Nonreciprocity of spin waves in the conical helix state.

Nonreciprocity emerges in nature and in artificial objects from various physical origins, being widely utilized in contemporary technologies as exemplified by diode elements in electronics. While most of the nonreciprocal phenomena are realized by employing interfaces where the inversion symmetry is trivially lifted, nonreciprocal transport of photons, electrons, magnons, and possibly phonons also emerge in bulk crystals with broken space inversion and time reversal symmetries. Among them, directional propagation of bulk magnons (i.e., quanta of spin wave excitation) is attracting much attention nowadays for its potentially large nonreciprocity suitable for spintronic and spin-caloritronic applications. Here, we demonstrate nonreciprocal propagation of spin waves for the conical spin helix state in Cu2OSeO3 due to a combination of dipole and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. The observed nonreciprocal spin dispersion smoothly connects to the hitherto known magnetochiral nonreciprocity in the field-induced collinear spin state; thus, all the spin phases show diode characteristics in this chiral insulator.

Egg laying performance and egg quality with Paracoccus carotinifaciens supplementation containing high astaxanthin levels.

1. This study assessed 1) the effects of Paracoccus carotinifaciens supplementation containing high astaxanthin levels on egg production performance and quality, 2) dynamics of carotenoids levels in the egg yolk and 3) taste of astaxanthin-rich egg yolk.2. Laying hens were fed diets containing different levels of P. carotinifaciens-derived astaxanthin (ASX; 0, 2, 4, 8, or 16 ppm) for 28 d (experiment 1) or a diet containing 16 ppm astaxanthin for 28 d followed by a 0 ppm astaxanthin diet for 28 days (experiment 2).3. Production performance, egg quality and egg yolk carotenoid levels were examined in experiment 1 (Ex1) and the dynamics of egg yolk carotenoid levels and egg yolk taste in experiment 2 (Ex2).4. ASX supplementation did not affect production performance or egg quality. ASX levels in the egg yolk became saturated after seven days of 16 ppm supplementation and decreased to less than one-tenth of the saturated levels seven days after supplementation cessation. Supplementation with 16 ppm ASX for 28 d did not affect egg yolk taste.5. Supplementation resulted in the production of ASX-rich eggs for a brief period without affecting production performance, egg quality or taste. Understanding the time taken for the incorporation of ASX into egg yolks is beneficial for value-added egg production and may help in minimising supplementation costs.

Insulinoma induces a hyperinsulinemia-mediated decrease of GLUT2 and GLP1 receptor in normal pancreatic ß-cells.

There have been several clinical reports of transient postoperative hyperglycemia in patients with insulinoma, but the effect of insulinoma on normal ß-cells has not been investigated. We examined the glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) expression in normal pancreatic ß-cells of five patients with insulinoma and five patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) as controls. The positive rate of GLUT2-or GLP1R-positive islets in the nontumor area was calculated by the ratio with the analyzed islets. For functional in vitro analyses, q-PCR and Western blotting were performed after insulin loading on MIN6 cells. The expression rates of both GLUT2 and GLP1R were significantly lower in nontumor area islets of insulinoma patients than in patients with NGT (GLUT2: 31.6 ± 15.3% vs 95.9 ± 6.7%, p < 0.01, GLP1R: 66.8 ± 15.0% vs 96.7 ± 5.0%, p < 0.01). Exposure of MIN6 cells to high concentrations of insulin resulted in a significant decrease in GLUT2 protein for 12 h and GLP1R protein for 24 h (GLUT2; 1.00 ± 0.079 vs 0.81 ± 0.04. p = 0.02, GLP1R; 1.00 ± 0.10 vs 0.50 ± 0.24, p = 0.03) but not in those mRNAs. Our findings show that insulinoma is associated with the downregulation of GLUT2 and GLP1R expression in nontumor area islets. These phenomena may be caused by high levels of insulin.

Nonreciprocal Refraction of Light in a Magnetoelectric Material.

In magnetoelectric materials, where the time-reversal and space-inversion symmetries are simultaneously broken, optical properties can differ between the opposite propagation directions of light. We report on an experimental observation of nonreciprocal trajectory of a light ray in magnetoelectric material CuB_{2}O_{4}. The light is refracted in different ways between the opposite propagation directions of light. We find a nonreciprocal refraction at the interface between a matter with macroscopic toroidal moment and vacuum. The resultant nonreciprocal deflection of the light is 0.005 deg, which is quantitatively explained using Fermat's principle.

Association between meteorological factors and reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease from 2000 to 2015 in Japan.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics and meteorological conditions. We used HFMD surveillance data of all 47 prefectures in Japan from January 2000 to December 2015. Spectral analysis was performed using the maximum entropy method (MEM) for temperature-, relative humidity-, and total rainfall-dependent incidence data. Using MEM-estimated periods, long-term oscillatory trends were calculated using the least squares fitting (LSF) method. The temperature and relative humidity thresholds of HFMD data were estimated from the LSF curves. The average temperature data indicated a lower threshold at 12 °C and a higher threshold at 30 °C for risk of HFMD infection. Maximum and minimum temperature data indicated a lower threshold at 6 °C and a higher threshold at 35 °C, suggesting a need for HFMD control measures at temperatures between 6 and 35 °C. Based on our findings, we recommend the use of maximum and minimum temperatures rather than the average temperature, to estimate the temperature threshold of HFMD infections. The results obtained might aid in the prediction of epidemics and preparation for the effect of climatic changes on HFMD epidemiology.

One-Way Transparency of Light in Multiferroic CuB(2)O(4).

We experimentally demonstrate one-way transparency of light in multiferroic CuB(2)O(4). The material is rendered transparent for light propagating in one direction, while opaque for light propagating in the opposite direction. The novel transparency results from a destructive interference of the electric dipole and magnetic dipole transitions. The realization of the effect has been accomplished by the application of a high magnetic field and the proper selection of the propagation direction of light in agreement with our quantum mechanical formulation of nonreciprocal directional dichroism.

Feasibility and efficacy of intraperitoneal docetaxel administration as salvage chemotherapy for malignant gynaecological ascites.

Ovarian and endometrial cancers diagnosed at advanced stages are often associated with malignant ascites. This study aimed to determine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of intraperitoneal (IP) docetaxel (TXT) for the treatment of ascites. A phase I study, including nine patients, was undertaken to determine the maximum tolerable dose. Efficacy was retrospectively assessed in 18 patients treated with 40-70 mg/m(2) IP TXT between 2005 and 2012. In a phase I study, the dose was safely escalated to a maximum of 70 mg/m(2), at which level no patients had grade -3 haematological adverse events. In a retrospective study of 18 patients, seven had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 3; 16 had prior paclitaxel administration and two, with doses of 40 and 70 mg/m(2), experienced a serological response and a decrease in paracentesis. Thus, palliative treatment of recurrent OC should be further studied with 40 mg/m(2) among more patients, and 70 mg/m(2) could be evaluated for first-line IP chemotherapy.

Inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption might explain cholesterol-lowering effect of telmisartan.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), acts as a partial agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and thus improves abnormalities of glucose metabolism and hypertriglyceridaemia in addition to its documented blood pressure-lowering effects. Recently, it has been demonstrated that telmisartan also lowers the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of cholesterol reduction. METHODS: We measured serum levels of cholestanol, a cholesterol absorption marker, and lathosterol, a cholesterol synthesis marker, in 20 patients with both hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension. Ten patients were treated with telmisartan and the remaining 10 with fluvastatin. RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, total and LDL cholesterol levels decreased in the telmisartan group (P<0.01 for both total and LDL cholesterol levels) and the fluvastatin group (P<0.001 for both total and LDL cholesterol levels). The change in cholestanol level after 3 months of treatment was positively correlated with the levels of total (R=0.72, P<0.05) and LDL cholesterol (R=0.81, P<0.01) in the telmisartan group. The change in lathosterol level was positively correlated with the levels of total (R=0.88, P=0.001) and LDL cholesterol (R=0.89, P=0.001) in the fluvastatin group. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the cholesterol-lowering effect of telmisartan might be caused by inhibition of cholesterol absorption, whereas that of statins is by inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. If confirmed, co-treatment with the two agents may be useful for synergistically lowering cholesterol in hypertensive patients.

Prototype and Evaluation of High-Hydrous Gel Phantom for 100 kHz to 1 MHz Using ATO/TiO2.

This paper describes the development of a human electrical phantom in the low-frequency band. Conventional high-hydrous gel phantoms cannot mimic the electrical properties of the human body in the low-frequency band. Titanium oxide coated with antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO/TiO2) was added to the high-hydrous gel phantom, and the electrical properties were evaluated in terms of the amount of material added. The developed phantom had an error of less than 10% in the range of 100 kHz to 1 MHz, which conforms with the electrical properties of human muscles. Particularly, at 125 kHz, the error was 2.71% and 4.35% for relative permittivity and conductivity, respectively. The variation in the electrical properties of the developed phantom was evaluated, and it was confirmed that sufficient reproducibility could be obtained.

Contribution of atmospheric nitrate to stream-water nitrate in Japanese coniferous forests revealed by the oxygen isotope ratio of nitrate.

Evaluation of the openness of the nitrogen (N) cycle in forest ecosystems is important in efforts to improve forest management because the N supply often limits primary production. The use of the oxygen isotope ratio (delta(18)O) of nitrate is a promising approach to determine how effectively atmospheric nitrate can be retained in a forest ecosystem. We investigated the delta(18)O of nitrate in stream water in order to estimate the contribution of atmospheric NO(3) (-) in stream-water NO(3) (-) (f(atm)) from 26 watersheds with different stand ages (1-87 years) in Japan. The stream-water nitrate concentrations were high in young forests whereas, in contrast, old forests discharged low-nitrate stream water. These results implied a low f(atm) and a closed N cycle in older forests. However, the delta(18)O values of nitrate in stream water revealed that f(atm) values were higher in older forests than in younger forests. These results indicated that even in old forests, where the discharged N loss was small, atmospheric nitrate was not retained effectively. The steep slopes of the studied watersheds (>40 degrees ) which hinder the capturing of atmospheric nitrate by plants and microbes might be responsible for the inefficient utilization of atmospheric nitrate. Moreover, the unprocessed fraction of atmospheric nitrate in the stream-water nitrate in the forest (f(unprocessed)) was high in the young forest (78%), although f(unprocessed) was stable and low for other forests (5-13%). This high f(unprocessed) of the young forest indicated that the young forest retained neither atmospheric NO(3) (-) nor soil NO(3) (-) effectively, engendering high stream-water NO(3) (-) concentrations.

Constraining the atmospheric N2O budget from intramolecular site preference in N2O isotopomers

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important trace gas in the atmosphere. It is an active greenhouse gas in the troposphere and it also controls ozone concentration in the stratosphere through nitric oxide production. One way to trace the geochemical cycle of N2O is by measuring the natural abundance of stable isotopes, namely 15N and 18O (refs 2-15). Here we report the intramolecular distribution of 15N within the linear NNO molecule, determined by measuring molecular and fragment ions of N2O on a modified mass spectrometer. This revealed a preference for 15N at the central N position, or alpha-site, within N2O isotopomers (isotope-containing molecules). Moreover, this preference varied significantly throughout the atmosphere. In the troposphere, low alpha-site preference indicates local emission of N2O from soils and fossil-fuel combustion, each with distinct isotopomer signatures, which then mixes with background N2O. In the stratosphere, on the other hand, loss of N2O is observed as enhanced alpha-site preference for 15N, due to fractionation during ultraviolet photolysis of N2O. We have constructed an atmospheric mass balance of N2O, incorporating isotopomer abundance, which shows that the intramolecular distribution of 15N is a parameter that has the potential to increase significantly the resolution with which sources and sinks of N2O can be identified and quantified in the atmosphere.

Differential diagnosis of cerebral infarction using an algorithm combining atrial fibrillation and D-dimer level.

We created an algorithm for diagnosing subtypes of cerebral infarction (CI) during the acute stage by combining atrial fibrillation (AF) and D-dimer levels. One-hundred and eight patients hospitalized for acute CI were retrospectively analyzed. CI was classified into cardioembolic, atherothrombotic, lacunar infarction or others. Patients were classified in AF group if they had AF on admission or a prior history of AF. This group was diagnosed to suffer cardioembolic infarction. In non-AF group, cardioembolic infarction was diagnosed when D-dimer level exceeded the cutoff point determined using a receiver operating curve. Then, usefulness of the algorithm was validated prospectively in 259 consecutive patients with acute CI. For the retrospective group, cardioembolic infarction was found in 82% of the AF group. In non-AF group, cardioembolic infarction was found in only 2%, when D-dimer level was <1.6 microg/ml. However, 41% of non-AF group with atherothrombotic infarction had elevated D-dimer level (> or =1.6 microg/ml). Results for the validation group were similar to those for the retrospective group (sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 66%; positive predictive value, 50%; and negative predictive value, 94%). D-dimer level in combination with AF can be useful for distinguishing CI subtypes during the acute stage.

Gamma radiation-induced thermoluminescence, trace element and paramagnetic defect of quartz from the Sambagawa metamorphic belt, Central Shikoku, Japan.

This study analyzes the Thermoluminescence (TL) emissions for five emission bands, trace element concentrations and defects in quartz grains extracted from metamorphic rocks and quartz veins in the Sambagawa metamorphic belt, central Shikoku. An emission of 500nm with 195, 245, and 320-325°C glow peaks are observed through the lowest to highest grade samples. A 450nm emission band with intense 195 and 245°C glow peaks and a 320-325°C shoulder peak is found in the higher grade samples. A 570nm emission band with a 170°C glow peak is observed in the samples derived from the lower grade zones. These characteristics of TL emissions of quartz suggest that they can be an indicator for the identification of rock derived from different metamorphic grades. The higher metamorphic grade samples with 450nm emission bands in particular show higher intensities of the E1' center. This relation indicates that the activation of the E1' center in higher metamorphic conditions possibly contributed to the 450nm emission band. Also, the 500nm emission band is generally observed in the samples with the signal intensities of the Aluminum hole center, suggesting that the center is the source of this emission band. We also observed that the lower metamorphic grade samples contain lower signal intensities of the Aluminum hole center, despite higher aluminum concentrations. This inconsistency indicates that the formation of interstitial aluminum ions cause local lattice distortion regions, where self-trapped excitons can be formed and presumably provide the 570nm emissions.

The Third International Intercomparison on EPR Tooth Dosimetry: part 2, final analysis.

The objective of the Third International Intercomparison on EPR Tooth Dosimetry was to evaluate laboratories performing tooth enamel dosimetry <300 mGy. Final analysis of results included a correlation analysis between features of laboratory dose reconstruction protocols and dosimetry performance. Applicability of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tooth dosimetry at low dose was shown at two applied dose levels of 79 and 176 mGy. Most (9 of 12) laboratories reported the dose to be within 50 mGy of the delivered dose of 79 mGy, and 10 of 12 laboratories reported the dose to be within 100 mGy of the delivered dose of 176 mGy. At the high-dose tested (704 mGy) agreement within 25% of the delivered dose was found in 10 laboratories. Features of EPR dose reconstruction protocols that affect dosimetry performance were found to be magnetic field modulation amplitude in EPR spectrum recording, EPR signal model in spectrum deconvolution and duration of latency period for tooth enamel samples after preparation.

Influence of 1 year of androgen deprivation therapy on lipid and glucose metabolism and fat accumulation in Japanese patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: We prospectively examined influence of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on lipid and glucose metabolisms in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: Patients with prostate cancer who were hormone-naive and scheduled to receive long-term ADT were recruited between 2011 and 2013. Body weight, abdominal circumference and blood testing associated with lipid and glucose metabolism were recorded every 3 months during 1 year of ADT. Computed tomography (CT) was performed to measure areas of subcutaneous and visceral fat before and after 1 year of ADT. ADT was limited to a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist with or without bicalutamide. RESULTS: Of 218 patients registered, data were available from 177 patients who completed 1 year of ADT. Of these, CT was performed before and after 1 year of ADT in 88 patients. Median age was 75 years (range, 49-85 years). Median PSA before ADT was 16.7 ng ml(-1) (range, 0.3-3316). Clinical stage was B (54.2%), C (23.2%) and D (20.9%). Mean increases in body weight and abdominal circumference after 1 year of ADT were 2.9 and 3.0%, respectively. Mean increases in total, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were 10.6, 14.3, 7.8 and 16.2%, respectively. Mean increases in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were 3.9 and 2.7%, respectively. Lipid alterations were noted in patients without comorbidities, whereas changes in HbA1c were noted in patients with diabetes mellitus at baseline. These lipid and glucose alterations were prominent in the early ADT period. Both visceral and subcutaneous fat, as measured by CT, increased by >20%. The increase in subcutaneous fat was significantly greater than that in visceral fat (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: One year of ADT significantly changed lipid and glucose metabolism in Japanese patients with prostate cancer. Patient characteristics or comorbidities at baseline may be associated with ADT-induced metabolic changes.

Interaction of epidermal growth factor with specific binding sites of enterocytes isolated from rat small intestine during development.

Isolated enterocytes from rat small intestine were characterized for their specific binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Intestinal epithelial cells were isolated at 4 degrees C to minimize the loss of receptor sites during the isolation procedure. 125I-labelled EGF binding to enterocytes from adult rats was found to be specific, saturable, temperature dependent and trypsin sensitive. Binding performed in the presence of a lysosomotropic agent (NH4Cl) increased the time required to reach maximal binding at 25 degrees C. NH4Cl had no significant effect on the time-course of EGF binding at 4 degrees C and 37 degrees C. A Scatchard plot showed a curvilinear relationship indicating that EGF binds to enterocytes with more than one binding site. Developmentally, enterocytes from fetuses and pups showed characteristic temperature dependence and trypsin sensitivity, but with different levels of binding to EGF. Specific EGF binding was demonstrably higher in enterocytes from small intestine of term fetuses. EGF binding to isolated enterocytes declined rapidly after birth, and the level stayed fairly constant thereafter. Pretreatment of enterocytes from fetal intestine with mature rat milk led to a dose-dependent decrease in EGF binding. These results suggest the presence of endogenous milk factors that modify EGF binding and account for, at least partly, the observed rapid decrease of EGF binding after birth.

Comparison of three methods of numerical procedures for ESR dosimetry of human tooth enamel.

Three numerical methods were employed to examine how gamma ray doses ranging from 100 mGy to 1Gy could be reconstructed using five human molar teeth. For samples above 28 0mGy, the obtained doses are consistent with each other within the errors but slightly larger than actually given doses. Background doses range from 20 to 170 mGy depending on the methods and samples. Further precise studies would be needed to characterize each method, but it would be recommended to apply several methods to check the reliability of the obtained doses.

The 3rd international intercomparison on EPR tooth dosimetry: Part 1, general analysis.

The objective of the 3rd International Intercomparison on Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Tooth Dosimetry was the evaluation of laboratories performing tooth enamel dosimetry below 300 mGy. Participants had to reconstruct the absorbed dose in tooth enamel from 11 molars, which were cut into two halves. One half of each tooth was irradiated in a 60Co beam to doses in the ranges of 30-100 mGy (5 samples), 100-300 mGy (5 samples), and 300-900 mGy (1 sample). Fourteen international laboratories participated in this intercomparison programme. A first analysis of the results and an overview of the essential features of methods applied in different laboratories are presented. The relative standard deviation of results of all methods was better than 27% for applied doses in the range of 79-704 mGy. In the analysis of the unirradiated tooth halves 8% of the samples were identified as outliers with additional absorbed dose above background dose.

Bile lysosomal enzymes: characteristics and pathological significance for various hepatobiliary disorders.

The activities of several glycosidases (beta-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase) were demonstrated in human bile. The enzyme activities are increased about 100 times after exclusion of bile salts and other small molecular compounds by Sephadex G-50 gel filtration. The use of 4-methylumbelliferyl derivatives as substrates was useful as measurement of the bile enzyme activities are not altered in the presence of bile pigments. Enzyme characteristics of bile glycosidases were determined: pH optimum and isoelectric point. The bile glycosidase activities were also measured in various hepatobiliary disorders (cholelithiasis, cancer of gallbladder, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and fatty liver). The glycosidase activities in bile from patients with liver diseases, as well as with cholelithiasis, were generally decreased. Isoelectric focusing patterns of biliary glycosidases were similar for specimens from patients with hepatobiliary disorders as compared to normal.

Development of a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of anti-M2 in primary biliary cirrhosis.

We developed a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-M2 in sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), using 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex (2-OADC) purified from porcine myocardium as the antigen source. The immunoreactivity was tested in a total of 354 sera, including 63 sera from patients with PBC by our ELISA. In the sera, indirect immunofluorescence for AMA, former ELISA for anti-pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) and immunoblot assay were performed, respectively. Of the 63 sera from patients with PBC, 51 sera (81.0%) were positive for anti-M2 in the new ELISA. Thirty-eight of the 63 sera (60.3%) were positive for anti-PDC in the former ELISA; the difference was significant between them (P=0.011). None of the 291 control sera from healthy volunteers showed reactivity against 2-OADC in the new ELISA. Moreover, in comparison with the results of immunoblot analysis, sensitivity and specificity in our ELISA to the sera from patients with PBC were 100 and 92.3%, respectively. Our results indicate that the new ELISA for anti-M2 using 2-OADC is simple, rapid and sensitive enough for the detection of AMA specific to PBC.