Surface Charge-Density Wave on the One-Dimensional Organic Conductor β-(BEDT-TTF)2PF6

We performed STM and theoretical studies of the surface of β-(BEDT-TTF)2PF6 which is known to show a metal-insulator transition at 297 K with the nesting vector of Qbulk = a*+0.5c* as a bulk phase. Two typical charge-density wave (CDW) phases with QS1 = 0.13a*+0.26c* and QS2 = 0.19a*+0.20c* were observed at 285 K on the surface. The observed structures were correlated well with the analysis of the susceptibility χ(Q), given the incomplete surface-charge transfer in the polar surface of this material. This is the first observation of surface CDW phases that reflect the characteristics of the electronic structure. These results suggest the possible discovery of other surface properties, such as surface superconductivity, in organic materials with a polar surface

Ambipolar Organic Field-Effect Transistors Based on Indigo Derivatives

In order to improve the ambipolar performance of indigo-based semiconductors, we have investigated halogen-substituted (1 - 4) and phenyl-substituted (5) indigo derivatives at the 5-position. We show that introduction of iodine atoms, namely 5,5'-diiodoindigo (4), leads to the strong halogen-halogen interaction (iodine-iodine interaction) that gives a significant effect on the molecular packing. Thanks to the supramolecular network coming from the extra iodine-iodine interaction, the molecules are arranged approximately perpendicular to the substrate in the thin film. This results in remarkable transistor performance of the maximum hole and electron mobilities (µh/µe) = 0.42/0.85 cm2V–1s–1, which are one of the highest among small-molecule ambipolar organic transistors. Furthermore, introducing phenyl groups, 5 improves the transistor performances up to the maximum mobilities µh/µe = 0.56/0.95 cm2V–1s–1. We have found that the phenyl groups destroy the standard molecular packing of indigo to achieve a unique structure that is a hybrid of the herringbone and brickwork structures

Ectopic Varices Rupture in the Gastroduodenal Anastomosis Successfully Treated with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate Injection

The term &#34;ectopic varices&#34; is used to describe dilated portosystemic collateral veins in unusual locations other than the gastroesophageal region. We recently experienced a rare case of ectopic varices that developed in the gastroduodenal anastomosis after subtotal gastrectomy. A 70-year-old male with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection was admitted for hematemesis and tarry stool. He had received a subtotal gastrectomy with the Billroth-I method for gastric ulcer at 46 years of age. Although emergency endoscopy revealed esophageal and gastric fundal varices, there were no obvious bleeding points. After removal of the coagula, ectopic varices and a fibrin plug were observed on the gastroduodenal anastomosis. During the observation, blood began to spurt from the fibrin plug. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate with lipiodol injection succeeded in hemostasis. Splenic angiography showed gastric varices feeding from a short gastric vein and the posterior gastric vein. The blood flow around the bleeding point, as indicated by lipiodol deposition, had decreased, and no feeding vein was observed. Endoscopic and angiographic findings are shown and the treatment for such lesions is discussed.</p

Gene Expression Profiles of the Cochlea and Vestibular Endorgans: Localization and Function of Genes Causing Deafness

Objectives: We sought to elucidate the gene expression profiles of the causative genes as well as the localization of the encoded proteins involved in hereditary hearing loss. Methods: Relevant articles (as of September 2014) were searched in PubMed databases, and the gene symbols of the genes reported to be associated with deafness were located on the Hereditary Hearing Loss Honnepage using localization, expression, and distribution as keywords. Results: Our review of the literature allowed us to systematize the gene expression profiles for genetic deafness in the inner ear, clarifying the unique functions and specific expression patterns of these genes in the cochlea and vestibular endorgans. Conclusions: The coordinated actions of various encoded molecules are essential for the normal development and maintenance of auditory and vestibular function.ArticleANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY. 124:6S-48S (2015)journal articl

Coexpression of Ang1 and Tie2 in Odontoblasts of Mouse Developing and Mature Teeth?A New Insight into Dentinogenesis

Agiopoieten regulates vascular angiogenesis and stabilization, and is reported to promote bone formation by facilitating angiogenesis. To estimate the role of Ang1 in odontogenesis, we explored the distribution of Ang1 and the receptor, Tie2 in the mouse developing and mature first molar of the mandible. At embryonic day 18, when differentiation of odontoblasts begins, immunosignals for Ang1 were intensely detected in the basement membrane and the distal side, which faced the basement membrane of odontoblasts. In situ hybridization revealed that Ang1 was expressed in odontoblasts and ameloblasts facing the basement membrane. Tie2 was localized in the distal side of odontoblasts. After birth, Ang1 was detected in the predentin, whereas both Ang1 and Tie2 were colocalized in odontoblasts and odontoblast processes. These distributions were retained up to 8 weeks. In contrast to odontoblasts, ameloblasts, cementoblasts and osteoblasts expressed Ang1 but did not express Tie2. Colocalization of Ang1 and Tie2 in odontoblasts and selective expression of Tie2 in odontoblasts among cells responsible for calcified tissue formation suggested the involvement of autocrine signals of Ang1-Tie2 in dentinogenesis