Multiple Diffusion-Freezing Mechanisms in Molecular-Hydrogen Films.

Molecular hydrogen is a fascinating candidate for novel bosonic and fermionic superfluids. We have studied diffusion dynamics of thin films of H_{2}, HD, and D_{2} adsorbed on a glass substrate by measurements of elasticity. The elasticity shows multiple anomalies well below the bulk triple point temperature. They are attributed to three different diffusion mechanisms of admolecules and their "freezing" into a localized state: classical thermal diffusion of vacancies, quantum tunneling of vacancies, and diffusion of molecules in the uppermost surface. The surface diffusion is active down to 1 K, below which the molecules become localized. This suggests that the surface layer of hydrogen films is on the verge of quantum phase transition to a superfluid state.

Codebook-based electrooculography data analysis towards cognitive activity recognition.

With the advancement in mobile/wearable technology, people started to use a variety of sensing devices to track their daily activities as well as health and fitness conditions in order to improve the quality of life. This work addresses an idea of eye movement analysis, which due to the strong correlation with cognitive tasks can be successfully utilized in activity recognition. Eye movements are recorded using an electrooculographic (EOG) system built into the frames of glasses, which can be worn more unobtrusively and comfortably than other devices. Since the obtained information is low-level sensor data expressed as a sequence representing values in constant intervals (100 Hz), the cognitive activity recognition problem is formulated as sequence classification. However, it is unclear what kind of features are useful for accurate cognitive activity recognition. Thus, a machine learning algorithm like a codebook approach is applied, which instead of focusing on feature engineering is using a distribution of characteristic subsequences (codewords) to describe sequences of recorded EOG data, where the codewords are obtained by clustering a large number of subsequences. Further, statistical analysis of the codeword distribution results in discovering features which are characteristic to a certain activity class. Experimental results demonstrate good accuracy of the codebook-based cognitive activity recognition reflecting the effective usage of the codewords.

Binding isotherms of sodium dodecyl sulfate to protein polypeptides with special reference to SDS-polyacylamide gel electrophoresis.

To clarify the mode of interaction between sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and protein polypeptides with special reference to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the binding of SDS to several protein polypeptides was investigated by the equilibrium dialysis technique. Each of the binding isotherms was characterized by the presence of two phases: an initial gradual increase in the amount of binding to 0.3-0.6 g/g (first phase) and a subsequent steep increase to 1.2-1.5 g/g (second phase). The binding was completed at a concentration of SDS below the critical micelle concentration. Throughout the first and second phases, the isotherms obtained were different for each kind of protein. On the basis of experiments with bovine serum albumin and ribonuclease (EC 3.1.4.22], the isotherms were profoundly affected by the method used for modification of the sulfhydryl groups. The claim of Reynolds and Tanford (Proc. Natl, Acad. Sci. U.S., 66, 1002 (1970)) that the isotherms are virtually identical for many kinds of proteins was not supported by the present data. Changes in the gross and local conformations were examined with reference to the isotherms by measurements of CD spectrum, free boundary electrophoresis, and gel filtration. The results obtained were collectively interpreted based on the model of SDS-protein polypeptide complexes proposed by the present authors (J. Biochem., 75, 309 (1974)).

Multiple duodeno-jejunal diverticula causing massive intestinal bleeding.

A case of massive intestinal blood loss from multiple duodeno-jejunal diverticula is described. A 39-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of recurrent bloody stool and worsening anemia. Upper and lower endoscopy, selective abdominal angiography, and radionuclide scanning were performed to seek the cause of the intestinal bleeding, but none of these studies revealed the source of bleeding. Small-bowel barium follow-through examination showed numerous diverticula in the distal duodenum and proximal jejunum. Excision of the duodenal diverticulum and resection of the involved portion of the jejunum cured the patient. On histopathological examination, an ulcerative lesion with an exposed vessel suggestive of the source of bleeding was seen in the resected duodenal diverticulum. Although duodeno-jejunal diverticula are rare, the importance of a careful search for this malformation in a patient with intestinal blood loss is stressed.

Origin of calcium-induced minimum in bulk compressional modulus of lipid membranes. Configurational entropy of adsorbed Ca2+.

Addition of Ca2+ to a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine lamellar system decreases the bulk compressional modulus (increases compressibility) of the membrane (S. Aruga, R. Kataoka and S. Mitaku, Biophys. Chem. 21 (1985) 265). The bulk modulus was reported to show a minimum value at 10 mM Ca2+ within the temperature range 20-45 degrees C. In the present report, the occurrence of this minimum in the bulk modulus is explained quantitatively as a result of fluctuation in the number of Ca2+ adsorbed onto the lipid bilayer surface. From this theory, the change in apparent molal volume of Ca2+ upon surface adsorption is estimated to be 5.7 cm3 mol-1, which appears to be a reasonable value. The number of adsorbed Ca2+ at the concentration where the bulk modulus assumes the minimum value is half of the number of allowable adsorption sites on lipid membranes. The configurational entropy of the adsorbed Ca2+ attains a maximum at the minimum point.

[An operative case of empyema necessitatis].

A case of empyema necessitatis presenting a mass in the retroperitoneal space is reported. Computer tomography preoperatively revealed the transdiaphragmatic abscess with calcified capsule. The operation was performed by means of resection of the abscess together with overlying ribs. Dead space after resection of the lesion was filled up with intercostal muscles. Empyema necessitatis is rare after introduction of antituberculous drugs. However, recognition of this disease is necessary for an appropriate surgical management. Total resection of the abscess followed by filling of the dead space with the intercostal muscles should be considered as a useful alternative method.

[Psychological characteristics of unsuccessful pilot trainees].

Some pilot trainees can not pass flight examinations and are obliged to give up their flight training because of their insufficient technical skills. We investigated their results of group Rorschach test (a multiple-choice test with ink blots which are similar to those for face-to-face Rorschach test). Subjects were 20 male pilot trainees (F (fail) group: mean age 22.6 +/- 1.5 years) who were obliged to give up their flight trainings between 1985 and 1996 because of their insufficient technical skills. The control group was made up of 125 male pilot trainees (P (pass) group: mean age 22.4 +/- 1.7 years) who were the successful classmates of the unsuccessful trainees. We investigated the differences of the results of group Rorschach test given for employment screening between the two groups. All results of the scores in group Rorschach test were within normal limits both in P group and F group. There, however, were following significant differences between the two groups: (1) F group showed more Key- responses than P group (F group: 4.9 +/- 2.1 P group: 3.4 +/- 2.0, p<0.01). (2) F group showed more k responses than P group (F group: 0.2 +/- 0.4 P group: 0.02 +/- 0.1, p<0.01). (3) P group showed more FC' responses than F group (F group: 1.4 +/- 1.0 P group: 2.2 +/- 1.2, p<0.01). (4) F group showed more cF responses than P group (F group: 1.6 +/- 1.2 P group: 1.0 +/- 0.9, p<0.05). (5) P group showed higher form level than F group (F group: 120.6 +/- 15.8 P group: 128.2 +/- 12.6, p<0.05). The pilot trainees in F group were suggested to have vulnerability to be nervous and anxious in an inexperienced situation, to decline their ability to cope objectively and effectively with a new situation, and to increase desire for dependence upon others.

Induced helical conformation of ionic polypeptides by phospholipids solubilized in a nonionic surfactant solution.

Phosphatidylcholine that has been solubilized in hexadecylpoly (oxyethylene) ether can induce a coil-to-helix transformation for poly (L-glutamic acid) in neutral solution. Similarly, solubilized phosphatidylserine promotes a helical conformation of poly (L-lysine) at neutral pH through complex formation. The mixed micelles of a phospholipid and a nonionic surfactant are thermodynamically stable and do not separate on standing. The nonionic surfactant here has no effect on the conformation of the two polypeptides.

Spirituality in nursing from a Japanese perspective.

The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of spirituality and its expression among persons in a Japanese farming community. It was found that spirituality was described as "living in harmony with nature and surrounding people." Common expressions of this spirituality were through faith and ways of worship, prayer, search for inner peace, hope and thanksgiving, including spiritual well-being. The latter was defined as showing thanks to nature, ancestors, and people; caring for surrounding people; and peacefully embracing the concept of death. To provide congruent spiritual care, it was suggested that nurses need to expand their own knowledge and understanding of spirituality; integrate spirituality in their nursing care; and improve communication with their clients and their families.

Mutational analysis of Csc1/Vps4p: involvement of endosome in regulation of autophagy in yeast.

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, autophagy, a bulk protein degradation in the vacuole, is induced in response to nutrient starvation. In a screen for mutations that result in induction of autophagy even in the presence of nutrients, we have isolated four mutants representing two csc complementation groups. These mutants induce autophagy of which activity is represented by activation of truncated alkaline phosphatase that is designed to be expressed in the cytosol. CSC1 was cloned by complementation of loss of viability phenotype of csc1-1 mutant and shown to be identical to END13/VPS4/GRD13. Though csc1-1 mutation is recessive, cells of delta csc1 do not induce autophagy in rich media, suggesting that csc1-1 allele is not a complete loss-of-function. Csc1p is a member of novel ATPase family named AAA protein including Sec18p/NSF, Cdc48p/p97, and Pas8p. Mutation site in csc1-1 is found in the SRH region that is highly conserved among AAA proteins. Cells of csc1-1 show sorting defect of CPY and the appearance of the class E compartment. These mutant phenotypes suggest the role of the protein that is involved in the traffic among the Golgi, endosome, and the vacuole in autophagy.

Anomalous suppression of superfluidity in 4He confined in a nanoporous glass.

We explore the superfluidity of 4He confined in a porous glass, which has nanopores of 2.5 nm in diameter, at pressures up to 5 MPa. With increasing pressure, the superfluidity is drastically suppressed, and the superfluid transition temperature approaches 0 K at some critical pressure, Pc approximately 3.4 MPa. The feature suggests that the extreme confinement of 4He into the nanopores induces a quantum phase transition from a superfluid to a nonsuperfluid at 0 K and at Pc.

Do amino acids reverse the sickling of erythrocytes containing hemoglobin S?

Homoserine, asparagine and glutamine do not restore the deformability of deoxygenated sickle cells in spite of noticeable morphological changes. These amino acids also do not raise the minimum gelling concentration of deoxyhemoglobin S. The use of these compounds as anti-sickling agents is therefore doubtful.