self-annihilation component intensity in the ACAR spectra. The Ps reaction in silica-based glass doped with Fe is a chemical reaction (most likely oxidation) rather than spin conversion, with Fe ions. The chemical quenching rate with Fe ions is determined from the dependence of the o-Ps lifetime on the Fe content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There have been many studies on the mechanisms of internalization of DNA–anti‐DNA immune complexes by cells, including the one used for rheumatoid factor‐expressing mouse B cells. In parallel, studies on the role of intracellular DNA sensors in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been conducted, including the one using a mouse model lacking one of the sensors. These and other data have established a framework for understanding the pathogenic role of anti‐DNA antibodies, but studies on normal cells are limited. Here, we used the monoclonal anti‐dsDNA antibody 2C10, 2‐kbp dsDNA and healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to test whether and how 2C10 and/or DNA cause pathology in normal cells. We found that on culture with PBMCs, 2C10 preferentially entered monocytes and that DNA enhanced this internalization. In contrast, DNA alone was not significantly internalized by monocytes, but 2C10 facilitated its internalization. This was suppressed by cytochalasin D, but not by methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, chloroquine or an Fc blocker, suggesting the involvement of macropinocytosis in this process. Internalization of 2C10 and DNA together resulted in production of interferon (IFN)‐α, IFN‐γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐33 by PBMCs. Cytokine production was suppressed by chloroquine and shikonin, but not by RU.521, suggesting dependence on activation of the Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐9 and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM‐2) pathways. These results established a simple model to demonstrate that anti‐DNA antibodies can cause dysregulation of cytokine network mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus in culture of normal PBMCs, and emphasize again the importance of maintaining anti‐DNA antibodies at low levels by treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Abu Rusheid area in Egypt is a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA) due to the existence of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in mylonitic rocks. In this study, 27 rock samples were selected for dose estimation studies. 238U and 232Th were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and 40K was measured using sodium iodide (thallium) gamma-ray spectroscopy. The ranges of activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the samples varied from 270 ± 2 to 2120 ± 29, 350 ± 2 to 1840 ± 27 and 20 ± 2 to 1390 ± 35 with mean values of 980 ± 349, 770 ± 351, and 640 ± 402 Bq/kg, respectively. The radiological hazard parameters were estimated from activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K and compared to United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) values. The present study revealed that the hazard parameters were several times higher than the worldwide averages. The U/Th concentration ratio ranged from 0.7 to 3 and could be attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, zircon, and columbite in mylonitic rocks. From the radiological protection viewpoint, it is necessary to monitor natural radionuclides in these rocks prior to their use in residential and commercial construction materials. • North Abu Rusheid area is considered as uranium ore deposits in Egypt. • The concentration ratio of U/Th ranged from 0.7 to 3. • Pearson's correlation between 238U and 232Th was strong positive. • The radiological hazard parameters were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the crystallization process of an amorphous Si layer grown on a clean and hydrogen-terminated Si(0 0 1) surfaces by ion beam induced epitaxial crystallization (IBIEC). It is widely known that the amorphous/crystalline (a/c) interface should be atomically controlled to achieve the high-quality Si epitaxy. In this study, we quantitatively clarify the influence of interfacial H amount to the IBIEC rate of the deposited amorphous Si layer. We initially prepared a typical H-free pristine Si(0 0 1)-(2 × 1) surface and two kinds of chemically H-terminated surfaces of as-treated and sequentially annealed at 350 °C in ultrahigh vacuum, corresponding to high (dihydride) and low (monohydride) hydrogen coverage, respectively. An amorphous Si layer was then in-situ deposited on these three types of surfaces by an electron bombardment evaporator at room temperature. The samples were irradiated by 180-keV Ar+ ions with an ion fluence of 5 × 1015 ions cm−2 at 300–500 °C. The Rutherford backscattering (RBS) analysis showed that the deposited Si on the dihydride surface is not crystallized at these temperatures; whereas, that on the monohydride surface is crystallized by Ar+ irradiation at 500 °C. The crystallization on the MH surface was found at significantly higher temperature than that on the H-free clean surface. The behavior of the interfacial H atoms during IBIEC process is discussed by means of RBS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uranium concentration in some selected Japanese river waters after Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We report distribution of uranium in seven prefectures of Japanese rivers covering 120 sampling points. The U concentration lies in the range of 0.13 ± 0.01-590 ± 9.93 ng L−1 with a mean value of 54.7 ± 100 ng L−1. The measured uranium content has been found to be less than the drinking waters limit of 30.0 µg L−1 recommended by the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate low-energy excitations below 10 meV, inelastic neutron-scattering measurements have been carried out on various organic amorphous polymers at 10 and 50 K and three inorganic glasses at 150 and 295 K. It was found that a broad excitation peak is observed for all amorphous materials in the ω range of 1.5–4.0 meV irrespective of different chemical structures. On the other hand, highly crystalline polyethylene with a degree of crystallinity 0.96 shows no such broad peak, indicating that the low-energy excitation is characteristic of amorphous materials. We have employed an asymmetric double-well potential as a common origin for the low-energy excitation in amorphous materials and analyzed the results of amorphous polyisobutylene to confirm validity of this model and alternatively to determine parameters of the potential. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the inelastic-scattering intensity of the low-energy excitation leads to a concept of phonon-assisted tunneling in the asymmetric double-well potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a new fast scintillation detector using proportional-mode silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD) for nuclear forward scattering experiments using high-energy synchrotron X-rays >30 keV. After a test of a prototype detector with a lead-loaded plastic scintillator (EJ-256, Eljen Technology) and proportional-mode Si-APD (S8664-3796(X), Hamamatsu Photonics) as a photodetector, we fabricated a four-channel detector using four $3\times 3\times 3$ mm3 EJ-256 scintillators and Si-APD arrays of $3\times 3$ mm2 pixels to increase the detection efficiency. The detector had a 12-mm beam path in the EJ-256. Moreover, a 10wt% HfO2-nanoparticle-doped plastic scintillator (Hf-PLS), 3 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness, was examined using the prototype detector. Hafnium is a heavy atom of atomic number 72 and the energy of the K-absorption edge is 65.351 keV. Its oxide nanoparticles, ~4 nm in diameter, were incorporated into a polymer matrix. The pulse-height distribution and time spectra for the detector with the Hf-PLS were measured at −34 °C with an APD gain of ~200 for 57.6-keV X-rays. The light yield of the Hf-PLS was 1.2 times that of the EJ-256 of the same size, and a good time resolution of 0.34 ns (full width of half maximum) was obtained better than that of 0.54 ns for the EJ-256. This was due to the difference in the scintillation solution, as only 2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4-phenylphenyl)-1,3, 4-oxadiazole was added in the Hf-PLS, however, for in the EJ-256, the binary solutions, such as 2,5-diphenyloxazole and 1,4-bis (5-phenyl- 2-oxazolyl)benzene, were included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an analytical method to determine the segregation levels on the same tilt boundaries (TBs) at the same nanoscopic location by a joint use of atom probe tomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy, and discussed the mechanism of oxygen segregation at TBs in silicon ingots in terms of bond distortions around the TBs. The three-dimensional distribution of oxygen atoms was determined at the typical small- and large-angle TBs by atom probe tomography with a low impurity detection limit (0.01 at.% on a TB plane) simultaneously with high spatial resolution (about 0.4 nm). The three-dimensional distribution was correlated with the atomic stress around the TBs; the stress at large-angle TBs was estimated by ab initio calculations based on atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy data and that at small-angle TBs were calculated with the elastic theory based on dark-field transmission electron microscopy data. Oxygen atoms would segregate at bond-centred sites under tensile stress above about 2 GPa, so as to attain a more stable bonding network by reducing the local stress. The number of oxygen atoms segregating in a unit TB area NGB (in atoms nm−2) was determined to be proportional to both the number of the atomic sites under tensile stress in a unit TB area nbc and the average concentration of oxygen atoms around the TB [Oi] (in at.%) with NGB ∼ 50 nbc[Oi]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addictions to video gaming, smartphones, and Personal Computer (PCs)/tablets have become serious public health problems worldwide. We distributed a lifestyle survey to sixth-grade students (aged 11–12 years) during the 10-year period 2008–2017 and compared their responses in the first 5-year period (2008–2012) with those during the second 5-year period (2013–2017). The survey asked whether the student was (1) in a good mood upon waking, (2) the time that the student woke up, (3) the time that he/she went to bed, (4) the hours of TV watched per day, (5) the hours of video games played per day, (6) the hours of smartphone use per day, (7) the hours of PC or tablet PC use per day, (8) whether the student had a positive sense of self, (9) the number of times the student ate breakfast each week, and (10) how often the student turned off the TV during meals. Compared with the first 5-year period, during the second period significantly more students reported waking up before 6:30 a.m. (P < 0.01), going to bed before 10:00 p.m. (P < 0.05), and watching TV for <1 h (P < 0.001), and significantly fewer students reported playing video games for <1 h (P < 0.05), using a smartphone for <1 h (P < 0.001), and using a PC or tablet PC for <1 h (P < 0.001). Educational campaigns should specifically address the use of addictive technologies among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding population genetic structure provides insight into the evolutionary past, present, and future of a species. In this study, we examine the range-wide population genetic structure of the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster (n = 170). Early work divided M. ochrogaster into seven subspecies using morphological characteristics. We hypothesized polymorphic microsatellite data would reveal a genetic structure roughly congruent with the current classification of subspecies based on their geographic boundaries. We predicted populations within the geographic range of one subspecies would be genetically distinguishable from populations within the geographic range of another subspecies. Microsatellite data from the seven putative subspecies suggested ∼90% of molecular variation was within populations. A STRUCTURE cluster analysis had a best supported k = 3, but most individuals were admixed for the three genetic clusters, and only individuals of M. o. ohionensis were distinctive in being essentially represented by a single cluster. Therefore, our molecular data showed evidence of relatively high gene flow and little geographic differentiation throughout the range of the six contiguous subspecies. The subspecific classification of M. ochrogaster should be re-evaluated using a comprehensive taxonomic approach that combines molecular, morphometric, and other data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, loss phenomena are known to affect the quantum properties of a light wave. This paper describes a quantum mechanical treatment of parametric amplification in an absorptive nonlinear medium. An expression of the quantum mechanical field operator in such a physical system is presented based on the Heisenberg equation, using which the quantum properties of traveling light suffering from medium absorption are quantitatively evaluated. Calculations using the obtained operator indicate that some degradation of noise performance is caused by the absorption. The influence of the absorption on the squeezing performance in phase-sensitive parametric amplification is also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum mechanical treatment of a light wave that propagates through an absorptive medium is presented. Unlike a phenomenological beam-splitter model conventionally employed to describe a traveling light in a lossy medium, the time evolution of the field operator is derived using the Heisenberg equation with the Hamiltonian for a physical system, where the light wave interacts with an ensemble of two-level systems in a medium. Using the obtained time-evolved field operators, the mean values and variances of the light amplitude and the photon number are evaluated. The results are in agreement with those obtained in the beam-splitter model, giving a logical theoretical basis for the phenomenological beam-splitter model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat quality is one of the most important traits determining carcass price in the Japanese beef market. Optimized breeding goals and management practices for the improvement of meat quality traits requires knowledge regarding any potential functional relationships between them. In this context, the objective of this research was to infer phenotypic causal networks involving beef marbling score (BMS), beef color score (BCL), firmness of beef (FIR), texture of beef (TEX), beef fat color score (BFS), and the ratio of MUFA to SFA (MUS) from 11,855 Japanese Black cattle. The inductive causation (IC) algorithm was implemented to search for causal links among these traits and was conditionally applied to their joint distribution on genetic effects. This information was obtained from the posterior distribution of the residual (co)variance matrix of a standard Bayesian multiple trait model (MTM). Apart from BFS, the IC algorithm implemented with 95% highest posterior density (HPD) intervals detected only undirected links among the traits. However, as a result of the application of 80% HPD intervals, more links were recovered and the undirected links were changed into directed ones, except between FIR and TEX. Therefore, 2 competing causal networks resulting from the IC algorithm, with either the arrow FIR → TEX or the arrow FIR ← TEX, were fitted using a structural equation model () to infer causal structure coefficients between the selected traits. Results indicated similar genetic and residual variances as well as genetic correlation estimates from both structural equation models. The genetic variances in BMS, FIR, and TEX from the structural equation models were smaller than those obtained from the MTM. In contrast, the variances in BCL, BFS, and MUS, which were not conditioned on any of the other traits in the causal structures, had no significant differences between the structural equation model and MTM. The structural coefficient for the path from MUS (BCL) to BMS showed that a 1-unit improvement in MUS (BCL) resulted in an increase of 0.85 or 1.45 (an decrease of 0.52 or 0.54) in BMS in the causal structures. The analysis revealed some interesting functional relationships, direct genetic effects, and the magnitude of the causal effects between these traits, for example, indicating that BMS would be affected by interventions on MUS and BCL. In addition, if interventions existed in this scenario, a breeding strategy based only on the MTM would lead to a mistaken selection for BMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which described the fabrication of V[sub3]Si multifilamentary superconductor with high overall J[subc] using a modified bronze process. Fabrication process for V[sub3]Si multifilamentary wires; Advantage of silicon bronze in reducing the bronze volume; Conclusions.

Emphasizes that bonding temperature and ferrite crystal orientation dominate pseudogap formation. Characteristics of the metal-in-gap (MIG) head; Influence of the annealing temperature on the diffusion at the boundary; Dependence of the ripple amplitude on the crystal orientation of ferrite cores.

Describes the fabrication of Bi-(Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor into tapes without sheathing and into multifilamentary wires and tapes with Ag sheathing. Changes in the density and thickness of the superconductor; Results of the x-ray diffraction analysis.

Presents a study that measured the time dependence of the secondary ion intensity in secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis of insulating films. Schematic diagram of the process on the reduction of surface charging and its equivalent circuits; Relation between the ion intensity suppression ratio and the film thickness.

This paper studies quantum noise in parametric amplification under phase-mismatched conditions. The equations of motion of the quantum-mechanical field operators, which include phase mismatch under unsaturated conditions are first derived from the Heisenberg equation. Next, the noise figure is evaluated using the solutions of the derived equations. The results indicate that phase mismatch scarcely affects noise property in phase-insensitive amplification while it has a notable effect in case of phase-sensitive amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Norovirus (NoV) generally exists as a mixture of multiple genotype variants in nature. However, there has been no published report monitoring NoV in natural settings in Thailand. To obtain information on mixed presence of the NoV RNA genome, we conducted viral genome analysis of 15 water specimens collected from five sites in a river near Bangkok between August 2013 and August 2014. The number of viral RNA copies per specimen declined progressively from the most upstream to the most downstream site. Following direct nucleotide sequencing of the PCR products, we obtained three partial genome sequences of the NoV GI strain and 13 partial genome sequences of the NoV GII strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of four GII.4 variant groups pro-circulated after the Den Haag_2006b, New Orleans_2009 and Sydney_2012 outbreaks. On the other hand, only GI.4 was observed from the specimens collected on April, 2014. These results indicated that multiple genogroups and genotypes of noroviruses are present and are circulating in the natural environment in Thailand as in other countries. Our study provides comprehensive information on the occurrence of new variants. Significance and Impact of the Study Our study is the first paper that multiple genogroups and genotypes of norovirus exist, and are circulating in the river water near Bangkok, Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of four GII.4 variant groups pro-circulated after the Den Haag_2006b, New Orleans_2009 and Sydney_2012 that caused outbreaks in the world. Continued research will be essential for understanding the natural history of NoV and the control of future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macaque monkeys use complex communication calls and are regarded as a model for studying the coding and decoding of complex sound in the auditory system. However, little is known about the distribution of excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the auditory system of macaque monkeys. In this study, we examined the overall distribution of cell bodies that expressed mRNAs for VGLUT1, and VGLUT2 (markers for glutamatergic neurons), GAD67 (a marker for GABAergic neurons), and GLYT2 (a marker for glycinergic neurons) in the auditory system of the Japanese macaque. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry for VGLUT1, VGLUT2, and GAD67 in order to compare the distribution of proteins and mRNAs. We found that most of the excitatory neurons in the auditory brainstem expressed VGLUT2. In contrast, the expression of VGLUT1 mRNA was restricted to the auditory cortex (AC), periolivary nuclei, and cochlear nuclei (CN). The co-expression of GAD67 and GLYT2 mRNAs was common in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL), CN, and superior olivary complex except for the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, which expressed GLYT2 alone. In contrast, the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, thalamus, and AC expressed GAD67 alone. The absence of co-expression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in the medial geniculate, medial superior olive, and VNLL suggests that synaptic responses in the target neurons of these nuclei may be different between rodents and macaque monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In previous studies, we found that bulk MgB 2 contained numerous voids in various shapes and sizes. With the aim of improving the critical current density as well as the mechanical performance of the disk-shaped MgB 2 bulk superconductors, we added Ag and optimized the processing conditions. The samples with varied Ag content from 0, 2, 4, 6, to 10 wt% were synthesized in pure Ar atmosphere. Microstructural observation by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that metallic Ag particles are embedded in the void regions. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy indicated that silver-based MgB 2 particles are of nanometer size. As a result, the critical current density ( J c ) values were improved with Ag addition as compared to pure MgB 2 bulk. The sample with 4 wt% Ag addition exhibited the highest J c of 293 kA/cm 2 at 20 K and self field. The respective J c values at 10 K were 400 kA/cm 2 , 300 kA/cm 2 , and 100 kA/cm 2 in self field, 1 T and 2 T. These values are the highest record values so far reported in bulk MgB 2 materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a parametric amplification scheme based on phase-sensitive amplification in an optical fiber. The proposed system consists of a nonlinear fiber and a dispersive medium in a loop configuration with a polarization beam splitter, where phase-sensitive amplification occurs bi-directionally. The dispersive medium shifts the relative phase between signal and pump lights, due to which the amplified signal light is always obtained regardless of the signal input phase, i.e., a phase-diversity operation is achieved, while the output phase is digitized as in conventional phase-sensitive amplifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to estimate the genetic parameters of certain internal diseases (multifocal necrosis in the liver [MNL], bovine abdominal fat necrosis [BFN], and inflammation of the large intestine [ILI]) and to investigate relationships between the internal diseases and carcass traits (carcass weight [CW], rib eye area [REA], rib thickness [RT], subcutaneous fat thickness, and beef marbling score [BMS]). Records of the internal diseases and the carcass traits of 5,788 Japanese Black cattle were used for this study. The data for all the diseases were recorded as binary data as to whether the disease was observed (1) or not (0). Genetic parameters were estimated using linear and threshold animal models. The prevalence rates of MNL, BFN, and ILI were 16.1, 23.0, and 6.8%, respectively, and heritability estimates ± posterior SD were 0.18 ± 0.06, 0.28 ± 0.06, and 0.18 ± 0.06, respectively. The genetic correlations of MNL with BFN and ILI were -0.23 (P = 0.19) and -0.49 (P < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, the correlation between BFN and ILI was positive and high (0.96; P < 0.05). The phenotypic correlations of the internal diseases with the carcass traits were weak and not different from 0 except for those of BFN and ILI with CW, REA, and RT, which were all negative (P < 0.05) and ranged from -0.21 (ILI and CW) to -0.05 (BFN and RT). The genetic correlations of MNL with the carcass traits were all weak and not significant. In contrast, the genetic correlations of BFN and ILI with CW, REA, and RT were all negative and significant (P < 0.05) between BFN and CW (-0.36) and between BFN and RT (-0.33). However, the genetic correlations for BFN and ILI with BMS were all positive at 0.21 (P = 0.16) and 0.39 (P < 0.05), respectively. The estimated heritability of the internal diseases suggests that they can be genetically improved. Genetic relationships of BFN and ILI with meat quantity traits were favorable for beef cattle breeding, because lower disease liabilities were associated with improved CW, REA, and RT for BFN and ILI. However, rather strong and unfavorable genetic relationships were found between BFN or ILI and BMS, which is related to meat quality. This suggests that selection for animals with superior BMS would increasingly lead to animals with higher liability to the internal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although exercise training improves hippocampus-related cognition, the optimum exercise intensity is still disputed. Based on the lactate threshold (LT, approximately 20 m/min on treadmill) of rats, we have shown that 2 weeks of training with stress-free mild exercise (ME, < LT), but not intense exercise (IE, > LT), comprising exercise stress, promotes adult hippocampal neurogenesis (Okamoto et al., PNAS, 2012), a potential substrate for memory improvement. These results led us to postulate that long-term ME, but not IE, training leads to improved hippocampal function as assessed with a Morris water maze (MWM) task. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the changes in physiological stress levels and MWM task performance in rats assigned to 6 weeks of sedentary control (CONT), ME-training or IE-training conditions. Results showed that, compared to the other conditions, only IE causes general adaptive syndrome (GAS), including adrenal hypertrophy, thymic atrophy and hypercorticosteronemia. In the MWM, ME led to enhanced memory, but not learning, compared with CONT, while IE produced no change in either capacity, probably due to GAS. These findings support the hypothesis that 6 weeks of continuous ME training leads to enhanced hippocampus-related memory, which may have implications for both healthy adults and subjects with low physical capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to characterize pharmacologically the TSPO- radioligand [F]DPA-714 in the brain of healthy cynomolgus monkeys and evaluate the cellular origin of its binding in a model of neurodegeneration induced by intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid (QA). Methods: [F]DPA-714 PET images were acquired before and at 2, 7, 14, 21, 49, 70, 91 days after putaminal lesioning. Blocking and displacement studies were carried out (PK11195). Different modelling approaches estimated rate constants and V (total distribution volume) which was used to measure longitudinal changes in the lesioned putamen. Sections for immunohistochemical labelling were prepared at the same time-points to evaluate correlations between in vivo [F]DPA-714 binding and microglial/astrocytic activation. Results: [F]DPA-714 showed a widespread distribution with a higher signal in the thalamus and occipital cortex and lower binding in the cerebellum. TSPO was expressed throughout the whole brain and about 73 % of [F]DPA-714 binding was specific for TSPO in vivo. The one-tissue compartment model (1-TCM) provided good and reproducible estimates of V and rate constants, and V values from the 1-TCM and the Logan approach were highly correlated ( r = 0.85). QA lesioning induced an increase in V, which was +17 %, +54 %, +157 % and +39 % higher than baseline on days 7, 14, 21 and 91 after QA injection, respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed an early microglial and a delayed astrocytic activation after QA injection. [F]DPA-714 binding matched TSPO immunopositive areas and showed a stronger colocalization with CD68 microglia than with GFAP-activated astrocytes. Conclusion: [F]DPA-714 binds to TSPO with high specificity in the primate brain under normal conditions and in the QA model. This tracer provides a sensitive tool for assessing neuroinflammation in the human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bulk MgB2 samples were prepared via solid state reaction at various sintering temperatures. [•] The Jc value at 10K and 0T was 2.60×105 A/cm2. [•] A pinning force analysis for the samples sintered at 775°C revealed a non-scaling behavior. [•] The trapped field results showed that processing temperature is the key to improving TF values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For medical and semiconductor fabrication lines, an ultra-clean and impurity-free environment is often required. In order to realize such a contaminant-free environment, it is desirable to employ a completely non-contact rotating mechanism. Such a non-contact rotation is possible by using a combination of permanent magnets and bulk superconductors. Furthermore, it is necessary to rotate a superconducting pump stably for practical applications. With the aim of increasing the stiffness of rotational parts, we placed a permanent magnet at the bottom such that the superconductors are sandwiched by top and bottom magnets. It was confirmed that the stiffness could surely be improved by arranging lower permanent magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavily indium (In)-doped Si crystals were grown by the Czochralski method under a consideration of the effects of co-doping of electrically neutral group-IV elements (C, Ge or Sn). The In concentration in In-doped Si increased with the amount of In charged into the crucible and reached 3.5×1017 cm−3. The carrier concentration was at most 6×1016 cm−3, limited by the low ionization ratio of ~20% of In. Co-doping of C and Ge effectively enhanced the In concentration while Sn did not, which was examined in terms of the atomistic size, lattice parameter change, mutual bonding energy and solubility of group-IV elements in Si. However, no sufficient increase in carrier concentrations was detected in Si by the co-doping, and formation of some clusters or complexes was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater organisms of North America have had their contemporary genetic structure shaped by vicariant events, especially Pleistocene glaciations. Life history traits promoting dispersal and gene flow continue to shape population genetic structure. Cumberlandia monodonta, a widespread but imperiled (IUCN listed as endangered) freshwater mussel, was examined to determine genetic diversity and population genetic structure throughout its range. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and microsatellite loci were used to measure genetic diversity and simulate demographic events during the Pleistocene using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to test explicit hypotheses explaining the evolutionary history of current populations. A phylogeny and molecular clock suggested past isolation created two mtDNA lineages during the Pleistocene that are now widespread. Two distinct groups were also detected with microsatellites. ABC simulations indicated the presence of two glacial refugia and post-glacial admixture of them followed by simultaneous dispersal throughout the current range of the species. The Ouachita population is distinct from others and has the lowest genetic diversity, indicating that this is a peripheral population of the species. Gene flow within this species has maintained high levels of genetic diversity in most populations; however, all populations have experienced fragmentation. Extirpation from the center of its range likely has isolated remaining populations due to the geographic distances among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae were cultured using actual sewage effluent and the influences of various controls such as the hydraulic retention time to the culture were examined. The microalgae could be cultured by supplying only sewage effluent without additional external microalgal stock or nutrient salts. As the microalgae increased, the nutrient salts and metals were removed from the culture water. The cell number of green algae increased to 3.3 times by increasing the hydraulic retention time from 4 d to 6 d. With the addition of air into the culture water, the green algae accounted for 87 % of the total population. These controls led to an increase in the useful green algae components as the fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We propose a phase noise averager for binary PSK signals. [•] The system is an opto-electrical feed-forward circuit. [•] Simulations show its noise reduction effect. [•] Several issues suggested by the reviewers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We used reflectance difference spectroscopy (RDS) and surface differential reflectance spectroscopy (SDRS) to investigate the molecular orientation of ultrathin α-sexithiophene (α-6T) films on four passivated Si(100)-(2×1) surfaces, oxidized Si(001), water-adsorbed Si(001), hydrogen-adsorbed Si(001) and ethylene-adsorbed Si(001), in order to study the substrate dependence of the molecular orientation of isolated molecules and molecules located in islands or films. Strong in-plane anisotropy was observed on ethylene-adsorbed Si(001) even at 5nm film thickness, which was not the case for the other substrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes unambiguous state discrimination (USD) for a sequence of coherent states with fluctuating phase, while considering eavesdropping against differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution systems. A measurement system extracts a fraction of the incoming signal of coherent states, estimates the carrier phase from that fraction, and then conducts a USD measurement on the main signal based on the estimated carrier phase. In such a system, the estimated carrier phase can be different from a true value because of the phase fluctuation, and an error can occur in the USD measurement because of the error in the estimated phase. The USD performance in such a situation is formalized and simulated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An in situ technology for mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution using catch crops was developed for simultaneously preventing nitrate groundwater pollution, reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) gas emissions, and removing salts from the topsoil. Seasonal changes in the performance of a catch crop were investigated using lysimeters in a full-scale greenhouse experiment with 50 d cultivation of dent corn. Catch crop cultivation significantly reduced the leached mineral nitrogen by 89-91% in summer, 87-89% in spring, and 61-82% in winter, and it also significantly reduced the N2O emission by 68-84% in summer. The amounts of nitrogen uptake by the catch crop were remarkably higher than those of leached nitrogen and N2O emission in each season. Catch crop cultivation is a promising technology for mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We compared μ-opioid receptor binding and mRNA in prairie and meadow vole brains. [•] MOR distribution, but not density, was similar in prairie and meadow vole brains. [•] Prairie vole showed higher MOR binding in many forebrain regions. [•] Meadow voles have higher MOR binding in hippocampal CA1. [•] Mismatches between mRNA and ligand binding revealed regions with axonal expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, phase-sensitive amplification (PSA) in a loop configuration for phase regeneration of quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) signals is proposed. Unlike the conventional PSA schemes in which the signal output phase is locked to one of two values (e.g., 0 or π), the proposed scheme outputs signal light with one of four phase values different by π/2, owing to the loop configuration with two pump lights. All-optical QPSK signal regeneration can be achieved by using this PSA scheme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An optical-and-electrical hybrid scheme for improving on–off keying (OOK) signals is described. It is a feed-forward (FF) control circuit composed of an optical coupler, a photo-detector, and an electro-absorption (EA) modulator, which works to suppress “on” level fluctuations. Owing to the use of an EA modulator, the circuit operates irrespective of the polarization state of the input signal. In addition, the scheme can also improve the extinction ratio (ER) of OOK signals. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the noise suppression and the ER improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Use of the ship maneuvering simulator (SMS) is at the core of pilot trainees education and training, so it is desirable to have an evaluation method that can be completed shortly after each berthing training session. There are basically two methods of docking maneuvering that pilot trainees learn: one in which the ship enters from outside the port and is berthed directly at the target quay, and a second method in which the vessel carries out a turn in front of the target quay before berthing. The authors suggested an evaluation index in a previous study concerning the first docking method. In the present study, the authors propose an evaluation method for the case of berthing the vessel using the turning maneuver. Since the index obtained by this method offers a single numerical benchmark, it is an easy--to-understand result of the training exercise. The authors carried out experiments using a SMS and confirmed that the proposed evaluation method is effective and helpful to improve the effectiveness of SMS training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared SiO2 films with channel mobilities (CMs) of 35, 105, and 112 cm2/Vs on 4H-SiC (0001) Si, (1-100) M, and (11-20) A faces by post-oxidation annealing (POA) in NO ambient and measured the cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra. For an acceleration voltage of 5 kV, the CL peak assigned to oxygen vacancy centers (OVCs) weakens by POA, whereas the CL peak related to Si-N bonding structures intensifies with increasing CM. This suggests that OVCs in the SiO2/SiC interface are terminated by N. We show that NO ambient POA increases the CM more effectively than that by N2O ambient. CL spectroscopy provides us with extensive information on OVCs, non-bridging oxidation hole centers, and dangling bonds in the SiO2/SiC interface on 4H-SiC substrates and on the CM in n-type MOS capacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeWe investigated the appearance frequency of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles after the use of five types of prostaglandin (PG) analogs.MethodsThis study included 250 eyes from 250 patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were treated with either latanoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, bimatoprost, or isopropyl unoprostone for >3 months in only one eye. Photographs of both eyes were obtained, and the images were assessed by three ophthalmologists who were masked to treatment type. The existence of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles was judged, and images of the left and right eyes were compared. Subjective symptoms regarding the existence of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles were investigated through a questionnaire.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the five types of medications with regard to eyelid pigmentation (P=0.537). Use of isopropyl unoprostone resulted in a significantly lower incidence of eyelash bristles (P<0.0001). The questionnaire investigation showed that eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles were significantly more frequent with travoprost (42.0% and 42.0%, respectively) and bimatoprost (58.0% and 60.0%, respectively) than with other three medications (P<0.0001).ConclusionThe appearance frequency of eyelid pigmentation was similar among the five types of PG analogs studied, and eyelash bristles appeared less frequently with isopropyl unoprostone use. Patients are conscious of eyelash bristles; therefore, these adverse effects should be sufficiently explained to patients before PG administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential advantages of the ultrasonic scalpel compared with the conventional technique in gastric cancer surgery.Methods: Patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach were randomly assigned to ultrasonic scalpel or conventional technique. We used the HARMONIC FOCUS (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.) as ultrasonic scalpel.Results: Between February 2010 and December 2010, 60 patients with resectable gastric cancer were enrolled into the study. Operative time was significantly shorter with the ultrasonic arm than with the conventional arm (median 238.5 vs. 300.5 min; P = 0.0004). Blood loss was also significantly lower in the ultrasonic arm than in the conventional arm (median 351.0 vs. 569.5 ml; P = 0.016). Clavien-Dindo grades of postoperative complications were similar in the two groups. From a questionnaire survey of operators, the ultrasonic scalpel significantly reduced the stress of lymph node dissection (3.67 vs. 2.87; P = 0.0006). However, in assisting surgeons, the contributions to surgery, study, and technical improvement of the ultrasonic group were lower than in the conventional group.Conclusions: This study shows that the ultrasonic scalpel is a reliable and safe tool for open gastric cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Acid-sensing ion channel 1b (ASIC1b) is a proton-gated Na+ channel mostly expressed in peripheral sensory neurons. To date, the functional significance of ASIC1b in these cells is unclear due to the lack of a specific inhibitor/blocker. A better understanding of the regulation of ASIC1b may provide a clue for future investigation of its functional importance. One important regulator of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) is zinc. In this study, we examined the detailed zinc inhibition of ASIC1b currents and specific amino acid(s) involved in the inhibition. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing rat ASIC1b subunit, pretreatment with zinc concentration-dependently inhibited the ASIC1b currents triggered by pH dropping from 7.4 to 6.0 with a half-maximum inhibitory concentration of 26 μM. The inhibition of ASIC1b currents by pre-applied zinc was independent of pH, voltage, or extracellular Ca2+. Further, we showed that the effect of zinc is dependent on the extracellular cysteine, but not histidine residue. Mutating cysteine 149, but not cysteine 58 or cysteine 162, located in the extracellular domain of the ASIC1b subunit abolished the zinc inhibition. These findings suggest that cysteine 149 in the extracellular finger domain of ASIC1b subunit is critical for zinc-mediated inhibition and provide the basis for future mechanistic studies addressing the functional significance of zinc inhibition of ASIC1b. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a research study concerning Pagrus major's self-feeding habits, stress response, and growth performance. Research shows that the said fish genus has no difficulty in self-feeding as well as in stress response. These Pagrus fishes became more efficient on their digestion through photoperiod. The growth of these fishes are also studied.

A positron annihilation age-momentum correlation (AMOC) technique using a digital oscilloscope with high time resolution enabled us to directly estimate positron trapping rate to nano- and subnanoparticles embedded in materials by observing the annihilation time evolution of the momentum distribution of affinity-trapped positron-electron pairs. As a representative case we successfully apply the present technique to (sub)nano Cu particles embedded in an Fe-Cu dilute alloy after thermal aging. This enhances the ability of the positron annihilation method as a quantitative tool to detect ultrafine embedded particles which are difficult to observe by other techniques. We also show that the AMOC measurements give chemical information on the embedded particles through the positron trapping kinetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are less effective in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients than in reflux oesophagitis patients. Whether the addition of prokinetics to PPIs improves NERD patients' symptoms remains unknown. Aim To evaluate the efficacy of mosapride in NERD patients when used with PPI. Methods A total of 200 NERD patients were randomised to one of two arms: omeprazole (10 mg once daily) plus mosapride citrate (5 mg three times a day) (treatment arm) and omeprazole plus placebo (placebo arm). The primary endpoint was the rate of responders [visual analogue scale (VAS) was zero or <1 cm] after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary endpoints were changes in the VAS score and the safety profile. Results There was no significant difference between the rates of responders in both arms in intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis. The change in the VAS score in treatment arm was significantly better than placebo arm in PP analysis (-4.0 ± 0.2 and -3.3 ± 0.2, mean ± S.E.M.) (N.S. in ITT analysis). The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups. Conclusion The addition of mosapride to omeprazole was not more effective than omeprazole alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]