Mock-up experiment at Birmingham University for BNCT project of Osaka University--Neutron flux measurement with gold foil.

Mock-up experiment for development of accelerator based neutron source for Osaka University BNCT project was carried out at Birmingham University, UK. In this paper, spatial distribution of neutron flux intensity was evaluated by foil activation method. Validity of the design code system was confirmed by comparing measured gold foil activities with calculations. As a result, it was found that the epi-thermal neutron beam was well collimated by our neutron moderator assembly. Also, the design accuracy was evaluated to have less than 20% error.

Liquid Li based neutron source for BNCT and science application.

Liquid lithium (Li) is a candidate material for a target of intense neutron source, heat transfer medium in space engines and charges stripper. For a medical application of BNCT, epithermal neutrons with least energetic neutrons and γ-ray are required so as to avoid unnecessary doses to a patient. This is enabled by lithium target irradiated by protons at 2.5 MeV range, with utilizing the threshold reaction of (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be at 1.88 MeV. In the system, protons at 2.5 MeV penetrate into Li layer by 0.25 mm with dissipating heat load near the surface. To handle it, thin film flow of high velocity is important for stable operation. For the proton accelerator, electrostatic type of the Schnkel or the tandem is planned to be employed. Neutrons generated at 0.6 MeV are gently moderated to epithermal energy while suppressing accompanying γ-ray minimum by the dedicated moderator assembly.

Ultrastructural observation on the bacterial capsule of Bacillus anthracis seen in the spleen of a diseased cow.

The bacterial capsule of Bacillus anthracis seen in the spleen of a cow which had died of anthrax was studied electron microscopically. It was visible around bacteria which had been fixed in a ruthenium red-containing fixative. It was composed of electron-dense spikes and extended outwards from the bacterial surface. It was not found around bacteria which had been treated with a fixative devoid of ruthenium red. Bacteria were seen scattered among blood cells. They were not phagocytized by neutrophils or macrophages.

[Personality and profile-modifying operations: positive and negative markers]. / Persönlichkeit und profilverändernde Operationen: Positive und negative Merkmale.

In a prospective longitudinal study, 26 patients with facial-profile changes by surgery in the upper and/or lower jaw were evaluated concerning motivational factors and the outcome of surgery. Subjective criteria, i.e., expectations of surgery, social support and personality factors, are subject to the evaluation of the outcome. To reduce failure there should be a small amount of psychological screening in advance.

Human adipogenic serum activity increases during pregnancy.

Adipogenic factor required for adipose differentiation of 3T3-F442A cells is present in human serum. Its activity increases significantly 3-4 fold in maternal serum after the 25th-28th weeks of pregnancy. It remains high until parturition and it is also found at high levels in serum from umbilical cord blood, whereas amniotic fluid from late gestation ages has a very low adipogenic activity. Adipogenic activity from maternal serum decreases abruptly one day after parturition and it reaches normal levels similar to those found in non-pregnant women, remaining constant thereafter. It is suggested that adipogenic serum activity could have some significance for human adipose tissue differentiation.