The universe out of a monopole in the laboratory?

To explore the possibility that an inflationary universe can be created out of a stable particle in the laboratory, we consider the classical and quantum dynamics of a magnetic monopole in the thin-shell approximation. Classically there are three types of solutions: stable, collapsing and inflating monopoles. We argue that the transition from a stable monopole to an inflating one could occur either by collision with a domain wall or by quantum tunneling.Comment: to appear in Phys. Rev. D with changing title into "Is it possible to create a universe out of a monopole in the laboratory?", text and figures revised, 21 pages, 6 figure

An examination of free written recall tasks as listening comprehension tests

This small-scale study examined the concurrent validity and the construct validity of free written recall tasks as listening tests. Tasks have been used as an instrument to measure comprehension ability in reading and listening. In the tasks, test-takers are told to write everything they remember about the passage(s) they read or heard Tasks are considered to have the potential to clarify the comprehension process. At the same time, tasks have been criticized as being merely a test of memory ability. A multiple-choice task and a free written recall task were administered to 25 Japanese learners of English. Results showed a high correlation coefficient between the two tasks, and in addition, the free written recall task revealed a variety of listening processes, suggesting that the free written recall task is a useful tool as a test of listening comprehension ability.ArticleJABAET Journal. 9:49-62 (2005)journal articl

Perception of brightness when the eyes are closed

Color Research & Application. 2022, 48 (1), P.63-68journal articl

Simulation of I-V Hysteresis Branches in An Intrinsic Stack of Josephson Junctions in High TcT_c Superconductors

I-V characteristics of the high T$_c$ superconductor Bi$_2$Sr$_2$Ca$_1$C$_2$O$_8$ shows a strong hysteresis, producing many branches. The origin of hysteresis jumps is studied by use of the model of multi-layered Josephson junctions proposed by one of the authors (T. K.). The charging effect at superconducting layers produces a coupling between the next nearest neighbor phase-differences, which determines the structure of hysteresis branches. It will be shown that a solution of phase motions is understood as a combination of rotating and oscillating phase-differences, and that, at points of hysteresis jumps, there occurs a change in the number of rotating phase-differences. Effects of dissipation are analyzed. The dissipation in insulating layers works to damp the phase motion itself, while the dissipation in superconducting layers works to damp relative motions of phase-differences. Their effects to hysteresis jumps are discussed.Comment: 18 pages, Latex, 8 figures. To be appear in Phys.Rev.B Vol.60(1999

The efficacy of mirabegron additional therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms after treatment with α1-adrenergic receptor blocker monotherapy: prospective analysis of elderly men

BACKGROUND: Mirabegron is a β3-adrenoreceptor agonist developed for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). α1-Adrenergic receptor blockers are effective for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in male patients. However, the efficacy of mirabegron additional treatment in elderly male patients with persistent male LUTS, especially in OAB after monotherapy with α1-adrenergic blockers, is not fully understood. METHODS: This study was conducted in male LUTS patients who were ≥ 65 years of age and had persistent OAB symptoms, regardless of whether they took an α1-adrenergic receptor blocker orally. Before and 12 weeks after mirabegron additional therapy (50 mg once daily), we evaluated the efficacy of this treatment using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and changes in the maximum flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual urine volume (PVR). We evaluated patients overall and divided into two groups by age: young-old (from 65 to 74 years old) and old-old (from 75 to 84 years old). RESULTS: Fifty men were enrolled in this study. Mirabegron additional therapy improved the total OABSS, total IPSS, and IPSS-quality of life (QOL) score. The voided volume (VV) and Qmax improved after treatment in patients overall. However, there was no significant change in PVR. The total OABSS, total IPSS, and IPSS-QOL score significantly improved in both of the young-old and old-old groups. However, a significant increasing of VV was detected in the young-old group. There were no significant differences in the Qmax or PVR in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Mirabegron additional therapy was effective for male patients whose persistent LUTS and particularly OAB was not controlled with α1-adrenergic receptor blocker monotherapy, and mirabegron did not have negative effects on voiding function. Additionally, mirabegron additional therapy was considered effective regardless of patient age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number (TRN) trial registration number (TRN) and date of registration: ISRCTN16759097 in July 8, 2016

SURFACE MARKERS AND GENE EXPRESSION TO CHARACTERIZE THE DIFFERENTIATION OF MONOLAYER EXPANDED HUMAN ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTES

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a method of cartilage repair. To improve the quality of regenerated tissue by ACI, it is essential to identify surface marker expression correlated with the differentiation status of monolayer expanded human articular chondrocytes and to define the index for discriminating dedifferentiated cells from monolayer expanded human articular chondrocytes. Normal human articular chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer until passage 4. At each passage, mRNA expression of collagen type I, II, and X and aggrecan was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, and the surface marker expression of CD14, CD26, CD44, CD49a, CD49c, CD54, and CD151 was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The ratios of mRNA levels of collagen type II to I (Col II/Col I) represented the differentiation status of chondrocytes more appropriately during monolayer culture. The surface marker expression of CD44, CD49c, and CD151 was upregulated according to the dedifferentiation status, whereas that of CD14, CD49a, and CD54 was downregulated. The most appropriate combination of the ratio of Col II/Col I was CD54 and CD44. Cell sorting was performed using a magnetic cell sorting system (MACS) according to CD54 and CD44, and real-time quantitative PCR was performed for the cell subpopulations before and after cell sorting. The expression of collagen type II and aggrecan of the chondrocytes after MACS was higher than that before sorting, but not significantly. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ratio of CD54 to CD44 could be an adequate candidate as the index of the differentiation status

Implicitly and explicitly measured attitudes towards foreigners: A dual-process model perspective

Intergroup attitudes are one of the individual difference constructs which may influence motivation to learn a second language (L2) or willingness to communicate in an L2. Drawing on the APE model (a dual-process model which postulates the distinction between explicitly and implicitly measured attitudes), the current study examined 71 Japanese university students' attitudes towards foreigners by utilizing three types of attitudinal measures: self-evaluation about one's prejudice towards foreigners, verbal reports of images about foreigners, and one's implicit association scores obtained by means of the filtering unconscious matching implicit emotions (FUMIE) test. Results indicated that the participants tended to respond in a neutral way on the self-evaluation, whereas the FUMIE test indicated significantly positive attitudes towards foreigners. Further, a dissociation of implicitly and explicitly measured attitudes was found. Finally, the three measures had no significant impact on motivational intensity. The findings are discussed in terms of the dual-process model of attitudes, and implications are provided for future research on intergroup attitudes in the field ofL2 learning and communication.ArticleJABAET Journal. 14/15:39-58 (2011)journal articl