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Background: The pre-transplant administration of donor antigens to recipients is reported to prolong transplanted organ survival. We investigated the effect of pre-transplant intraportal administration of recipient blood on rat hepatic allograft survival. Materials and methods: Male LEW (RT1l) and ACI (RT1a) rats were used as transplant recipients and donors, respectively. Before transplantation, donors were transfused with recipient blood. Experimental animals were divided into groups as follows: group I, no treatment; group II, pre-treatment with recipient blood via the penile vein 7 days before transplantation; group III, pre-treatment with recipient blood via the portal vein 5 days before transplantation; and group IV, pre-treatment with recipient blood via the portal vein 7 days before transplantation. Serum interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations were measured post-operatively. Results: Animals in group I survived a mean of 10.1 ± 0.7 days. The survival of groups II and III was 10.6 ± 1.6 and 13.1 ± 0.9 days, respectively. The survival rate in group IV was prolonged significantly to 33.7 ± 2.6 days. Serum concentrations of IFN-γ were increased significantly in group IV, as compared with group I. The ratio of OX76+CD4+ or OX76+CD8+ T cells to OX76-CD4+ or OX76-CD8+ T cells was greater in group IV, as compared group I. OX76+CD8+ T cells from hepatic allografts in group IV expressed IFN-γ and interleukin (IL)-10, but not IL-2 mRNA. Apoptotic hepatic infiltrates were greater in group IV, as compared to group I. Conclusion: The cytokine profile of donor CD8+ T cells from allografts treated by the intraportal administration of recipient blood is associated with apoptosis of graft-infiltrating cells and the prolonged survival of hepatic allografts in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Donor dendritic cells (DC) migrate into the recipient spleen after hepatic transplantation. Immunological unresponsiveness to rat hepatic allografts can be induced by prior donor-specific blood transfusion (DST). We investigated homing receptor phenotype and splenic distribution of donor DC after allografting and DST. Immunostaining revealed OX62+ cells in the splenic red pulp of animals receiving pre-transplant DST but only in the white pulp of untreated animals. Most OX62 cells were positive for OX76. There were two subsets of DC in the spleen, CD45RChighOX62+ and CD45RClowOX62+ cells. RT-PCR revealed that CD45RClowOX62+ cells expressed interleukin (IL)-10, while CD45RChighOX62+ cells expressed IL-2 and low levels of IL-10 mRNA. CD45RChighOX62+ cells strongly expressed CCR5 and CCR7, compared with weak expression in CD45RClowOX62+ cells. The Epstein-Barr virus-induced molecule 1 (EBI-1) ligand chemokine (ELC/MIP3β) was expressed mainly within the splenic white pulp. Mucosal vascular addressin-cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) was expressed in the marginal zone and white pulp, but expression of splenic MAdCAM-1 was down-regulated in DST-treated animals. L-selectin (CD62L), the ligand for MAdCAM-1, was strongly expressed on CD45RChighOX62+ cells but not on CD45RClowOX62+ cells. In conclusion, differential splenic migration of CCR5lowCCR7lowCD62Llow CD45RClow DC expressing Th2-type cytokines is associated with immunological unresponsiveness to rat hepatic allografts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Fatty split-liver and living-related liver transplantation is associated with massive hepatocellular necrosis during acute rejection. Uncoupling protein (UCP)-2 is a potential regulator of energy expenditure and ATP production. We investigated the role of UCP-2 and the effects of a metalloprotease inhibitor, Y-39083, on hepatocellular injury in fatty liver allografts in rats.Materials and methods: Rats were treated for 6 weeks with high-ethanol or isocalic dextrose-containing liquid diets that caused characteristic pericentral lipid accumulation. Alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty livers from ACI (RT1a) rats were transplanted into LEW (RT1l) rats orthotopically. Hepatic necrosis was determined histologically following liver transplantation. UCP-2 mRNA levels in the hepatic allograft and in primary cultured hepatocytes from fatty liver stimulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined. Y-39083 was administered to recipient rats continuously at 5 mg/kg/day using an osmotic infusion mini-pump.Results: The acute rejection index on day 5 posttransplant in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty donor livers was higher than in lean grafts. Massive hepatocyte necrosis was more prominent in alcoholic than nonalcoholic fatty liver allografts and was not seen in lean allografts. UCP-2 transcripts in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver allografts were higher than in lean allografts. Serum TNF-α concentrations in recipient rats with either fatty liver allograft were greater than in animals with lean allografts. In vitro UCP-2 mRNA levels in primary cultured hepatocytes from both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty livers increased more after stimulation with TNF-α than those from lean livers. In vitro TNF-α production by Kupffer cells isolated from alcohol-induced fatty liver allografts on day 3 posttransplant was greater than those from lean allografts. Y-39083 significantly reduced serum concentrations of TNF-α and prevented massive hepatocellular necrosis in rats with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver allografts.Conclusion: Liver grafts with steatosis up-regulated UCP-2. TNF-α further enhanced UCP-2 transcripts, inducing massive hepatocellular necrosis during acute rejection. Posttransplantation necrosis may be prevented by metalloprotease inhibitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this study was to examine which determinants discriminate between resocialization and continuity patterns of physical activity among elderly Japanese. Information was collected through face-to-face interviews with two groups of elderly Japanese: one that was inactive in middle age and became active after retirement (resocialization group), and another that was active both in middle age and after retirement (continuity group). Discriminant analysis (Hayashi's Quantification Theory IT) was used to compare these two groups in four personal and contextual dimensions: personal attributes, socializing situation, socializing agent, and cognitive involvement. The findings indicated that socializing agents such as friends and leaders influenced the resocialization group more than the continuity group. Conversely, the continuity group was more affected by activity programs than the resocialization group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The priming mechanism of macrophages to secrete cytokines in acute pancreatitis is important for remote organ failure following septic complication. The effects of novel carboxamide derivative, IS-741, on neutrophil chemoattractant production by bronchoalveolar macrophages were studied in rats with cerulein-induced pancreatitis complicated by sepsis. Methods: Pancreatitis was induced by four intramuscular injections of cerulein (50 μg/kg at 1-hour intervals). Pancreatitis rats were injected intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 6 h following the first cerulein injection as a septic challenge. Pancreatitis rats received a continuous intravenous injection of IS-741 (3 mg/kg/h) 30 min before the septic challenge. Results: Intense mononuclear cell infiltration and lung hemorrhage occurred in untreated pancreatitis rats complicated with sepsis, but hemorrhage was not seen in septic pancreatitis rats receiving a continuous intravenous injection of IS-741 shortly before sepsis induction. The IS-741-treated rats had lower serum concentrations of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), as well as fewer the pulmonary neutrophils and infiltrates immunoreactive for CINC or Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18). Conclusion: The novel carboxamide derivative IS-741 reduced CINC production by bronchoalveolar macrophages and effectively prevented pancreatitis-associated lung injury following the septic challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that examined the method of suppressing the delay time instability according to the operating frequency using the field shield isolation technology for deep submicron silicon-on-insulator (SOI) circuits. Methodology used in the study; Result of the study; Conclusions.

Presents a concept for the prediction of the device lifetimes on hot-carrier effect (hot-carrier lifetimes) in floating Silicon-on Insulator (SOI) Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET). Conceptual view of hot-carrier lifetime prediction; Experimental details; Results and discussion of the experiment; Conclusion.

Studies sport tourism in Japan. Difference between sport tourists and general tourists; Increase in the number of Japanese traveling abroad; Information on Japan's international travel deficit with the United States; Link between sport and tourism; Definition of sport tourist, sport excursionist and sport-for-all event; Methodology and results of the study.

Discusses the separation of hydrogen-bonding donors in capillary electrophoresis using polyethers as matrix. Addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a free matrix; Separation of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids.

This paper compares the process of adolescent socialization into sport in Japan and Canada, focussing on the structural and cultural differences and similarities. Results from national survey data indicate that the school is a strong socializing agent in Japan, while the sport system within the community has more influence on sport involvement in Canada. It is suggested that sport socialization in Japan is unique in that it arises from a closed structure, as compared to the open structure in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the effect of the pretransplant administration of recipient''s blood to donor on rat hepatic allograft survival. Methods: Serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ were determined after transplantation. Immunocompetent cells from the donor were identified with anti-donor class II MHC (RT1Ba) (OX-76) antibodies. The number of donor-derived CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in hepatic allografts or recipient spleen was determined. Results: LEW rats transplanted with hepatic allografts from ACI rats survived a mean of 11.1±2.1 days. Pretreatment intravenous administration of recipient LEW blood did not prolong the survival of hepatic allografts (10.5±1.7 days). In contrast, pretreatment intraportal administration of recipient LEW blood significantly increased the survival of LEW recipients with ACI livers to 31.7±7.6 days (Table 1). The ratio of ox76+CD4+ or ox76+CD8+ T cell to CD4+ or CD8+ cell was significantly greater (25.6% versus 5.7%, 26.6% versus 6.8%) in hepatic allografts pretreated with pretransplant intraportal administration of LEW recipient blood, rather than those cells in recipient spleen (46.2% versus 34.4%, 63.7% versus 71.4%). Conclusions: Pretransplant intraportal administration of recipient LEW blood to ACI donor rats prolonged the survival of hepatic allografts. This may be associated with the regional graft-versus-host reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies the crystal distortion and weak ferromagnetism of Mn[sub3+δ]Ga[sub1-x]Ge[subx] alloys. Hexagonal structure of the intermetallic compound Mn[sub3]Ga; Saturation magnetization of the compounds; Temperature dependence of saturation magnetization.

This study aimed to examine the theoretical relationships between service quality, past experience, destination image, and behavioral intentions in the spring training camp of a professional baseball team in Japan. The results indicate that the service quality of spring training camps was divided into five factors: (1) place, (2) enjoyment, (3) information, (4) fan interaction, and (5) operating time. The findings suggest that service quality and past experience had positive effects on both destination image and behavioral intentions. Behavioral intentions were also highly influenced by destination image. Future research and managerial implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fatty livers are vulnerable to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We investigated the role of hepatic macrophages in the I/R injury in the fatty liver. Rats with alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver were subjected to hepatic warm ischemia for 30 min. A bolus of gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) was injected intravenously twice before I/R to block hepatic macrophage activity. Alcoholic fatty liver developed more extensive hepatic necrosis with neutrophil infiltration in association with a higher production of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, a potent neutrophil chemokine in rat, after I/R than the nonalcoholic fatty liver or control liver without steatosis. Hepatic apoptosis after I/R increased to a similar degree (3-fold) in each of the two fatty liver models, compared with the control liver. Alcoholic fatty liver exposed to I/R showed a rapid increase in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity. The GdCl3 pretreatment significantly reduced NF-κB binding activity, CINC-1 level and necrosis in alcoholic fatty liver, despite no significant decrease in the extent of apoptosis. Our results suggest that the activation of hepatic macrophages in alcoholic fatty liver may contribute to hepatic necrosis after I/R, and that the apoptosis might be less dependent on the macrophage activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We have investigated the temperature dependence of unit-cell and structural parameters of ceria (cerium dioxide, CeO2) from room temperature to 1770 K by neutron powder diffraction and the Rietveld method. The unit-cell parameter increases continuously with temperature. It was confirmed that the Debye–Waller factor of oxygen B(O) is larger than that of cerium B(Ce) at any temperature from room temperature to 1770 K. Both B(O) and B(Ce) increase with an increase of temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied potential indicators of severe acute pancreatitis by measuring the blood concentrations of various cytokines, polymorphonuclear leucocyte elastase (PMN-E), acute phase reactants, pancreatic amylase (P-AMY), pancreatic elastase-1 (E-1) and white blood cell (WBC) counts in patients with acute pancreatitis. In addition, the presence of multiple organ damage was assessed. Subjects consisted of 22 patients with acute pancreatitis including severe (n = 11), moderate (n = 4) and mild (n = 7) cases. A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of organs damaged and the peak concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, PMN-E, C-reactive protein (CRP) and pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI). Among these markers, blood concentrations of PMN-E and IL-6 rapidly increased and peaked at the early phase of acute pancreatitis whereas CRP and PSTI did not. The elevation of PMN-E and IL-6 was greater the more severe the symptoms. However, no significant correlation was observed between the number of organs damaged and the maximum serum concentrations of P-AMY and E-1, or the WBC count, which have been considered to be markers of pancreatitis. These results suggest that PMN-E and IL-6 concentrations are useful indicators of severity and prognosis and their determination facilitates the selection of appropriate treatment in the early stages of disease to prevent the aggressive progression of acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical education professionals aim to develop quality programmes for physical education. This study aimed to develop and validate a scale using professionals’ perceptions of Quality Physical Education QPE in Asia using twenty-four items regarding QPE quality issues. The items covered status and roles, development of educational elements and supportive features in physical education. A sample of N = 799 sport and physical education professionals from eleven Asian cities participated in this questionnaire survey. Twenty-four items relating to QPE were examined via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using maximum likelihood extraction and direct oblimin rotation methods. Nevertheless, only 20 items were extracted following the EFA examination. Items 1, 9, 14 and 18 were excluded because of low factor loadings. The remaining items were clustered into four subscales: Development and Supportive Elements for Quality Physical Education in Schools (DSFQPE; α = .918), Core Values of Quality Physical Education (CVPE; α = .908), Curriculum Arrangement of Physical Activities (CAPA; α = .884) and Provision and Norms in Physical Education (PNPE; α = .865). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = .875) indicated excellent internal consistency for the overall measure. Furthermore, the 4 retained factors from the EFA were assessed via robust confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The 4-factor model demonstrated a good fit with the data (CMIN/DF = 3.450, CFI = .928, TLI = .916, PCFI = .801, RMSEA = .078). The study identified a 4-factor structure with internal consistency and acceptable interfactor correlations. The structure seemed to be applicable, including the twenty items identified as useful and necessary tools for the framework of analysis in the investigation of diverse settings for the study of quality physical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stimuli inducing expression of single immunoglobulin IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR) and the relevant regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) delays internalization of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and subsequently enhances cellular signaling. This study investigated the effect of TGFβ1 on SIGIRR protein production by human M1 macrophages in response to stimulation with substance P (SP). SP caused upregulation of SIGIRR expression in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas aprepitant (an NK1R inhibitor) blunted this response. Silencing p38γMAPK or TAK-1 partially attenuated the response to SP stimulation, while TGFβ1/2/3 siRNA dramatically diminished it. SP induced much greater SIGIRR protein production than either lipopolysaccharide (a TLR4 agonist) or resiquimod (a TLR7/8 agonist). Unexpectedly, silencing of transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) led to significant upregulation of SIGIRR expression after SP stimulation, while KLF2 siRNA only partially enhanced it and Fli-1 siRNA reduced it. SP also upregulated TGFβ1 expression, along with a corresponding increase of SIGIRR protein, whereas silencing TGFβ1/2/3 blunted these responses. Sp1 siRNA or mithramycin (a gene-selective Sp1 inhibitor) significantly enhanced the expression of TGFβ1 and SIGIRR by macrophages after SP stimulation. Importantly, this effect of Sp1 siRNA on TGFβ1 and SIGIRR was blunted by siRNA for Smad2, Smad3, or Smad4, but not by TAK-1 siRNA. Next, we investigated the influence of transcription factor cross-talk on SIGIRR expression in response to SP. Co-transfection of macrophages with Sp1 siRNA and C/EBPβ or TIF1β siRNA attenuated the upregulation of SIGIRR by SP, while a combination of Sp1 siRNA and Fli-1 siRNA dramatically diminished it. In conclusion, TGFβ1 may be an intermediary between SP/NK1R activation and SIGIRR expression in Sp1 siRNA-transfected macrophages. In addition, Sp1 modulates TGFβ1/Smad signaling and negatively regulates SIGIRR protein production by macrophages after SP stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross-talks between toll-like receptors (TLRs) including various negative regulatory mechanisms are many unknown. We investigated the differential mechanism of IL-23 production in M1 macrophages by single immunoglobulin interleukin-1 receptor-related (SIGIRR) molecule through TLR4 or TLR7/8. IL-12p40 production by M1 macrophages pretreated with human neutrophil elastase (HNE) was synergistically enhanced IL-12p40, but not IL-23 production, after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS (a TLR4 agonist) induced a slight increase of IL-23 production, while Resiquimod (a TLR7/8 agonist) significantly enhanced IL-23 production. Expression of SIGIRR protein, a negative regulator of TLR4, was higher in M1 macrophages than in monocytes. Interestingly, SIGIRR siRNA induced a slight increment of IL-23 production after exposure of macrophages to LPS, while IL-23 production in response to Resiquimod was significantly upregulated by SIGIRR siRNA. Silencing SIGIRR enhanced IRF4 protein level determined by western blotting or ELISA. IRF4 siRNA dramatically restored IL-23 production after exposure to Resiquimod in macrophages transfected with SIGIRR siRNA. In conclusion, production of IL-23 is differentially regulated in M1 macrophages by SIGIRR through TLR4- or TLR7/8-mediated signaling. SIGIRR is both a negative regulator of TLR4 and a positive regulator of TLR7/8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudobinary intermetallic compounds (Mn[SUB1-x]Pd[SUBx])[SUB2]Ga of Ni[SUB2] In type structure are found in the range of 0.3 ≦ x < 0.6. This article describes the results of investigations of the crystal and magnetic properties of the phase with x-ray and neutron diffraction, as well as magneto metric methods. The neutron diffraction study for x = 0.4 proved that in the Ni[SUB2] In type crystal structure, the 2(a) site is occupied by Mn atoms, the 2(d) site by Pd and residual Mn atoms, and the 2(c) site is occupied by Ga atoms. (Mn[SUB1-x]Pd[SUBx])[SUB2]Ga compounds exhibit a ferromagnetic nature characterized by T[SUBC], and in the temperature below T[SUBN], antiferromagnetic components originating from canted spin structure in 2(a) structures in the 2(a) site. It is similar to canted spin structures of CoMnSn. The existence of a small concave region in the magnetization-temperature dependence curve is discussed in terms of the canting of spins in the 2(a) site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with a study which examined the magnetic properties of Ni[sub2]In type (Co[sub1-x]Mn[subx]) [sub65]Ge[sub[35] polycrystalline compound. Experimental procedures; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Deals with a study which investigated the composition dependence of the lattice constants, Curie temperature, remanent magnetization, coercivity, and magnetic annealing effect of manganese-gallium alloys. Discussion on ferrimagnetic structure; Methodology of the study; Results and discussion.

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) are involved in innate immune responses and signaling cross-talk between these receptor molecules has the potential to augment an ongoing inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cooperative influence of PAR-2 and TLR4 on IL-12p40 production by macrophages after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). During culture, GM-CSF upregulated PAR-2 expression by macrophages in a time-dependent manner. Stimulation with LPS enhanced IL-12p40 production by macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. While human neutrophil elastase (HNE) did not induce IL-12p40 production, pretreatment of macrophages with HNE synergistically increased the IL-12p40 protein level after LPS exposure. Silencing of TLR4 with small interfering RNA blunted the synergistic enhancement of IL-12p40 by HNE combined with LPS. Silencing of β-arrestin 2, p22phox, or ERK1/2 also inhibited an increase of IL-12p40. Interestingly, transfection of macrophages with small interfering RNA duplexes for DUOX-2, EGFR, TLR4, or TRAF6 significantly blunted the increase of IL-12p40 in response to treatment with HNE plus LPS. U73122 and Rottlerin also inhibited the increased production of IL-12p40. In conclusion, HNE is involved in transactivation of TLR4 through activation of DUOX-2/EGFR and synergistically enhances IL-12p40 production by macrophages stimulated with LPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has a key role in the production of interleukin (IL)-12 by macrophages. IRF5 is also a central mediator of toll-like receptor signaling and is a direct target of p53. Activation of protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) upregulates p53 and suppresses apoptosis. This study investigated the influence of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) and PAR-2 agonists on expression of IRF5 and IL-12p40 by macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-dependent macrophages showed upregulation of IRF5 expression, while HNE reduced expression of p53 and IRF5 in a concentration-dependent manner. HNE also caused a concentration-dependent decrease of IRF5 in macrophages transfected with small interfering RNA to silence p53, while silencing of β-arrestin 2 blunted the reduction of p53 or IRF5 by HNE. Incubation of macrophages with a PAR-2 agonist, AC-264613, caused a decrease of IRF5 expression and also significantly reduced p53 protein expression. HNE upregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and caused transactivation of TLR4, while AC-264613 did not promote TLR4 transactivation. In conclusion, the PAR-2 agonist AC-264613 attenuated IRF5-associated IL-12p40 production by macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induces procoagulant activity of macrophages. Tissue factor (TF) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein and substance P (SP) is a pro-inflammatory neuropeptide involved in the formation of membrane blebs. This study investigated the role of SP in TF release by GM-CSF-dependent macrophages. SP significantly decreased TF levels in whole-cell lysates of GM-CSF-dependent macrophages. TF was detected in the culture supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after stimulation of macrophages by SP. Aprepitant (an SP/neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist) reduced TF release from macrophages stimulated with SP. Pretreatment of macrophages with a radical scavenger(pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate) also limited the decrease of TF in whole-cell lysates after stimulation with SP. A protein kinase C inhibitor (rottlerin) partially blocked this macrophage response to SP, while it was significantly inhibited by a ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) or a dynamin inhibitor (dinasore). An Akt inhibitor (perifosine) also partially blocked this response. Furthermore, siRNA targeting p22phox, β-arrestin 2, or Rho A, blunted the release of TF from macrophages stimulated with SP. In other experiments, visceral adipocytes derived from cryopreserved preadipocytes were found to produce SP. In conclusion, SP enhances the release of TF from macrophages via the p22phox/β-arrestin 2/Rho A signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims In obesity, infiltration of adipose tissue by proinflammatory immune cells causes chronic low-grade inflammation. We investigated the chemokine profiles of human visceral adipocytes by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and the effect of human neutrophil elastase (HNE) on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA and protein levels. Main methods Human adipocytes were obtained from cryopreserved omental preadipocytes of subjects with a body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m 2 or > 30 kg/m 2 and were cultured to assess chemokine production. Key findings Chemokine responses associated with obesity-related inflammation were well preserved in cultured human adipocytes derived from cryopreserved preadipocytes. Visceral adipocytes from subjects with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 expressed mRNA for MCP-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), epithelial cell-derived neutrophil-activating peptide-78 (ENA-78), interleukin-8 (IL-8), lymphotactin-β, and fractalkine. Although visceral adipocytes from subjects with a BMI < 30 kg/m 2 also expressed MCP-1, RANTES, ENA-78, and IL-8 mRNA, neither lymphotactin-β nor fraktalkine mRNA was detected. Interestingly, expression of MCP-1 mRNA was decreased significantly after exposure to HNE (85 × 10 3 μM/L), suggesting the induction of nuclear factor-kappa B repressing factor. Significance Adipocytes from subjects with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 or < 30 kg/m 2 have different chemokine profiles. Only adipocytes from subjects with a BMI > 30 kg/m 2 express lymphotactin-β and fractalkine mRNA. Differential chemokine profiles of visceral adipocytes contribute to infiltration of adipose tissue by adaptive immune cells. Neutrophil activation is involved in induction of nuclear factor-kappa B repressing factor, resulting in regulation of immune cell trafficking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have an important role in antimicrobial innate immunity and release substances that may modulate the immune response. We investigated the effects of soluble factors from NETs and neutrophil granule proteins on human monocyte function by using the Transwell system to prevent cell–cell contact. NET formation was induced by exposing human neutrophils to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). When monocytes were incubated with PMA alone, expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA was upregulated, but IL-10, IL-12, and interferon (IFN)-gamma mRNA were not detected. Incubation of monocytes with NETs enhanced the expression of IL-10 and IFN-gamma mRNA, but not IL-12 mRNA. Myeloperoxidase stimulated IFN-gamma production by monocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Both a nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor (PDTC) and an intracellular calcium antagonist (TMB-8) prevented upregulation of IFN-gamma production. Neither a combined p38alpha and p38beta inhibitor (SB203580) nor an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor (PD98059) suppressed IFN-gamma production. Interestingly, a combined p38gamma and p38delta inhibitor (BIRB796) significantly decreased IFN-gamma production. These findings suggest that myeloperoxidase induces IFN-gamma production by monocytes via p38gamma/delta mitogen-activated protein kinase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) promotes classically activated M1 macrophages. GM-CSF upregulates protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) protein expression and activation of PAR-2 by human neutrophil elastase (HNE) regulates cytokine production. Aim This study investigated the mechanism of PAR-2-mediated interleukin (IL)-13 production by GM-CSF-dependent macrophages stimulated with HNE. Methods Adherent macrophages were obtained from primary cultures of human mononuclear cells. After stimulation with HNE to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway, IL-13 mRNA and protein levels were assessed by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results PAR-2 protein was detected in GM-CSF-dependent macrophages by Western blotting. Unexpectedly, PD98059 (an ERK1 inhibitor) increased IL-13 production, even at higher concentrations. Interestingly, U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) reduced IL-13 production in a concentration-dependent manner. Neither SB203580 (a p38alpha/p38beta inhibitor) nor BIRB796 (a p38gamma/p38delta inhibitor) affected IL-13 production, while TMB-8 (a calcium chelator) diminished IL-13 production. Discussion Stimulation with HNE promoted the production of IL-13 (a Th2 cytokine) by GM-CSF-dependent M1 macrophages. PAR-2-mediated IL-13 production may be dependent on the Ca 2 + /ERK2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is often linked to the presence of type 2-polarized macrophages, which are induced by the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 (IL-13). IL-13 is a key mediator of tissue fibrosis caused by T helper type 2-based inflammation. Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the priming effect of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on IL-13 expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE. Adherent macrophages were obtained from primary cultures of human mononuclear cells. Expression of IL-13 mRNA and protein by GM-CSF-dependent macrophages was investigated after stimulation with HNE, using the polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. GM-CSF had a priming effect on IL-13 mRNA and protein expression by macrophages stimulated with HNE, while this effect was not observed for various other cytokines. GM-CSF-dependent macrophages showed a significant increase in the expression of protease activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) mRNA and protein. The response of IL-13 mRNA to HNE was significantly decreased by pretreatment with alpha1-antitrypsin, a PAR-2 antibody (SAM11), or a PAR-2 antagonist (ENMD-1068). These findings suggest that stimulation with HNE can induce IL-13 production by macrophages, especially GM-CSF-dependent macrophages. Accordingly, neutrophil elastase may have a key role in fibrosis associated with chronic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Monocytes and neutrophils are activated during disseminated intravascular coagulation. Tissue factor, the main initiator of coagulation, is expressed by monocytes, while elastase is released by neutrophils. Aims This study investigated tissue factor production by peripheral monocytes after stimulation with human neutrophil elastase. Methods Tissue factor mRNA levels were investigated by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and tissue factor protein production was assessed by western blotting when monocytes were exposed to neutrophil elastase with or without preincubation using various inhibitors. Results Neutrophil elastase upregulated tissue factor mRNA and protein levels in monocytes. Both U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor) and TMB-8 (intracellular calcium antagonist) prevented the upregulation of tissue factor mRNA. SB203580 (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor) suppressed this response, but PD98059 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor) did not. Ro-318425 (ATP-competitive and selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor) and Go 6976 (inhibitor of conventional PKCs and PKCμ) blocked the upregulation of tissue factor mRNA expression. Go 6983 (broad-spectrum PKC inhibitor) and CGP 4125 (staurosporine analog) partially attenuated it, as did a PKC theta/delta inhibitor. Conclusions Neutrophil elastase mainly enhances tissue factor production by monocytes via the phospholipase C/conventional PKC/p38 MAPK pathway, although a novel PKC is also involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using a transportable 3He spin filter neutron polariser, we have constructed a polarised thermal neutron diffraction (PND) instrument on a powder neutron diffractometer. To minimise the inhomogeneity of the magnetic fields around the 3He spin filter, an optimised compact non-adiabatic two-coil spin flipper for the PND instrument was developed. Magnetic field criteria were discussed for the design of the flipper. Using the PND instrument with the flipper, we succeeded in observing a difference in the magnetic field dependence of the deposited ferromagnetic phases in nanocomposite materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We measured neutron diffraction profiles of powdered KOD-doped D2O ice to investigate the formation and growth of ice XI, a deuterium-ordered phase of ice, from ice Ih, a disordered phase. During the measurements, the ice was annealed at 57K for about 17h, and then warmed up and kept at 68K for about 55h, which are below the transition temperature . The diffraction profiles for the doped ice at 57K did not change with time and were close to those for ice Ih with the deuterium-disordered arrangement. However, when the temperature increased from 57 to 68K, the diffraction profiles changed. We carried out the Rietveld analysis with the parameters for a two-phase model to obtain the structural evidence of the appearance and the growth of ice XI. The analysis provided evidence of ice XI as space group Cmc21 at 68K. The temporal increase of the mass fraction of ice XI showed that nucleation of ice XI began just after warming up to 68K. Then, ice XI grew for several days in the doped ice. This study provides first structural observations of the growth of ice XI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic and electrical properties are investigated for quaternary neodymium sulfides BaNd2TS5 (T=Co, Zn) through the specific heat, neutron diffraction, and electrical conductivity measurements. Their electrical conductivities show semiconductive behavior, which follows the Arrhenius temperature dependence with the activation energy of Ea=1.46 eV for BaNd2ZnS5 and Ea=1.19 eV for BaNd2CoS5. The specific heat of BaNd2ZnS5 has a λ-type anomaly at 2.8 K due to the antiferromagnetic ordering of the Nd3+ moments and a Schottky-type anomaly at around 60 K, which results from the crystal field splitting of the 4I9/2 ground state of the Nd3+ ion. The specific heat of BaNd2CoS5 shows two λ-type anomalies at 5.7 K due to the antiferromagnetic ordering of Nd3+ and at 58 K due to the antiferromagnetic ordering of Co2+. The latter overlaps with the Schottky-type anomaly due to the crystal field splitting of the Nd3+ ion. Neutron diffraction measurements for BaNd2CoS5 show that a magnetic arrangement of the Co2+ moments has a collinear antiferromagnetic structure, while that of the Nd3+ moments has a noncollinear one. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Magnetic and calorimetric properties of Ba3TbRu2O9 are reported. Neutron diffraction measurements show that this compound adopts the 6H-perovskite structure with space group P63/mmc, in which the cation sites within the face-sharing octahedra are occupied by Ru ions and those within the corner-sharing octahedra are occupied by Tb ions. The magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements indicate that an antiferromagnetic transition occurred at 9.5 K. Neutron diffraction data collected at 2 K show that Ba3TbRu2O9 has a long-range antiferromagnetic ordering of Tb4+ ions. The moments of Tb4+ ions order ferromagnetically in the c planes, and these ferromagnetic planes are stacked antiferromagnetically along the c-axis. The direction of ordered moments is parallel to the c-axis. The ordered magnetic moment of Tb4+ ions is 6.84(4) μB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Deals with a study which showed that floating-body effects cause the reduction of the saturation drive current in partially depleted silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET). Analyses of drive current in SOI MOSFET; Analyses of short channel effect in SOI MOSFET; Details of the proposed high drive current device structure.

Discusses the proposed partial trench isolated (PTI) technology and silicon-on-insulated technology (SOI) which realize stable operation without circuit-layout modifications and additional process steps. Claims of being immune from floating-body effects; Details of the speed-performance improvement of PTI-SOI technology; Significance of PTI technology on SOI applications.

Presents a study which proposed a 0.18 mum silicon-on-insulator (SOI) complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology using hybrid trench isolation with high resistivity substrate. Structure and advantages of hybrid trench isolation; Characteristics of SOI metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors; Conclusion.

We have made the Heusler-type Ni [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may contribute to hepatocellular necrosis in alcoholic hepatitis through neutrophil sequestration in hepatic sinusoids. It is well known that the female has a greater susceptibility to alcoholic liver injury than the male. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of long-term ethanol consumption on ability of the liver to produce cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1), the most potent neutrophil-chemokine in rats, after LPS administration. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the gender difference in this ability. Male and female rats were pair-fed a liquid diet containing 36% of the total calories as ethanol or dextrose for 6 to 8 weeks. They were given LPS intravenously, and chemokine mRNA expression in the liver was evaluated after 2 and 6 hr. To study the organ or chemokine specificity, CINC-1 mRNA expression in the spleen and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-l mRNA level were also determined. Serum ALT activity started to increase between 2 and 6 hr. Female rats fed an ethanol diet showed significantly higher ALT activity 6 hr after LPS injection than the male rats. CINC-1 mRNA expressions in the liver after 2 and 6 hr were significantly higher in the ethanol-fed group, compared with the pair-fed control. Female rats fed an ethanol diet showed a significantly higher level of CINC-1 mRNA in the liver than the male rats 2 hr after LPS injection. CINC-1 levels in the liver homogenates paralleled closely its mRNA expression, whereas its concentrations in sera did not correlate with those in the liver. Neither CINC-1 mRNA expression in the spleen nor MCP-1 mRNA expression in the liver was affected by ethanol feeding or gender. An additional experiment using the gonadectomized rats fed an ethanol diet showed that gonadectomy totally abolished the gender difference in CINC-1 mRNA of the liver. We conclude that CINC-1 induction in the liver may be responsible for LPS-induced hepatitis in the ethanol-fed rats, and that the difference in ability to produce CINC-1 between males and females is one important factor that may partly account for the gender difference of alcoholic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron and high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements have indicated a tetragonal zirconia phase with both an axial ratio of unity and internal shear deformation: The oxygen displacements from ideal fluorite positions of 0.088 and 0.078 Å are observed for 65 and 70 mol % CeO[sub 2]–ZrO[sub 2] samples, respectively, although both c/a values are 1.000±0.001. The c/a ratio decreases with increasing of CeO[sub 2] content and decreases discontinuously to unity around a 60 mol % CeO[sub 2] composition, while the oxygen displacement decreases continuously up to about 90 mol % CeO[sub 2]. © 1998 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the designed scheme for a low-voltage 16 MDRAM/silicon-on-insulator (SOI). Technologies for a low-voltage and high-speed SOI-DRAM; Device application; Conclusion.

• Substance P induces peroxynitrite generation via DUOX2. • The shedding activity of the ADAM family, induced by peroxynitrite, increases soluble fractalkine levels. • L-NAME decreases the shedding of membrane-bound fractalkine. • TRIM28/TIF1β and Fli-1 negatively regulate TGFβ1 expression to enhance NOS2/iNOS levels and the shedding of membrane-bound fractalkine by peroxynitrite. The chemokine fractalkine is synthesized as a membrane-bound protein, but studies have shown that serum levels of soluble fractalkine are elevated in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Patients with autoimmune diseases also have increased serum levels of neuropeptide substance P (SP). The shedding activity of the ADAM family is induced by peroxynitrite, but that of SP is unclear. Treatment of human macrophages with SP upregulated levels of membrane-bound fractalkine. Interestingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA) for DUOX2 further increased membrane-bound fractalkine but decreased soluble fractalkine compared with cells treated with SP alone. SP induced nitric oxide 2/inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2/iNOS) mRNA and increased levels of nitrotyrosine, a biomarker of peroxynitrite, whereas transfection with DUOX2 siRNA blunted upregulation of nitrotyrosine. Most importantly, N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) decreased protein levels of nitrotyrosine and concomitantly increased expression of membrane-bound fractalkine after exposure to SP. As for the signaling pathway of TGFβ1 (an inhibitor of iNOS mRNA expression), silencing of RNA for TAK-1 upregulated membrane-bound fractalkine, but silencing of RNA for the Smad family did not. Interfering RNA of transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) upregulated protein levels of TGFβ1/LAP. Most importantly, double transfection with siRNA for Sp1 and TRIM28/TIF1βor Fli-1 led to a significant increase in TGFβ1/LAP levels and a corresponding reduction of NOS2/iNOS, which inhibited the shedding of membrane-bound fractalkine. In conclusion, TRIM28/TIF1β and Fli-1 negatively regulate TGFβ1 expression to upregulate the generation of peroxynitrite, leading to increased shedding of membrane-bound fractalkine induced by SP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied pressure effects on the magnetic and electronic nature of layered oxysulfide Sr2Cu2CoO2S2 which crystallizes in an unusual intergrowth structure. The derivative permeability (dμ/dT) curves have a kink near Tt at which the antiferromagnetic nature is changed from 2D to 3D; Tt extremely rises with increasing pressure (dTt/dP=13.5 K/kbar), indicating that 3D antiferromagnetic state is more stable under pressure. The Tt in the dμ/dT curves correspond to the bending point of the resistivity, and above Tt the nearest-neighbor hopping conduction occurs. These features would be discussed from the viewpoint of the coupled nature of charge carriers and 2D antiferromagnetic spin ordering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]