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We studied the distributions of the magnetic moment and magnetic volume of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). These distributions were estimated by applying the singular value decomposition method to the M-H curve measured in the liquid phase. The estimated distributions were compared with a mixture of log-normal distributions, and two results agree well with each other. Using the estimated distribution of the magnetic moment, we also analyzed the M-H curve of immobilized MNPs in order to estimate the average value of the anisotropy energy constant Ku and the characteristic time τON that determines the Neel relaxation of immobilized MNPs. The values Ku and τON are estimated as 4 kJ/m3 and 1 × 10-9 s, respectively, for Resovist MNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There is still a lack of evidence that minodronate or denosumab prevents bone loss due to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in non-Western patients. This study showed that both drugs significantly improved lumbar spine and total hip bone mineral density in Asian men with prostate cancer who received ADT. Introduction: To evaluate whether monthly oral minodronate or semiannual subcutaneous injection of denosumab improves bone mineral density (BMD) in Asian men with prostate cancer (PCa) receiving ADT. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled study including patients with hormone-sensitive PCa without bone metastasis receiving ADT was performed. Patients were randomized (1:1:1) to minodronate, denosumab, or no agent control groups. The primary end point was the mean percentage change in BMD at the lumbar spine at 12 months. Secondary end points were the mean percentage change in BMD at the femoral neck and total hip and changes in bone turnover markers. Statistical comparison was performed using analysis of covariance. Results: Of the 147 subjects enrolled in this study, 102 were randomly assigned into the minodronate (n = 36), denosumab (n = 36), and control (n = 30) groups. The percentage change in BMD at the lumbar spine was significantly improved in the minodronate (2.5%, p < 0.05) and denosumab groups (4.0%, p < 0.01) compared with that in the control group (− 0.1%). Denosumab increased BMD at the femoral neck and total hip at 12 months, whereas minodronate only increased BMD at the total hip compared with controls (all p < 0.05). The percentage change in bone turnover markers at 12 months was significantly lower in the minodronate and denosumab groups compared with that in the control group (both p < 0.01). Conclusion: Minodronate or denosumab can be used for preventing bone loss related to ADT in Asian patients with PCa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Do monosomy rescue (MR) and trisomy rescue (TR) in preimplantation human embryos affect other developmental processes, such as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI)?Summary Answer: Aneuploid rescue precedes XCI and increases the incidence of XCI skewness by reducing the size of the embryonic progenitor cell pools.What Is Known Already: More than half of preimplantation human embryos harbor aneuploid cells, some of which can be spontaneously corrected through MR or TR. XCI in females is an indispensable process, which is predicted to start at the early-blastocyst phase.Study Design, Size, Duration: We examined the frequency of XCI skewness in young females who carried full uniparental disomy (UPD) resulting from MR or TR/gamete complementation (GC). The results were statistically analyzed using a theoretical model in which XCI involves various numbers of embryonic progenitor cells.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: We studied 39 children and young adults ascertained by imprinting disorders. XCI ratios were determined by DNA methylation analysis of a polymorphic locus in the androgen receptor gene. We used Bayesian approach to assess the probability of the occurrence of extreme XCI skewness in the MR and TR/GC groups using a theoretical model of 1-12 cell pools.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: A total of 12 of 39 individuals (31%) showed skewed XCI. Extreme skewness was observed in 3 of 15 MR cases (20%) and 1 of 24 TR/GC cases (4.2%). Statistical analysis indicated that XCI in the MR group was likely to have occurred when the blastocyst contained three or four euploid embryonic progenitor cells. The estimated size of the embryonic progenitor cell pools was approximately one-third or one-fourth of the predicted size of normal embryos. The TR/GC group likely had a larger pool size at the onset of XCI, although the results remained inconclusive.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: This is an observational study and needs to be validated by experimental analyses.Wider Implications Of the Findings: This study provides evidence that the onset of XCI is determined by an intrinsic clock, irrespectively of the number of embryonic progenitor cells. Our findings can also be applied to individuals without UPD or imprinting disorders. This study provides a clue to understand chromosomal and cellular dynamics in the first few days of human development, their effects on XCI skewing and the possible implications for the expression of X-linked diseases in females.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was supported by the Grants-in-aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (17H06428) and for Scientific Research (B) (17H03616) from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), and grants from Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) (18ek0109266h0002 and 18ek0109278h0002), National Center for Child Health and Development and Takeda Science Foundation. The authors declare no conflict of interest.Trial Registration Number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of a magnetic fluid in a rotating magnetic field in the presence of thermal noise were studied by performing numerical simulations based on the Fokker-Planck equation. We first clarified the dynamic properties by numerical simulation such as the frequency dependence of the fluid magnetization, the field-dependent relaxation time, and the M-H curve in a rotating magnetic field. Using the simulation results, we modified an existing analytical model and obtained an empirical expression to quantitatively describe the particle dynamics. The simulation results were compared with experimental results in a rotating magnetic field. The frequency dependence of the magnetization of the magnetic fluid was measured over the linear and nonlinear regions. In order to make a quantitative comparison, the hydrodynamic and effective core size distributions were independently estimated from measurements of the ac susceptibility and the M-H curve. The phase lag and amplitude in a rotating magnetic field obtained from our simulation agreed well with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have examined the electronic properties of zinc-doped cubic boron nitride (cBN) thin films prepared by sputter deposition. The electric conductivity of films deposited in pure Ar increased as the concentration of zinc dopant increased, and hole conduction was identified by the measurement of thermoelectric currents. It was also found that the conductivity increment in such films was accompanied by a linear increase in the B/(B+N) ratio. At the same time, no modification of the composition and the conductivity by incorporated zinc was observed when film growth took place in presence of nitrogen gas. The effect of the excess boron on the conductivity emerged only when films show semi-insulating behavior. These results suggest that Zn substitution for nitrogen causes high electric conductivity of cBN. The electric contact between Ti electrode and semiconducting cBN was examined by the transfer length method, and Ohmic conduction was observed in the Ti/cBN contact. The specific contact resistance was affected by the specific resistance of cBN films, and it was reduced from 105 to 100 Ω cm2 by increasing the concentration of incorporated Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulation is conducted for Si cluster growth and transport processes during ultrafast deposition of microcrystalline Si for solar cell fabrication by thermal plasma chemical vapor deposition. Within the boundary layer just above the substrate, Si vapor is supersaturated during the quenching process, leading to the generation of Si clusters of various sizes under the effects of coagulation and evaporation. The transport process of these Si clusters within the plasma gas flow is investigated numerically by the continuum approach, taking into account convection and diffusion phenomena of clusters. The thermophoretic effects on cluster transport in terms of the deposition efficiency and the film growth rate are also investigated. It is found that the clusters in the nanosize range (<1 nm) are the dominant component among the deposition species and that the thermophoretic force F[SUBT] is a highly crucial factor for achieving the high film growth rate of above 100 nm/s and high deposition efficiency of around 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster transport and deposition processes under the effects of thermophoresis are numerically investigated in terms of thermal plasma deposition processes. The cluster transport equation is solved within a prescribed flow field, where it is assumed that clusters with a given uniform size are generated within the boundary layer. Cluster concentration and deposition flux are calculated for clusters in the size range of 1–6 nm. Results are also given for comparative cases without thermophoresis effects. It is found that the thickness of the concentration boundary layer is significantly suppressed by the thermophoretical force. The effect of thermophoresis plays a more dominant role than that of diffusion, thus an almost uniform deposition efficiency is achieved for clusters of different sizes. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising approach to obtain epitaxial films of oxide semiconductors was demonstrated, namely helicon-wave-excited-plasma sputtering epitaxy. Due to the surface-damage-free nature, completely α-axis-locked c(0001)-orientation ZnO epilayers were successfully grown on sapphire (0001) substrates having ultrasmooth surfaces with atomic steps. The ZnO epilayer exhibited a dominant near-band-edge photoluminescence (PL) peak at 300 K. Since the PL was considered to be due to the recombination of excitons bound to an impurity or a defect and certain tilting and twisting of the films were observed when Ar/O[sub 2] were used as sputtering gases, purification and optimization of the overall process are necessary to obtain improved epilayer qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which investigated the Foucault imaging method, a classical Lorentz microscopy technique, to demonstrate its applicability to observations of superconducting fluxons. Principle of the method and theoretical previsions; Experimental results; Conclusions.

Forest roads constructed by bulldozers change the physical environment within the forests. A litter-bag experiment using three substrates (wood blocks, and Shorea and Macaranga leaf litter) was performed to clarify the effects of forest roads on initial litter decomposition in tropical rainforests. The results showed that the wood blocks and leaf litter had different decomposition rates between locations (on the path vs. inside the forest). The wood blocks decomposed more slowly on the path than inside the forest, whereas Shorea leaf litter decomposed more quickly on the path than inside the forest. The lower moisture content of both Shorea and Macaranga leaf litter indicated a more pronounced drought condition on the path. The surface area of leaf litter decreased more in Macaranga than in Shorea, whereas the leaf mass per area showed the opposite trend. This findings suggested that Macaranga leaf litter mainly decomposed by fragmentation, whereas Shorea leaf litter mainly decomposed by microbial degradation and leaching, in addition to fragmentation. The results indicated that road disturbance changed the balance between fragmentation and other degradation processes. The findings also highlighted that assessing the loss of surface area and leaf mass per area is appropriate for evaluating the influence of different types of leaf litter decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen adsorption on surfaces and on defect sites of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) has been studied by using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic methods. The presence of hydrogen at defect sites bound to zinc vacancy with different coordinations has been confirmed. To further identify the existence of isolated VZn and H-VZn complexes in the ZnO NPs, coincidence Doppler broadening (CDB) spectroscopic studies have been performed with respect to the CDB spectra of a 99.9999% pure Al single crystal. The broad momentum dip ρL showed between 15-17 × 10−3 m0c suggests the trapping of positrons with the core electrons of 3p Zn. However, positron annihilation takes place between ρL 20-25 × 10−3 m0c and this may occur with an electron belonging to OH bonds (VZn-Hi-O). Here the lattice hydrogen H+ ion acts as a compensating centre, and it can bind with the VZn around the dislocation and stacking faults (SFs) core, which may produce the acceptor-type complex defect for p-type conductivity. Finally, the existence of SFs and dislocation defects, including edges and steps, was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheological changes of gelled montmorillonite dispersions with different NaCl concentrations and alkali conditions were evaluated by ultrasonic spinning rheometry. It uses velocity-profile information that is obtained in an open-cylindrical container under periodic oscillations. The measurement was conducted with a focus on the rheological behavior at a low shear rate O (1 s −1 ), which is difficult to measure because of shear banding. The rheometry represents the coexistence of gel and sol conditions in dispersions as profiles of the phase lag of oscillations that are propagated from the cylinder wall. The critical shear rate at a yielding point and the onset of shear-thinning behavior was quantified, which has been regarded as only an apparent or speculated value by many previous researchers. Viscoelasticity from particle networks in the dispersion was observed, and the networks deform like a spring, without breaking the structure under low-shear-rate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the luminescence and related characteristics for erbium-doped silica glass fibers for fibers and bulk material of calcium metaphosphate glass. Potential applications of erbium-doped silica fibers; Details on the experimental procedures; Discussion on the results of the study.

Studies the effect of the p/i interface layer on the open-circuit voltage through an analysis of the dark current-voltage (J-V) characteristics of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells. Factors that caused the degradation in the conversion efficiency of an a-Si/a-Si tandem solar cell; Discussion on open-circuit voltage and J-V curves under dark condition; Effect of the band gap of the i layer on the J-V curve of the sample cells.

Analyzes the etching of GaAs by HCI gas with emphasis on the quality of the heterointerfaces formed by the direct overgrowth of A1GaAs on the etched GaAs surfaces in an ultrahigh vacuum processing system. Details on the sample preparation procedures; Description of the properties of the interfaces.

Nocardia sp. is the causative agent of nocardiosis, a lethal granulomatous disease of the skin, muscle, and various inner tissues affecting various teleost and shellfish. Four species of Nocardia have been isolated from diseased fish and shellfish, namely Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia seriolae, Nocardia salmonicida and Nocardia crassostreae. Therefore, in fish aquaculture, nocardiosis has caused severe economic losses, especially in the Asian region. Considerable research has been performed, since the first report of identified Nocardia sp. in fish, to characterize Nocardia sp. and identify rapid detection techniques, immune response against infection and prophylactic approaches. In this review, the current state of knowledge about nocardiosis in fish has been presented, including the pathogenesis, diagnosis, host immune response and vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Herbivores sometimes suppress plant defences. This study tested whether the presence of pea aphids ( Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) on broad bean ( Vicia faba) led to decreased secretion of extrafloral nectar (EFN) which functions as an indirect plant defence against herbivores. 2. To determine effects of aphid infestation on EFN secretion, a comparison was done between EFN secretion in uninfested plants and that in plants infested by A. pisum and another aphid species ( Aphis craccivora Koch). 3. When broad bean plants were infested by A. pisum, they secreted significantly smaller amounts of EFN than did uninfested plants and A. craccivora-infested plants. There was no significant difference in EFN secretion between uninfested plants and A. craccivora-infested plants. The number of extrafloral nectaries did not differ among the three treatments. 4. These results suggest that A. pisum reduced EFN production in broad bean plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Roscoea is described and illustrated. Roscoea megalantha Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom occurs in the Eastern Zone of Bhutan and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh in India. A distribution map and an IUCN conservation assessment are given. A key to the three species of Roscoea found in Bhutan is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the small angle electron diffraction patterns of superconducting vortex lattices in niobium (Nb) thin films using a field emission transmission electron microscope. Foucault mode Lorentz microscopy of vortices; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Background: The analgesic efficacy of continuous transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks in comparison with that of single-injection TAP blocks is not clear. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the benefits of adding continuous TAP blocks to single-injection TAP blocks after a laparotomy.Methods: Eighty consecutive patients undergoing midline laparotomy for gynaecological cancer were randomized and received bilateral TAP infusions with either ropivacaine 0.1% (n=40, Rop group) or normal saline (n=40, NS group) at 10 ml h-1 per side for 50 h after surgery. After surgery, bilateral oblique subcostal TAP blocks were performed using ropivacaine 0.1%, 50 ml per side, and then catheters were threaded into the bilateral TAPs. Subsequently, continuous TAP infusions and patient-controlled i.v. morphine administration were initiated. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption by 24 h after TAP catheter placement. Secondary outcomes included pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting severity, and time to first ambulation and flatus.Results: The cumulative morphine consumption (median [interquartile range]) 24 h after TAP catheter placement was lower in the Rop group (0.25 [0.11-0.48] mg kg-1) than in the NS group (0.44 [0.24-0.73] mg kg-1; 95% confidence interval difference in medians, -0.30 to - 0.03; P=0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in the secondary outcomes, except for reduced pain scores in the Rop group obtained during coughing 1 and 24 h after TAP catheter placement.Conclusions: Addition of continuous TAP blocks to single-injection TAP blocks reduces pain and morphine consumption after a laparotomy for gynaecological cancer.Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identification number UMIN000013449 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the presence of prophages in Lactococcus garvieae isolated from several marine fish species in Japan. Representative strains of 16 bacterial genotypes (S1-S16) selected from more than 400 L. garvieae isolates were used to induce lysogenic bacteriophages. These strains were treated with 500 ng mL−1 freshly prepared mitomycin C. A cross-spotting assay was performed to validate the lysogenic and indicator strains. The lysogenic strains were selected for isolation and concentration of the phages. Phage DNA was digested with Eco RI for biased sinusoidal field gel electrophoresis analysis. Polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) was used to detect integrated prophage DNA. Of the 16 representative bacterial genotypes, 12 strains integrated prophages as indicated by the PCR assay, and 10 phages were detected and isolated using two indicator bacterial strains. Analysis of genomic DNA showed that these phages were homologous and named as PLgT-1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of PLgT-1 was consistent with the virus family Siphoviridae. PCR analysis of the prophage DNA revealed that all of the S1 genotype strains were lysogenic (30/30), but none of the S16 genotype strains were lysogenic (0/30). This is the first study to investigate lysogenic bacteriophages from L. garvieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we review recent progress in angle-resolved photoemission (ARPES) studies of the Mott-Hubbard-type correlated electron systems SrVO 3 . It has the d 1 electron configuration and is an ideal model compound to study electron correlation effects in normal metal. ARPES studies of bulk single-crystal SrVO 3 and CaVO 3 have revealed the difference in the mass renormalization of electrons between them. In - situ ARPES studies of thin films fabricated by the pulsed laser deposition method have clarified not only quasi-particle dispersions, which show a kink like high- T c cuprates, but also finite dispersions in the incoherent part. Self-energy in a wide energy range has been deduced from the ARPES spectral weight using Kramers–Kronig transformation. The obtained self-energy has several structures which yield the incoherent feature and a pseudogap-like dip similar to the high- T c cuprates. Quantum-well states in ultrathin films of SrVO 3 have revealed sub-bands with correlated electrons. These findings of electron correlation effects outlined in the present article would provide a starting point not only for fundamental condensed-matter physics but also for the development of new devices with correlated electrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated an alternative technique for ultrasound-guided proximal level obturator nerve block that might facilitate needle visualisation using in-plane ultrasound guidance. Twenty patients undergoing transurethral bladder tumour resection requiring an obturator nerve block were enrolled into a prospective observational study. With the patient in the lithotomy position, the transducer was placed on the medial thigh along the extended line of the inguinal crease, and aimed cephalad to view a thick fascia between the pectineus and obturator externus muscles that contains the obturator nerve. A stimulating nerve block needle was inserted at the pubic region and advanced in-plane with the transducer in an anterior-to-posterior direction. Eight ml levobupivacaine 0.75% was injected within the fascia. The median (IQR [range]) duration for ultrasound identification of the target and injection were 8.5 (7-12 [5-24]) s and 62 (44.5-78.25 [39-383]) s, respectively. All blocks were successful. A cadaver evaluation demonstrated that the dye injected into the target fascia using our technique travelled retrogradely through the obturator canal, and surrounded the anterior and posterior branches of the obturator nerve both proximally and distally to the obturator canal. We believe that this is a promising new technique for ultrasound-guided proximal level obturator nerve block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the superconducting gap and the pseudogap has been the subject of controversies. In order to clarify this issue, we have studied the superconducting gap and pseudogap of the high-Tc superconductor La2-xSrxCuO4 (x = 0.10,14) by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Through the analysis of the ARPES spectra above and below Tc, we have identified a superconducting coherence peak even in the antinodal region on top of the pseudogap of a larger energy scale. The superconducting peak energy nearly follows the pure d-wave form. The d-wave order parameter Δ0 [defined by Δ(k) = Δ0(cos kxa - cos kya) ] for x = 0.10 and 0.14 are nearly the same, Δ0 ∼ 12-14 meV, leading to strong coupling 2Δ0/kBTc ∼ 10. The present result indicates that the pseudogap and the superconducting gap are distinct phenomena and can be described by the "two-gap" scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the photocatalysis of dendritic nanostructured WO 3 /W composite materials fabricated by He plasma irradiation to tungsten plates, followed by the surface oxidation. The samples promoted the decolorization reaction of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under near infrared (NIR) light irradiation. To verify the MB molecule is actually decomposed by the photocatalysis of the samples, reaction products were analyzed by S K-edge XANES measurements for the MB solution kept with the samples under the light irradiation or in the dark. By the light irradiation, the σ * (S–C) peak in the XANES spectra reduced and a new peak originated from SO 4 2− species was clearly observed, suggesting that S–C bonds in a MB molecule are broken by the NIR light irradiation and finally the sulfur species exists in the solution in the state of SO 4 2− ion. After the adsorption reaction in the dark, the XANES spectra of the sample surfaces showed a sharp π * (S–C) peaks, indicating that MB molecules are adsorbed on the sample surfaces and stacked each other by the π – π interaction. These results demonstrate that the photocatalytic decomposition of MB molecules really proceeds over WO 3 /W composite materials even under NIR light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of artificial pinning centers such as BaHfO 3 (BHO), BaZrO 3 (BZO) and BaSnO 3 (BSO) into REBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (REBCO) coated conductor (CC) layers could improve the in-field critical currents ( I c ) in wide ranges of temperatures and magnetic fields. In particular, a combination of EuBCO + BHO has been found to be effective for attaining high in-field I c performance by means of IBAD/PLD process in short length samples. In this work, we have successfully fabricated a 93.7 m long EuBCO + BHO CC with 103 A/cm W at 77 K under a magnet field ( B ) of 3 T applied perpendicular to the CC ( B // c ). The 93.7 m long EuBCO + BHO CC had high uniformity of I c values and n -values without any trend of fluctuations, independent of the external field up to 0.3 T. I c – B –applied angle ( θ ) profiles of the 93.7 m long EuBCO + BHO CC sample showed the high in-field I c values in all directions of applied magnetic fields especially B // c (at θ ∼ 180°, I c = 157 A/cm W) at 77 K under 3 T. The profiles were about the same as those in a short length sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission study of the nodal quasiparticle spectra of the high-Tc cuprate trilayer Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ (Tc ~ 110 K). The spectral weight Z of the nodal quasiparticle increases with decreasing temperature across Tc. Such a temperature dependence is qualitatively similar to that of the coherence peak intensity in the antinodal region of various high-Tc cuprates, although the nodal spectral weight remains finite and large above Tc. We attribute this observation to the reduction of electron correlation strength in going from the normal metallic state to the superconducting state, a characteristic behavior of a superconductor with strong electron correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the complex harmonic signals from magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). We measured the complex harmonic signals from Resovist MNPs, one of the candidates for an MPI tracer, when only an ac excitation field and both the ac and the dc excitation fields were applied. To evaluate the complex harmonic magnetization spectra, we performed a numerical simulation accounting for the distributions of magnetic moments, anisotropy energy barriers, and hydrodynamic sizes of MNPs in the sample. The simulation results agreed well with experimentally obtained amplitude of the harmonic signals. The simulation results of the phase lag, which was caused by the finite relaxation time, agreed with the experiments for low harmonic numbers. The phase lag deviation between them became significant for higher harmonic numbers. For quantitative evaluation of the phase lag for higher harmonic numbers, a more accurate estimation of the Néel relaxation time is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The car-borne survey system KURAMA-II, developed by the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute, has been used for air dose rate mapping after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. KURAMA-II consists of a CsI(Tl) scintillation detector, a GPS device, and a control device for data processing. The dose rates monitored by KURAMA-II are based on the G ( E ) function (spectrum-dose conversion operator), which can precisely calculate dose rates from measured pulse-height distribution even if the energy spectrum changes significantly. The characteristics of KURAMA-II have been investigated with particular consideration to the reliability of the calculated G ( E ) function, dose rate dependence, statistical fluctuation, angular dependence, and energy dependence. The results indicate that 100 units of KURAMA-II systems have acceptable quality for mass monitoring of dose rates in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report peculiar momentum-dependent anisotropy in the superconducting gap observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy in BaFe2(As1-xPx)2 (x = 0.30, Tc = 30 K). Strongly anisotropic gap has been found only in the electron Fermi surface while the gap on the entire hole Fermi surfaces are nearly isotropic. These results are inconsistent with horizontal nodes but are consistent with modified s± gap with nodal loops. We have shown that the complicated gap modulation can be theoretically reproduced by considering both spin and orbital fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Simulated patients ( SPs) need education and training in required skills to be effective resources in education. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of an SP training programme based on the accuracy of trainee responses and the appropriateness of their feedback. Methods Thirty-two applicants to the training programme and 35 experienced SPs were included in this study. The experienced SPs served as a reference group. The rate of accurate responses and the rate of appropriate feedback were assessed with pre- and post-training tests, and these two outcome measures were compared with those of the experienced SPs. Results No significant differences were found in trainee response accuracy or appropriateness of feedback between pre- and post-training tests. The response accuracy rate of the trainees on the pre-training test was significantly lower than that of SPs with 1-2 years of experience, whilst there was no significant difference between these SPs and the trainees on the post-training test. Conclusions Although our study suggests that more training is needed to improve the skills of SPs, the training programme may contribute to helping trainees reach a novice level in the skill of providing accurate responses. SP training should be encouraged to contribute to the effectiveness of such teaching and to establish the validity of the assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of artificial pinning centers such as BaZrO 3 (BZO), BaSnO 3 (BSO), BaHfO 3 (BHO) nano-rods is effective to improve in-field critical currents ( I c ). In particular, the BHO doping into Gd 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ had been found to exhibit high in-field I c under wide ranges of temperatures and magnetic fields. Furthermore, a long coated conductor (CC) with high in-field properties and high uniformity was successfully fabricated by means of BHO doping. However, increase of the I c values exhibited somewhat in a saturated manner with thickening the superconducting films above 3 μm. In this work, a new combination of Eu 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (EuBCO) + BHO system was investigated using the IBAD/PLD process to improve in-field performance especially in thick films. As a result, it was found that a EuBCO + BHO film with 3.6 μm in thickness showed extremely high property of 141 A/cm-w measured at 77 K, 3 T. This high in-field I c value was tentatively explained due to suppression of a -axis oriented grains even in thick films. A 200 m long EuBCO + BHO CC with 55.5 A/cm-w and a 93.7 m long CC with 108 A/cm-w measured at 77 K, 3 T were successfully fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) study of BaNi2P2 that shows a superconducting transition at Tc ~ 2.5 K. We observed hole and electron Fermi surfaces (FSs) around the Brillouin zone center and comer, respectively, and the shapes of the hole FSs dramatically changed with photon energy, indicating strong three dimensionality. The observed FSs are consistent with band-structure calculations and de Haas-van Alphen measurements. The mass enhancement factors estimated in the normal state were m×/mb ⩽ 2, indicating weak electron correlation compared to typical iron-pnictide superconductors. An electronlike Fermi surface around the Z point was observed in contrast with BaNi2As2 and may be related to the higher Tc of BaNi2P2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape and motion of He crystals in superfluid placed on a transversely oscillating plate were investigated visually. The plate was glued onto a piezo post which was driven in a shear mode electrically. The purpose of the experiment was to drive a He crystal by a piezoelectric device which can be used to drive ordinary solids by the inchworm method. Facets of a single He crystal 3 mm in width were destroyed by a single sawtooth pulse of 1 ms duration at 0.4 K. In case of a larger crystal 7.5 mm in width and 0.8 mm in height, only one side of the crystal moved toward the center of the crystal, while the other side never moved despite application of 100 pulses at 10 ms intervals. Therefore, the crystal grew vertically and its height varied from 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm during the pulses. This anisotropic behavior had nothing to do with the direction of the sawtooth driver. Many of the observed behaviors were puzzling, but it can be said that the crystals responded to the oscillation sensitively and the sawtooth pulse induced a very anisotropic motion of the crystal surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Eribulin mesilate (eribulin), a non-taxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor, has shown trends towards greater overall survival (OS) compared with progression-free survival in late-stage metastatic breast cancer patients in the clinic. This finding suggests that eribulin may have additional, previously unrecognised antitumour mechanisms beyond its established antimitotic activity. To investigate this possibility, eribulin's effects on the balance between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in human breast cancer cells were investigated.Methods:Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, which are oestrogen receptor (ER−)/progesterone receptor (PR−)/human epithelial growth receptor 2 (HER2−) and have a mesenchymal phenotype, were treated with eribulin for 7 days, followed by measurement of EMT-related gene and protein expression changes in the surviving cells by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunoblot, respectively. In addition, proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were also conducted in eribulin-treated cells. To investigate the effects of eribulin on TGF-β/Smad signalling, the phosphorylation status of Smad proteins was analysed. In vivo, the EMT/MET status of TNBC xenografts in mice treated with eribulin was examined by qPCR, immunoblot, and immunohistochemical analysis. Finally, an experimental lung metastasis model was utilised to gauge the metastatic activity of eribulin-treated TNBC in the in vivo setting.Results:Treatment of TNBC cells with eribulin in vitro led to morphological changes consistent with transition from a mesenchymal to an epithelial phenotype. Expression analyses of EMT markers showed that eribulin treatment led to decreased expression of several mesenchymal marker genes, together with increased expression of several epithelial markers. In the TGF-β induced EMT model, eribulin treatment reversed EMT, coincident with inhibition of Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. Consistent with these changes, TNBC cells treated with eribulin for 7 days showed decreased capacity for in vitro migration and invasiveness. In in vivo xenograft models, eribulin treatment reversed EMT and induced MET as assessed by qPCR, immunoblot, and immunohistochemical analyses of epithelial and mesenchymal marker proteins. Finally, surviving TNBC cells pretreated in vitro with eribulin for 7 days led to decreased numbers of lung metastasis when assessed in an in vivo experimental metastasis model.Conclusions:Eribulin exerted significant effects on EMT/MET-related pathway components in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, consistent with a phenotypic switch from mesenchymal to epithelial states, and corresponding to observed decreases in migration and invasiveness in vitro as well as experimental metastasis in vivo. These preclinical findings may provide a plausible scientific basis for clinical observations of prolonged OS by suppression of further spread of metastasis in breast cancer patients treated with eribulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors affecting the distribution of continuous thoracic paravertebral block have never been examined. We designed this prospective, double-blind study to check whether continuous thoracic paravertebral block with a higher ropivacaine concentration would provide a wider segmental sensory block spread. Sixty consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy or segmentectomy were randomly allocated to receive continuous paravertebral infusion of either 0.2% or 0.5% ropivacaine (6 ml.h−1). The primary outcome was the number of anaesthetised dermatomes as determined by loss of cold sensation 24 h after surgery. Twenty-seven patients per group were included in the final analysis. The median (IQR [range]) number of anaesthetised dermatomes 24 h after surgery was 4 (3-6 [1-9]) with ropivacaine 0.2% and 4 (3-6 [2-11]) with ropivacaine 0.5% (p = 0.66). Contrary to our expectation, the segmental spread of sensory block produced by continuous thoracic paravertebral block does not depend on ropivacaine concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] There was a timing difference between lung injury and alveolar neutrophil infiltration. [•] Lung injury increased even after neutrophils disappearance in BAL fluid. [•] BAL neutrophils generated more MPO activity and ROS at later time point. [•] Alveolar oxidative stress and MPO activity persisted longer in ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the high-energy phosphate metabolism by 31 P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy during off-transition of exercise in different muscle groups, such as calf muscles and biceps femoris muscles, seven male long-distance runners ( LDR) and nine untrained males ( UT) performed both submaximal constant and incremental exercises. The relative exercise intensity was set at 60% of the maximal work rate (60% Wmax) during both knee flexion and plantar flexion submaximal constant load exercises. The relative areas under the inorganic phosphate ( Pi) and phosphocreatine ( PCr) peaks were determined. During the 5-min recovery following the 60% Wmax, the time constant for the PCr off-kinetics was significantly faster in the plantar flexion ( LDR: 17.3 ± 3.6 s, UT: 26.7 ± 6.7 s) than in the knee flexion ( LDR: 29.7 ± 4.7 s, UT: 42.7 ± 2.8 s, P < 0.05). In addition, a significantly faster PCr off-kinetics was observed in LDR than in UT for both exercises. The ratio of Pi to PCr ( Pi/ PCr) during exercise was significantly lower during the plantar flexion than during the knee flexion ( P < 0.01). These findings indicated that the calf muscles had relatively higher potential for oxidative capacity than that of biceps femoris muscles with an association of training status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the electronic structure of Ba(Fe1-xMnx)2As2 (x = 0.08), which fails to become a superconductor in spite of the formal hole doping like Ba1-xKJFe2As2, with photoemission spectroscopy and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). With decreasing temperature, a transition from the paramagnetic phase to the antiferromagnetic phase was clearly observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. XAS results indicated that the substituted Mn atoms form a strongly hybridized ground state. Resonance-photoemission spectra at the Mn L3 edge revealed that the Mn 3d partial density of states is distributed over a wide energy range of 2-13 eV below the Fermi level (EF), with little contribution around Ee. This indicates that the dopant Mn 3d states are localized in spite of the strong Mn 3d-As Ap hybridization and split into the occupied and unoccupied parts due to the on-site Coulomb and exchange interaction. The absence of superconductivity in Ba(Fe1-xMnx)2As2 can thus be ascribed both to the absence of carrier doping in the FeAs plane and to the stabilization of the competing G-type antiferromagnetic order by the Mn impurities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wavefunctions obtained from the Monte Carlo shell model (MCSM) calculation are investigated. It has been difficult to discuss the intrinsic structure of nuclei in conventional shell-model calculations. We propose a way to describe an intrinsic state in the MCSM and demonstrate the appearance of two- α-cluster structure in the Be ground state. The changes of cluster shape with respect to the number of major shell and basis is discussed. The shape of the Be ground state is also investigated. The behavior of valence neutron is consistent with the picture of molecular orbit state. The method is also applied to the He ground state, which is expected to have the asymmetric distribution of valence neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Fe-based superconductors, electron doping is often realized by the substitution of transition-metal atoms for Fe. In order to investigate how the electronic structure of the parent compound is influenced by Zn substitution, which supplies nominally four extra electrons per substituted atom but is expected to induce the strongest impurity potential among the transition-metal atoms, we have performed an angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurement on Ba(Fe1-xZnx)2As2 (Zn-122). In Zn-122, the temperature dependence of the resistivity shows a kink around T ~ 135 K, indicating antiferromagnetic order below the Néel temperature of TN ~ 135 K. In fact, folded Fermi surfaces (FSs) similar to those of the parent compound have been observed below TN. The hole and electron FS volumes are, therefore, different from those expected from the rigid-band model. The results can be understood if all the extra electrons occupy the Zn 3d state ~10 eV below the Fermi level and do not participate in the formation of the FSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]