Probable Observation of Quantized Vortex Lines Through Solid He Under DC Rotation

We report how one can detect quantized vortices in superfluids contained in cylindrical vessels in well-designed torsional oscillator (TO) experiments under DC rotation. We show the case of an artificial 3D superfluid (Fukuda et al. in Phys. Rev. B 71:212502, 2005) which is made of Kosterlits-Thouless 2D He film condensed on a porous glass substrate with a 3D connected surface of well-controlled pore size. We understand the TO experimental results with an extra energy dissipation peak under DC rotation by considering the circular quantized superflow around each of the vortex lines and interaction with thermally excited 2D vortices as discussed in Fukuda et al. (Phys. Rev. B 71:212502, 2005) and in Nemirovskii and Sonin (Phys. Rev. B 76: 224507, 2007). We discuss here the case of hcp solid ⁴He (see for ex. Balibar and Caupin in J. Phys., Condens. Matter 20:173201-1-19, 2008) and show the evidence of observation of the vortex lines penetration below a supersolid transition temperature (Kubota et al. in J. Low Temp. Phys. 158:572, 2010), T _c , where macroscopic phase coherence is realized. It is found at exactly the same temperature T _c , below which the hysteresis occurrs (Shimizu et ail. in arXiv:0903.1326, 2009). For hcp solid ⁴He we have reported the vortex fluid (VF) state onset temperature (Penzev et al. in Phys. Rev. Lett. 101:065301, 2008) T _o =??500 mK, by detailed drive velocity, V _ac dependence study using TO technique. The TO response of the hcp ⁴He is characterized by the energy dissipation peaked at T _p near 100 mK similar to the behavior in a KT transition. The real supersolid (SS) state occurs at T _c below T _p and much lower than T _o . Our observation of the evidence of vortex lines penetration just below T _c together with the VF state properties gives support for the idea that hcp ⁴He shares some features with the ??new type of superconductors??, where the vortex state, involving the VF as well as various vortex solid states, has been commonly discussed (Fisher et al. in Phys. Rev. B 43(1):130, 1991; Leggett in Quantum Liquids, Oxford University Press, London, 2006).     

Design for analysis: A new strategy to improve the design process

The concept ofdesign for analysis (DA) as a strategy for designing a product or system is studied. DA states that designers should be constrained to work with only those designs which can be analyzed easily and quickly by simple tools. DA imposes some discipline and constraints on the designers. Nevertheless, it is conjectured that this will lead to shorter design times as well as designs that are superior in a number of senses. This paper presents our initial investigation of DA, which aims to determine whether it has potential as a design strategy. First, we refine the definition of DA and pose some hypotheses regarding its impact on the design process. Then we describe five case studies on actual design processes which show that DA could significantly improve the design process. Finally, design steps based on DA are presented. While these results are still preliminary, we propose that DA as a design strategy has the potential of being an important strategic weapon for gaining competitive advantage.Currently on leave from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan.     

Transmission of Streptococcus pyogenes causing toxic shock-like syndrome among family members and confirmation by DNA macrorestriction analysis

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause severe infections, such as toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). The transmission and pathogenesis of TSLS are poorly understood, and information is needed to develop prevention strategies. Four cases were identified in which the organism was transmitted among patients with TSLS and their family members. DNA macrorestriction endonuclease analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated the spread of S. pyogenes clones that caused TSLS among the family members. Although 14 persons related to the case-patients experienced only colonization or self-limited disease, 3 developed invasive infections (pneumonia, severe pharyngitis requiring hospitalization, and puerperal sepsis). These findings indicate that antimicrobial prophylaxis for close contacts of patients with TSLS should be considered and reinforce the need for further studies on epidemic control of TSLS.     

The role of complement in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial lesions in rat mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Persistent proteinuria and tubulointerstitial lesions are important signs of progressive renal disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of complement in the development of tubulointerstitial lesions in rats with proteinuria due to primary glomerulonephritis. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was induced in mononephrectomized rats by intravenous injection of monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1-22-3 (Clin Exp Immunol 102: 181-185, 1995). As early as 24 h after the injection, proteinuria became evident, persisted throughout the observation period, and was associated with mesangial cell proliferation and tubulointerstitial lesions when examined at 7 and 14 d after mAb administration. Deposition of rat C3 and C5b-9 was observed at the luminal surface of proximal tubules and in cellular debris present in the tubular lumen (group I). Rats injected with mAb 1-22-3 and depleted of complement by injections of cobra venom factor starting at day 3 developed glomerulonephritis and proteinuria comparable to rats of group I, but complement deposition in the tubules and the tubulointerstitial lesions were markedly reduced (group II). Rats in group III were injected with mAb and, from day 3, with soluble complement receptor type 1, which became detectable at the luminal surface of proximal tubules and in the urine. Deposition of C5b-9 in tubular cells was not detectable, and the severity of tubulointerstitial lesions was reduced compared with rats in group I. These results indicate that, in this model of primary mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with proteinuria, the development of tubulointerstitial lesions is associated with activation of serum complement at the level of tubular brush border, and tubulointerstitial lesions can be reduced by inhibition of complement activity.     

Partial hydrogenation of benzene with ruthenium catalysts prepared by a chemical mixing procedure: Preparation and properties of the catalysts

Ruthenium catalysts were prepared in different alcohols by a chemical mixing technique, characterised by the preparation of a homogeneous solution containing catalyst components, and the uniform coagulation of the solution through hydrolysis. The technique has the potential for controlling the surface area of the catalysts and for making them porous. The ruthenium catalysts were much more effective for the partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene (maximum cyclohexene yield, 31.4%) in the absence of any poison such as alkali metal hydroxide or transitional metal sulphate in the reaction solution.     

Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of the genes encoding the two essential protein components of Micrococcus luteus B-P 26 hexaprenyl diphosphate synthase

The structural genes encoding the two essential components A and B of hexaprenyl diphosphate synthase, which produce the precursor of the prenyl side chain of menaquinone-6, were cloned from Micrococcus luteus B-P 26.     

Sevoflurane is equivalent to isoflurane for attenuating bupivacaine-induced arrhythmias and seizures in rats

The effects of sevoflurane on bupivacaine toxicity have not been defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sevoflurane and isoflurane on bupivacaine-induced arrhythmias and seizures in rats. Thirty-seven Sprague-Dawley rats received bupivacaine intravenously at a constant rate of 2 mg.kg-1.min-1 until both arrhythmias and seizures occurred while electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were made. The cumulative doses of bupivacaine inducing arrhythmias and seizures were determined in the presence of 1 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane (sevoflurane group, n = 14) or isoflurane (isoflurane group, n = 10) and in the absence of anesthetic (control group, n = 13). The cumulative doses of bupivacaine inducing arrhythmias and seizures were larger in the sevoflurane and isoflurane groups than in the control group and were similar in the sevoflurane and isoflurane groups. These results indicate that sevoflurane and isoflurane attenuate bupivacaine-induced arrhythmias and seizures in rats.     

Acidosis and neuroprotection in two types of acidosis model rats under isoflurane anesthesia: evaluation of blood flow, pH and amino acid levels in the cortex

In order to evaluate the effect of brain acidosis on neuronal functions as assessed by the in vivo studies, changes of cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain pH ([pH]o) and brain amino acid levels in the same brain region of the two different acidosis model rats were measured under isoflurane anesthesia. Three micro probes to measure CBF, [pH]o and amino acids, respectively, were implanted into the frontal cortex, and these parameters were recorded simultaneously. In the metabolic acidosis rats, the sustained decrease of [pH]o and amino acid levels, particularly Glu, were detected after the treatment with 10 min-i.v. infusion of 1 N HCl, although the significant changes of CBF did not appear because of the respiratory management. In the respiratory acidosis model, however, transient and significant increase of CBF and decrease of Glu and [pH]o were recorded after 10 min-exposure to about 30% CO2 (N2O:O2:CO2 = 2:5:3). The levels of Gly and Gln were reduced after acute exposure to hypercapnia, but these levels recovered to the control level in 20-30 min after hypercapnia exposure. In both animals, the amounts of Tau was gradually reduced after the treatment with 1 N HCl and hypercapnia, and these levels did not return to the control level when other amino acid levels had recovered. These differences of brain amino acid levels in the two different types of acidosis model rats may be related to the brain amino acid metabolic pathway. Thus, during brain acidosis induced by 1 N HCl and hypercapnia, the amount of extracellular Glu in the brain was reduced, and this reduction may contribute to the neuroprotective effects.