475 research outputs found

    Large amplitude microwave emission and reduced nonlinear phase noise in Co2Fe(Ge0.5Ga0.5) Heusler alloy based pseudo spin valve nanopillars

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    We have studied microwave emission from a current-perpendicular-to-plane pseudo spin valve nanopillars with Heusler alloy Co2Fe(Ga0.5Ge0.5) electrodes. Large emission amplitude exceeding 150 nV/Hz^0.5, partly owing to the large magnetoresistance, and narrow generation linewidth below 10 MHz are observed. We also find that the linewidth shows significant dependence on the applied field magnitude and its angle within the film plane. A minimum in the linewidth is observed when the slope of the frequency versus current becomes near zero. This agrees with theoretical prediction that takes into account non-linear phase noise as a source for linewidth broadening

    Heme oxygenase-1 induction in the brain during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute inflammation

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    Delirium occurs in 23% of sepsis patients, in which pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide are suggested to be involved. However, in animal experiments, even a subseptic dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection induces both pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the brain, suggesting that the brain oxidative reaction can be induced in the subseptic condition. Then, we evaluated the changes of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a sensitive oxidative marker, as well as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and inductible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of rats using real-time PCR after peripheral injection of LPS (2.0 mg/kg). As a result, these four kinds of mRNAs were induced significantly in both areas after LPS injection. These results suggest that peripheral inflammation induces an oxidative reaction in the brain, even if the inflammation is not lethal. It is also considered that several pathways are involved in brain HO-1 induction

    Dissolved Organic Matter Processing in Pristine Antarctic Streams

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    Accelerated glacier melt and runoff may lead to inputs of labile dissolved organic matter (DOM) to downstream ecosystems and stimulate the associated biogeochemical processes. However, still little is known about glacial DOM composition and its downstream processing before entering the ocean, although the function of DOM in food webs and ecosystems largely depends on its composition. Here, we employ a set of molecular and optical techniques (UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, 1H NMR, and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry) to elucidate the composition of DOM in Antarctic glacial streams and its downstream change. Glacial DOM consisted largely of a mixture of small microbial-derived biomolecules. 1H NMR analysis of bulk water revealed that these small molecules were processed downstream into more complex, structurally unrecognizable molecules. The extent of processing varied between streams. By applying multivariate statistical (compositional data) analysis of the DOM molecular data, we identified molecular compounds that were tightly associated and moved in parallel in the glacial streams. Lakes in the middle of the flow paths enhanced water residence time and allowed for both more DOM processing and production. In conclusion, downstream processing of glacial DOM is substantial in Antarctica and affects the amounts of biologically labile substrates that enter the ocean

    A Case of Refractory Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson’s Disease) during Pregnancy

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    A 32-year-old woman, pregnant with twins, presented with a chief complaint of general fatigue. Her general condition had rapidly deteriorated since her last visit to the primary obstetrician; the patient was then referred to our hospital because of suspected fetal death. She underwent emergency cesarean section because fetal death had indeed occurred, and she was then admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). On ICU admission, she was found to be in shock. Laboratory analysis revealed extreme hemoconcentration and a low albumin level, and initially, septic shock with obstetric complications was suspected. However, because she did not respond to conventional therapy but instead, rapidly developed severe generalized edema, systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) was diagnosed. The patient remained in shock for several days until undergoing plasma exchange (PE), despite some earlier empirical treatments. She eventually recovered from profound shock status and was discharged from the ICU without sequelae. Among potentially effective treatments, PE seemed to be the most reasonable choice for the treatment of her SCLS

    Involvement of a Binuclear Species with the Re−C(O)O−Re Moiety in CO_2 Reduction Catalyzed by Tricarbonyl Rhenium(I) Complexes with Diimine Ligands: Strikingly Slow Formation of the Re−Re and Re−C(O)O−Re Species from Re(dmb)(CO)_3S (dmb = 4,4‘-Dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine, S = Solvent)

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    Excited-state properties of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)_3(CH_3CN)]PF_6, [Re(dmb)(CO)_3]_2 (where dmb = 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine), and other tricarbonyl rhenium(I) complexes were investigated by transient FTIR and UV−vis spectroscopy in CH_3CN or THF. The one-electron reduced monomer, Re(dmb)(CO)_3S (S = CH_3CN or THF), can be prepared either by reductive quenching of the excited states of fac-[Re(dmb)(CO)_3(CH_3CN)]PF_6 or by homolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)_3]_2. In the reduced monomer's ground state, the odd electron resides on the dmb ligand rather than on the metal center. Re(dmb)(CO)_3S dimerizes slowly in THF, k_d = 40 ± 5 M^(-1) s^(-1). This rate constant is much smaller than those of other organometallic radicals which are typically 10^9 M^(-1) s^(-1). The slower rate suggests that the equilibrium between the ligand-centered and metal-centered radicals is very unfavorable (K ≈ 10^(-4)). The reaction of Re(dmb)(CO)_3S with CO_2 is slow and competes with the dimerization. Photolysis of [Re(dmb)(CO)_3]_2 in the presence of CO_2 produces CO with a 25−50% yield based on [Re]. A CO_2 bridged dimer, (CO)_3(dmb)Re−CO(O)−Re(dmb)(CO)_3 is identified as an intermediate. Both [Re(dmb)(CO)_3]_2(OCO_2) and Re(dmb)(CO)_3(OC(O)OH) are detected as oxidation products; however, the previously reported formato-rhenium species is not detected

    Temperature during pregnancy influences the fetal growth and birth size

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    BackgroundBirth weight and length have seasonal fluctuations. However, it is uncertain which meteorological element has an effect on birth outcomes and which timing of pregnancy would explain such effect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine temperature effects during pregnancy and which timing of pregnancy has effects on size at birth.MethodsA large, randomized, controlled trial of food and micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women was conducted in Matlab, Bangladesh (MINIMat Study), where women were enrolled from November 2001 to October 2003. The fetal growth data which included the size at birth and information of their mothers were obtained (n = 3267). Meteorological data such as temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and daily sunshine hours during pregnancy were observed at the nearest observatory site of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.ResultsInfants born in colder months (November–January) were shorter than those born in hot and dry, and monsoon months (mean (SD) of birth length was 47.5 cm (2.2) vs. 47.8 cm (2.1) vs. 47.9 cm (2.1) respectively; P < 0.001). Increased temperature during the last month of pregnancy was significantly related with increased birth length with adjustment for gestational weeks and the season at birth, and remained significant with further adjustments for precipitation, sex of infants, maternal early-pregnancy BMI, parity, and education status of the mother (P < 0.01). On the other hand, increased temperature at mid-gestation was associated with increased birth weight (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that temperature affects both birth weight and length. The more temperature increased at the last month of pregnancy, birth length became longer. For birth weight, the temperature at mid-pregnancy affected in a positive way

    Nationwide patient registry for GNE myopathy in Japan

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    BACKGROUND: GNE myopathy is a slowly progressive autosomal recessive myopathy caused by mutations in the GNE (glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase) gene. This study aimed to (1) develop a nationwide patient registry for GNE myopathy in order to facilitate the planning of clinical trials and recruitment of candidates, and (2) gain further insight into the disease for the purpose of improving therapy and care. METHODS: Medical records of genetically-confirmed patients with GNE myopathy at the National Center Hospital of the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) were retrospectively reviewed in order to obtain data reflecting the severity and progression of the disease. We also referred to items in the datasheet of the nationwide registry of dystrophinopathy patients in the Registry of Muscular Dystrophies (Remudy). Items selected for the registration sheet included age, sex, age at onset, past history and complications, family history, body weight and height, pathological findings of muscle biopsy, grip power, walking ability, respiratory function, cardiac function, willingness to join upcoming clinical trials, and participation in patient associations. A copy of the original genetic analysis report was required of each patient. RESULTS: We successfully established the Remudy-GNE myopathy. Currently, 121 patients are registered nationwide, and 93 physicians from 73 hospitals collaborated to establish the registry. The mean age at onset was 27.7 ± 9.6 years, and 19.8% (24/121) of patients could walk without assistance. Mean presumed durations from onset to use of assistive devices (cane and/or braces) and a wheelchair, and loss of ambulation were 12.4, 15.2, and 21.1 years, respectively. Three patients had a past history and/or complication of idiopathic thrombocytopenia. To share the progress of this study with the community, newsletters were published on a regular basis, and included information regarding new phase I clinical trials for GNE myopathy. The newsletters also served as a medium to bring attention to the importance of respiratory evaluation and care for respiratory insufficiency. CONCLUSION: The Japanese Remudy-GNE myopathy is useful for clarifying the natural history of the disease and recruiting patients with genetically-confirmed GNE myopathy for clinical trials. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-014-0150-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users
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