Penetrative nature of high energy showers observed in Chacaltaya emulsion chamber

About 30% of single core showers with E (sup gamma) 10 TeV have stronger penetrating power than that expected from electromagnetic showers (e,gamma). On the other hand, their starting points of cascades in the chamber are found to be as shallow as those of (e,gamma) components. It is suggested that those showers are very collimated bundles of hadron and (e,gamma) component. Otherwise, it is assumed that the collision mean free path of those showers in the chamber is shorter than that of hadron with geometrical value

Effects of annealing time on structural and magnetic properties of L10-FePt nanoparticles synthesized by the SiO2-nanoreactor method

We investigated effects of annealing time on structural and magnetic properties of the L10-FePt nanoparticles synthesized by the SiO2-nanoreacter method. The magnetization and powder X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the annealing at 900 oC for 9 hr could convert all of the fcc-nanoparticles to the well-crystallized L10 structure with a large coercivity while keeping their particle size. Such monodisperse and highly crystalline L10-FePt nanoparticles are a promising material for the realization of ultra-high density recording.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figure

Possible role of Krüppel-like factor 5 in the remodeling of small airways and pulmonary vessels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND: Small airway remodeling is an important cause of the airflow limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A large population of patients with COPD also have pulmonary hypertension. Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a zinc-finger transcription factor that contributes to tissue remodeling in cardiovascular diseases. Here, we evaluate the possible involvement of KLF5 in the remodeling of small airways and pulmonary vessels in COPD. METHODS: Lung tissues were obtained from 23 control never-smokers, 17 control ex-smokers and 24 ex-smokers with COPD. The expression of KLF5 in the lung tissues was investigated by immunohistochemistry. We investigated whether oxidative/nitrosative stress, which is a major cause of the pathogenesis in COPD, could augment the production of KLF5. We examined the role of KLF5 in the stress-mediated tissue remodeling responses. We also investigated the susceptibility of KLF5 expression to nitrosative stress using bronchial fibroblasts isolated from the lung tissues. RESULTS: The expression of KLF5 was up-regulated in the small airways and pulmonary vessels of the COPD patients and it was mainly expressed in bronchial fibroblasts and cells of the pulmonary vessels. The extent of the KLF5 expression in the small airway of the COPD group had a significant correlation with the severity of the airflow limitation. Oxidative/nitrosative stress augmented the production of KLF5 in lung fibroblasts as well as the translocation of KLF5 into the nuclei. Silencing of KLF5 suppressed the stress-augmented differentiation into myofibroblasts, the release of collagens and metalloproteinases. Bronchial fibroblasts from the patients with COPD highly expressed KLF5 compared to those from the control subjects under basal condition and were more susceptible to the induction of KLF5 expression by nitrosative stress compared to those from the control subjects. CONCLUSION: We provide the first evidence that the expression of KLF5 is up-regulated in small airways and pulmonary vessels of patients with COPD and may be involved in the tissue remodeling of COPD

Inelasticity Distribution Of Hadron-pb Collisions In The Energy Region Exceeding 1014 Ev From Mountain Cosmic Ray Experiments

The inelasticity distribution of hadron-lead collisions in the energy region exceeding 1014 eV is estimated on the basis of 66 events, induced by cosmic ray hadrons and detected at high mountain altitudes at Pamir (4300 m, 595 g/cm2). The distribution of the best fitting is approximated as g(K)dK=[α(1-K)m1-1 + βKm2-1]dK, where m1=0.5, m2=1.125, α=0.26, β=0.55, giving 〈K〉=0.60. The errors of the parameters are discussed in the text. The distribution is compared with those which are based on theoretical models. ©1999 The American Physical Society.611110Frichter, G.M., Gaisser, T.K., Stanev, T., (1997) Phys. Rev. D, 56, p. 3135Fowler, G.N., Weiner, R.M., Wilk, G., (1985) Phys. Rev. Lett., 55, p. 173Fowler, G.N., Vourdas, A., Weiner, R.M., Wilk, G., (1987) Phys. Rev. D, 35, p. 870Fowler, G.N., Navarra, F.S., Plümer, M., Voudras, A., Weiner, R.M., Wilk, G., (1989) Phys. Rev. C, 40, p. 1219Shabelski, Yu.M., Weiner, R.M., Wilk, G., Włodarczyk, Z., (1992) J. Phys. G, 18, p. 1281Włodarczyk, Z., (1995) J. Phys. G, 21, p. 281Chou, T.T., Yang, C.N., (1985) Phys. Rev. D, 32, p. 1692Gaisser, T.K., Stanev, T., (1989) Phys. Lett. B, 219, p. 375Kaǐdalov, A.B., Ter-Martirosyan, K.A., (1987) Proceedings of the 20th International Cosmic Ray Conference, 5, p. 139(1984) Sov. J. Nucl. Phys., 40, p. 135Nazareth, R.A.M.S., Kodama, T., Portes Jr., D.A., (1992) Phys. Rev. D, 46, p. 2896Schatz, G., Thouw, T., Werner, K., Oehlschläger, J., Bekk, K., (1994) J. Phys. G, 20, p. 1267Gaisser, T.K., Protheroe, R.J., Turver, K.E., McComb, T.J.L., (1978) Rev. Mod. Phys., 50, p. 859Van Hove, L., Pokorski, S., (1975) Nucl. Phys., B86, p. 243Akashi, M., (1964) Prog. Theor. Phys. Suppl., 32, p. 1Feynman, R., (1969) Phys. Rev. Lett., 23, p. 1415Taylor, F.E., Carey, D.C., Johnson, J.R., Kammerud, R., Ritchie, D.J., Roberts, A., Sauer, J.R., Walker, J.K., (1976) Phys. Rev. D, 14, p. 1217Ohsawa, A., (1994) Prog. Theor. Phys., 92, p. 1005Arata, N., (1983) Nucl. Phys., B211, p. 189Tabuki, T., (1983) Prog. Theor. Phys. Suppl., 76, p. 40Chinellato, J.A., (1983) Prog. Theor. Phys. Suppl., 76, p. 1Alner, G.L., (1987) Phys. Rep., 5-6, p. 247Nishimura, J., (1967) Handbuch der Physik, 46 (2), p. 1. , Springer, BerlinArisawa, T., Fujimoto, Y., Hasegawa, S., Honda, K., Ito, H., Kopenkin, V.V., Semba, H., Strogova, O.P., (1994) Nucl. Phys., B424, p. 241Baradzei, L.T., (1992) Nucl. Phys. B, B370, p. 365Kopenkin, V., Fujimoto, Y., (1996) Nuovo Cimento C, 19, p. 1017Moriya, M., (1997), Master thesis, Waseda UniversityBarroso, S.L.C., Fujimoto, Y., Kopenkin, V., Moriya, M., Navia, C., Ohsawa, A., Shibuya, E.H., Tamada, M., (1997) Nucl. Phys. B (Proc. Suppl.), 52 B, p. 201(1997) Proceedings of the 25th International Cosmic Ray Conference, 6, p. 41Hama, Y., Paiva, S., (1997) Phys. Rev. Lett., 78, p. 3070Tamada, M., (1995) J. Phys. G, 21, p. 1387Knapp, J., Heck, D., Schatz, G., (1996) Report of Institut für Kernphysik, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, , Wissenchafteliche Berichte FZKA 5828Harr, R., Liapis, C., Karchin, P., Biino, C., Erhan, S., Hofmann, W., Kreuzer, P., Zweizig, J., (1997) Phys. Lett. B, 401, p. 176Tamada, M., Kopenkin, V.V., (1997) Nucl. Phys., B494, p. 3Ohsawa, A., (1971) Prog. Theor. Phys. Suppl., 47, p. 180Gaisser, T.K., (1990) Cosmic Rays and Particle Physics, , Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, Englan

Production of scFv-Conjugated Affinity Silk Powder by Transgenic Silkworm Technology

Bombyx mori (silkworm) silk proteins are being utilized as unique biomaterials for medical applications. Chemical modification or post-conjugation of bioactive ligands expand the applicability of silk proteins; however, the processes are elaborate and costly. In this study, we used transgenic silkworm technology to develop single-chain variable fragment (scFv)-conjugated silk fibroin. The cocoons of the transgenic silkworm contain fibroin L-chain linked with scFv as a fusion protein. After dissolving the cocoons in lithium bromide, the silk solution was dialyzed, concentrated, freeze-dried, and crushed into powder. Immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrate that the scFv domain retains its specific binding activity to the target molecule after multiple processing steps. These results strongly suggest the promise of scFv-conjugated silk fibroin as an alternative affinity reagent, which can be manufactured using transgenic silkworm technology at lower cost than traditional affinity carriers

LIGHT Induces Distinct Signals to Clear an AAV-Expressed Persistent Antigen in the Mouse Liver and to Induce Liver Inflammation

Background: Infection with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector with liver tropism leads to persistent expression of foreign antigens in the mouse liver, with no significant liver inflammation or pathology. This provides a model to investigate antigen persistence in the liver and strategies to modulate host immunity to reduce or clear the foreign antigen expressed from AAV vector in the liver. Methods/Principal Findings: We showed that expressing LIGHT with an adenovirus vector (Ad) in mice with established AAV in the liver led to clearance of the AAV. Ad-LIGHT enhanced CD8 effector T cells in the liver, correlated with liver inflammation. LTbR-Ig proteins blocked Ad-LIGHT in clearing AAV. Interestingly, in LTbR-null mice, Ad-LIGHT still cleared AAV but caused no significant liver inflammation. Conclusions/Significance: Our data suggest that LIGHT interaction with the LTbR plays a critical role in liver inflammation but is not required for LIGHT-mediated AAV clearance. These findings will shed light on developing novel immunotherapeutic

Effects of Peer Victimization in Childhood and Trait Anxiety on Job Stress in Adulthood

Yoshio Iwata,1 Miki Ono,1 Yoshitaka Ishii,1 Shunichiro Ito,1 Masayuki Kikkawa,1 Chihiro Morishita,1 Yu Tamada,1,2 Mina Honyashiki,1 Takeshi Inoue,1 Jiro Masuya1 1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Jiro Masuya, Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan, Tel +81-3-3342-6111, Email [email protected]: The experience of peer victimization in childhood increases the risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression, risk of suicide, as well as sensitivity to stress, in adulthood. Various personality traits are known to be associated with these effects. However, the influence of trait anxiety on job stress has not yet been reported. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the experience of peer victimization in childhood and trait anxiety influence job stress in adulthood.Methods: A questionnaire survey, including State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Childhood Victimization Rating Scale, and Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, was administered to 566 adult workers. The interrelationship between multiple variables was analyzed by multiple regression analysis and path analysis.Results: In the path model, childhood peer victimization had a positive direct effect on trait anxiety and the psychological and physical stress response (PPSR). Trait anxiety had a positive direct effect on job stressors and PPSR, and job stressors had a positive direct effect on PPSR. Regarding indirect effects, childhood peer victimization had a significant adverse effect on job stressors and PPSR via trait anxiety.Conclusion: Our results showed that childhood peer victimization has a negative impact on job stress in adulthood, which is influenced by trait anxiety. Interventions to address peer victimization in childhood and trait anxiety may reduce job stress in adulthood, and thus contribute to improved occupational mental health and productivity in the workplace.Keywords: job stress, peer victimization, trait anxiety, path analysis, mediation effec

Effects of Subjective Social Status and Self-Esteem in the Association Between Childhood Abuse and Adulthood Anxiety

Misaki Endo,1,2 Miki Ono,1 Ayaka Deguchi,1 Yoshio Iwata,1 Yu Tamada,1,3 Jiro Masuya,1 Hajime Tanabe,4 Naoki Hashimoto,5 Takeshi Inoue,1 Mina Honyashiki1 1Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; 2Department of Psychiatry, Saitama Prefectural Psychiatric Hospital, Saitama, Japan; 3Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan; 4Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan; 5Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, JapanCorrespondence: Miki Ono, Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan, Tel +81-3-3342-6111, Email [email protected]: Subjective social status influences anxiety, but at present, the mechanism is not fully understood. It has been reported that negative childhood experiences, such as abuse, can influence depressive symptoms through subjective social status and personality traits, such as self-esteem. A similar mechanism is presumed to underlie anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Therefore, we hypothesized that subjective social status and self-esteem are intermediate factors in the indirect effects of childhood abuse on state anxiety in adulthood, and analyzed the indirect effects via these factors using a path analysis.Subjects and Methods: Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, Subjective Social Status, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y questionnaires were administered in a self-report format to 404 adult volunteers from January 2014 to August 2014. In addition, a path analysis was conducted to determine whether subjective social status and self-esteem are associated with the indirect effects of childhood abuse on anxiety symptoms in adulthood.Results: Childhood abuse did not directly affect state anxiety in adulthood, but affected state anxiety via subjective social status and self-esteem. Subjective social status affected state anxiety via self-esteem. This model explained 25.2% of the variation in state anxiety in adult volunteers.Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that childhood abuse affects anxiety in adulthood through subjective social status and self-esteem. Therefore, interventions that enhance subjective social status and self-esteem for adults who experienced childhood abuse may help reduce their anxiety.Keywords: childhood abuse, subjective social status, self-esteem, anxiet