The effect of ulinastatin on CFU-C colony formation in mouse myelocyte cultures

The mixture of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)/EDTA/NaCl has been used to delineate low-affinity conditions for agonists binding to G-protein-linked receptors. The effects of this mixture on [3H]RX821002 (2-methoxyidazoxan) binding to alpha2-adrenoceptors were evaluated in different tissues. The density of alpha2-adrenoceptors in the presence of the mixture was 11, 78 and 60% higher in human cortex (predominant alpha2A), human caudate (alpha2A + alpha2C) and rat kidney (alpha2A + alpha2B), respectively, than in its absence. In rat kidney, masking of alpha2B-adrenoceptors by ARC239 (2-[2-[4-(o-methoxyphenyl)-piperazin-1-yl]-ethyl]-4,4-dimethyl-1,3 -(2H,4H)-isoquinolindione) (50 nM) or masking of alpha2A-adrenoceptors by BRL44408 (2-[2H-(1-methyl-1,3-dihydroisoindole)methyl]-4,5-dihydroimidaz ole) (100 nM) demonstrated that the increase was in the alpha2B-adrenoceptor but not in the alpha2A-adrenoceptor subtype.     

950 keV, 3.95 MeV and 6 MeV X-band linacs for nondestructive evaluation and medicine

We are developing compact X-band linac X-ray sources for nondestructive evaluation and medicine. First, we develop a portable X-ray system by a 950 keV 9.4 GHz X-band linac to realize on-site inspection. We use a low power (250 kW) magnetron as an RF source for compactness of the whole system. Since the RF power source is quite small and the stored energy in the structure is also small, we faced the problem of beam loading and current/RF-power oscillation. We are analyzing the problem by the circuit model. We plan to use this system for erosion inspection of metal pipes of petrochemical complex. By adopting a side-coupling cavity design to avoid the oscillation, we have developed 6 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac for pinpoint dynamic tracking cancer therapy. Furthermore, we are manufacturing 3.95 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac X-ray source with flexible waveguides for on-site bridge inspection. Updated results and situations are presented.     

Reconstitution of hepatic tissue architectures from fetal liver cells obtained from a three-dimensional culture with a rotating wall vessel bioreactor

Reconstitution of tissue architecture in vitro is important because it enables researchers to investigate the interactions and mutual relationships between cells and cellular signals involved in the three-dimensional (3D) construction of tissues. To date, in vitro methods for producing tissues with highly ordered structure and high levels of function have met with limited success although a variety of 3D culture systems have been investigated. In this study, we reconstituted functional hepatic tissue including mature hepatocyte and blood vessel-like structures accompanied with bile duct-like structures from E15.5 fetal liver cells, which contained more hepatic stem/progenitor cells comparing with neonatal liver cells. The culture was performed in a simulated microgravity environment produced by a rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor. The hepatocytes in the reconstituted 3D tissue were found to be capable of producing albumin and storing glycogen. Additionally, bile canaliculi between hepatocytes, characteristics of adult hepatocyte in vivo were also formed. Apart from this, bile duct structure secreting mucin was shown to form complicated tubular branches. Furthermore, gene expression analysis by semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed the elevated levels of mature hepatocyte markers as well as genes with the hepatic function. With RWV culture system, we could produce functionally reconstituted liver tissue and this might be useful in pharmaceutical industry including drug screening and testing and other applications such as an alternative approach to experimental animals.     

Ultrashort X-ray pulse generation using subpicosecond electron linac

As a promising tool for ultrafast material analyses, we propose to utilize the X-ray pulse which may be generated in a quite simple manner using subpicosecond electron linacs. The properties of the X-ray were numerically studied with the EGS4 code. Verification of the X-ray generation was also conducted at the Nuclear Engineering Research Laboratory (NERL) linac and clear diffraction patterns of characteristic X-ray were obtained for typical single crystals.     

Fundamental welding R&D results for manufacturing vacuum vessel of JT-60SA

The real vacuum vessel (VV) manufacturing of JT-60SA has started since November 2009 at Toshiba. Prior to starting manufacturing, fundamental welding R&Ds had been performed by three stages. In the first stage, primary tests for screening welding method were performed. In the second stage, the trial welding for 1 m-long straight and curved double shell samples were conducted. The dependences of welding quality and distortion on the welding conditions, such as arc voltage and current, setting accuracy, welding sequence, and the shape of grooves were studied. In addition, welding condition with low heat input was explored. In the last stage, fabrication sequence was confirmed and established by the trial manufacturing of the 20° upper half mock-up [1]. This paper presents the R&D results obtained in the first and second stages.     

The Fusion Science Research Plan for the Major U.S. Tokamaks

This is the May 1996 report of a subpanel of the US Department of Energy Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC), charged with conducting a review of the progress, priorities and potential near-term contributions of TFTR, DIII-D and Alcator C-MOD (and other facilities as appropriate) as part of the transition to a Fusion Energy Sciences Program and produce an optimum plan for obtaining the most scientific benefit from them.     

Slow crack growth and acoustic emission characteristics in COD test

Brittle material fractures at a critical value of stress intensity factor or crack opening displacement (COD) without any prior crack growth. In the ductile materials, however unstable fracture initiation may be preceded by a period of slow crack growth from the notch tip. Such slow crack growth may be an essential prelude to unstable fast fracture and thus COD at the start of slow crack growth can also be regarded as a critical value of the fracture characteristics. We have tried to apply the acoustic emission techniques to the COD test. Acoustic emission techniques can be used to detect the onset of slow crack growth and to obtain a relation between COD and AE characteristics in the COD test.