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The Ge depth profile and generation of dislocations associated with oxidation of SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) substrates are examined from the viewpoint of the temperature dependence. It is found that Ge profiles in SGOI layers after oxidation are strongly dependent on the oxidation temperature. This fact is explained by the competitive process between the accumulation of Ge atoms at the SiGe/thermal oxide interface, determined by the oxidation rate, and Ge diffusion toward substrates during oxidation of SGOI substrates. While the abrupt Ge profile obtained by low-temperature oxidation causes the generation of dislocations, SGOI layers with high Ge content and no dislocations can be achieved by high-temperature oxidation. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 5 figures and 2 tables Use of resistance genes would be the most effective way to address Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis in melon. In this study, based on the BAC 31O16 sequence which contains the cluster of melon resistance gene homologue, we developed four new DNA markers linked to Fom‐1, a dominant resistance gene against F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis races 0 and 2. Linkage analysis using 125 F2 plants derived from the cross between P11 (fom‐1fom‐1) and MR‐1 (Fom‐1Fom‐1) indicated that Fom‐1 was located between CAPS markers C‐MRGH12 and 62‐CAPS at a distance of 0.4 and 1.2 cM, respectively. Map position of Fom‐1 was confirmed using another mapping population consisting of 104 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross P11 × MR‐1. The analysis of 43 fixed lines and 27 commercial F1 hybrids showed that the developed DNA markers linked to Fom‐1 correctly predicted the genotype in relation to the variety, suggesting that the region around the Fom‐1 locus is very polymorphic or there is no linkage disequilibrium between the locus and the marker loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mobility enhancement technologies have currently been recognized as mandatory for future scaled MOSFETs. In this paper, the recent mobility enhancement technologies including application of strain and new channel materials such as SiGe, Ge and III–V materials are reviewed. These carrier transport enhancement technologies can be classified into three categories; global enhancement techniques, local enhancement techniques and global/local-merged techniques. We present our recent results on MOSFETs using these three types of the technologies with an emphasis on the global strained-Si/SiGe/Ge substrates and the combination with the local techniques. Finally, issues on device structures merged with III–V materials are briefly described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mobility enhancement technologies have currently been recognized as mandatory for future scaled MOSFETs. In this paper, we review our recent results on high hole mobility p-MOSFETs using global/local SiGe or Ge channels. There are two directions for introducing SiGe or Ge channels into Si CMOS platform. One is to use SiGe or Ge global substrates and the other is to form SiGe or Ge-channel regions locally on Si wafers. In both cases, the Ge condensation technique, where Ge-channel layers are formed by oxidizing SiGe films on SOI substrates, are effectively utilized. As for the global technologies, ultrathin GOI substrates are prepared and used to fabricate high mobility GOI p-MOSFETs. As for the local technologies, SGOI or GOI channels are formed locally in the active area of p-MOSFETs on SOI wafers. It is shown that the hole mobility enhancement factor of as high as 10 is obtained in locally fabricated p-MOSFETs through the effects of high-Ge content and the compressive strain. Furthermore, the local Ge-channel technologies are combined with global SiGe or Ge substrates for pursuing the optimal and individual design of n-MOSFETs and p-MOSFETs on a single Si wafer. The CMOS device composed of strained-Si n-MOSFETs and SGOI p-MOSFETs is successfully integrated on a same wafer, which is a promising CMOS structure under deep sub 100nm technology nodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: New composite materials were prepared using cesium hydrogen sulfate (CsHSO4) or cesium dihydrogen phosphate (CsH2PO4) and phosphosilicate gel (P2O5–SiO2 gel). In X-ray diffraction patterns of these composites, diffraction peaks due to Cs2H5(SO4)2(PO4) and CsH5(PO4)2 were observed for CsHSO4–(P2O5–SiO2 gel) composites and CsH2PO4–(P2O5–SiO2 gel) composites, respectively. These composites showed high conductivities in the order of 10−3 Scm−1 at 150°C due to melting of Cs2H5(SO4)2(PO4) or CsH5(PO4)2 in the composites. In the cooling process, the CsHSO4–(P2O5–SiO2 gel) composites kept relatively high conductivity to 110°C where solidification of Cs2H5(SO4)2(PO4) occurs, whereas CsH2PO4–(P2O5–SiO2 gel) composites showed relatively high conductivity continuously to ambient temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybrid seedlings from the cross Nicotiana tabacum × N. suaveolens express lethality at 28°C. We carried out a cross between monosomic lines of N. tabacum lacking the Q chromosome and N. suaveolens by test-tube pollination and ovule culture at 28°C. To suppress hybrid lethality, hybrid seedlings obtained were transferred to 36°C immediately after germination and cultured. We determined whether Q-chromosome-specific DNA markers were detected among hybrid seedlings. When hybrid seedlings cultured at 36°C were transferred to 28°C, hybrid seedlings in which Q-chromosome-specific DNA markers were detected expressed hybrid lethality, while hybrid seedlings in which Q-chromosome-specific DNA markers were not detected did not express hybrid lethality. From these results, we concluded that the presence of the Q chromosome of N. tabacum is related to hybrid lethality observed in crosses between N. tabacum and N. suaveolens. This is the first report that clearly demonstrates the relationship between a certain chromosome and hybrid lethality in the genus Nicotiana using chromosome-specific DNA markers. Additionally, we confirmed that the Q chromosome belongs to the S subgenome because Q-chromosome-specific DNA markers were detected only in N. sylvestris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality GaN epitaxial layers are grown by modulated beam growth method. It is found that we can achieve a smaller X-ray diffraction full-width-half-maximum, a much stronger photoluminescence intensity and a much smaller vertical striations from the GaN epitaxial layers grown under Ga flux modulation method. These observations can all be attributed to the enhanced lateral growth of the modulated beam growth method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel modulated beam growth method was proposed for the low temperature molecular beam epitaxy grown GaN layers. From reflection high-energy electron diffraction patterns, it was found that we could alternately achieve N-enriched surfaces and Ga-enriched surfaces during the growth. Scanning electron microscopic pictures also show that we could achieve better surface morphologies by using the modulated beam growth method. Improved X-ray diffraction characteristics were also demonstrated. These observations could all be attributed to the enhanced lateral growth of the modulated beam growth method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel fabrication method for ultra-thin Si1−xGex-on-insulator (SGOI) virtual substrates is proposed for the application of strained silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs. Evaluation of the strain in a strained Si layer on this SGOI substrate is also presented. A 9-nm-thick SGOI layer with x=0.56 was formed by dry oxidation of epitaxially grown Si0.9Ge0.1 on a SOI substrate. During the oxidation, Ge atoms were rejected from the surface oxide layer and condensed in the remaining SGOI layer without introducing considerable threading dislocations. After removing the surface oxide layer, a 10-nm-thick Si layer was grown on the SGOI layer. TEM and Raman measurements indicated that the Si layer was pseudomorphically grown on the SGOI layer with 1.0% of tensile strain, corresponding to the strain in a Si layer on fully relaxed Si0.76Ge0.24. This fabrication method is applicable to fully depleted strained SOI MOSFETs with gate lengths of less than 100 nm, which require relaxed and thin SGOI layers (<10 nm) with high x value (x>0.3). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We demonstrate the fabrication of dislocation-free strain-relaxed SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) layers as virtual substrates for strained Si-on-insulator (SOI) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) by forming SiGe-mesa structures and successive oxidation. A pseudomorphic Si[sub 0.9]Ge[sub 0.1] layer on a SOI layer was etched to form mesa structures. After the oxidation of the mesas, thin (<100 nm) Si[sub 0.85]Ge[sub 0.15] mesa structures were formed on the buried oxide layer. It was found that the mesas with a diameter smaller than 3 μm were almost completely relaxed after oxidation at 1200 °C, without generating any threading dislocations and crosshatch patterns, which generally exist in the relaxed SiGe layers on bulk Si substrates. The formation of SGOI mesas before oxidation has the potential to provide ideal SGOI virtual substrates for strained SOI MOSFETs. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising fabrication method for a Si[sub 1-x]Ge[sub x]-on-insulator (SGOI) virtual substrate and evaluation of strain in the Si layer on this SGOI substrate are presented. A 9-nm-thick SGOI layer with x=0.56 was formed by dry oxidation after epitaxial growth of Si[sub 0.92]Ge[sub 0.08] on a silicon-on-insulator substrate. During the oxidation, Ge atoms were rejected from the surface oxide layer and condensed in the remaining SGOI layer, which was partially relaxed without introducing a significant amount of dislocations. It is found from the analysis of the Raman spectra that the strained Si layer grown on the SGOI layer involves a tensile strain of 1%. This strained Si on the SGOI structure is applicable to sub-100-nm metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observes high-efficiency laser oscillation by means of resonant optical pumping in a planar microcavity laser. Measurement of the excitation power density and the differential energy conversion efficiency; Attribution of high efficiency to the absorption enhancement effect in the microcavity; Exhibition of output power saturation.

Abstract: The road transports especially the motor vehicles play a significant role in increment of energy consumption in the transportation sector. However, the harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from such vehicles which are the main causes of global warming, have been increased as well. One of the effective solutions to reduce the growth rate of energy consumption is the implementation of fuel economy standard and label. Other countries' experiences indicate that the program is very beneficial for society, environment and government. The hierarchy of the program consists of the test procedure, fuel economy standards, fuel economy label and incentive program as a peak of the program. Reviews of the fuel economy standard can be found in many references. However, a few papers deal with the incentive program specifically. Therefore, this paper aims to give a review on the implementation of the incentive program globally in support of fuel economy standard and label for the motor vehicles. Finally, as the incentive program is necessary to support fuel economy standard and label, it should be applied to the motor vehicles as soon as possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Automobiles are considered as the main energy consumer in the transportation sector. According to the National Energy Balance, its accounted for about 36% of the total energy consumption in Malaysia. In order to reduce energy consumption in this sector, this country must consider setting fuel economy standards for motor vehicles sometime in near future. The first step toward developing fuel economy standards is to create a precise test and rating procedure for the automobiles. The test procedure is the technical foundation for all related programs namely; fuel economy standards, fuel economy labels and incentive programs. The test conditions should represent the driving situations and environment of the country. This paper is attempts to present a critical review on fuel economy testing procedure around the world and to propose a process for selecting a fuel economy test procedure for automobiles based on the conditions and requirements of the country. The internationally recognize test procedure adopted by several countries is also presented in this paper. Even though the paper only discusses the test procedure for automobiles, the methods can be directly applied for other types of vehicles and in other countries without major modifications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The road transport and particularly the passenger cars are responsible for increasing the share of transport energy consumption and harmful emissions level growth. The fuel economy label is an informative tool to influence customers and manufacturers to put special care to the energy efficiency issue. The implementation of fuel economy label for motor vehicles in Malaysia will prevent the up going trend of petroleum consumption which will be beneficial to consumer and society. As a consequence, the harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are the main causes of the global warming and air pollution will be reduced. Studies in developed countries show that implementing the fuel economy label is beneficial for society, government and the environment. This paper focused on a review of international experiences on fuel economy label. It also attempts to discuss about the energy savings possibilities that lead to reduce GHG emissions by implementing the program. The last but not least recommendation is the fact that the sooner the fuel economy label applies for the passenger cars in Malaysia will be more beneficial for the country. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Fcγ receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb), a receptor for the Fcγ region of IgG, is specifically expressed on neutrophils. It has two allelic polymorphisms, NA1 and NA2, which are highly immunogenic and act as targets in alloimmune or autoimmune neutropenia. Thus, neutrophil antigens (NA) compatibility of donor/recipient pairs might be expected to affect the engraftment of neutrophils after allogeneic SCT (allo-SCT). Here, the impact of NA compatibility of 17 patients and their donors undergoing allo-SCT with a myeloablative regimen was determined. Leukocyte depletion filters were used for all transfusions before and post-SCT; most patients received G-CSF after transplant. Major mismatches for NA1 and NA2 were present in 1 and 7 patient/donor pairs, respectively. These eight patients receiving NA major-mismatched allo-SCT were compared with nine patients who received NA compatible allo-SCT. Engraftment of neutrophils and the incidence of post-engraftment neutropenia were found to be identical in the two groups. Despite the limitations in statistical power because of the small number of patients analyzed, these observations suggest that the major mismatching for NA2 antigen has little impact on the engraftment of neutrophils after myeloablative allo-SCT, at least in patients transfused using leukocyte depletion filters and receiving G-CSF after transplantation.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2009) 43, 229–235; doi:10.1038/bmt.2008.311; published online 22 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP), calreticulin (Crt), and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), are major resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress proteins which are involved in diverse roles relating to successful folding, assembly, intracellular localization, and degradation of other proteins. Methods In this study, we molecular cloned cDNAs for BiP, Crt, and PDI from Japanese monkey ( Macaca fuscata), and analyzed tissue-specific expression of respective genes. Results and Conclusions The lengths of protein-coding regions of these cDNAs for BiP, Crt and PDI are 1965, 1254, and 1533 bp, respectively. Each protein has a signal peptide and a KDEL motif in N- and C-terminal parts respectively, showing its intracellular localization to be the lumen of the ER. These stress proteins are highly conserved, showing that their similarities among mammals are more than 90% in the level of amino acid. The expression of the genes for stress proteins differed among the monkey tissues examined. BiP and PDI gene expression was predominant in secretory tissues such as liver and kidney, and brain tissues. But Crt gene expressed rather ubiquitously in a variety of tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Regularly aligned arrays of magnetic nano dots buried in silicon wafers have been fabricated using damascene technique with the help of electron beam lithography. Arrays of square, rectangular, cross-shaped and Y-shaped structures of submicron size have been obtained. Spin distributions have been observed by means of magnetic force microscopy and analyzed by a micromagnetic simulation with Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equations. Importance of magnetostatic interactions working between adjacent dots has been elucidated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Our previous study showed that large keratohyaline granules (KHG) in molluscum contagiosum that stained with haematoxylin also reacted with anti-Ted-H-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), but not with antifilaggrin mAb or antiloricrin polyclonal antibody (pAb). This finding indicated that the Ted-H-1 antigenic protein is a haematoxylin-stainable protein in KHG. Objectives To clarify the identity of the major component protein of the large KHG in solar keratosis, another disorder in which large KHG are observed. Methods An enzyme immunohistochemical study was performed using antifilaggrin mAb, anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb. Immunofluorescent double staining and immunoelectron microscopic analyses were performed using anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb. Results Antifilaggrin mAb, anti-Ted-H-1 mAb and antiloricrin pAb reacted with normal KHG in nonlesional skin of solar keratosis, while only anti-Ted-H-1 mAb reacted with the large KHG in the lesions of solar keratosis. Antifilaggrin mAb did not react with large KHG. Antiloricrin pAb reacted with the cell membrane of the stratum granulosum, but not with large KHG. Conclusions These findings suggest that the haematoxylin-stainable protein in the large KHG would be a Ted-H-1 antigen protein which was neither filaggrin nor loricrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper reviews our recent studies of novel CMOS channels based on the concept of sub-band structure engineering. This device design concept can be realized as strained-Si channel MOSFETs, ultra-thin SOI MOSFETs and Ge-on-Insulator (GOI) MOSFETs. An important factor for the electron mobility enhancement is the introduction of larger sub-band energy splitting between the 2- and 4-fold valleys on a (100) surface, which can be obtained in strained-Si and ultra-thin body channels. The electrical properties of strained-Si MOSFETs are summarized with an emphasis on strained-SOI structures. Also, the importance of the precise control of ultra-thin SOI thickness is pointed out from the experimental results of the SOI thickness dependence of mobility. Furthermore, it is shown that the increase in the sub-band energy splitting can also be effective in obtaining higher current drive of n-channel MOSFETs under ballistic transport regime. This suggests that the current drive enhancement based on MOS channel engineering utilizing strain and ultra-thin body structures can be extended to ultra-short channel MOSFETs dominated by ballistic transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have studied (110)-surface strained-SOI n- and p-MOSFETs on (110)-surface relaxed Si0.75Ge0.25-on-insulator structures, applying the Ge condensation technique to SiGe layers grown on (110)-surface SOI wafers. We have demonstrated that the electron and the hole mobility enhancement of (110)-surface strained-SOI devices amounts to 23% and 50%, respectively, against the mobilities of (110)-surface unstrained MOSFETs. As a result, the electron and the hole mobility ratios of (110)-surface strained-SOI MOSFETs to the universal mobility of (100)-surface bulk-MOSFETs increase up to 81% and 203%, respectively. Therefore, the current drivability unbalance between n- and p-MOS can be reduced. Moreover, both the electron and the hole mobilities of the (110)-surface strained-SOIs strongly depend on the drain current flow direction, which is explained by anisotropic effective mass characteristics of the carriers. We have also introduced a simple model for electric field dependence of hole mobility of (110)-surface strained- and unstrained-MOSFETs. (110)-surface strained-SOI technology is also the candidate for higher speed scaled CMOS, optimizing the current flow directions of n- and p-MOS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New pump and signal laser sources for difference frequency generation (DFG) at 4 μm are described. A laser diode with a 980 nm fiber Bragg grating and a 785 nm Fabry-Perot (FP) laser diode were coupled into an optical fiber and mixed in a periodically poled Mg-doped lithium niobate (PPMgLN ) crystal, resulting in efficient mid-IR DFG. The DFG power was measured to be 0.23 μW for a pump power of 5 mW and a signal power of 50 mW with a slope efficiency of 0.92 mW/W[sup 2]. A Doppler-broadened absorption spectrum of N[sub 2]O at 2485.2 cm[sup -1] (3.927 μm) was observed in a 0.1 m-long gas cell at a pressure of 133 Pa. The spectral linewidth of the DFG source was estimated to be 161 MHz (FWHM) for an averaging time of 700 ms. Real-time monitoring of N[sub 2]O in a multipass cell with an optical path length of 36 m at a concentration level of 1 ppm was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A head-to-head comparison of once-monthly oral bisphosphonates minodronate (MIN) and risedronate (RIS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) demonstrated that MIN has the same effect as RIS on increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and a stronger effect on inhibition of bone resorption than RIS, suggesting that MIN is a promising treatment option for osteoporosis patients with RA.Introduction: To evaluate the effect of once-monthly oral MIN in patients with RA, a prospective, randomized, open-label, head-to-head comparison with once-monthly oral RIS was conducted.Methods: A total of 83 patients with RA were randomly assigned to either once-monthly oral MIN 50 mg (n = 42) or once-monthly oral RIS 75 mg (n = 41). Serial BMD and bone turnover markers were measured and compared between the treatment groups.Results: BMD (lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck) increased significantly after 12 months of treatment with MIN (3.8, 2.0, and 2.2%, respectively, P < 0.05) and RIS (3.6, 1.9, and 1.9%, respectively, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups. Percent changes of bone turnover markers from baseline to 12 months in the MIN group were significantly greater than those in the RIS group (TRACP-5b: − 36.3 vs − 19.3%, P < 0.05; NTX: − 27.1 vs − 17.3%, P < 0.05; BAP: −30.2 vs −19.4%, P < 0.05).Conclusions: The present study of RA patients demonstrated that MIN has the same effect as RIS on increase in BMD and a stronger effect on inhibition of bone resorption than RIS. The results suggest that MIN is a promising treatment option for osteoporosis patients with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "A successful case of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for osteosarcoma with multiple metastases of lung and bone" in the January 2006 issue.

Nuclear factor (NF)-κB is a transcription factor that regulates cytokine and chemokine production in various inflammatory diseases, including bronchial asthma. IκB kinase (IKK) β is important for NF-κB activation in inflammatory conditions, and is possibly related to airway remodelling. Thus, inhibition of the IKKβ-NF-κB pathway may be an ideal strategy for the management of airway remodelling. We examined the effects of a newly synthesized IKKβ inhibitor, IMD-0354, in a chronic allergen exposure model of bronchial asthma in mice. A chronic mouse model was generated by challenge with house dust mite antigen ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). IMD-0354 was administrated intraperitoneally in therapeutic groups. Lung histopathology, hyperresponsiveness and the concentrations of mediators and molecules in supernatants of lung homogenates were determined. NF-κB activation was inhibited by prolonged periods of IMD-0354 administration. IMD-0354 reduced the numbers of bronchial eosinophils. IMD-0354 also inhibited the pathological features of airway remodelling, including goblet cell hyperplasia, subepithelial fibrosis, collagen deposition and smooth muscle hypertrophy. Inhibition of these structural changes by IMD-0354 was the result of the suppressing the production and activation of remodelling-related mediators, such as TGF-β, via inhibition of IKKβ. IMD-0354 inhibited IL-13 and IL-1β production, and it restored the production of IFN-γ. It also ameliorated airway hyperresponsiveness. IKKβ plays crucial roles in airway inflammation and remodelling in a chronic mouse model of asthma. A specific IKKβ inhibitor, IMD-0354, may be therapeutically beneficial for treating airway inflammation and remodelling in chronic asthma. Cite this as: H. Ogawa, M. Azuma, S. Muto, Y. Nishioka, A. Honjo, T. Tezuka, H. Uehara, K. Izumi, A. Itai and S. Sone, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 104-115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been used widely to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), but the mechanisms of its action remain unclear. We investigated the affinity for Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) and the thrombocytopenia-ameliorating effect of S-sulfonated gammaglobulin (SGG) and S-alkylated gammaglobulin (AGG), in comparison with unmodified gammaglobulin (GG), in a mouse ITP model. Cleavage of immunoglobulin (Ig)G interchain disulfide bonds by either S-sulfonation or S-alkylation did not decrease the affinity for FcγRIIA (CD32A) and FcγRIIB (CD32B), but did decrease the affinity for FcγRIA (CD64A) and FcγRIIIA (CD16A), presumably because of changes in H-chain configuration. The interchain disulfide bond cleavage decreased the affinity much more for mouse FcγRIV than for mouse FcγRIIB. The ability of AGG to ameliorate ITP was greatly diminished, while SGG, whose disulfide bonds are reconstituted in vivo, was as effective as GG. These results suggest that the interchain disulfide bonds are important for therapeutic effect. It is also suggested that the interaction of IVIG with the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB is insufficient for effective amelioration of ITP and that, at least in this model, direct binding of IVIG to FcγRIIIA is also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there have been several reports on the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in Japanese schoolchildren based on questionnaires, there has been no nation-wide study of the frequency of this condition diagnosed by dermatologists in regular health check-ups of schoolchildren.The objective of this work was to evaluate precisely the prevalence of AD in elementary schoolchildren in Japan based on regular health check-ups by dermatologists.In 2001/2, elementary schoolchildren: first graders (age 6–7 years) and sixth graders (age 11–12 years) were examined by dermatologists in eight prefectures of Japan (Hokkaido, Iwate, Tokyo, Gifu, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kochi and Fukuoka). In each prefecture, public elementary schools were randomly selected from urban and rural districts. We planned to examine about 700 schoolchildren in each of urban first, urban sixth, rural first and rural sixth grades from the eight areas, a total of 22 400 children (700 × 4 × 8). AD was diagnosed by the dermatologists based on the Japanese Dermatological Association criteria for the disease.The point prevalence of AD was 11·2% overall (2664 of 23 719) ranging from 7·4% (Iwate) to 15·0% (Fukuoka) in the eight areas. Seventy-four per cent, 24%, 1·6% and 0·3% of those afflicted were in the mild, moderate, severe and very severe groups, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of first graders was slightly higher than that of sixth graders (11·8% vs. 10·5%,P < 0·01). There was no apparent difference in prevalence between urban and rural districts, or between boys and girls.The prevalence of AD in Japanese elementary schoolchildren was about 10%, three-quarters of those being mildly affected. This is the first nation-wide study made of Japanese elementary schoolchildren examined by dermatologists to evaluate the frequency of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epitaxial growth of Si and SiGe layers on (1 1 0) Si substrates using UHV-CVD is studied with comparing that on (1 0 0) substrates. It is revealed that, while the growth rate on (1 1 0) surfaces is quite lower than that on (1 0 0) surfaces, the Ge content of SiGe is the same between (1 0 0) and (1 1 0) surfaces, meaning that the ratio of decomposition yields of source molecules for Si and Ge are same in both the (1 0 0) and (1 1 0) substrates. This characteristic is expected to lead to the epitaxial growth of SiGe films with uniform Ge content over the three-dimensional patterned structure, which can be utilized for vertical FET and Fin-FETs. Actually, it has been experimentally confirmed that the SiGe films grown over trench structures has a uniform Ge content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare but notoriously recalcitrant cutaneous diseases. Therefore, there have been few reports of more than ten patients with GPP who were treated at the same institution. The severity of this disease and its response to each therapeutic modality vary among patients. In some GPP is life-threatening, but in others it may show a benign, chronic course for a long period of time. Before starting treatment, a knowledge of the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of each drug used in the treatment of GPP is necessary. In our multicenter study, we compared the effectiveness of and adverse reactions to several systemically administered drugs. Following the development of a unique classification of the disease severity based on scoring the clinical symptoms and the laboratory findings, we propose here therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of GPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the second intron of the serotonin transporter gene (STin2) has been studied in association with the susceptibility to affective disorders. Recently, it was reported that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were more effective in patients with major depressive disorder having the homozygous allele pair (12-copy/12-copy) of VNTR in the STin2 than in ones having other allele combinations. As the study had methodological problems, further studies are needed to confirm the above finding. Therefore, the authors investigated whether the allelic variation of VNTR in the STin2 was associated with the antidepressant response to fluvoxamine in 66 patients with major depressive disorder. Fluvoxamine was prescribed up to 200 mg/day in the dosing protocol for 6 weeks. The present study showed no significant association between the polymorphism of VNTR in the STin2 and the treatment response to fluvoxamine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Strained-Si CMOS is an attractive device structure to be able to relax several fundamental limitations of CMOS scaling, because of high electron and hole mobility and compatibility with Si CMOS standard processing. In this paper, we present a new device structure including strained-Si channel, strained-SOI MOSFET, applicable to CMOS under sub-100 nm technology nodes. The main feature of this device is that thin strained-Si channel/relaxed SiGe heterostructures are formed on buried oxides. The principle and the advantages are described in detail. The strained-SOI structure has been successfully fabricated by combining the SIMOX technology with regrowth of strained Si films. It is demonstrated that strained-SOI n- and p-channel MOSFETs have mobilities 1.6 and 1.3 times higher than conventional Si MOSFETs, respectively. We also present a novel technique for fabricating ultra-thin SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) virtual substrates with high Ge content by high temperature oxidation of SGOI with lower Ge content. A 16-nm-SGOI substrate having a Ge content as high as 57% has been successfully fabricated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Despite the increasing incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), its pathogenesis has remained largely unknown. Recently, it was reported that genes involved in tissue morphogenesis, such as sonic hedgehog or patched, were found to be mutated in BCC, suggesting the involvement of those molecules in the pathogenesis of this tumour. Furthermore, there is evidence that the Wnt-mediated signalling pathway may be one of the downstream targets of sonic hedgehog-mediated signalling, which has led us to focus on molecular events on the Wnt pathway in BCC. Among the signal transducers involved in the Wnt pathway, it is clear that β-catenin plays a pivotal role in the promotion of morphogenesis and cell growth. In respect to this, it has been reported that, in particular circumstances, as in colorectal cancers, β-catenin migrates to the nuclei, where it exerts an ability to activate the transcription of various genes. Objectives To investigate the cellular distribution of β-catenin in skin tumours, in particular, in BCC. Methods Twenty skin biopsy specimens derived from BCC, 10 from inflammatory skin diseases and five from squamous cell carcinomas were immunostained with an antibody directed against β-catenin. Results Fourteen of the 20 BCC samples tested showed nuclear localization of β-catenin, while none of the other samples gave rise to positive nuclear staining. Conclusions Nuclear localization of β-catenin is a characteristic feature of BCC; this suggests its tumorigenic role in this tumour. This gives us a further insight into the molecular pathogenesis of BCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Janus kinase (JAK) family is one of intracellular protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) present in hematopoietic and lymphoid cells and has been shown to play a crucial role in a variety of biological responses. It was reported that a human B-precursor leukemic cell line was potently inhibited in its proliferation by one of synthetic PTK inhibitors (tyrphostins), AG490, via anti-JAK2 activity. However, no extensive studies about it have been performed. In the present study, we tested 16 human lymphoid leukemic cell lines (B-precursor, 12; T cell, four) for their sensitivity to AG490 using 3H-thymidine incorporation and colony formation assays, and found that B-precursor cell lines with 11q23 translocation or Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) whose JAK2 proved to be constitutively phosphorylated were predominantly sensitive to AG490 at a concentration that has few inhibitory effect on normal hematopoiesis. We first revealed the association of JAK2 with BCR-ABL in Ph1-positive cell lines and with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) in cell lines with 11q23 translocation by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Of interest, AG490 markedly down-regulated phosphorylation of JAK2, but rather transiently up-regulated phosphorylation of BCR-ABL and BTK, suggesting direct implication of AG490 in the process of the JAK2 dephosphorylation. These results indicate that AG490 exerts a potent inhibitory activity to B-precursor leukemia with specific chromosomal abnormalities, and a therapeutic approach using AG490 is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a hematopoietic growth factor which plays a central role in normal megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Although the interaction between TPO and its receptor c-Mpl encoded by the c-mpl gene is now known to be implicated in the proliferation and/or differentiation of abnormal myeloid cells and normal hematopoietic stem cells, little is known about a role of the TPO/c-Mpl system in lymphoid leukemia cells. In the present study, we first examined the expression of c-mpl/c-Mpl in 23 human lymphoid leukemic cell lines (T-lineage 4, B-lineage 19) using three distinct methods. The c-mpl mRNA was detectable in as many as 20 cell lines (T-lineage 3, B-lineage 17) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, but its translated product, c-Mpl, was demonstrable by Western blot only in B-lineage cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis revealed the surface c-Mpl expression in 13 of 17 B-lineage cell lines, but its higher expression (>40%) was restricted in nine B-precursor cell lines, eight of which had 11q23 translocation or Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1). We also demonstrated that two of eight cell lines with 11q23 translocation or Ph1 exhibited a significant proliferative response to TPO in the 3H-thymidine uptake and colony-forming assays. Triggering of these cell lines by TPO transiently up-regulated tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK-2 and Shc, indicating that their receptor is functional. Primary leukemia cells separated from patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Ph1 or 11q23 translocation also showed the surface c-Mpl expression and a significant responsiveness to TPO. These results suggest that the TPO/c-Mpl interaction may play a physiological role in the growth regulation of B-precursor leukemia cells particularly with specific chromosomal abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to support the growth of multipotential hematopoietic stem cells in addition to the cells of neutrophilic lineage. Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive leukemia has its origin in the hematopoietic stem cell. In the present study, we demonstrated that the proliferation of leukemic cells from chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (CML-BC) and Ph1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases is frequently stimulated with G-CSF in vitro. We next studied a total of 12 leukemic cell lines established from CML-BC (n= 6) and Ph1-positive acute leukemia (n= 6): four 'myeloid', five 'biphenotypic', and three 'lymphoid' types. All cell lines expressed G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) in flow cytometric analysis, but their proliferative response to G-CSF in 3H-thymidine incorporation assay varied. The 'biphenotypic' cell lines expressed G-CSFR at higher levels and showed the most pronounced response to G-CSF. The 'lymphoid' cell lines showed intermediate G-CSFR expression with the modest response to G-CSF. Unexpectedly, 'myeloid' cell lines showed lower G-CSFR expression and lower G-CSF response compared with 'biphenotypic' cell lines. In three of four 'myeloid' cell lines, proliferation was partially inhibited by an addition of anti-G-CSF neutralizing monoclonal antibody into culture medium. Further, the % inhibition of 3H-thymidine uptake of cell lines positively correlated with the amount of their intracellular G-CSF measured by enzyme immunoassay, suggesting an autocrine growth mechanism via the G-CSF/G-CSFR interaction. These results suggest that G-CSF play an important role in the growth regulation of leukemia cells from Ph1-positive acute leukemia and CML-BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The p16 gene encoding a specific inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 has been reported to be inactivated at a variety of rates in malignant tumors. We studied frequency and mechanism of inactivation of the p16 gene in various types of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using 36 leukemic cell lines established from children (B precursor-ALL, 28; B-ALL/Burkitt's lymphoma, 3; and T-ALL, 5). On Southern blot, homozygous deletions or hemizygous deletions with rearrangement were detected in 14 cell lines. The expression of p16 protein was not observed on Western blot in 18 of 22 cell lines with intact p16 gene, but induced in 16 cell lines after treatment with the demethylating agent, indicating the silencing of the p16 gene by hypermethylation. Of note, the p16 gene was inactivated by hypermethylation of the 5' CpG island in nine of nine cell lines with 11q23 translocation, but was restored with the treatment of the demethylating agent. Partial methylation of the p16 gene was also demonstrated in three of eight primary leukemia samples with this translocation, suggesting that the p16 gene inactivation by hypermethylation might play a role in the leukemogenesis and disease progression of ALL with 11q23 translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported a novel monoclonal antibody KOR-SA3544 which predominantly reacted with a surface antigen (sSA3544) expressed on Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the present study, we demonstrate that the antibody specifically recognized nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (NCA)-50/90 (CD66c), one of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-related glycoproteins encoded by a member of the CEA gene family. In addition, we show that the SA3544 antigen (NCA-50/90) was invariably expressed in cytoplasm of all of the human leukemic cell lines examined (sSA3544-positive B-lymphoid two, sSA3544-negative T or B-lymphoid and non-lymphoid 24) regardless of the presence or absence of surface expression of this antigen. Immunoelectromicroscopic examination revealed that the cytoplasmic antigen was mainly present in granules in sSA3544-positive leukemia cells, whereas it was diffusely present in cytosol in sSA3544-negative leukemia cells. Thus, among members of the CEA family, NCA-50/90 was first demonstrated to be expressed not only on the surface of some leukemia cells, but also in cytoplasm of various types of leukemia cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 20-month-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the 11q23 translocation whose blasts markedly increased in peripheral blood after intravenous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, but disappeared after stopping G-CSF. The in vitro study showed that the leukemic cells separated from this patient expressed G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) and an addition of G-CSF stimulated their proliferation by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay (stimulation index, 4.9). To clarify whether or not leukemic cells with 11q23 translocations generally express G-CSFR and show proliferative response to G-CSF, we performed the similar in vitro experiments using eight leukemic cell lines with 11q23 translocations. We found that all cell lines examined expressed G-CSFR (20-98%) and proliferation of seven leukemic cell lines was significantly enhanced in response to G-CSF (stimulation index >1.5 in five cell lines), suggesting a possible participation of the G-CSF/G-CSFR interaction in the process of growth regulation of leukemic cells with 11q23 translocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We propose a novel method to form Ge nano-wire structures by utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) Ge condensation technique. Since this method needs only top-down and Si compatible processes, Ge nano-wire MOSFETs fabricated by this technique are suitable for actual LSI applications. Based on this concept, we have fabricated SiGe on insulator wire pMOSFETs with Ge content up to 92% and diameter down to 35 nm. 3× enhancement of transconductance against a control Si device has been demonstrated in pMOSFETs with Ge content of 79%, though the performance enhancement in the highest Ge content device has not been obtained yet because of the non-optimized 3D Ge condensation processes. Further performance enhancement is expected after optimizing 3D Ge condensation processes especially for higher Ge content SiGe channels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) geometrical giant magnetoresistance (GMR) single spin-valve (SPV) structures with synthetic antiferromagnets (SyAFs) as free layers were fabricated. The sample sizes range from micron to submicron. We demonstrate that SyAFs as free layers dramatically enhances the CPP-GMR ratio from 0.83% to 3.56% at room temperature and also double the resistance-area product in single SPV films. A study of the magnetic switching behavior by both experiment and single-domain thermal activation modeling shows that the CPP-GMR SPV with SyAF structure approaches that of a single-domain magnet even with low aspect ratio of 1 as long as its size diminishes to ∼0.18 μm2. The single-domain structure brings size-independent magnetic switching field when the aspect ratio is 1. The large GMR ratio at room temperature, single-domain structure and size-independent magnetic switching field demonstrate the great potential of CPP-GMR SPVs with SyAF free layers for use in future ultrahigh density magnetic storage devices. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a case of naevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) of the scalp associated with pedunculated basal cell carcinoma in a 31-year-old patient. Characteristics of the disorder; Classification of NLCS; Results of the biopsy of the nodular lesion on the scalp of the patient.

Background The subcommissural organ (SCO) differentiates early in ontogeny and remains fully active during the entire life span. It secretes glycoproteins into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flowing through the Sylvius aqueduct (SA); these proteins either assemble to form Reissner fiber (RF), or remain soluble in the CSF and circulate throughout the CSF compartments. Overholser et al. (1954) have demonstrated that offspring littered by rats maintained on a diet deficient in folic acid and/or Vitamin B12 lack a SCO and develop hydrocephalus. This led them to propose that a dysfunction of the SCO during development leads to stenosis of the SA and hydrocephalus. We have investigated several animal models in which the SCO would play a role in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus. We have now performed a comparative analysis of the changes occurring in the SCO-RF complex of these animal models, with the aim to find a landmark common to all hydrocephalic animals that might help to unfold the mechanism of SCO-dependant hydrocephalus. Materials and methods A comparative study of the SCO-RF complex and SA of five animal models characterized by a dysfunction of the SCO and development of hydrocephalus was carried out. Conventional light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry were applied. Results Model 1. Immunological blockage of RF formation by maternal transfer of antibodies against RF-glycoproteins: undamaged and secretory active SCO, missing RF, stenosed SA and moderate hydrocephalus. Model 2. hyh mice with a point mutation of aSNAP gene: undamaged and secretory active SCO, missing RF, obliterated SA and severe hydrocephalus. Model 3. HTx rat: subcommissural portion (two distal thirds) of SCO missing, supracommissural portion (rostral third) of SCO secretory active, RF absent, obliterated SA and severe hydrocephalus. Model 4. Transgenic mice deficient in transcription factor RFX4- v3: subcommissural portion of SCO missing, supracommissural portion of SCO secretory active, RF absent, patent SA and moderate to severe hydrocephalus. Model 5. fyn knockout mice: subcommissural portion of SCO missing, supracommissural portion of SCO secretory active, RF absent, SA with an abnormal shape and severe hydrocephalus. Conclusion 1. The SCO is formed by two zones: the subcommissural and the supracommissural portions. 2. Differentiation of both zones would be controlled by different genes. 3. The subcommissural portion of the SCO is essential for RF formation. Mutant and transgenic animals lacking this portion, although still have a secretory active flow of CSF throughout SA. 6. Absence of RF could cause SA obliteration or a turbulent CSF flow through SA what, in turn, would lead to hydrocephalus. Supported by Fondecyt 1030265 (Chile), the Intramural Program of the NIH, NIEHS (USA), and MEXT (Japan). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details the case of a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with contact urticaria due to ketoprofen. Presenting signs and symptoms; Past medical history; Diagnostic procedures; Treatment; Outcome.

Studies the treatment of hydroxyurea (HU)-induced foot ulcer with a topical basic fibroblast growth factor (bFBF) product. Adverse effects of HU; Treatment performed by bFBF.

Focuses on the case report of tinea barbae due to Trichophyton rubrum with the possible involvement of autoinoculation. Occurrence of tinea barbae in farm workers; Existence of causative organisms; Treatment of the disease.

Describes a patient with toenail scabies as an initial lesion of ordinary scabies. Presence of subungual horny debris in toenails; Topical treatment with lindate ointment; Potassium hydroxide examination of papules.