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Dear Editor, Gültekin and Güven[1] demonstrated an association between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and in-hospital mortality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). REFERENCES 1 Gültekin H, Güven M. Optic nerve sheath diameter, intensive care unit admission and COVID-19-related-in-hospital mortality. [Extracted from the article]

The structure of excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus 31 Mg, which is in the region of the “island of inversion” associated with the neutron magic number N = 20 , is studied by β – γ spectroscopy of spin-polarized 31 Na. Among the 31 Mg levels below the one neutron separation energy of 2.3 MeV, the spin values of all five positive-parity levels are unambiguously determined by observing the anisotropic β decay. Two rotational bands with K π = 1 / 2 + and 1 / 2 − are proposed based on the spins and energies of the levels. Comparison on a level-by-level basis is performed between the experimental results and theoretical calculations by the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD) plus generator coordinate method (GCM). It is found that various nuclear structures coexist in the low excitation energy region in 31 Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes a process for the development of high-energy bulk praseodymium-iron-boron magnets directly from the melt without the handling of magnetic powder or powderlike ribbons. Processes in the preparation of anisotropic rare-earth element magnets with full density; Production steps of cast magnets and hot-pressed magnets; Effects of copper addition on the magnets.

Printing electronics has led to application areas which were formerly impossible with conventional electronic processes. Solutions are used as inks on top of large areas at room temperatures, allowing the production of fully flexible circuitry. Commonly, research in these inks have focused on organic and metal-oxide ink materials due to their printability, while these materials lack in the electronic performance when compared to silicon electronics. Silicon electronics, on the other hand, has only recently found their way in solution processes. Printing of cyclopentasilane as the silicon ink has been conducted and devices with far superior electric performance have been made when compared to other ink materials. A thermal annealing step of this material, however, was necessary, which prevented its usage on inexpensive substrates with a limited thermal budget. In this work, we introduce a method that allows polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) production directly from the same liquid silicon ink using excimer laser irradiation. In this way, poly-Si could be formed directly on top of paper even with a single laser pulse. Using this method, poly-Si transistors were created at a maximum temperature of only 150 °C. This method allows silicon device formation on inexpensive, temperature sensitive substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate or paper, which leads to applications that require low-cost but high-speed electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excited states in the light nucleus 9Be are studied through β-delayed neutron decays from spin-polarized 9Lig.s.. The neutron transitions via 5Heg.s. from the 2.43-, 2.78-, 4.704-, 5.59-, and 7.94-MeV states in 9Be are observed for the first time, and the spins and parities (Iπ's) of the excited states in 9Be are assigned from β-n coincidences and measurements of the β-decay asymmetries. The spin parity, Iπ, of the 2.43-MeV state is assigned to be 5/2-, which is consistent with the reported value. The present results suggest that the Iπ values of the 2.78-, 4.704-, 5.59-, and 7.94-MeV states are 3/2-, 1/2-, 5/2-, and 3/2-, respectively, which are different from early reported values. However, shell-model calculations of the p shell are in overall good agreement with the present results, except for the Iπ values of the 2.78- and 4.704-MeV states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin-polarized radioactive nuclear beams at TRIUMF enable a new spectroscopic method which efficiently assigns spins and parities of the daughter levels by taking advantage of the asymmetric β-decay of the polarized parent nucleus. This method was successfully applied to structure studies of 29Mg and 30Mg in connection with the physics of the “island of inversion”. In 29Mg, two low-lying levels with intruder configuration were assigned. In 30Mg, coexistence of spherical shape, prolate shape and γ-collectivity was strongly suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuronal excitability in the trigeminal sensory nuclei (TSN) changes after nerve transection. We examined the effects of chronic transection of the trigeminal nerve on the c-Fos-immunoreactivity in the TSN induced 2 h after 10 min of electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) at C-fiber activating condition (1.0 mA, 5 ms, 5 Hz) in urethane-anesthetized rats. In the non-transected control rats, stimulation of the TG induced c-Fos-immunoreactive cells (c-Fos-IR cells) mostly in superficial layers (VcI/II) of the nucleus caudalis (Vc) in its full extent along the dorsomedial-ventrolateral axis, but modestly in the rostral TSN above the obex, the principal, oral, and interpolar nuclei. Three days, 1, 2, or 3 weeks after transection of the inferior alveolar (IAN), infraorbital, or masseteric nerves, the stimulation of the TG induced c-Fos-IR cells in the central terminal fields of the transected nerve in the rostral TSN and magnocellular zone of the Vc. However, the number of c-Fos-IR cells in the VcI/II decreased inside the central terminal fields of the transected nerve and increased outside the fields. These results indicate that transection of the trigeminal nerve increases the excitability of TSN neurons that receive inputs from injured mechanoreceptors and uninjured nociceptors, but decreases it from injured nociceptors. The altered c-Fos responses may imply mechanisms of neuropathic pain seen after nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the insecticides etofenprox, malathion, diazinon, methomyl, alanycarb, clothianidin and emamectin benzoate on the foraging behaviour and survival of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) were investigated in the laboratory. The period required for C. vestalis females to reach P. xylostella-infested Komatsuna ( Brassica rapa) plants treated with etofenprox, methomyl or malathion was significantly longer than that to infested plants treated with emamectin benzoate or clothianidin; and the period to reach alanycarb or diazinon-treated plants was intermediate between them. The period to reach emamectin benzoate- or clothianidin-treated plants was not significantly different from that to distilled water-sprayed plants, suggesting that etofenprox, methomyl and malathion have strong inhibitory effects on the flight response, whereas the inhibitory effects of alanycarb and diazinon are relatively weak. By contrast, emamectin benzoate and clothianidin showed no inhibitory effect. The time of residency on the clothianidin-treated plants was significantly longer than that on other insecticide-treated plants (etofenprox, methomyl, alanycarb, malathion or diazinon), with the time of residency on emamectin benzoate-treated plants being intermediate between them. These results suggest that etofenprox, methomyl, alanycarb, malathion, and diazinon have a strong inhibitory effect on host-searching behaviour, while emamectin benzoate and clothianidin have a relatively weak effect. Furthermore, the mortality of wasps after foraging on the clothianidin-treated plants was significantly higher than after foraging on other insecticide-treated plants (etofenprox, methomyl or malathion), with subsequent mortality on alanycarb-, diazinon- and emamectin benzoate-treated plants being intermediate between them. Our results suggest that subsequent mortality increases with decreased inhibitory effect on the foraging behaviour of C. vestalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: How glial cells and cytokines are associated with the progression of delayed neuronal death induced by transient global ischemia is still unclear. To further clarify this point, we studied morphological changes in glial cells (microglial cells and astrocytes), and cytokine protein levels, during the progression of neuronal cell loss in CA1 (Cornu Ammonis 1) of the hippocampus after transient global ischemia. Methods: Morphological changes in glial cells were studied immuno-histochemically. Nine cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were simultaneously measured by a multiplexed bead-based immunoassay from 6 h to day21 after transient four vessel occlusion (4VO) in rats. Results: During the process of neuronal loss, we observed four distinct phases: (1) lag phase day0-2 (no NeuN+ cell loss observed), (2) exponential phase day2-7 (NeuN+ cells reduced in number exponentially), (3) deceleration phase day7-14 (reduction rate of NeuN+ cells became low), (4) stationary phase day14 onward (NeuN+ cell loss progressed no longer). In the lag phase, activated glial cells were observed in the entire hippocampus but later were gradually restricted to CA1. Cytokine protein levels in the lag and exponential phases were lower than in the deceleration and stationary phases. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ in 4VO were significantly higher in all four phases than in sham. Compared with sham level, GM-CSF was significantly high in the deceleration phase. TNF-α was significantly high in both the deceleration and stationary phases. Conclusion: Ischemic stress in 4VO activated glial cells in areas beyond CA1 in the lag phase. Pyramidal neurons were injured in CA1 from the end of the lag phase and then neuronal cells reduced in CA1 in the exponential phase. After neuronal death began, the influence of dead cells on glial cells and cytokine expression gradually became stronger than the influence by ischemic stress. Therefore, from the deceleration phase, changes in glial cells and cytokine production were likely caused by dead cells. Cytokine interaction in the microenvironment may determine the functions of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ in all four phases. The function of GM-CSF and TNF-α in the deceleration phase may be neurotrophic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Various psychological stresses induce degranulation of mast cells. It has been confirmed by animal experiments that stress induced by restraint promotes mast-cell degranulation in various organs, and that the degranulation is inhibited by pretreatment with corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-neutralizing antibodies, CRF receptor antagonists, and neurotensin (NT) antagonists. Previous studies have suggested that anxiety and fear induced in animals by psychological stressors promote the production and release of various neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, and induce degranulation of mast cells in several organs. Aim. To evaluate the effect of prior treatment with antipsychotic and anxiolytic agents to inhibit foot-shock (FS) stress-induced degranulation of mouse dermal mast cells. Methods. Using a communication box system, FS was administered to mice and the degranulated dermal mast cells were counted. Chlorpromazine (2 or 4 mg/kg body weight), tandospirone (10 mg/kg body weight) or CRA1000, a selective non-peptidic CRF receptor type 1 antagonist (10 or 100 mg/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before exposure to FS. Results. After FS was administered, the number of dermal mast cells did not change. However, FS significantly increased the proportion of degranulated mast cells. Pretreatment of mice with chlorpromazine hydrochloride, an antipsychotic agent (2 or 4 mg/kg), or the anxiolytic agents tandospirone citrate (10 mg/kg) or CRA1000 (10 or 100 mg/kg), significantly inhibited the FS-induced mast-cell degranulation ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions. Antipsychotic and anxiolytic agents may be effective treatments for stress-aggravated inflammatory skin diseases by inhibition of mast-cell degranulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well known that the application of broad-spectrum synthetic insecticides reduces the effectiveness of natural enemies, the details of the actual mechanisms, including the lethal and sublethal effects of this reduction, are not fully understood. The inhibitory effects of a pyrethroid insecticide (permethrin), Adion 20% EC on the flight responses, host-searching behaviour and foraging behaviour of Cotesia vestalis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), were investigated under laboratory conditions. In choice trials, the wasps showed significant preference for P. xylostella-infested Komatsuna plants over insecticide-treated plants, suggesting an inhibitory effect of the insecticide on the flight response of C. vestalis. When offered a pair of plants, the wasps showed a significant preference for P. xylostella-infested plants compared to uninfested plants. However, significantly more wasps were attracted to infested permethrin-treated plants than to uninfested plants, suggesting that the wasps are attracted to the volatile infochemicals from the infested plants, even if treated with permethrin. The searching time was significantly shorter and the mortality of C. vestalis adults on the insecticide-treated plants significantly higher than in the control plants treated with distilled water. These results suggest that the application of the insecticide had an inhibitory effect on the wasps’-searching behaviour and consequently reduced the effectiveness of C. vestalis as a biological control agent against P. xylostella. In addition, the strength of the inhibitory effect of permethrin on the attraction of the wasps to the plants is critical to the survival of C. vestalis. Our results suggest that the attraction of the wasps to the permethrin-treated infested plants increases the risk of their exposure to this insecticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of MPTP on two mouse strains with different MPTP sensitivities and immunological backgrounds were compared: MPTP-sensitive C57BL/6 mice (B6) with a propensity for Th1 and less MPTP-sensitive BALB/c mice (BALB) with a propensity for Th2. It was found that acute MPTP treatment induced behavioral dysfunction, activated microglia/astrocytes, and increased the levels of IL-10, IL-12(p40) IL-13, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 in CSF in B6, but not in BALB. This suggests that variances in immunological backgrounds might be a major contributing factor in sensitivity differences to MPTP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which investigated the clinicopathological significance of fibrous tissue around a recurrent rectal tumour in the pelvis. Results showed that the overall survival of patients with circumferential fibrosis was better than that in patients with no fibrosis. The author concluded that outcome of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer after total pelvic exenteration with distal sacrectomy appears to be better when circumferential fibrosis is present.

Abstract: The excited states in the light neutron-rich nucleus 11Be have been studied through the β-delayed neutron- and γ-decays from spin-polarized 11Lig.s.. The level scheme and decay scheme of 11Be∗ are established from the β–γ, β–n and β–n–γ coincidences, and the spins and parities for 7 levels in 11Be are firmly assigned from the β-decay asymmetries measured in coincidence with the delayed radiations. The neutron-spectroscopic factors of the levels in 11Be are also determined. Some of the levels show good accord with predictions by the anti-symmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD) theory, which predicts various types of 2α-cluster states in the rotational bands and a single α-cluster state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The detailed level scheme of 11Be, including spin-parity assignments, has been established from a β-delayed decay spectroscopy of spin-polarized 11Li (). From the decay scheme of 11Be, neutron spectroscopic factors of the levels in 11Be have been determined. The present results have been compared with the predictions by the Anti-symmetrized Molecular Dynamics (AMD) theory, where various types of α-cluster states have been predicted for the excited states both in 11Be and 10Be. Some of the levels in 11Be show good accord with the 2α-cluster states in the rotational bands and with a single α-cluster state. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study investigates anaemia related to the sufficiency of dietary iron intake of school-aged children in the Kzyl-Orda region of Kazakhstan. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 97 school-aged children living in Kzyl-Orda. Blood samples were collected for measuring haemoglobin. Dietary intake data were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls. Iron bioavailability was estimated with algorithms adjusting for absorption enhancers (meat, fish and poultry, and vitamin C) and inhibitors (tea and phytates) consumed in the same meal. The median total iron intakes were adequate compared with the median basal iron requirement; however, the median bioavailable iron intakes were well below the median absorbed iron requirement. Available iron was 6.9-7.2% of the total iron intake after adjusting for the absorption enhancers, and was reduced by 3.1-4.4% after adjusting for both enhancers and inhibitors. After adjustment for energy intake, higher iron intake was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of anaemia (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.93; P= 0.034). Some evidence suggested an association between bioavailable iron intake after adjustment of absorption enhancers and inhibitors (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.01; P= 0.053). In conclusion, low bioavailability of dietary iron seems related to anaemia in the region. Although iron fortification or supplementation programmes can be useful for promoting the anaemia prevention control programme, further efforts for nutritional education suited for family level dietary practice are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: About 70% of childhood asthmatics become free of asthma-related symptoms during adolescence. Little is known about bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and airway inflammation in young adults with “outgrown” childhood asthma. Methods: We studied 61 nonsmoking medical students (18 intermittent mild asthmatics, 23 students with outgrown childhood asthma but free of asthma-related symptoms for 10 years (asymptomatic asthmatics) and 20 healthy students). BHR and lung function were measured, and induced sputum samples analyzed for eosinophil count, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Results: BHR was still present in most asymptomatic asthmatics, but it was milder compared with healthy students. Only three subjects with previous asthma had no BHR and no signs of airway inflammation. Percentages of eosinophil, and ECP, TNF-α and GM-CSF concentrations in induced sputum of mild asthmatics and asymptomatic asthma groups were higher than in the healthy group. In asymptomatic asthmatics group, the duration of asthma, sputum eosinophil percentage, and the level of TNF-α in sputum correlated significantly with BHR. Conclusions: Only a few subjects with longstanding asymptomatic asthma could be considered as cured; most asymptomatic asthmatics continued to exhibit BHR and signs of airway inflammation. The outcome of childhood asthma and BHR was associated with the degree of airway inflammation and the duration of childhood asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile spin polarizer for radioactive nuclear beams is proposed for spectroscopic studies of exotic nuclei far from stability. The polarizer takes advantage of the polarized electron transfer process, as in the optically pumped polarized proton ion sources. The feasibility of the polarizer has been experimentally investigated at the test stand. Successful results are reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is essential to utilize carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for main structural materials of cryogenic propellant tanks in order to realize the drastic weight reduction needed for efficient reusable space transportation systems. Recently developed toughened CFRP materials, which are expected to show good cryogenic properties, are considered promising candidates for these kinds of applications. The present study investigates cryogenic properties of candidate materials and structural elements, including Y-joint structural models. 300 mm diameter filament wound tank and 600 mm diameter lay up tanks were fabricated and tested. Based on these experimental data, the feasibility of a CFRP cryogenic tank is discussed and future research tasks are proposed. This research is being conducted under the cooperation contract between NASDA and NAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infraorbital dark circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids are a cosmetic problem, especially with age.To determine whether a gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol and 0.1% vitamins C and E is effective in reducing dark under-eye circles and wrinkles of the lower eyelids in healthy Japanese adults.Fifty-seven adult Japanese volunteers with dark under-eye circles and wrinkles were enrolled in an open label study. The gel formulation was applied twice daily to the lower eyelid site for 8 weeks. Haemostasis, pigmentation and wrinkles were evaluated by a physician and by the patients themselves, using a digital camera and a visual analogue scale respectively, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.Topical application of the gel decreased not only haemostasis but also wrinkles after 8 weeks of treatment. Of 57 patients, 27 (47%) had reductions in haemostasis. Wrinkles were also decreased in some patients. However, pigmentation was not clearly removed by this gel.Topical application of the gel containing 2% phytonadione, 0.1% retinol, 0.1% vitamin C and 0.1% vitamin E was fairly or moderately effective in reducing dark under-eye circles, especially in cases of haemostasis, over a short treatment period in healthy Japanese adults. This treatment also slightly decreased wrinkles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 70-year-old woman was referred to our institution for the diagnosis and treatment of an anorectal lesion detected on colonoscopy performed at a previous hospital for hematochezia. (d) Positive p16 immunohistochemical staining suggested human papillomavirus infection. gl Anal canal cancer (ACC) is a rare disease that accounts for only 0.3% of all malignancies and is strongly associated with high-risk HPV (HPV-16 and HPV-18). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: We investigated the magnetic properties of (T: Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Pd and Pt) and (T: Co, Rh and Ir) by measuring their electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility. , and do not order magnetically, with a large Kondo temperature of about . The other compounds order antiferromagnetically, and are very similar to each other in their magnetic and electronic properties, which is related to a large crystalline electric field (CEF) splitting energy of the electron, about in . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An undersowing system with additional intercropping of flowering plants was assessed in field trials in Germany and Japan to estimate regulating effects on pests and possible negative effects on white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). In particular, we tested cabbage undersown with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and cabbage undersown with wheat plus additional sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L. Desv.) intercropping. Counts of the aphid species Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), as well as related predators on cabbage plants, were determined. Abundance of Phyllotreta spp. flea beetles and their feeding damage on cabbage plants were recorded and cabbage yield was compared. In both countries, trials showed that wheat undersowing reduced the abundance of M. persicae but not B. brassicae. The occurrence of natural enemies on cabbage plants was not significantly affected by any of the companion plants. Additional sweet alyssum intercropping increased the abundance of adult hoverflies at the German but not at the Japanese location. However, it also significantly increased flea beetle infestation on cabbage plants at both locations. Neither wheat undersowing nor additional sweet alyssum intercropping significantly reduced cabbage harvest weight. In conclusion, adding companion plants can be a promising method to improve pest control in vegetable crops. However, intercropping crucifer crops with sweet alyssum may not be recommended in regions where flea beetles are a relevant pest because of the observed enhancing effect on them. In contrast, to prove the positive effect of wheat undersowing on white cabbage, results from further years of investigation are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: How glial cells and cytokines are associated with the progression of delayed neuronal death induced by transient global ischemia is still unclear. To further clarify this point, we studied morphological changes in glial cells (microglial cells and astrocytes), and cytokine protein levels, during the progression of neuronal cell loss in CA1 (Cornu Ammonis 1) of the hippocampus after transient global ischemia.Methods: Morphological changes in glial cells were studied immuno-histochemically. Nine cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α) were simultaneously measured by a multiplexed bead-based immunoassay from 6 h to day21 after transient four vessel occlusion (4VO) in rats.Results: During the process of neuronal loss, we observed four distinct phases: (1) lag phase day0-2 (no NeuN+ cell loss observed), (2) exponential phase day2-7 (NeuN+ cells reduced in number exponentially), (3) deceleration phase day7-14 (reduction rate of NeuN+ cells became low), (4) stationary phase day14 onward (NeuN+ cell loss progressed no longer). In the lag phase, activated glial cells were observed in the entire hippocampus but later were gradually restricted to CA1. Cytokine protein levels in the lag and exponential phases were lower than in the deceleration and stationary phases. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ in 4VO were significantly higher in all four phases than in sham. Compared with sham level, GM-CSF was significantly high in the deceleration phase. TNF-α was significantly high in both the deceleration and stationary phases.Conclusion: Ischemic stress in 4VO activated glial cells in areas beyond CA1 in the lag phase. Pyramidal neurons were injured in CA1 from the end of the lag phase and then neuronal cells reduced in CA1 in the exponential phase. After neuronal death began, the influence of dead cells on glial cells and cytokine expression gradually became stronger than the influence by ischemic stress. Therefore, from the deceleration phase, changes in glial cells and cytokine production were likely caused by dead cells. Cytokine interaction in the microenvironment may determine the functions of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN-γ in all four phases. The function of GM-CSF and TNF-α in the deceleration phase may be neurotrophic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the first step of systematic studies on neutron-rich Mg isotopes, the structure of 28Mg has been investigated by β-decay spectroscopy of spin-polarized 28Na at TRIUMF. Spin-parity assignments have been successfully performed for levels in 28Mg by taking advantage of the anisotropic β decay. Previous assignments for three levels were reconfirmed. New assignments were performed for four levels including a newly found 2+ level at 7.461 MeV. The experimental results were compared, on a level-by-level basis, with the shell-model calculation in the model space restricted to the sd shell. Overall good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results indicates dominance of the normal configurations in most of the 28Mg levels. High performance of the present method promises successful application to heavier Mg isotopes to elucidate the shell evolution in the region of the N = 20 island of inversion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the correlation between the response to fluoropyrimidines as first-line therapy and the expressions of genes in patients with primary colorectal cancer (CRC). The study group comprised 92 patients with metastatic CRC. Total RNA was isolated from laser-captured tumour cells in surgically resected primary lesions, and gene expression was quantitatively evaluated by real-time RT-PCR assay. Low thymidylate synthase (TS), low gamma-glutamyl hydrolase, high reduced folate carrier 1, high O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and low cyclin E expressions were associated with a good response (P=0.0030, 0.0250, 0.0120, 0.0030 and 0.0020, respectively) on univariate analysis. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, TS and MGMT remained independent predictors of the response. The clinical response rates were 63.2% in the low TS or high MGMT group and 14.3% in high TS and low MGMT group (P<0.0001). The combination of high TS and low MGMT expression is a significant predictor of a poor response to fluoropyrimidine treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological significance of microscopic abscess formation (MAF) at the invasive front of advanced low rectal cancer. Methods: The clinicopathological features of 226 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer, who underwent curative resection between May 1997 and December 2002, were analysed. Results: Fifty-seven (25·2 per cent) of the 226 tumours had MAF and 169 (74·8 per cent) did not. Patients with tumours showing MAF were more likely to have extended surgery than those without MAF: 47 versus 31·4 per cent respectively underwent non-sphincter-preserving surgery ( P = 0·029) and 82 versus 60·9 per cent underwent lateral lymph node dissection ( P = 0·003). The incidence of lymph node metastases was lower in patients with MAF (30 versus 53·3 per cent; P = 0·002). Univariable analysis of disease-free survival revealed that depth of invasion ( P < 0·001), lymph node status ( P < 0·001), histological type ( P = 0·035), lymphatic invasion ( P < 0·001), venous invasion ( P < 0·001), perineural invasion ( P < 0·001), focal dedifferentiation ( P < 0·001) and MAF ( P < 0·001) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariable analysis showed that lymph node status ( P < 0·001), perineural invasion ( P = 0·002), venous invasion ( P = 0·033) and MAF ( P = 0·012) remained independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: MAF may reflect indolent tumour behaviour and a more favourable outcome in patients with advanced low rectal cancer. Copyright © 2006 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electron capture cross-sections have been measured for 3He+ ions in Rb vapor. The deduced data were used for evaluating the performance of the proposed polarized 3He ion source (SEPIS) based on the spin-exchange collisions. Measurements of the 3He+ beam components after passing through the target were made as a function of the Rb target thickness at energies ranging from 1.0 to 19keV. The Rb vapor thickness was varied by changing the Rb cell temperature and the thicknesses were calibrated by observing the Faraday rotation angles of a probe laser penetrating the Rb vapor under the presence of a magnetic field . Assuming that the double electron capture and stripping of 3He0 atoms are neglected, the electron capture cross-sections were deduced. It was found that the observed energy dependence of significantly deviated from that of the system which was measured in the past. Lastly, the observed energy dependence of was compared with the theoretical calculation assuming the semi-classical close-coupling method based on the molecular-orbital expansion. It was found that the calculated results, as a whole, reproduced the experimental results except for the data collected at 1keV. This qualitative reproduction partly supports the appropriateness of the above theory which predicts the large spin-exchange cross-sections at low energies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We succeeded in growing single crystals of an antiferromagnet with the non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic crystal structure by the Bi-flux method. The magnetic properties were studied by measuring the magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and electrical resistivity at ambient pressure and under high pressure. The antiferromagnetic easy-axis is found to be the [010] direction (b-axis), while the other directions correspond to hard-axes in magnetization. Furthermore we studied an effect of pressure on the electronic state by measuring the electrical resistivity under pressures up to 8GPa. The Néel temperature with at ambient pressure increases slightly with increasing pressure, and then decreases rapidly above 5GPa. The Néel temperature is found to be zero around 7.2GPa. The heavy fermion state is formed in this pressure region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have developed a polarized 3He ion source named “SEPIS” (spin-exchange polarized ion source) at RCNP, and Department of Physics, Osaka Univeristy. The SEPIS uses a large spin-exchange cross section, σse, and a small electron capture cross section,σec, for the 3He++Rb system theoretically expected at low 3He+ incident energies. The validity of SEPIS was experimentally proven by observing the 3He+ nuclear polarization as a function of the incident 3He+ energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we present a method for the determination of the gate voltage versus surface potential (V[sub GS]-ψ[sub S]) relationship in thin-film transistors (TFTs), from low frequency capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics. This information is very important for device design, process characterization, and modeling of TFTs and provides the basis for extracting the gap density of states. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by applying it to the analysis of C-V data generated by two-dimensional simulations. Its application to laser recrystallized polysilicon TFTs is presented. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we present a method for the accurate determination of interface and bulk density of states (DOS) in thin-film transistors (TFTs), based on the combined analysis of transfer (I[sub D]-V[sub GS]) and capacitance-voltage characteristics. This analysis has achieved a number of results, eliminating sources of inaccuracies that are known to be present in other methods. A procedure for the determination of the electron and hole flatband conductances and bulk Fermi energy is demonstrated. A recursive procedure is employed to extract the bulk DOS directly from Poisson's equation. The advantages of this method are the greater immunity to noise from the original data, the use of the complete Fermi function (no 0 K approximation), and the applicability to thin active layers. This method yields the interface state density spectrum as well as the bulk DOS. This information is very important for device design, process characterization, and modeling of TFTs. © 2001! American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level structure of 31Mg, which is located close to the region of the N = 20 "island of inversion" in the nuclear chart, has been studied by β-γ spectroscopy with spin-polarized 31Na. In 31Mg, shape coexistence is expected as a result of subtle competition between the spherical mean field and the nuclear correlation which favors deformed configurations. In the present work, our unique method utilizing the anisotropic β decay of spin-polarized 31Na enables us to firmly assign the spins of all positive-parity excited levels in 31Mg below the neutron separation energy at 2.3 MeV. Furthermore, by constructing a very detailed decay scheme, including two newly found levels, the spins of negative-parity levels are restricted. The examination of the spectroscopic information shows that the deformed rotational bands with Kπ=1/2+ and 1/2-, which have very similar structures to those observed in a higher excitation energy region of 25Mg, appear as the ground-state and low-lying bands, respectively, in 31Mg. The experimental levels of 31Mg are compared, on the level-by-level basis, with two types of theoretical calculations. These are, first, the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics (AMD) plus generator coordinate method (GCM) and, second, the shell model with the EEdf1 interaction, which is microscopically derived from chiral effective field theory. It is understood that 8 levels among the experimental 11 levels are the members of four types of largely deformed rotational bands and 2 levels are of spherical nature. The 1/2+ 2.244-MeV level is successfully reproduced by the shell-model calculation with a dominant 4p4h configuration. The present work clearly demonstrates that various structures coexist in a low excitation energy region of 31Mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of the presence of a selective insecticide, pyridalyl, in aqueous solutions of honey as food for adults of diamondback moth ( DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) and its larval parasitoid Cotesia vestalis (Halliday) on their performances. We used a commercial formulation of pyridalyl which contained 10% pyridalyl. Survival times of DBMs reared with honey solution with pyridalyl at 10 000-fold dilution were not significantly different from those of DBMs reared with pure honey solution. However, at 1000-fold and 100-fold dilutions of pyridalyl in honey solution, survival times were significantly shorter than those with honey solution alone. By contrast, survival times of C. vestalis reared with honey solution with pyridalyl at 1000-fold and 100-fold dilution were not significantly different from those of C. vestalis reared with pure honey solution. Offering honey solution with pyridalyl at 100-fold dilution to C. vestalis did not affect its parasitization ability or offspring sex ratio. The novel aspects of the use of selective pesticides to control DBMs using C. vestalis are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the hot workability of R-iron-boron alloys and their magnetic properties. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Presents a study that investigated the mechanical strength and properties of thin plates for hot rolled praseodymium (Pr)-iron (Fe)-boron (B)-copper (Cu) magnets. Characteristics of hot-rolled Pr-Fe-B-Cu magnets; Comparison of mechanical properties of the magnets with those of sintered magnets; Optical micrographs of magnets with and without copper addition.

Length-weight relationships ( LWR) using 3876 individuals were determined for 39 species sampled in estuarine systems in the main Hawaiian Islands, including 33 species of fish from 21 families, five species of crustaceans (prey) from two families, and one mollusk species. For 17 species, LWRs were estimated for the first time. For another 14 species their LWRs were newly reported for Hawaiian waters, including seven introduced taxa that are well established in the islands' estuaries. The LWRs for all taxa include juvenile and sub-adult size ranges commonly encountered in Hawaiian estuaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new laser spectroscopic method named 'OROCHI (Optical RI-atom Observation in Condensed Helium as Ion catcher)' has been developed for deriving the nuclear spins and electromagnetic moments of low-yield exotic nuclei. In this method, we observe atomic Zeeman and hyperfine structures using laser-radio-frequency/microwave double-resonance spectroscopy. In our previous works, double-resonance spectroscopy was performed successfully with laser-sputtered stable atoms including non-alkali Au atoms as well as alkali Rb and Cs atoms. Following these works, measurements with Rb energetic ion beams were carried out in the RIKEN projectile fragment separator (RIPS). In this paper, we report the present status of OROCHI and discuss its feasibility, especially for low-yield nuclei such as unstable Au isotopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus 136La, which is located close to the β-stability line, have been investigated in the radioactive-beam-induced fusion-evaporation reaction 124Sn(17N,5n). The use of the radioactive beam enabled a highly sensitive and successful search for a new isomer [14+, T1/2 = 187(27) ns] in l36La. In the A = 130-140 mass region, no such long-lived isomer has been observed at high spin in odd-odd nuclei. The 136La level scheme was revised, incorporating the 14+ isomer and six new levels. The results were compared with pair-truncated shell model (PTSM) calculations which successfully explain the level structure of the Πh11/2 ⊗ vh11/2-1bands in 132La and 134La. The isomerism of the 14+ state was investigated also by a collective model, the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky (CNS) model, which explains various high-spin structures in the medium-heavy mass region. It is suggested that a new type of collective structure is induced in the PTSM model by the increase of the number of Πg7/2 pairs, and/or in the CNS model by the configuration change associated with the shape change in 136La. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The l35La nucleus has been studied using the fusion-evaporation reaction 124Sn(17N,6n) induced by the l7N radioactive beam. The level scheme has been constructed from the y-y coincidence measurement with an array of 12 HPGe detectors, and the lifetimes of two previously known isomeric states has been deduced. The transitions and their intensities observed in the current work as well as the level scheme derived frôm them is in agreement with the results, of a recently published work; However, our interpretation of the results differs significantly in terms of spin and parity assignments, thus solving various contradictions concerning the configurations of some of the bands discussed in the aforementioned work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution process of silicon will provide high-speed transistor fabrication with low-cost by, for example, roll-to-roll process. In this paper, a low-temperature process (350 °C) is reported for fabrication of high-quality Si devices on a polyimide substrate from doctor-blade coated liquid-Si. With this method, different semiconductor devices have been fabricated, reporting a carrier mobility of 460 cm2/V s and 121 cm2/V s for electrons and holes, respectively. The devices were peeled off and transferred onto a polyethylene naphthalate foil to achieve flexible devices. CMOS inverters were also fabricated and show full output swing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited states in 17C were investigated through the measurement of β-delayed neutrons and γ rays emitted in the β decay of 17B. In the measurement, three negative-parity states and two inconclusive states were identified in 17C above the neutron threshold energy, and seven γ lines were identified in a β-delayed multiple neutron emission of the 17B β decay. From these transitions, the β-decay scheme of 17B was determined. In particular, a de-excitation 1766-keV γ line from the first excited state of 16C was observed in coincidence with the emitted β-delayed neutrons, and this changes the previously reported β-decay scheme of 17B and level structure of 17C. In the present work, the β-NMR technique is combined with the β-delayed particle measurements using a fragmentation-induced spin-polarized 17B beam. This new scheme allows us to determine the spin parity of β-decay feeding excited states based on the difference in the discrete β-decay asymmetry parameters, provided the states are connected through the Gamow-Teller transition. In this work, Iπ=1/2-, 3/2-, and (5/2-) are assigned to the observed states at Ex= 2.71(2), 3.93(2), and 4.05(2) MeV in 17C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We adopted a lanthanum oxide capping layer between semiconducting channel and insulator layers for fabrication of a ferroelectric-gate thin-film transistor memory (FGT)which uses solution-processed indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and lead-zirconium-titanate (PZT) film as a channel layer and a gate insulator, respectively. Good transistor characteristics such as a high "on/off" current ratio, high channel mobility, and a large memory window of 108, 15.0 cm2 V-1 s-1, and 3.5V were obtained, respectively. Further, a correlation between effective coercive voltage, charge injection effect, and FGT's memory window was investigated. It is found that the charge injection from the channel to the insulator layer, which occurs at a high electric field, dramatically influences the memory window. The memory window's enhancement can be explained by a dual effect of the capping layer: (1) a reduction of the charge injection and (2) an increase of effective coercive voltage dropped on the insulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe a patient presenting with a resectable carcinoma of the remnant pancreas at 3 years after undergoing a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma of the pancreatic head. We also performed a distal pancreas autotransplantation using a part of the resected pancreas to preserve endocrine function. Final histologic findings showed the second tumor to be an invasive ductal carcinoma consisting of a well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma with similar histopathologic findings as the first tumor. There were no microscopic lymph node metastases and no evidence of microvascular invasion (pStage IA [pT1, pN0, M0] and R0 according to the International Union Against Cancer TNM classification). The patient was discharged at 20 days after surgery without any trouble and followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with S-1. The carbohydrate antigen 19-9 value was again normalized after the second surgery. Twenty months after the second operation, the patient is alive without cancer recurrence. The pancreas graft is functioning with a blood glucose of 108 mg/dL, HbA1C of 6.2%, and serum C-peptide of 1.4 ng/mL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]