Compressible bag model and the phase structure

The phase structure of hadrons and quark-gluon plasma is investigated by two types of equation of hadron state, namely ideal hadron gas model and the compressible bag model. It is pointed out that, while the ideal gas model produces unrealistic extra hadron phase, the compressible bag model gives an expected and reasonable phase diagram even if rich hadron spectrum is taken into account.Comment: 14 pages, 11 figures, LaTeX2

Local distortion by dopants and percolation conductivity in oxides

The chemical doping is a typical method to modulate the physical and chemical properties of oxides and other ionic solids and is often applied to emerge ionic conductivity by introducing ionic defects such as oxygen vacancy with suppressed electronic defects. However, those chemical dopants, which can also be categorized as an ionic defect, attract mobile species and work as a trap center for mobile ionic and electronic defects. This study is motivated to understand the origin of such interaction by DFT calculation and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The percolation conductivity, which appears as a result of such strong interaction between dopants and mobile carriers, is further discussed with emphasis on the crucial role of local distortion and its dynamic contributions. The present study consists of two parts: The DFT simulation and Raman spectroscopy measurements on tetravalent ion-doped CeO2 to estimate the local distortion around the dopant ions. In the second part, we discuss percolation conductivities of proton and holes in proton-conducting perovskite oxides based on electrochemical measurements and the DFT simulation. Pure CeO2 with cubic fluorite structure, known as a host material for excellent oxide ion conducting electrolyte with relatively high partial electronic conductivity in reducing conditions, shows a sharp and single triply-degenerated F2g peak in Raman spectroscopy owing to the crystal symmetry. Upon chemical doping of acceptor dopants, CeO2 starts to show multiple broad peaks slightly higher wave number to the F2g main peak, usually attributed to oxygen vacancy-induced local vibrational modes. There is, however, controversy left on the assignment of these defect induced peaks because observed broad dopant induced peaks never agree with the finitely split peaks estimated by DFT calculation. In the present study, we employed CASTEP code using GGA-PBE functional for DFT simulation and made careful calculations: At first, the stable local structure of doped and undoped CeO2 was estimated by a structural relaxation concerning local distortion and energy, and Raman spectra were simulated by calculating scattering cross section. The present results on the DFT calculation suggest that the origin of dopant-induced peaks is due to a broken local symmetry by the presence of foreign atoms of dopants, but the intensity is determined by the extent of local distortion and extended relaxation length by the difference of ionic size of dopant and the matrix Ce4+ ions (1 ). Large distorted shells are isolated each other at lower concentration regime while overlapping begins at a relatively low concentration around 1-2% in case of cubic fluorite CeO2 phase owing to an extended relaxation length of local distortion. When all dopant ions are isolated, overall properties are governed by the matrix properties. In contrast, the stress shell accommodating dopant ion begin contributing to the macroscopic physical and chemical properties above a critical concentration. The overlapping shell contributes to the broadening of the Raman F2g and dopant related peaks (2). The stress shell mentioned above serves as an attracting or repulsive center for mobile ionic and electronic defects. We find good examples, such as oxide ion conductivity in acceptor-doped CeO2( ) and holes and proton conductivities in acceptor-doped perovskite oxides ( 3, 4 ). In the latter system, a transition from isolated traps to the percolation conductivity has been clearly observed, and discussion on local distortion is developed on the basis of both experimental and theoretical results ( 5 ). REFERENCES ( ) M. Hara and S. Yamaguchi; To be published. ( ) J. Koettgen, et al.; Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 20, 14291–14321 (2018). ( ) D.-Y. Kim, S. Miyoshi, and S. Yamaguchi; To be published. ( ) S. Miyoshi, A. Ebara, and S. Yamaguchi; To be published. ( ) H. Takahashi, et al.; Chemistry of Materials, 2017, 29 (4), pp 1518–1526

Vth-Shiftable SRAM Cell TEGs for Direct Measurement for the immunity of the Threshold Voltage Variability

We developed VTSTs for 6T-SRAM and RL-SRAM and evaluated them to investigate the influences of SRAM operation by Vth fluctuation using measured FCMs and CΔVths. As a result, we successfully confirmed the superior immunity of Vth fluctuation of the RL-SRAM than the 6T-SRAM.IEEE International Conference on Microelectronic Test Structures (ICMTS 2017), 27-30 March 2017, Grenoble, Franc

Identification and Modification ofPorphyromonas gingivalisCysteine Protease, Gingipain, Ideal for Screening Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by the formation of oral microbial biofilms. Periodontitis is associated with general health and not only oral diseases.Porphyromonas gingivalisis a well-known keystone pathogen for periodontitis and is associated with several systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. We previously developed a system for screening periodontitis usingP. gingivalis-specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a sensitivity of 0.774 and a specificity of 0.586 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.708. However, the antigens elicited non-specific responses, since they were obtained from whole extracts of sonicated cultured bacteria. The purpose of this study was to identify antigens ideal for a sensitive and specific serum test. We identified the specific antigens using immunoaffinity columns immobilized with IgG antibodies from periodontitis patients. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry identified 29 antigens from the elutes. Recombinant proteins for these candidates were synthesized using the wheat germ cell-free translation system and screened by dot blot analysis with serum from the columns. Three of the 16 candidates that reacted showed strongest affinities upon dot blot analysis; they included outer membrane protein 28, cysteine proteases, lysine gingipain Kgp, and arginine gingipain RgpA. Outer membrane protein 28 was not suitable for screeningP. gingivalisinfection because of its high false-negative rates. Kgp and RgpA were unstable antigens since they underwent self-digestion. They were made stable by substituting the active cysteine residues in Kgp and RgpA with alanine using site-directed mutagenesis. Using the modified antigens, we demonstrated that the patient serum IgG level against RgpA was the highest among all the antigens expressed inP. gingivalis. Moreover, the N-terminus of recombinant RgpA was excellent in differentiating between diseased and non-diseased states (with sensitivity of 0.85, specificity of 0.9, and area under the curve of 0.915). Although dot blot analysis was the only experiment used, the N-terminus of RgpA is an excellent antigen to immunologically test forP. gingivalisinfection, especially for estimating the risks for periodontitis-associated systemic diseases. In conclusion, we have developed aP. gingivalisantigen for screening periodontitis

Element Stratification in the Middle-Aged Type Ia Supernova Remnant G344.7-0.1

Despite their importance, a detailed understanding of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) remains elusive. X-ray measurements of the element distributions in supernova remnants (SNRs) offer important clues for understanding the explosion and nucleosynthesis mechanisms for SNe Ia. However, it is challenging to observe the entire ejecta mass in X-rays for young SNRs, because the central ejecta may not have been heated by the reverse shock yet. Here we present over 200 kilosecond Chandra observations of the Type Ia SNR G344.7-0.1, whose age is old enough for the reverse shock to have reached the SNR center, providing an opportunity to investigate the distribution of the entire ejecta mass. We reveal a clear stratification of heavy elements with a centrally peaked distribution of the Fe ejecta surrounded by intermediate-mass elements (IMEs: Si, S, Ar Ca) with an arc-like structure. The centroid energy of the Fe K emission is marginally lower in the central Fe-rich region than in the outer IME-rich regions, suggesting that the Fe ejecta were shock-heated more recently. These results are consistent with the prediction for standard SN Ia models, where the heavier elements are synthesized in the interior of an exploding white dwarf. We find, however, that the peak location of the Fe K emission is slightly offset to the west with respect to the geometric center of the SNR. This apparent asymmetry is likely due to the inhomogeneous density distribution of the ambient medium, consistent with our radio observations of the ambient molecular and neutral gas.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figures, Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journa

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery using pedicle vascularized nasoseptal flap for cholesterol granuloma in petrous apex: A technical note

Background Compared with surgical resection, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for cholesterol granuloma (CG) in the petrous apex (PA) is associated with local recurrence due to obstruction of the drainage route. We present a detailed procedure of an endoscopic TSS using pedicle vascularized nasoseptal flap (PVNF). Methods A 40-year-old woman with a history of repeated surgery for left tympanitis was referred to our institution. Neurological examination revealed severe hearing loss in the left ear. Radiologic examination presented a round mass in the left PA and significant fluid collection in the mastoid air cells of the left temporal bone. CG was strongly suspected, and endoscopic TSS using PVNF was performed. Prior to endoscopic drainage, a PVNF was harvested from the mucosa of the ipsilateral nasal septum, with an attempt to preserve the sphenopalatine artery in the flap. Following this, puncture and adequate irrigation of the lesion was performed by endoscopic TSS, with neuro-navigation system assistance; the apex of PVNF was then placed into the lesion to prevent the obstruction of the drainage route. An absorbable polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue were applied on the flap to prevent spontaneous deviation from the lesion. Results The patient was discharged without any further neurological complications. Eight-month postoperative computed tomography images showed no recurrence; the drainage route was patent and the fluid collection in the left mastoid air cells was resolved. Moreover, hearing loss was improved. Conclusions Endoscopic TSS using PVNF may be one of available surgical options for PACG

The rice OsERF101 transcription factor regulates the NLR Xa1-mediated immunity induced by perception of TAL effectors

イネが病原菌の感染力の源を検出して免疫を誘導する仕組みを解明 --病気に強い植物の開発に期待--. 京都大学プレスリリース. 2022-09-07.Plant nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) initiate immune responses by recognizing pathogen effectors. The rice gene Xa1 encodes an NLR with an N-terminal BED domain, and recognizes transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Our goal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms controlling the induction of immunity by Xa1. We used yeast two-hybrid assays to screen for host factors that interact with Xa1 and identified the AP2/ERF-type transcription factor OsERF101/OsRAP2.6. Molecular complementation assays were used to confirm the interactions among Xa1, OsERF101, and two TAL effectors. We created OsERF101-overexpressing and knockout mutant lines in rice and identified genes differentially regulated in these lines, many of which are predicted to be involved in regulation of response to stimulus. Xa1 interacts in the nucleus with the TAL effectors and OsERF101 via the BED domain. Unexpectedly, both the overexpression and knockout lines of OsERF101 displayed Xa1-dependent, enhanced resistance to an incompatible Xoo strain. Different sets of genes were up- or down-regulated in the overexpression and knockout lines. Our results indicate that OsERF101 regulates the recognition of TAL effectors by Xa1, and functions as a positive regulator of Xa1-mediated immunity. Further, an additional Xa1-mediated immune pathway is negatively regulated by OsERF101

Initial Experience of Robot-Assisted Adrenalectomy in Japan: What is the Optimal Selection of Robotic Forceps for Adrenalectomy?

Minimally invasive adrenalectomy is the preferred technique for managing adrenal tumors. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is widely performed and covered by insurance in Japan, but robot-assisted adrenalectomy is not. To investigate the best forceps combinations for performing robot-assisted adrenalectomy safely, we performed robot-assisted adrenalectomy for two left and two right adrenal adenomas using different robotic forceps combinations (bipolar forceps, monopolar curved scissors, Vessel Sealer Extend, and SynchroSeal) for each case. Although we evaluated a small number of RAs, lower blood loss was observed in patients where the vessel sealing devices were used. The extent of dissection is small for adrenalectomy, and robotic bipolar vessel sealing tools may not be necessary, especially for the small adrenal tumors. However, considering the risk benefits, the combination of forceps with Vessel Sealer Extend (by the left arm) and monopolar curved scissors (by the right arm) will become one of the best forceps combinations for performing robot-assisted adrenalectomy safely

Flexible inverted polymer solar cells containing an amorphous titanium oxide electron collection electrode

An inverted polymer solar cell was fabricated on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The cell structure was ITO/amorphous titanium oxide (TiOx)/[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM): regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxylenethiophene):poly(4-styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS)/Au (TiOx cell). It was achieved using low boiling point diethyl amine (DEA) as a Ti4+ complexing agent, and high boiling point 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (Tetralin) containing 2 vol.% 1,8-octanedithiol (ODT) as the solvent for PCBM:P3HT film preparation. With heat treatment at 100°C, the use of DEA and Tetralin:ODT made it possible to prepare a TiOx electron collection layer and PCBM:P3HT photoactive layer, respectively. Fabricating the TiOx cell on the thin PET film was possible, as PET did not warp at 100°C. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the TiOx cell fabricated on PET was 2.43%, under AM1.5G conditions. When fabricated on glass, the PCE was 2.76%. When [6,6] diphenyl C62 bis(butyric acid methyl ester) (bis-PCBM) was instead used as the electron acceptor in the photoactive blend layer, the flexible air-stable cell provided a PCE of 2.81%. © 2010 Elsevier B.V

Cytokine expression in human dermal fibroblasts stimulated with eosinophil cationic protein measured by protein array

[Background] : Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) was reported previously to be involved in allergic inflammation with cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, recent studies showed that ECP did not induce cell death but inhibited the growth of cancer-derived cells. Our previous study indicated that human ECP enhanced differentiation of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes and stress fiber formation in Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts, while the effects of human ECP on human fibroblasts are unknown. [Objective] : The present study was performed to determine the effects of human ECP on cytokine expression in human fibroblasts by protein array. [Methods] : The effects of recombinant human ECP (rhECP) on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were examined by assaying cell growth. Furthermore, cytokine expression of NHDF stimulated by ECP, which could influence cell growth, was evaluated by protein array. [Results] : ECP was not cytotoxic but enhanced the growth of NHDF. The peak rhECP concentration that enhanced the cell counts by 1.56-fold was 100 ng/mL, which was significantly different from cultures without ECP stimulation (ANOVA/Scheffe’s test, P < 0.05). Array analyses indicated that ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), neutrophilactivating peptide (NAP)-2, and neurotrophin (NT)-3 were significantly upregulated in NHDF stimulated with 100 ng/mL ECP compared to those without stimulation. [Conclusion] : ECP is not cytotoxic but enhances the growth of NHDF. CNTF, NAP-2, and NT-3 were suggested to be involved in enhancing the growth of NHDF. These findings will contribute to determination of the role of ECP in allergic inflammation. (Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2013;31:271-6