Diversity of glial cell components in pilocytic astrocytoma

To characterize the cellular density and proliferative activity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-negative cells in pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), surgically excised tissues of PAs (n=37) and diffuse astrocytomas (DAs) (n=11) were examined morphologically and immunohistochemically using antibodies against GFAP, Olig2, Iba1 and Ki-67 (MIB-1). In PA, Olig2 immunoreactivity was significantly expressed in protoplasmic astrocytes in microcystic, loose areas and cells in oligodendroglioma-like areas. Iba1-positive, activated microglia/macrophages were also commonly observed in microcystic areas. In compact areas, a prominent reaction for GFAP was observed, but for Olig2 and Iba1 to a lesser degree. On semiquantitative analysis, the number of Olig2-positive cells was significantly higher in PAs (mean labeling index (LI) ± standard deviation (SD): 46.8 ± 15.4%) than in DAs (13.3 ± 7.8%) (P<0.001). Many Iba1-positive, microglia/macrophages were observed in PAs (19.9 ± 6.5%), similarly to DAs (20.9 ± 9.9%). Re-immunostaining of PA demonstrated that most Ki-67-positive, proliferating cells expressed Olig2, whereas GFAP or Iba1 expression in Ki-67-positive cells was less frequent (14.7 ± 13.7%, and 8.8 ± 13.6%) in a double immunostaining study. Conversely, the percentage of Olig2-positive, proliferating cells in total Olig2-positive cells (7.2 ± 3.9%) was higher than that of Iba1-positive, proliferating cells in total Iba1-positive cells (0.9 ± 0.6%). In conclusion, the present study found that PA consisted of numerous GFAP-negative cells, including Olig2-positive cells with high proliferation. Semiquantitative analysis of Olig2 immunohistochemistry in microcystic areas might therefore be useful for the differential diagnosis of PA and DA学位記番号：医博甲1088, 学位の種類：博士（医）, 学位授与年月日：平成20年3月25

Photoionization-induced large-amplitude pendular motion in phenol(+)-Kr

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.The dynamics of the intermolecular motion of the phenol+–Kr cation generated by photoionization of the neutral π-structure is probed by picosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The spectrum at zero delay displays only the free OH stretch band of the π-structure. The appearance of the hydrogen-bonded OH stretch band of the H-structure after a few ps is due to ionization-induced π → H site switching. Spectra at long delay (>20 ns) show that the Kr atom delocalizes from one π-site of the aromatic ring to the opposite π-site via the OH-site, like a pendular motion in the classical picture

Ionization-induced pi -> H site switching dynamics in phenol-Ar-3

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Electronic excitation spectra of the S1 ← S0 transition obtained by resonance-enhanced two-photon ionization (REMPI) are analysed for phenol–Arn (PhOH–Arn) clusters with n ≤ 4. An additivity rule has been established for the S1 origin shifts upon sequential complexation at various π binding sites, which has allowed for the identification of two less stable isomers not recognized previously, namely the (2/0) isomer for n = 2 and the (2/1) isomer for n = 3. Infrared (IR) spectra of neutral PhOH–Arn and cationic PhOH+–Arnclusters are recorded in the vicinity of the OH and CH stretch fundamentals (νOH, νCH) in their S0 and D0 ground electronic states using IR ion dip spectroscopy. The small monotonic spectral redshifts ΔνOH of about −1 cm−1 per Ar atom observed for neutral PhOH–Arn are consistent with π-bonded ligands. In contrast, the IR spectra of the PhOH+–Arn cations generated by resonant photoionization of the neutral precursor display the signature of H-bonded isomers, suggesting that ionization triggers an isomerization reaction, in which one of the π-bonded Ar ligands moves to the more attractive OH site. The dynamics of this isomerization reaction is probed for PhOH+–Ar3 by picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy. Ionization of the (3/0) isomer of PhOH+–Ar3(3π) with three π-bonded Ar ligands on the same side of the aromatic ring induces a π → H switching reaction toward the PhOH+–Ar3(H/2π) isomer with a time constant faster than 3 ps. Fast intracluster vibrational energy redistribution prevents any H → π back reaction

Emotion-reacting fashion design: intelligent garment and accessory recognizing facial expressions

Although mental disorders have emerged as serious social challenges, social stigma, including prejudice and misunderstanding, hinder suitable treatment for the patients. It is crucial to monitor our internal psychological and emotional states to avoid the unconscious progression of mental disorders. This research aims to achieve emotion-reacting garments and accessories, based on a passive and continuous emotion recognition system in real time. First, this study proposes a systematic design for emotion-reacting garments and accessories, which employs emotion estimation based on facial expressions. Next, emotion-reacting fashion design is discussed for intelligent garments and accessories that interact with our bodies and mind. To achieve this system, a functionally extended collar made of transparent polycarbonate material is designed for integration with the digital camera modules. In addition, this study discusses how to create a physical stimulus on emotion-reacting garments and accessories. The intelligent garments and accessories using RGB-LEDs create visual effects that reflect emotions. In terms of audio effects, emotion-related keywords are employed to select the music played in intelligent garments. Finally, prototypes reacting to emotions are show

Difficulties and Coping Strategies Experienced by Employed People with HIV in Japan: A Qualitative Study Comparing High and Low Sense of Coherence Groups

People with HIV experience anxiety about discrimination in the workplace and disclosing their disease. Effective coping ability toward HIV-related challenges may be associated with a person’s sense of coherence (SOC). This study describes the range of difficulties HIV-positive individuals experience and their coping strategies, especially in the workplace. The experiences of those with high and low SOC are compared. Data were collected in Japan from 2007 to 2009 using a qualitative approach. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 40 participants with HIV with work experience. Interviews focused on individual’s perspectives, including self-perceptions of physical and mental functioning, work conditions, and perceived changes in their circumstances. Participants were divided into high and low SOC groups based on SOC-13 scores. A number of categories and subcategories of experiences were extracted, including “acute feeling of the severe social positioning of HIV,” with some categories specific to those with low SOC. Those with high SOC appeared to have a unique perspective that supported more successful coping, for example, “Awareness of death is linked to valuing living in the present,” “Do not be discouraged by uncertainties and difficulties,” and so on. It suggests that development of coping skills may help people with HIV

Structural motifs of 2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethylamine conformers

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Vibronic and vibrational spectra of 2-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-ethylamine (2-FPEA) conformers were measured in a molecular beam by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI), ultraviolet-ultraviolet hole burning (UV-UV HB) spectroscopy, and ionization-loss stimulated Raman spectroscopy (ILSRS). The measured ILSR spectral signatures in the survey spectra of the amino group region and in the broad spectral range revealed the presence of five different conformers, which were confirmed by the HB spectra. The determination of the structures of the conformers of 2-FPEA was assisted by quantum chemical calculations of the torsional potential energy surface and of the scaled harmonic Raman spectra. Comparison of the measured ILSR spectra with the calculated Raman spectra allowed us to identify one gauche structure with the ethylamino side chain folded toward the fluorine atom, two gauche structures with the ethylamino side chain folded to the opposite side and two anti conformers with extended tails. The effect of fluorination on the spectra and on the stability and structures of these species is discussed