SCOP, a novel gene product expressed in a circadian manner in rat suprachiasmatic nucleus

AbstractTo elucidate the mechanism of the circadian rhythm, genes differentially expressed during subjective day and night in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a circadian oscillator in mammals, were surveyed by a differential display method. We isolated a novel gene, scop (SCN circadian oscillatory protein), that was expressed in a circadian manner in the SCN. SCOP protein is predominantly expressed in the brain and has domains including a pleckstrin homology domain, leucine-rich repeats, a protein phosphatase 2C-like domain and a glutamine-rich region. The structural feature of SCOP protein suggests its role in the intracellular signaling in the SCN

Nanoscale Cu Wiring by Electrodeposition in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Emulsified Electrolyte

Novel electrodeposition (ED) techniques utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) emulsions (SCE) are introduced. ScCO2 has low surface tension and high compatibility with hydrogen. Thus, this method is applied in fine Cu wiring to allow the complete filling of Cu into nanoscale confined space. The electrochemical reactions are carried out in emulsions composed of an aqueous electrolyte, scCO2, and surfactants. Three aspects in fine Cu wiring will be introduced, which are the dissolution of the Cu seed layer in the SCE, the gap-filling capability of the ED-SCE, and the contamination in the plated Cu. At first, the dissolution of the Cu seed layer in the SCE was observed. In order to prevent the dissolution of the Cu seed layer, the addition of Cu particles into the SCE was found to be effective. The electrolyte containing the SCE and the Cu particles is named scCO2 suspension (SCS). The gap-filling capability was evaluated using test element groups (TEGs) with patterns of vias with a diameter of 70 nm and an aspect ratio of 5. Many defects were observed in the vias filled using the conventional electrodeposition (CONV) method. On the other hand, defect-free fillings were obtained by the ED-SCS method. Because of the high-pressure environment needed to form the scCO2, the reaction cells are usually batch-type high-pressure vessels. In order to improve the feasibility of the ED-SCS technique, a continuous-flow reaction system is also proposed and examined using a round-type large-area TEG with a diameter of 300 mm. Complete fillings were obtained for vias with a diameter of 60 nm and an aspect ratio of 5 on the large-area TEG. This result was in good agreement with that of the batch-type reaction system and demonstrated the successful application of the continuous-flow system with ED-SCS

Chemotherapy-Induced Oesophageal Stricture in a Child with Osteosarcoma: A Case Report

Treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is known to be associated with oesophageal stricture in both children and adults with malignancies. However, oesophageal stricture resulting from chemotherapy alone is a rare complication, with few reports on it. We experienced a rare paediatric case of oesophageal stricture caused by chemotherapy for osteosarcoma of the left distal femur. After completion of the chemotherapy course, the patient showed dysphagia caused by the oesophageal stricture and underwent balloon dilatation for the oesophageal stricture. After balloon dilatation, he was able to ingest solid foods, and the oesophagus was normal without any strictures at the last follow-up (20 months after ballooning). Therefore, oesophageal stricture should be considered as a complication of treatment with chemotherapy alone in children with malignancies