Synthesis, physico-mechanical and microstructural characterization of Al6063/SiC/PKSA hybrid reinforced composites.

The utilization of agro-residues ash as complementary reinforcing materials continues to gain prominence for metal matrix composite (MMCs) development. A rarely investigated but largely available ash among these agro-residues is the palm kernel shell ash (PKSA). Thus, the present study investigates the influence of PKSA particulates hybridized with SiC on the physico-mechanical properties and microstructure of Al6063 metal composites. The composites are synthesized using the double stir-casting technique with SiC held constant at 2 wt.%, while the PKSA contents are varied from 0 to 8 wt.%. The phases present and morphology of the composites are investigated using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The density, porosity, hardness, tensile and fracture toughness tests are carried out on the hybrid composites. X-ray diffractometer revealed that for Al 6063, only Al cubic crystal system was identifiable within the matrix. However, for the reinforced composites, major phases identified are Al, Fe3Si, SiC, MgO, and SiO2. The SEM images show that the particulates reinforcements (SiC and PKSA) were uniformly dispersed in the matrix. The percentage porosity for the composites ranged from 2.06 to 2.39%. In addition, hardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the composites are about 10.3%, 18.5% and 10.4%, respectively better than for Al 6063. However, the percent elongation and fracture toughness are lower for the hybrid composites than for Al 6063 and SiC reinforced composite with values decreasing with increase in ash content. Hence, the MMCs produced will be applicable for light-weight engineering applications.

Performance of Methyl-5-Benzoyl-2-Benzimidazole Carbamate (Mebendazole) as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Dilute Sulphuric Acid.

The inhibitive effect of mebendazole (MBZ) on the corrosion of low-carbon steel in H2SO4 was investigated by gravimetric and electrochemical techniques as well as examination of specimens in the scanning electron microscope with attached energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). From gravimetric analysis, the highest inhibition efficiency of about 96.6% was obtained for 1.0 g of inhibitor in H2SO4 solution at 24 h, while with longer exposure times of between 72 to 120 h, the efficiencies averaged between 92 and 95%. Tafel extrapolations from the polarization curves showed that 1.0 g MBZ gave a maximum inhibition efficiency of approximately 99% for the investigation conducted at 30°C, whereas 1.5 g of MBZ gave a maximum inhibition efficiency of about 85% at 60°C. Inhibition efficiency increased with increasing concentrations of MBZ and decreased at elevated temperatures. The inhibitive action was attributed to physical adsorption of MBZ species on the mild steel surface which followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. MBZ performed as a mixed-type inhibitor on mild steel in dilute H2SO4.

Effects of Bifidobacterium breve A1 on the cognitive function of older adults with memory complaints: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

In our previous study, we reported the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium breve A1 in preventing cognitive impairment in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease and participants with mild cognitive impairment; we suggested that probiotic supplementation is an effective therapeutic strategy for managing cognitive function. Accordingly, we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess whether 12-week B. breve A1 supplementation could affect the cognitive function of elderly subjects with memory complaints. We assessed cognitive function using the Japanese version of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and after 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation. A total of 121 participants were randomised and received B. breve A1 capsules or placebo daily for 12 weeks; of these, 117 participants completed the study. At 12 weeks, neuropsychological test scores significantly increased in both groups; no significant intergroup difference was observed in terms of changes in scores from the baseline scores. However, a stratified analysis revealed a significant difference between B. breve A1 and placebo groups in terms of the subscale 'immediate memory' of RBANS and MMSE total score in the subjects with low RBANS total score at baseline. No significant differences in terms of blood parameters between the groups or adverse effects caused by B. breve A1 intervention were observed. The results of the present study suggest the safety of B. breve A1 supplementation and its potential in maintaining cognitive function in elderly subjects with memory complaints. However, future large-scale studies on individuals with impaired cognitive function are required to validate the present findings.

Simulation of the probable vector density that caused the Nagasaki dengue outbreak vectored by Aedes albopictus in 1942.

Japan experienced dengue outbreaks vectored by Aedes albopictus during the Second World War. The probable vector density that caused the largest dengue outbreak in Nagasaki in 1942 was estimated using a mathematical simulation model. The estimated vector density was 15.0-558.0 per person when various assumptions of uncertain parameters were applied, such as proportion of symptomatic cases, vector mortality, and human biting rate of A. albopictus. When the most favourable disease spread conditions, such as a combination of the exclusive human biting rate and the longest vector survival were assumed, the vector density was 15-25 mosquitoes per person. Unusually high vector density due to wartime practices, and the traditional Japanese lifestyle were presumably responsible for the earlier dengue outbreak. If an outbreak occurs in present-day Japan, it is unlikely to spread as much as the previous one, as environmental conditions and human behaviour have changed in a protective manner.

Levodopa challenge test and (123) I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy for diagnosing Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the possibility of a generally applicable tool for the immediate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) in its early stage, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of an acute levodopa challenge test with that of (123) I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 45 patients with extrapyramidal symptoms were recruited to the acute levodopa challenge and evaluated for improvement by use of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor scores. Of these patients, 32 of them were also examined by MIBG scintigraphy. The patients were followed up for at least 24 months, and 22 patients were diagnosed as having clinically definite PD. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the acute levodopa challenge test to predict clinical diagnosis of PD were 81.8% and 81.8%, respectively, which were better than those obtained by MIBG scintigraphy (62.5% and 62.5%). In both early- and middle-stages of PD, the test gave better sensitivity than MIBG scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the well-established and frequently referred clinical diagnostic criteria require longitudinal observation for at least 24 months, the acute levodopa challenge test can be used as an immediate diagnostic tool for PD with sensitivity and specificity comparable to those of MIBG.

Activation of OASIS family, ER stress transducers, is dependent on its stabilization.

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress transducers transduce signals from the ER to the cytoplasm and nucleus when unfolded proteins accumulate in the ER. BBF2 human homolog on chromosome 7 (BBF2H7) and old astrocyte specifically induced substance (OASIS), ER-resident transmembrane proteins, have recently been identified as novel ER stress transducers that have roles in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, respectively. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the activation of BBF2H7 and OASIS under ER stress conditions remain unresolved. Here, we showed that BBF2H7 and OASIS are notably unstable proteins that are easily degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway under normal conditions. ER stress conditions enhanced the stability of BBF2H7 and OASIS, and promoted transcription of their target genes. HMG-CoA reductase degradation 1 (HRD1), an ER-resident E3 ubiquitin ligase, ubiquitinated BBF2H7 and OASIS under normal conditions, whereas ER stress conditions dissociated the interaction between HRD1 and BBF2H7 or OASIS. The stabilization of OASIS in Hrd1(-/-) cells enhanced the expression of collagen fibers during osteoblast differentiation, whereas a knockdown of OASIS in Hrd1(-/-) cells suppressed the production of collagen fibers. These findings suggest that ER stress stabilizes OASIS family members and this is a novel molecular mechanism for the activation of ER stress transducers.

Novel thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions.

In the present study, the authors evaluated the diagnostic utility of a novel thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A total of 118 patients were included in this prospective study. Bronchoscopic examination was performed using a 5.9-mm standard bronchoscope. If no visible endobronchial lesion was found, transbronchial biopsies were performed with 1.5-mm biopsy forceps under fluoroscopic guidance and the bronchus were washed with 10-20 mL of saline solution, using a prototype 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel. Endobronchial lesion was visualised with the standard bronchoscope in 16 patients, and the other 102 patients underwent biopsies with the thin bronchoscope. The mean bronchus levels reached with the standard bronchoscope and the thin bronchoscope were 2.3 and 4.3 generations, respectively. Endobronchial abnormality was revealed with the thin bronchoscope in a further 14 patients. Diagnostic material was obtained in 50 of 68 (74%) patients with malignant disease and 18 of 30 (60%) patients with benign disease. Four patients did not return to follow-up. The diagnostic yield was 57%, even in lesions <20 mm. There were no major complications. In conclusion, bronchoscopy using a 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel is useful and safe for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Characterization of the immune escape phenotype of human gastric cancers with and without high-frequency microsatellite instability.

Gastric cancers with and without high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) represent distinctive pathways of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify if human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen subunits and antigen processing machinery (APM) components are differentially downregulated in these two groups of tumours. Using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis, methylation-specific PCR (MSP), DNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry, we analysed expression and/or alteration of HLA class I antigen subunits and APM components, including low molecular weight polypeptide proteasome subunit (LMP)2, LMP7, LMP10, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)1, TAP2, tapasin, proteasome activator (PA) 28alpha, and PA28beta in two stage-matched panels of 30 MSI-H and 30 microsatellite stable (MSS) gastric cancers. Mutations at coding microsatellites (cMS) located within beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) and genes encoding APM components, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone protein genes, such as calnexin, SEC63, SEC31, and P4HB (p55), were also analysed. HLA class Ia transcripts were totally downregulated in 18.3% of cancer cases. Locus-specific downexpression of HLA-A, -B, and -C was detected in 41.7%, 45.0%, and 31.7% of cases. Loss of HLA-A was significantly more frequent in MSI-H cancers. The LOH ratios of the HLA-A, -B, and -C loci microsatellite markers were relatively low: 5/32 (15.6%) for D6S306, 4/32 (12.5%) for D6S258, 4/33 (12.1%) for D6S273, and 4/30 (13.3%) for D6S1666. Methylation of HLA-A, -B, and -C was detected in 38.3%, 40.0%, and 28.3% of cases. A significant association between methylation and reduction in expression was observed in gastric cancer tissues. Mutations at cMS of beta2m and APM components were detected in 3.3-46.7% of MSI-H cancers but in none of MSS cancers. These data show that gastric cancers have various defects in HLA class I antigen subunits and APM components and that the MSI phenotype is associated with frequent HLA-A inactivation and frameshift mutations of the beta2m and APM genes.

The vibratory characteristics of obturators with different bulb height and form designs.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the vibratory characteristics of obturator prostheses are affected by bulb design, i.e.: the hollow or buccal flange type, and different lateral and medial bulb heights. Buccal flange and hollow bulb obturator prostheses were fabricated with two different lateral bulb wall heights and two different medial bulb wall heights. Ultimately, eight obturator prostheses were prepared for evaluation of their vibratory characteristics. The frequency-response functions were recorded on an FFT analyzer to identify their vibratory characteristics. A transient response simulation was carried out in which an impact was applied to the non-defect side. The decay rate, damping time and maximum amplitude of the retainers were statistically analysed by anova with Scheffé's test (P < 0.05). The decay rate of every buccal flange type was higher and damping time was shorter than those of every hollow type, except between a pair with low lateral and low medial bulb walls. The maximum amplitude values of four obturators with low medial bulb walls were significantly lower than those of four obturators with high medial walls. The buccal flange obturator prosthesis with high lateral and low medial walls showed the maximum decay rate and the minimum amplitude of the retainers on molars. Vibration analysis suggests that a buccal flange obturator prosthesis with high lateral and low medial walls is preferable.

Nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for patients with hematologic malignancies.

We conducted a multi-center phase I/II trial of nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation for patients with hematologic malignancies. The aim of this trial was to assess the safety and feasibility of this treatment modality for older or younger patients with significant organ dysfunction, who could not be treated with conventional high dose chemoradiotherapy. Twelve patients were treated with a conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide, followed by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identical siblings. Nonhematologic toxicities were mild. Median time to absolute neutrophils above 0.5 x 10(9)/l, 1.0 x 10(9)/l and platelets above 50 x 10(9)/l were 8, 10 and 12 days, respectively. Donor dominant hematopoiesis was achieved in all patients, with or without donor leukocyte infusion. The cumulative incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 75 and 56%, respectively. Only one patient experienced early death within 100 days, caused by acute GVHD complicated by fungal infection. All patients except one achieved complete remission. With a median follow-up of 330 days, expected progression-free survival is 75%. Overall survival is 76%. Our study confirms that nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine conditioning is a safe and promising treatment for elderly patients with hematologic malignancies. A further study in large-scale setting is warranted.

Vibration analysis of maxillary removable partial denture frameworks.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the vibratory characteristics of three designs of the Class I Kennedy maxillary removable partial denture frameworks as the basic study. Their major connectors comprised a U-shaped palatal connector (UPC), single palatal bar (SPB), and anterior-posterior palatal bars (APB). Frequency response functions were measured when the framework was impacted. The modal shape was observed and the decay rate was calculated using modal analysis software. The results showed that the vibratory properties of each framework differed from each other. Within the range of frequencies from 10 to 2000 Hz, the UPC type had seven natural frequencies, while the SPB and the APB types had six. The UPC type had a greater number of natural modes accompanied by elastic deformation, including fluttering and twisting, than the other type, and the UPC type was considered to be unfavourable. The decay rate of the APB type was significantly higher than those of the UPC and the SPB types (P < 0.01).

Efficient lentiviral transduction of human cord blood CD34(+) cells followed by their expansion and differentiation into dendritic cells.

OBJECTIVE: To support immune reconstitution after cord blood transplantation, immunotherapy using gene-modified dendritic cells (DCs), the most potent antigen-presenting cells, can be a powerful strategy for preventing infection and recurrence. To investigate the applicability of lentiviral vector-transduced DCs compared to retroviral vectors, we transduced umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34(+) cells, then expanded and differentiated them into DCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We transduced CB CD34(+) cells by vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein pseudotyped self-inactivating lentiviral vector or retroviral vectors carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein gene. The cells were expanded in the stroma-dependent culture system and transferred to the culture condition for developing DCs. The efficiency of transduction and expression of the transgene in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice-repopulating cells (SRCs) and DCs were compared between lentiviral vector and retroviral vectors. Induced DCs were cocultured with allogeneic or autologous T cells to test the ability to present antigens. RESULTS: CB CD34(+) cells transduced by lentiviral vector and expanded ex vivo sustained stable transgene expression and multipotentiality by assessing SRCs assay and clonogenic assay of bone marrow cells from the transplanted mice. DCs derived from these cells expressed green fluorescent protein and surface markers CD1a, CD80, and HLA-DR and showed potent allo-stimulatory activity as well as nontransduced DCs did. On the other hand, we did not detect transgene expression in SRCs and DCs transduced by retroviral vectors. CONCLUSION: Gene-modified DCs derived from ex vivo expanded CB CD34(+) cells transduced by lentiviral vector will be useful in future immunotherapy protocols.

[Secondary eosinophilia in a patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from a sibling donor].

A 23-year-old man first visited a local hospital in 1998 because of exertional dyspnea. Peripheral blood examination revealed mild leukocytosis with 82% eosinophils, and he was treated with prednisolone. As the eosinophilia did not improve, he was referred to Tokai University Hospital in March 1999 for further diagnosis and treatment. The patient was diagnosed as having hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) because of unexplained hypereosinophilia persisting for more than 6 months, resulting in cardiac dysfunction. His disease was progressive in spite of immunosuppressive therapy, interferon-alpha and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Since he had an HLA-identical brother, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was performed in October 1999. After completion of the immunosuppressive therapy on day 79 after BMT, the number of eosinophils gradually increased again. Although we suspected recurrence of the disease, DNA fingerprinting revealed that the peripheral granulocytes were 100% donor type. An increase of interleukin-5 (IL-5) produced by peripheral lymphocytes and a decrease of the Th1/2 ratio suggested that the eosinophilia was related to GVHD. The eosinophilia was eventually controlled by cyclosporin. We conclude that DNA fingerprinting and examination of the IL-5 level and Th1/2 ratio are useful for differentiating between relapse and GVHD in cases of eosinophilia occurring after BMT for HES.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae small GTPase, Gsp1p/Ran, is involved in 3' processing of 7S-to-5.8S rRNA and in degradation of the excised 5'-A0 fragment of 35S pre-rRNA, both of which are carried out by the exosome.

Dis3p, a subunit of the exosome, interacts directly with Ran. To clarify the relationship between the exosome and the RanGTPase cycle, a series of temperature-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae dis3 mutants were isolated and their 5.8S rRNA processing was compared with processing in strains with mutations in a S. cerevisiae Ran homologue, Gsp1p. In both dis3 and gsp1 mutants, 3' processing of 7S-to-5.8S rRNA was blocked at three identical sites in an allele-specific manner. In contrast, the 5' end of 5.8S rRNA was terminated normally in gsp1 and in dis3. Inhibition of 5.8S rRNA maturation in gsp1 was rescued by overexpression of nuclear exosome components Dis3p, Rrp4p, and Mtr4p, but not by a cytoplasmic exosome component, Ski2p. Furthermore, gsp1 and dis3 accumulated the 5'-A0 fragment of 35S pre-rRNA, which is also degraded by the exosome, and the level of 27S rRNA was reduced. Neither 5.8S rRNA intermediates nor 5'-A0 fragments were observed in mutants defective in the nucleocytoplasmic transport, indicating that Gsp1p regulates rRNA processing through Dis3p, independent of nucleocytoplasmic transport.

Extensive and long-term ex vivo production of dendritic cells from CD34 positive umbilical cord blood or bone marrow cells by novel culture system using mouse stroma.

We previously developed a system using murine strome (HESS-5), which could expand umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem and progenitor cells, especially CD34+/38- cells, in the presence of human recombinant cytokines. In this study, the ability of expanded UCB- or bone marrow (BM)-CD34+ cells to differentiate into dendritic cells (DCs) was examined. DCs could be induced either from short or long term cultured CD34+ cells after switching the cytokines from Flk-2/Flt-3 ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin (TPO) to granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) (immature type) plus tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha with stimulation by CD40L transfectant (mature type). Each immature or mature UCB-DCs showed a dextran uptake or a potent allo-T lymphocytes proliferative ability, respectively. Furthermore, those DCs from BM significantly stimulated auto-T lymphocytes in an antigen (varicella zoster virus) specific manner. In conclusion, a novel culture system using HESS-5 is useful to support a rapid and sustained generation of primitive myeloid cells which can develop into functional DCs.

Sex-specific developmental changes in amygdala responses to affective faces.

It is hypothesized that adolescent development involves a redistribution of cerebral functions from lower subcortical structures to higher regions of the prefrontal cortex to provide greater self-control over emotional behavior. We further hypothesized that this redistribution is likely to be moderated by sex-specific hormonal changes. To examine developmental sex differences in affective processing, 19 children and adolescents underwent fMRI while viewing photographs of faces expressing fear. Males and females differed in the pattern of their amygdala vs prefrontal activation during adolescent maturation. With age, females showed a progressive increase in prefrontal relative to amygdala activation in the left hemisphere, whereas males failed to show a significant age related difference. There appear to be sex differences in the functional maturation of affect-related prefrontal-amygdala circuits during adolescence.

Modal analysis of the maxillary dentition in cleft lip and palate patients before and after bone grafting.

The aim of this study was to analyze the vibratory characteristics in the maxillary dentition of 4 cleft lip and palate (CLP) patients before and after bone grafting. First, the central incisor on the noncleft side was impacted with an impact hammer, and the responses were received using an acceleration sensor from the teeth between the upper first molars on both sides. The transfer functions were then obtained from each measurement point using a fast Fourier transform analyzer. Finally, a computer analysis and simulation were performed based on the measured transfer functions to obtain the natural frequency, modal shape, decay rate (DR) and maximum displacement (MDP). Before bone grafting, distinct phase differences between the major and minor dental arches (MDA and mDA) were observed in the modal shapes. After surgery, however, both the MDA and mDA vibrated in phase. These results were identical in all subjects. The MDPs of the central incisors conspicuously decreased after bone grafting in 3 subjects. From the standpoint of vibratory characteristics, this study indicated that bone grafting had a favorable effect on prosthodontic treatment using a fixed prosthesis across the cleft in CLP patients.

Yrb1p interaction with the gsp1p C terminus blocks Mog1p stimulation of GTP release from Gsp1p.

Mog1p, a multicopy suppressor of gsp1, the temperature-sensitive mutant of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ran homologue, binds to GTP-Gsp1p but not to GDP-Gsp1p. The function of Mog1p in the Ran cycle is as yet unknown. This study found that Mog1p releases a nucleotide from GTP-Gsp1p but not from GDP-Gsp1p. Yrb1p, the S. cerevisiae homologue of RanBP1, which is a strong inhibitor of RCC1-stimulated nucleotide release, also inhibited the Mog1p-stimulated nucleotide release from GTP-Gsp1p. At a concentration corresponding to the molar concentration of GTP-Gsp1p, Yrb1p completely inhibited the Mog1p-stimulated nucleotide release. Consistently, the Yrb1p.GTP-Gsp1p complex was more stable than the Mog1p.GTP-Gsp1p complex. Yrb1p did not inhibit the Mog1p-stimulated nucleotide release from GTP-Gsp1DeltaC. The Gsp1DeltaC protein lacks the final eight amino acids of the C terminus, and for this reason, the interaction between GTP-Gsp1DeltaC and Yrb1p was strongly reduced. On the other hand, Mog1p binds to GTP-Gsp1DeltaC more efficiently than to GTP-Gsp1p.

[Delayed posttraumatic high flow priapism: a case report].

A 21-year-old male complained of persisting erection. A urethral balloon catheter had been for 3 weeks after indwelt urethral injury by a skateboard, and he was hospitalized because of penile erection persisting after removing the catheter. High flow priapism was suspected by intracavernous blood gas study and color Doppler ultrasound study. Selective internal pudendal arteriography revealed a leakage of contrast medium at the base of penis. He was treated with selective embolization of bilateral internal genital arteries using gelatin sponges and achieved detumescence. Normal potency was evident 3 months later by examining nocturnal penile tumescence.