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In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a new method for measuring the trap frequency from the fluorescence dynamics of an ion, initiated using fast trap-center displacement. Here, we observe the coherently excited motion of an ion in a harmonic trap using time-resolved fluorescence detection. Furthermore, Fourier analysis of the ion fluorescence signal was used to determine the trap frequency of an ion with high precision and reproducibility. The results show that our proposed method can be an alternative way to determine trap frequencies in an ion trap experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that a CoFeB/MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) formed directly on a flexible substrate has considerable potential as a high-sensitivity strain gauge. A gauge factor of ∼1000, which represents the highest sensitivity reported, thus far, for a film-type strain gauge and is ∼500 times larger than that of the most prevalent metal-foil strain gauge, is realized in the flexible MTJ with a pseudo-spin valve structure under the condition of external magnetic-field assistance. Additionally, using a flexible MTJ with strain-insensitive exchange-biased pinned and strain-sensitive free layers, we demonstrate that a large resistance change due to the strain application can be achieved under magnetic field-free conditions. According to simulations based on the coherent magnetization rotation model, conditions are suggested for improving the gauge factor, as well as for using the flexible MTJ as a strain gauge in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) minority ion heating with a hydrogen minority and deuterium majority plasma were studied by ICRF modulation injection experiments in the Large Helical Device (LHD). In recent experiments with deuterium plasma, no significant increase in the neutron emission rate due to ICRF second harmonic deuteron heating was observed. Therefore, in this study, the neutron emission rate was used to refer to the information regarding the thermal ion component. Like the results of the observations of the heating efficiencies at various minority proton ratios, the experimental results showed good agreement with the simple model simulation of ICRF wave absorption. During these experiments, the accelerated minority hydrogen ions were observed by neutral particle analyzers. The counting rates of the energetic particles were higher in the lines of sight passing through the helical ripple than across the magnetic axis, and the counting rate decreased as the minority hydrogen ion ratio increased. The dependence of the minority hydrogen ion ratio on the density of the energetic ions was consistent with the experimentally observed heating efficiencies and simulations. The heating efficiency of ICRF minority ion heating could be well explained by simple model simulation in the LHD deuterium experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let c ≥ 2 be any fixed real number. Matomäki [4] inverstigated the set of A > 1 such that the integer part of A c k is a prime number for every k ∈ N . She proved that the set is uncountable, nowhere dense, and has Lebesgue measure 0. In this article, we show that the set has Hausdorff dimension 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate ns-pulsed pumping of terahertz (THz) parametric oscillations in a quasi-triply resonant cavity in a THz waveguide. The THz waves, down converted through parametric interactions between the pump and signal waves at telecom frequencies, are confined to a GaP single mode ridge waveguide. By combining the THz waveguide with a quasi-triply resonant cavity, the nonlinear interactions can be enhanced. A low threshold pump intensity for parametric oscillations can be achieved in the cavity waveguide. The THz output power can be maximized by optimizing the quality factors of the cavity so that an optical to THz photon conversion efficiency, ηp, of 0.35, which is near the quantum-limit level, can be attained. The proposed THz optical parametric oscillator can be utilized as an efficient and monochromatic THz source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobilities of Li+-attached butanol isomers, (n-BuOH)Li+, (s-BuOH)Li+, (i-BuOH)Li+, and (t-BuOH)Li+, in helium gas were measured over a range of reduced electric fields (E/N = 25-96 Td) at room temperature. Arrival time measurements accurately identified small differences in the measured mobilities of the isomer ions. At low E/N (<=30 Td, corresponding to a mean collision energy [formula] eV), (n-BuOH)Li+ showed a mobility about 1.5% greater than that of the other ions, but at high E/N (>=75 Td, [formula] eV) its mobility was about 1.1% less. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed an optimized power combiner for high-power and long-pulse ICRF heating in the LHD. • We also developed a control system for the power combination in order to minimize the power loss. • Power combination of over 2 MW for 6 s and 1 MW for 10 min were achieved. In the Large Helical Device (LHD), the development of high-power and long-pulse Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies (ICRF) heating system is ongoing. The developed Field-Aligned-Impedance-Transforming (FAIT) antenna has the potential for high-power injection of more than 1.8 MW. Here, to achieve this injection power, a power combination system was developed. An optimized power combiner was designed by repeated simulations, and then was fabricated and installed in the ICRF transmission system. Control of the power and the phase of incident waves into the input ports of the power combiner is important for the power combination. Therefore, a real-time control system was developed, and prompt reduction of power loss was demonstrated. As a result, combined powers of more than 2 MW for 6 s and 1 MW for 10 min were successfully achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photobleaching of self-trapped holes (STH) in low temperature UV-irradiated silica glass has been investigated by the electron spin resonance method. The bleaching time dependence of the decay of two kinds of STH, STH1, and STH2, could be well fitted by the stretched exponential function, and STH2 has a quicker decay than STH1. On the other hand, the decay becomes significant large when the photon energy increases from 1.5 to 2.0 eV, and then keeps constant with a further increase of photon energy. The distributions of the STH continuums are estimated at the positions on top of the valence band, being 1.66±0.27 eV for STH1 and 1.63±0.33 eV for STH2. A possible recombination mechanism is proposed to explain the decay of STH signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fictive temperature, T[sub f], and fluorine concentration dependences of structure fluctuation in SiO[sub 2] glass was investigated by small-angle x-ray scattering measurement. Regardless of F concentration, density fluctuation in SiO[sub 2] glass is proportional to T[sub f] and depends on structural relaxation. Concentration fluctuation does not depend on T[sub f] and is almost proportional to F concentration. And it implies that F is incorporated into the glass structure at temperatures considerably higher than the T[sub f] on which glass structure freezes. Contributions of the density and concentration fluctuations to the structure fluctuation were estimated. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the fictive temperature dependence of density fluctuation in silicon oxide glass. Use of the small-angle x-ray scattering measurement; Effect of structural relaxation on the density fluctuation; Estimation of the isothermal compressibility.

The effects of fluorine (F) doping on silica glass structure, structural relaxations, and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption edge were investigated by the infrared and vacuum ultraviolet absorption measurements. Linewidth of 2260 cm[sup -1] absorption band, which is one of the good indicators of structural disorder, decreases proportionally to the fictive temperature (T[sub f]). On the other hand, it is irrespective of F concentration. Structural relaxations are strongly stimulated by F doping. The transparency near the absorption edge depends on both F concentration and T[sub f]. When T[sub f] is constant, absorption edge shifts to a shorter wavelength proportionally to the F concentration. These results strongly suggest that there are two main factors that control the VUV absorption edge of F-doped silica glass; band gap widening by increasing Si–F bond and reduction of structural disorder. The latter factor is not directly caused by structural change by F doping. F enhances the structural relaxation, and it is easy to obtain samples with lower T[sub f], resulting in reducing structural disorder. Furthermore, a way to determine T[sub f] of F-doped silica glass is offered. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated the change of the Raman spectra in F-doped silica glasses with various fictive temperatures, and have also presented a useful peak-deconvolution technique for evaluating the relative concentration of D1 and D2 bands that could be attributed to four- and three-membered ring structures. The intensities of D1 and D2 bands are mainly dominated by the fictive temperature, and they are not almost affected by the F content at the same fictive temperature. It has been made clear that the intensity of D1 band as well as D2 band has a linear relationship with the IR peak position around 2260 cm-1 that is correlated with the average Si–O–Si bond angle, irrespective of the F content. The “activation energies” of D1 and D2, estimated from the Arrhenius plot, are 0.26 and 0.41 eV, respectively. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which investigated the dielectric dispersion in silica glasses with various hydrogen peroxide (OH) concentrations in a desired temperature range. Experimental framework of the study; Relaxational processes; Electrical conductivity; Conclusions.

Cites an investigation which used light scattering measurements to examine the glass transition in silica glass, the relations between the glass transition temperature, fictive temperature and cooling rate and the effect of OH ions on the structural relaxation of the glass. Information on silica glass; Details on the fictive temperature and glass transition temperature of the glass; In-depth look at the results of the investigation.

Summary: Organic materials, including carbon, exist inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) chamber and are adsorbed onto samples under observation during TEM. When these adsorbed organic materials are irradiated by an electron beam, the adsorbed gas is decomposed. Carbon atoms remain on the sample and bond with each other forming a material with an amorphous structure. Due to the carbon deposition on the observation area of the sample, it is contaminated and the TEM image quality is decreased. Ar was introduced into environmental TEM (ETEM) to purge organic material from the sample chamber to reduce contamination growth. After Ar gas was introduced, the contamination was gradually removed. The contamination removal rate was dependent on the Ar pressure. Moreover, it was clear that Ar was ionised by electron beam irradiation and the Ar ions were produced in the ETEM during electron beam irradiation. It is proposed that the Ar ions removed the carbon contamination. Lay Description: Organic materials, including carbon, exist inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM) chamber and are adsorbed onto samples under observation during TEM. When these adsorbed organic materials are irradiated by an electron beam, the adsorbed gas is decomposed. Carbon atoms remain on the sample and bond with each other forming a material with an amorphous structure. Due to the carbon deposition on the observation area of the sample, it is contaminated and the TEM image quality is decreased. Ar was introduced into environmental TEM (ETEM) to purge organic material from the sample chamber to reduce contamination growth. After Ar gas was introduced, the contamination was gradually removed. The contamination removal rate was dependent on the Ar pressure. Moreover, it was clear that Ar was ionised by electron beam irradiation and the Ar ions were produced in the ETEM during electron beam irradiation. It is proposed that the Ar ions removed the carbon contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which applied the high-accuracy universal polarimeter method on the incommensurate phase of [N(Ch[sub3])[sub4]][sub2] CuCl[sub4]. Determination of gyration tensor; Determination of the soliton density; Temperature dependence.

A new and effective method for developing ultralow-loss glasses for long-distance optical fiber systems is presented. The idea is based on the observed strong effect of a very small amount of alkaline or alkaline-earth impurities on structural relaxation of “frozen-in” density fluctuations. Efficiency of this method is demonstrated in the case of silica glass with Na[sub 2]O of less than 50 wt. ppm, where the light scattering loss was reduced by 13% by the addition of only 10 wt. ppm (≈ 1 × 10[sup −3] mol %) Na[sub 2]O. Various problems in developing ultralow-loss fiber materials in multicomponent glasses are avoidable in this method, since concentrations of dopants are very small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability of real-world data on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has grown, but region-specific data evaluating specific treatments and outcomes within discrete national health systems are limited. We assessed treatment patterns and long-term, real-world outcomes for patients with SMA treated with onasemnogene abeparvovec (OA) in Japan. In line with Japanese regulatory requirements, post-marketing surveillance (PMS) was conducted for patients treated with OA as part of RESTORE, a real-world, prospective, multicenter, multinational, observational registry of patients with SMA. We collected and evaluated data on patients enrolled in RESTORE/PMS who received OA in Japan. This report provides interim results from May 18, 2021 (PMS start) to May 23, 2021 (data cutoff) for 19 patients that had been treated with OA (age range at infusion, 0.0, 24.0 months; weight range at infusion, 2.7, 10.1 kg). Seven patients (36.8%) received OA monotherapy, and 12 (63.2%) received OA after initial nusinersen. Patients had two (n=11/19, 57.9%) or three (n=8/19, 42.1%) copies of the SMN2 gene. Of 5 patients with ≥2 CHOP INTEND assessments, 4 improved (3 achieved a ≥4-point increase), and 1 had a 1-point decrease (change per month range, –0.14, +3.42 points). Of 4 patients with ≥2 motor milestone assessments, 2 achieved new milestones, 1 maintained milestones, and 1 recorded no milestone achievements. No loss of achieved milestones was reported after OA. All patients reported at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (AE). Three patients (15.8%) experienced at least 1 serious AE related to OA. Thrombotic microangiopathy and associated events (hemolysis and acute kidney injury) were reported for 1 patient. No deaths were reported. To date, patients in Japan enrolled in RESTORE/PMS achieved or maintained motor milestones after OA. The AE experience of OA for Japanese patients is consistent with the overall safety profile of OA, with no new safety concerns identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: The study enrolled 63 SLE patients who were treated with rituximab between 2002 and 2015. The participants underwent a battery of tests before treatment and at one year. Treatment ranged from two to four times at 500 or 1000 mg. Results: Baseline characteristics were males:females = 6:57, age 33.9 years, and disease duration 87.2 months. The primary endpoint: The rate of major clinical response (MCR) was 60% while the partial clinical response (PCR) was 25%. Thirty of 36 (83%) patients with lupus nephritis (WHO II: 2, III: 5, IV: 22, V: 4, IV+V: 2, not assessed: 1) and 22 of 24 patients (92%) with neuropsychiatric SLE, who could be followed at one year, showed changes from BILAG A or B score to C or D score at one year. Multivariate analysis identified high anti-dsDNA antibody and shorter disease duration as significant determinants of MCR at one year. Repeat examination was conducted at five years. Primary failure was recorded in 8.8% and secondary failure in 32.4% (time to relapse: 24.4 months). Rituximab was well tolerated although 65 adverse events, mostly infections, were recorded within one year. Conclusion: Rituximab is potentially efficacious for the treatment of patients with refractory SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: For the sterilization of food, heat sterilization, chemical sterilization, and similar methods are available. However, they cause the change of the quality and flavor of the food. As the solution, the intense pulsed high electric field (IPEF) sterilization method has been studied. IPEF sterilization is used for the nonthermal sterilization of the foods because it destroys the cell membrane of bacteria physically. In this study, we have attempted to apply the IPEF sterilization for green juice. The development of a circulation sterilization system for a practical test was carried out. It was confirmed that enzyme included in the green juice was not deactivated when IPEF was applied. As a result, at applying 20‐min pulse electric field in 30 kV/cm and 40 kV/cm, survival ratios of viable bacteria in the green juice were reduced to about 40% and 12%, respectively. Also, deactivation of superoxide dismutase did not occur when the bacteria were sterilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shallow water equation is employed as the governing equation to simulate flow behaviour in shallow water flow regions. The SUPG and the backward Euler methods, respectively, were employed for discretisation in space and time. In this paper, we carry out investigations on the numerical accuracy of shallow water flow estimation based on the ensemble Kalman filter using the SUPG FEM, and show the results of numerical experiments. The open channel model was employed as the numerical example in this study. The extended Kalman filter is generally employed to solve parameter identification problems. However, linearisation of the governing equation is carried out to apply parameter identification: it is known to be difficult to carry out computation reliably if problems that include a high degree of non-linearity need to be solved. On the other hand, linearisation of the governing equation is not carried out in the ensemble Kalman filter, so there is potential for the unknown parameter to be simultaneously identified in the computation of the data assimilation. The distribution of the unknown kinematic viscosity coefficient was therefore also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localization dynamics of excitons was studied for ZnO/MgZnO and CdZnO/MgZnO quantum wells (QWs). The experimental photoluminescence (PL) and absorption data were compared with the results of Monte Carlo simulation in which the excitonic hopping was modeled. The temperature-dependent PL linewidth and Stokes shift were found to be in a reasonable agreement with the hopping model, with accounting for an additional inhomogeneous broadening. The density of localized states used in the simulation for the CdZnO QW was consistent with the absorption spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution of 137 Cs on components in urban areas such as roofs and roads is crucial for evaluating the behavior of radiocesium and ambient dose rates in the area. This study evaluated relative 137 Cs inventories, which are defined as the relative values of 137 Cs inventory on each component to that on a nearby permeable plane field, for 11 buildings in the evacuation zone about four years after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The average relative inventory of paved ground accounted for 0.18 of that on permeable plane fields. Other components showed small average values of less than 0.1, indicating rapid removal of radiocesium from urban areas even without decontamination. The differences in the relative inventories on roads and roofs with those in the case of Europe suggest that human activity and component materials largely affect the reduction of radiocesium in urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission line is one of the most important components of ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating devices. In the case of unexpected trouble on the line, such as a breakdown, immediate power-off is necessary in order to avoid severe damage on the line. Breakdowns are difficult to detect with a reflection monitor, since the reflection may originate from a change in the antenna-plasma coupling. In the Large Helical Device (LHD), a Fault Detection System (FDS) for the transmission line was developed, which detects the breakdown utilizing the unbalance of three signals from the both ends of the line. For the precise balancing in the normal condition, the calibration is iteratively conducted. FDS is insensitive to the change of the antenna impedance, therefore, FDS can detect breakdown clearly. Frequency shift is also detectable with the FDS applied to a long transmission line. Therefore, the self-oscillation accompanying frequency shift could be detected in addition to breakdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural relaxations in fiber cores and claddings with various F concentrations were investigated. It was found that structural relaxation in the core is strongly affected by that in the cladding. This effect leads to an approach to control structural relaxation in fiber core for reducing the Rayleigh scattering loss in optical fibers. The advantage of this approach is to avoid increase of the Rayleigh scattering due to concentration fluctuation. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although ICRF heating has achieved the high heating efficiency necessary to achieve high-performance plasmas, it has not overcome the reliability and economic problems associated with the antenna structure inside the vacuum vessel in fusion reactors. We suggested a slit ICRF antenna that uses the blanket surface as a transmission line to solve these problems. With a single slit ICRF antenna with a width of 3 m and a height of 15 cm, the electric field strength to the magnetic field direction was successfully suppressed to 5 kV/cm when 20 MW of power radiation was achieved from the single slit. The slit ICRF antenna had a bending angle in the electromagnetic wave transmission path to prevent direct neutron impact on the first wall and a vacuum gate from rapidly preventing water or air leakage accidents. The slit ICRF antenna has a simple structure that allows heating at high power density while minimizing blanket volume reduction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn 1- x Mg x Se y Te 1- y layers have been grown on (100) ZnTe substrates by low-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy using dimethylzinc, bis-methylcyclopentadienyl magnesium ((MeCp) 2 Mg), diethylselenide and diethyltelluride as source materials. The Mg mole fraction of Zn 1- x Mg x Se y Te 1- y layer can be controlled successfully by varying (MeCp) 2 Mg transport rate. P -type doping of this material has been tried using tris-dimethylaminophosphorus as a dopant source. The influence of annealing temperature or dopant transport rate upon the electrical property has been investigated. All the layers show p -type conduction even without annealing. Through this study, a maximum carrier concentration of 2.5×10 18 cm −3 is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) spectra and electrical properties of both as-grown and annealed phosphorus-doped ZnTe layers grown by low-pressure metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy have been clarified as a function of reactor pressure or dopant transport rate. The carrier concentration of as-grown layer increases with decreasing reactor pressure or increasing dopant transport rate, in good agreement with PL behavior. Similar tendency is also found for annealed layer. Annealing treatment induces the enhancement of the carrier concentration, independent of reactor pressure or dopant transport rate. Through this study, a high carrier concentration near 10 19 cm −3 has been attainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which investigates spin-valve structures with a magnetic material buffer layer, CoNbZr (100 Å)/NiFe (20 Å), on an oxidized silicon substrate. Measurement of the magnetoresistance ratio; Crystal structure; Experimental and calculated x-ray diffraction profile; X-ray diffraction method.

Here, the authors describe the construction of a forcing data set for land surface models (including both physical and biogeochemical models; LSMs) with eight meteorological variables for the 35-year period from 1979 to 2013. The data set is intended for use in a model intercomparison study, called GTMIP, which is a part of the Japanese-funded Arctic Climate Change Research Project. In order to prepare a set of site-fitted forcing data for LSMs with realistic yet continuous entries (i.e. without missing data), four observational sites across the pan-Arctic region (Fairbanks, Tiksi, Yakutsk, and Kevo) were selected to construct a blended data set using both global reanalysis and observational data. Marked improvements were found in the diurnal cycles of surface air temperature and humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. The data sets and participation in GTMIP are open to the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly developed ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) antennas were fabricated and installed in the Large Helical Device (LHD). The antennas, called field-aligned-impedance-transforming (FAIT) antennas, were designed based on former handshake form (HAS) antennas for high power and steady-state operation. The FAIT antennas demonstrated higher loading resistance and lower temperature on ceramic feed-through than HAS antennas. Antenna impedance and injected power were measured precisely using a directional coupler installed between the impedance matching device and antenna. It was shown that an injection power of 1.8 MW or a power density of 15 MW/m 2 would be possible for short-pulse discharges. The mutual coupling between two FAIT antennas is small enough, since any current phase is possible without adjusting the impedance matching device. Although the FAIT antennas are aligned in a poloidal direction, a high heating efficiency of 85% was achieved with the proper minority concentration ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the terrestrial branch of the Japanfunded Arctic Climate Change Research Project (GRENETEA), which aims to clarify the role and function of the terrestrial Arctic in the climate system and assess the influence of its changes on a global scale, this model intercomparison project (GTMIP) is designed to (1) enhance communication and understanding between the modelling and field scientists and (2) assess the uncertainty and variations stemming from variability in model implementation/design and in model outputs using climatic and historical conditions in the Arctic terrestrial regions. This paper provides an overview of all GTMIP activity, and the experiment protocol of Stage 1, which is site simulations driven by statistically fitted data created using the GRENE-TEA site observations for the last 3 decades. The target metrics for the model evaluation cover key processes in both physics and biogeochemistry, including energy budgets, snow, permafrost, phenology, and carbon budgets. Exemplary results for distributions of four metrics (annual mean latent heat flux, annual maximum snow depth, gross primary production, and net ecosystem production) and for seasonal transitions are provided to give an outlook of the planned analysis that will delineate the inter-dependence among the key processes and provide clues for improving model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction We evaluated the basic performance of Microsemi CRP, an unique automated hematology analyzer which can simultaneously measure CBC including 3-part WBC differential (3-Diff) and CRP using whole blood treated with EDTA-2K anticoagulant. Method We found that it produced generally the acceptable results for all parameters performed (repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, interference effect, carry over, and correlation) using control materials, fresh human whole bloods, and serum samples. Results CBC data examined using Microsemi CRP showed the good correlation with the previous model, Micros CRP200 ( r ≧ 0.9), and also those obtained using the routine analyzer, ADVIA 2120i ( r ≧ 0.989). Concerning the 3-Diff, both GRA (%) and LYM (%) showed the excellent correlation coefficient between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 ( r ≧ 0.992) as well as ADVIA 2120i ( r ≧ 0.957). MON (%) showed good correlation between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 ( r = 0.959), but lower correlation between Microsemi CRP and ADVIA 2120 i ( r = 0.471). CRP data showed the good correlation with HITACHI7600 ( r ≧ 0.997) and Micros CRP200 ( r ≧ 0.997). Conclusion From these findings, we concluded that Microsemi CRP seemed the convenient laboratory analyzer in the setting of point of care testing ( POCT) especially at NICU or primary care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the terrestrial branch of the Japan-funded Arctic Climate Change Research Project (GRENE-TEA), which aims to clarify the role and function of the Arctic terrestrial system in the climate system, and assess the influence of its changes on a global scale, this model intercomparison project (GTMIP) is planned and being conducted to (1) enhance communication and understanding between the "minds and hands" (i.e., between the modelling and field scientists) and (2) assess the uncertainty and variations stemming from variability in model implementation/design and in model outputs due to climatic and historical conditions in the Arctic terrestrial regions. This paper provides an overview and the experiment protocol of Stage 1 of the project, site simulations driven by statistically fitted data created using the GRENE-TEA site observations for the last three decades. The target metrics for the model evaluation cover key processes in both physics and biogeochemistry, including energy budgets, snow, permafrost, phenology, and carbon budgets. The preliminary results on four metrics (annual mean latent heat flux, annual maximum snow depth, gross primary production, and net ecosystem production) already demonstrate the range of variations in reproducibility among existing models and sites. Full analysis on annual as well as seasonal time scales, to be conducted upon completion of model outputs submission, will delineate inter-dependence among the key processes, and provide the clue for improving the model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the authors describe the construction of a forcing dataset for Land Surface Models (including both physical and biogeochemical models; LSMs) with eight meteorological variables for the 35 year period from 1979 to 2013. The dataset is intended for use in a model intercomparison (MIP) study, called GTMIP, which is a part of the Japanese-funded Arctic Climate Change research project. In order to prepare a set of site-fitted forcing data for LSMs with realistic yet continuous entries (i.e. without missing data), four observational sites across the pan-Arctic region (Fairbanks, Tiksi, Yakutsk, and Kevo) were selected to construct a blended dataset using both global reanalysis and observational data. Marked improvements were found in the diurnal cycles of surface air temperature and humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. The datasets and participation in GTMIP are open to the scientific community [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible-light-controlled polymerization was achieved by a bichromophoric organopalladium catalyst which possesses a naphthyl-substituted cyclometallated Ir(iii) light-absorbing moiety. The complex was highly active toward styrene polymerization upon visible-light irradiation, and its photoactivity toward polymerization and dimerization was switchable. On the basis of the switching activity, controlled copolymerization of styrene and vinyl ether was achieved upon photo-irradiation to give the corresponding copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cytomegalovirus ( CMV)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes ( CMV- CTLs) play a crucial role in preventing CMV disease. However, the actual in vivo dynamics of CMV- CTL clones after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo HCT) are still unclear. Methods Using a single-cell T-cell receptor repertoire analysis, we monitored clones and chimerism of CMV- CTLs in 3 CMV-seropositive allo HCT recipients from CMV-seronegative donors, with or without CMV reactivation. Results Nearly all of the CMV- CTLs during follow-up were CD45 RA− CCR7− effector memory/ CD45 RA+ CCR7− effector T cells, and were highly matured. In each case, the use of BV gene families was restricted, especially in BV5, 7, 28, and 29. Although no common predominant CMV- CTL clones were found, several shared motifs of complementarity-determining region-3 were identified among the 3 cases; QGA in all, TGE and TDT in Case 1 and Case 2, and RDRG in Case 2 and Case 3. In all cases, CMV- CTL clones that were detected for the first time after allo HCT persisted as the dominant clones. In Case 1, without CMV reactivation, recipient-derived CMV- CTLs exclusively persisted as a dominant clone, while all CMV- CTLs in the other 2 cases, with CMV reactivation, were donor derived. Conclusion Clone monitoring and chimerism analyses should help to further clarify novel aspects of immuno-reconstitution after allo HCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of Zn1- xMg x Se y Te1- y layers was performed on (100) ZnTe substrate by metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy using dimethylzinc, bis-methylcyclopentadienyl-magnesium, diethyltelluride and diethylselenide. The effects of substrate temperature upon the compositions of Mg and Se have been investigated. The Mg composition in Zn1- xMg x Se y Te1- y layer is significantly enhanced at low substrate temperature. Although the Se composition decreases with decreasing the substrate temperature, Zn1- xMg x Se y Te1- y layer with a relatively high Se composition of 0.3 is obtainable at a low substrate temperature as low as 380 ºC. For all the layers, a two-mode behaviour with ZnTe- and MgTe-like longitudinal optical phonon modes is confirmed by Raman scattering. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is essential for adenovirus infection to target cells, and its constitutive expression in various cancerous and normal tissues has been reported. Recently, the biological role of CAR in human cancers of several different origins has been investigated with respect to tumor progression, metastasis and tumorigenesis. However, its biological function in tumor cells remains controversial. Here we report the critical role of CAR in growth regulation of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in vitro and in vivo via the specific interaction with Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK). Loss of endogenous CAR expression by knockdown using specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) against CAR facilitates growth suppression of SCC cells due to cell dissociation, followed by apoptosis. The consequent morphological reaction was reminiscent of anoikis, rather than epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the dissociation of oral SCC cells was triggered not by lack of contact with extracellular matrix, but by loss of cell-to-cell contact caused by abnormal translocation of E-cadherin from surface membrane to cytoplasm. Immunoprecipitation assays of the CAR-transfected oral SCC cell line, HSC-2, with or without ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) revealed that CAR directly associates with ROCKI and ROCKII, which results in inhibition of ROCK activity and contributes to maintenance of cell-to-cell adhesion for their growth and survival. Based on these findings, in vivo behavior of CAR-downregulated HSC-2 cells from siRNA knockdown was compared with that of normally CAR-expressing cells in intraperitoneally xenografted mouse models. The mice engrafted with CAR siRNA-pretreated HSC-2 cells showed poor formation of metastatic foci in contrast to those implanted with the control siRNA-pretreated cells. Thus, CAR substantially has an impact on growth and survival of oral SCC cells as a negative regulator of ROCK in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Patient and graft survival after successful kidney transplantation (KT) have improved despite an increase in the number of challenging cases. Various factors have evolved during the long history of kidney transplantation. Methods: Between 1988 and 2012, a total of 292 living donor and 56 deceased donor KTs were performed at Niigata University Hospital. Long-term patient and graft survival and changes in background during a 20-year period in a single center were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Excellent patient survival rates of 95.1% at 20 years for living donor KT and 96.2% at 15 years for deceased donor KT were observed. Graft survival rates at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years were 96.8%, 95.4%, 83.1%, 61.8%, and 56.2% in living donor KT, respectively. In contrast, graft survival rates at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years in deceased donor KT were 89.0%, 80.3%, 77.3%, and 33.8%, respectively. These survival rates have dramatically improved since 2002 (91.7% for living and 80.9% for deceased donor KT at 10 years post-transplantation). The number of elderly recipients (older than 60 years) and the percentage of grafts donated from spouses have increased. The rejection rate decreased and the cytomegalovirus antigenemia–positive rate increased during the 20-year period assessed. The percentage of pre-emptive KTs progressively increased, with graft survival in this group tending to be better than non-preemptive KTs. The causes of graft loss were chronic allograft dysfunction (54.7%), acute rejection (11.1%), and malignancies (9.4%). After living donor KT, the principal predictors of graft loss were if the recipient was younger than 30 years, if the donor was older than 50 years, and if the rejection episodes occurred after living donor KT. In contrast, the only risk factor in the case of deceased donor KT occurred after transplantation from donors who were older than 50 years. Conclusions: A summary of the long-term outcome of KT over 20 years in a single center has been reported. Along with the changes in patient backgrounds, immunosuppressive drugs, and our knowledge of transplantation, patient and graft survival outcomes have also changed. Investigation into such outcomes during a different transplantation era is required to fully appreciate advances in KT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ga2O3 films were deposited on (0001) sapphire substrates by means of pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The influences of substrate temperature on crystal quality, surface morphology, and transmittance have been systematically investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope and spectrophotometer. The results show that all of the films have high transmittance and smooth surface. The (−201) oriented β-Ga2O3 can be obtained at substrate temperature of 500°C, which is lower than the growth temperature by other method such as molecular beam epitaxy, indicating PLD is a promising growth technology for growing high quality β-Ga2O3 films at low temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] New simple model for predicting transpirational cooling as a function of relative humidity and air temperature. [•] Strong impact of relative humidity on simulated fertility. [•] Strong impact of flowering time on simulated fertility. [•] Strong impact of uncertainty in fertility functions (fertility versus panicle temperature) on simulated fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Japan, multiple organ retrieval from brain-dead heart-beating donors has been gradually increasing since the law was adopted in 1997 and amended in 2009. However, almost more than 90% of total deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) in Japan are still obtained from non–heart-beating donors (NHBD). The majority of NHBD are Maastricht categories IV and III. In category IV, we usually place a double balloon arterial and a venous drainage catheter via the femoral vessels after the diagnosis of clinical brain death and acquisition of informed consent from the family. After controlled cardiac arrest, the double balloons are inflated and in situ cold perfusion started as soon as possible to minimize warm ischemic time (WIT), seeking to achieve a zero to within a few minutes WIT in most cases. In category III, it is impossible to place the device prior to cardiac arrest. In these cases, after declaration of cardiac death, cardiopulmonary compression is accompanied by systemic heparinization, immediate laparotomy, and insertion of a cold perfusion catheter at the aortic and caval bifurcations to minimize WIT. NHBD kidney retrieval is critical; extirpation must be performed as rapidly as possible. The results of NHBD kidney transplantation in Japan are excellent, according to the advancement and utilization of in situ cannulation, organ perfusion, and sophisticated retrieval techniques. The patient and graft survival rates of DDKT at 1, 3, and 5 years in most recent 2001 to 2007 era were 95.4%, 92.2%, 89.1% (n = 945) and 89.2%, 83.7%, 77.8% (n = 919), respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A pair of ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) antennas in the large helical device (LHD), HAS antennas showed high efficiency in minority ion heating. However the low loading resistance must be increased to prevent breakdown in transmission line. Moreover, the voltage and the current around the feed-through must be reduced to protect it. For these purpose, we developed a design procedure of the impedance transformer for HAS antennas. To optimize the transformer, the inner conductors were divided into several segments and the radii of them were given discretely and independently. The maximum effective loading resistance was obtained by using all combinations of radii within the limitations of the voltage and current at the feed-through and the electric field on the transformer. To get a precise solution, this procedure was repeated several times by narrowing the range of radii of inner conductors. Then the optimized impedance transformer was designed by smoothing the radii of inner conductors. For the typical discharge, the voltage and current at the feed-through were reduced to the half of the original values with the same power. The effective loading resistance was increased to more than four times. High performance is expected in wide impedance region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The M = 7.2 Haiti earthquake of 12th January 2010 caused extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructure in the epicentral region in and around Port-au-Prince. The Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT), which is based in the United Kingdom, organised a field mission to Haiti with the authors as the team members. The paper presents the geotechnical findings of the team including those relating to soil liquefaction and lateral spreading and discusses the performance of buildings, including historic buildings, and bridges. Unprecedented use was made of damage assessments made from remote images (i.e. images taken from satellites and aircraft) when planning the post-earthquake relief effort in Haiti and a principal objective of the team was to evaluate the accuracy of such assessments. Accordingly, 142 buildings in Port-au-Prince were inspected in the field by the EEFIT team; damage assessments had previously been made using remote images for all these buildings. On the basis of this survey, the tendency of remote assessments to underestimate damage was confirmed; it was found that the underestimate applied to assessments based on oblique images using the relatively new technique of Pictometry, as well as those based on vertical images, although to a lesser degree. The paper also discusses the distribution of damage in Port-au-Prince, which was found to be strongly clustered in ways that appear not to have been completely explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]