Instability Phenomenon in Dip-Coating Process for Self-Assembly of Fine Particles and Design Countermeasures

The self-assembly of fine particles is a promising process for the production of nano-structures. In this process, aqueous suspension is often used. The spreading of the suspension on the substrate is a complex phenomenon that sometimes causes problems of instability. This paper discusses the instability phenomenon and proposes countermeasures from various aspects. It was found that special attention should be paid to the pattern design of site-selective assembly. Finally, complex structures made of particles of different sizes and materials are shown to demonstrate the improved stability after repeated dip-coating

Development to the blastocyst stage, the oxidative state, and the quality of early developmental stage of porcine embryos cultured in alteration of glucose concentrations in vitro under different oxygen tensions

BACKGROUND: Recent work has shown that glucose may induce cell injury through the action of free radicals generated by autooxidation or through hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase inhibition. The effect of glucose during early in vitro culture (IVC) period of porcine embryos on their developmental competence, contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), and the quality of the blastocysts yielded was examined. METHODS: In vitro matured and fertilized porcine oocytes were cultured for the first 2 days (Day 0 = day of fertilization) of IVC in NCSU-37 added with 1.5 to 20 mM glucose (Gluc-1.5 to -20 groups) or pyruvate and lactate (Pyr-Lac group). The embryos in all groups were cultured subsequently until Day 6 in NCSU-37 with 5.5 mM added glucose. The ROS and GSH level were measured at Day 1 and 2. DNA-fragmented nuclei and the total cell numbers in blastocyst were evaluated by TUNEL-staining at Day 6. RESULTS: Under 5% oxygen the blastocyst rates and total cell numbers in the blastocysts in all glucose groups were significantly lower than that in the Pyr-Lac group. Similar result in blastocyst rate was found under 20% oxygen (excluding the Gluc-10 group), but total cell numbers in the blastocysts was similar among the groups. At both oxygen tensions, the H2O2 levels of Day 1 embryos in all glucose groups were significantly higher than that in the Pyr-Lac group, while only the Gluc-1.5 group of Day 2 embryos showed a significantly higher H2O2 level than that in the Pyr-Lac group. The GSH contents of either Day 1 or Day 2 embryos developed under 5% oxygen were similar among the groups. Only the content of Day 2 embryos in 1.5 mM group was significantly lower than the embryos in the Pyr-Lac group under 20% oxygen. Total cell numbers in the blastocysts (except in the Gluc-20 group) were significantly lower in the embryos cultured under 20% oxygen than 5% oxygen. Only the Gluc-20 blastocysts developed under 5% oxygen showed significantly higher DNA fragmentation rate than those of Pyr-Lac blastocysts. CONCLUSION: These results show that a decrease in developmental ability of embryos cultured by use of glucose instead of pyruvate and lactate after the ferilization may be due to the rise in ROS generation in Day 1 embryos. Moreover, results from this study suggest that the concentration of glucose in the medium that can be used by the Day 1–2 embryos is limited to 3.5 mM and exposure to higher glucose concentrations does not improve embryo development

Comparison of prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hospital and community-based Japanese patients with schizophrenia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Lifestyle factors, such as an unbalanced diet and lack of physical activity, may affect the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the MetS prevalence between inpatients and outpatients among schizophrenic population in Japan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We recruited inpatients (n = 759) and outpatients (n = 427) with a <it>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</it>, fourth edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from 7 psychiatric hospitals using a cross-sectional design. MetS prevalence was assessed using three different definitions, including the adapted National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III-A).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall MetS prevalences based on the ATP III-A definition were 15.8% in inpatients and 48.1% in outpatients. In a logistic regression model with age and body mass index as covariates, being a schizophrenic outpatient, compared to being a schizophrenic inpatient, was a significant independent factor (odds ratio = 3.66 for males, 2.48 for females) in the development of MetS under the ATP III-A definition. The difference in MetS prevalence between inpatients and outpatients was observed for all age groups in males and for females over 40 years of age.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Japan had a high prevalence of MetS compared to inpatients. MetS in schizophrenic outpatients should be carefully monitored to minimize the risks. A change of lifestyle might improve MetS in schizophrenic patients.</p

Effect of age and disease on bone mass in Japanese patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND: There have been a limited number of studies comparing bone mass between patients with schizophrenia and the general population. The aim of this study was to compare the bone mass of schizophrenia patients with that of healthy subjects in Japan. METHODS: We recruited patients (n = 362), aged 48.8 ± 15.4 (mean ± SD) years who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV). Bone mass was measured using quantitative ultrasound densitometry of the calcaneus. The osteosono-assessment index (OSI) was calculated as a function of the speed of sound and the transmission index. For comparative analysis, OSI data from 832 adults who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project 2009 was used as representative of the general community. RESULTS: Mean OSI values among male schizophrenic patients were lower than those in the general population in the case of individuals aged 40 and older. In females, mean OSI values among schizophrenic patients were lower than those in the general community in those aged 60 and older. In an analysis using the general linear model, a significant interaction was observed between subject groups and age in males. CONCLUSIONS: Older schizophrenic patients exhibit lower bone mass than that observed in the general population. Our data also demonstrate gender and group differences among schizophrenic patients and controls with regard to changes in bone mass associated with aging. These results indicate that intervention programs designed to delay or prevent decreased bone mass in schizophrenic patients might be tailored according to gender

Electrical Conduction and Structure of Copper Atomic Junctions in the Presence of Water Molecules

We have investigated Cu atomic contacts in the presence of H2O both experimentally and theoretically. The conductance measurements showed the formation of H2O/Cu junctions with a fixed conductance value of around 0.1&nbsp;G0&nbsp;(G0&nbsp;= 2e2/h). These structures were found to be stable and could be stretched over 0.5 nm, indicating the formation of an atomic or molecular chain. In agreement with the experimental findings, theoretical calculations revealed that the conductance of H2O/Cu junctions decreases in stages as the junction is stretched, with the formation of a H2O/Cu atomic chain with a conductance of&nbsp;ca.&nbsp;0.1&nbsp;G0&nbsp;prior to junction rupture. Conversely, in the absence of H2O, the conductance of the Cu junction remains close to 1&nbsp;G0prior to the junction rupture and abrupt conductance drop

Adult Intussusception Due to Endometriosis Arising from the Uterine Tube: Report of a Case

Introduction: Endometriosis is a rare cause of intussusceptions in adults. Although intestinal endometriosis sometimes arises as a consequence of direct involvement of the pelvic organs with endometrial tissue, there is no report that this type of endometriosis causes ileocecal intussusception. Case presentation: Computed tomography assessment of a 40-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain revealed ileocecal intussusceptions. The patient was managed by endoscopic reduction followed by laparoscopic resection. Adhesion between the right uterine adnexa and caecum was identified during surgery; therefore, combined resection of the uterine adnexa and ileocecum was performed. Pathological findings revealed that endometriosis, arising from the uterine tube and directly involving the cecal wall, had caused the intussusceptions. Conclusion: Although rare, endometriosis should be considered as part of a differential diagnosis of intussusception in adult women who present with abdominal pain. A preoperative diagnosis is sometimes difficult, therefore, surgical resection could be a reasonable strategy to achieve a precise diagnosis