The Excess of HERA High−Q2-Q^2 Events and Leptoquarks in a Left-Right Symmetric Preon Model

An interpretation that the HERA excess events are due to intermediate production and decay of composite leptoquarks in the left-right symmetric preon model is given. Because of the preon-line rule, expected to be valid well, the event-ratio of neutral to charged current interactions is predicted to be one.Comment: 7 page

Studies on sinter deposits in Misasa radioactive hot springs (2nd report)

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of sinter deposits in a distributing pipe used for seventeen years (Sample No.1) and adhere to bathtub wall for eleven years (Sample No.2 and Sample No.3) in Misasa radioactive hot springs were investigated. The results were as follows ; (1) The color of deposits of Sample No.1 and Sample No.2 was black and the color of deposits of Sample No.3 was white. The metal elements in these deposits were qualitative analysed by spectraspan plasma emission spectrophotometry (SPES) and by fluorescent X-ray spectrometry. Following elements were detected, in Sample No.1 : Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, As, Sr, Ba, Mo, and Pb, in Sample No.2 : Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Ba, Pb and Cl and in Sample No.3 : Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba, S, and Cl, (2) The metal elements in these deposits were quantitative analysed by SPES, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and emission spectrophometry. Following elements were determined, in Sample No.1 ; Mn : 411.6, Fe : 65.7, Ba : 20.0, Ca : 11.9, Na : 5.7, Cu : 4.5, K : 4.2, Sr : 2.9, Zn : 2.6, Mg : 1.4, in Sample No.2 ; Mn : 248.2, Fe : 28.5, Ba : 15.6, Ca : 25.0, Mg : 10.5, Na : 9.3, Cu : 5.4, K : 4.9, Sr: 7.4, Zn : 3.3, and in Sample No.3 ; Ca : 275.2, Sr : 32.4, Mg: 12.4, Na: 18.7, K: 5.0, Mn: 1.7 and Fe: 0.6mg per gram. The main components of these deposits were manganese compounds (Sample No.1 and Sample No.2) and calcium compounds (Sample No.3). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of barium in sinter deposits of Misasa spa was done by authers for the first time. (3) Radioactivity in these deposits were observed by autoradiography. Among the radioactive elements, concentration of radium were 3.41×10(-8) Ci/g (Sample No.1), 4.70×10(-9) Ci/g (Sample No.2) anp 2.36×10(-11) Ci/g (Sample No.3), respectively

Dye sensitization of polymer/fullerene solar cells incorporating bulky phthalocyanines

The light-harvesting efficiency of P3HT:PCBM solar cells can be improved by incorporating near-IR dye molecules such as silicon phthalocyanine derivatives with bulky axial groups (SiPc). In order to study the size effect of the axial groups on the dye sensitization in P3HT:PCBM solar cells, we synthesized five SiPc derivatives with different axial groups: SiPc[OSi(C_{n}H_{2n+1})_{3}]_{2} (SiPcn, n = 2, 3, 4, 6) and SiPc[OSi(iBu)_{2}C_{18}H_{37}]_{2} (SiPcB18). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) increased in the order of n = 2–4, reached the maximum at around n = 4 and 6, and then decreased for SiPcB18 with the longest axial groups. As a result, the PCE was improved to 4.2%, which is larger by 10% than that of P3HT:PCBM control cells without dye molecules. We therefore conclude that the butyl or hexyl chain in the axial ligand is the most appropriate for the dye sensitization in P3HT:PCBM solar cells

Deformation of a red blood cell in a narrow rectangular microchannel

The deformability of a red blood cell (RBC) is one of the most important biological parameters affecting blood flow, both in large arteries and in the microcirculation, and hence it can be used to quantify the cell state. Despite numerous studies on the mechanical properties of RBCs, including cell rigidity, much is still unknown about the relationship between deformability and the configuration of flowing cells, especially in a confined rectangular channel. Recent computer simulation techniques have successfully been used to investigate the detailed behavior of RBCs in a channel, but the dynamics of a translating RBC in a narrow rectangular microchannel have not yet been fully understood. In this study, we numerically investigated the behavior of RBCs flowing at different velocities in a narrow rectangular microchannel that mimicked a microfluidic device. The problem is characterized by the capillary number Ca, which is the ratio between the fluid viscous force and the membrane elastic force. We found that confined RBCs in a narrow rectangular microchannel maintained a nearly unchanged biconcave shape at low Ca, then assumed an asymmetrical slipper shape at moderate Ca, and finally attained a symmetrical parachute shape at high Ca. Once a RBC deformed into one of these shapes, it was maintained as the final stable configurations. Since the slipper shape was only found at moderate Ca, measuring configurations of flowing cells will be helpful to quantify the cell state.Takeishi, Naoki, Hiroaki Ito, Makoto Kaneko, and Shigeo Wada. 2019. "Deformation of a Red Blood Cell in a Narrow Rectangular Microchannel" Micromachines 10, no. 3: 199. https://doi.org/10.3390/mi1003019

Successful treatment of intractable pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency by surgery and FXIII replacement therapy : A case report

Pseudomeningocele is an extradural cystic collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is rare and typically asymptomatic. However, pseudomeningocele is sometimes associated with symptoms. Whether symptomatic pseudomeningocele is best treated conservatively or surgically remains controversial. Factor XIII (FXIII) is a blood coagulation factor that also promotes fibroblast proliferation during wound healing. Although treatment of postsurgical CSF leakage with FXIII has been reported, there have been no reports on surgical treatment and FXIII replacement therapy of pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency. We report a case of pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency that was successfully treated by surgery and FXIII replacement therapy. The patient presented with symptoms of intracranial hypotension syndrome that had started a few months after laminectomy for thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum 2 years earlier. Magnetic resonance imaging and delayed computed tomography myelography confirmed a diagnosis of pseudomeningocele. Epidural blood patch treatment was performed twice but did not result in improvement. Furthermore, the FXIII level decreased to 56%, so the patient was also diagnosed as having acquired FXIII deficiency. We elected to treat the patient by surgery with FXIII replacement therapy. The dural injury was repaired using an artificial dura mater patch, fibrin glue, and polyglycolic acid sheets. The FXIII level was 74%–135% during the perioperative period. The patient had a good postoperative course. Postoperative magnetic resonance images showed resolution of the pseudomeningocele. There was no recurrence during 6 months of follow-up. Perioperative FXIII replacement may be a useful treatment for pseudomeningocele with FXIII deficiency

Studies on sinter deposit Misasa radioactive hot springs

Sinter deposit in a distributing pipe used for about fifteen years in Misasa radioactive hot springs was investigated. The results were as follows; 1. The metal elements in this deposit were quaIi. tatively analysed by spectraspan plasma emission spectrophotometry (SPES), by fluorescent X-ray spectrometry, and following elements were detected; B, Na, Mg, AI, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Ba and Pb. 2. The metal elements in this deposit were quantatively analysed by SPES and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and following elements were determined; Fe : 508.7, As: 26.40, Ca: 7.85, Mn : 2.00, Al : 1.80, Na: 1.60, Zn: 1.33, K: 0.80, Cu: 0.67, Sr: 0.47, Mg: 0.35, Ba: 0.33 and B : 0.30 mg per gram. The color of this deposit was red brown, and the main component was ferric oxide. 3. Radioactive elements in this deposit were detected by autoradiography and radioluxography. Among the radioactive elements, concentration of radium was 320.5×10(-12)g/g (313.0×10(-12)Ci/g)