Development of discharge plasma waveguide with external magnetic field for laser plasma acceleration

To improve the acceleration length in laser plasma acceleration, we investigate the discharge plasma waveguide with a magnetic field. The discharge circuit consists of two pulsed‐power circuits for preionization and main discharge. Discharges were repeated through the circuit using high‐power semiconductor switches. Laser propagation characteristics of discharge plasma waveguide with the external magnetic field were observed. The results show that the reproducibility of waveguide with the external magnetic field is relatively high compared to that without magnetic field. The laser intensity gradually decreases with the strength of external magnetic field. These results suggest that the electron density profile is possible to control using the discharge plasma waveguide with an external magnetic field.     

Recurrence in meningeal hemangiopericytomas

BACKGROUND: Meningeal hemangiopericytomas are more aggressive than typical meningiomas, with a high rate of recurrence and distant metastases. The question of whether a correlation exists between prognosis and histologic features remains controversial. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report two cases of recurrent meningeal hemangiopericytomas. Although local growth control of the tumor was obtained by tumor removal and irradiation in a 38-year-old male patient (Case 1) with a recurrent tentorial tumor, the tumor disseminated and metastasized extracranially within a short period after treatment, leading to rapid deterioration. Another 38-year-old female patient (Case 2) with a recurrent orbital tumor had a favorable outcome after tumor removal. The Ki-67 proliferative index using the MIB-1 monoclonal antibody increased as the tumor recurred in Case 1 (2.5%, 7.9%, and 15.7%), but did not change between primary and recurrent tumors of Case 2 (4.2%, 3.1%). Immunostaining for p53 protein in Case 1 was negative at the first resection, and became positive at the second and third resections, whereas in Case 2, it was negative in both the primary and recurrent tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that p53 protein accumulation with a high proliferative potential is a useful marker to estimate malignant progression in meningeal hemangiopericytomas.     

Cross-Whisker Intrinsic Josephson Junction as a Probe of Symmetry of the Superconducting Order Parameter

As a test of the superconducting order parameter, we have developed an intrinsic Josephson junction by the name of cross-whisker junction. This junction was made using two Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O_8+d single crystal whiskers. Two whiskers were connected at their c planes with various cross-angles. Angular dependence of the critical current densities shows d-wave-like fourfold-symmetry. However, the angular dependence is much stronger than that of the conventional d_x ^{2-y 2} wave. The Jc shows its smallest value around 45 deg, which suggests that the Josephson penetration depth becomes longer. We have successfully observed a Fraunhofer pattern in the cross-whisker junction with cross-angle 45 deg.     

Tough Hypoeutectic Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glasses

Significant softening of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) can be seen in a hypoeutectic Zr-enriched composition, which brings about very high toughness (for the Zr₅₅Cu₃₅Al₁₀ and Zr₆₀Cu₃₀Al₁₀ BMGs) and tensile plasticity at room temperature (for the Zr₇₀Ni₁₆Cu₆Al₈ BMG). The unique features of such BMGs include the formation of multiple shear bands and harmonic alternating movements that can immediately accommodate concentrated stresses and avoid accidental catastrophic fracture.     

Binding affinity of tea catechins for HSA: Characterization by high‐performance affinity chromatography with immobilized albumin column

Catechins are the major polyphenols in green tea leaves. Recent studies have suggested that the catechins form complexes with HSA for transport in human blood, and their binding affinity for albumin is believed to modulate their bioavailability. In this study, the binding affinities of catechins and their analogs were evaluated and the relationship between the chemical structure of each catechin and its binding property were investigated. Comparing these catechins by HPLC analysis with the HSA column, we showed that galloylated catechins have higher binding affinities with HSA than non‐galloylated catechins. In addition, pyrogallol‐type catechins have a high affinity compared to catechol‐type catechins. Furthermore, the binding affinity of the catechin with 2,3‐trans structure was higher than those of the catechin with 2,3‐cis structure. The importance of the hydroxyl group on the galloyl group and B‐ring was confirmed using methylated catechins. These results indicate that the most important structural element contributing to HSA binding of tea catechins is the galloyl group, followed by the number of hydroxyl groups on the B‐ring and the galloyl group or the configuration at C‐2. Our findings provide fundamental information on the relationship between the chemical structure of tea catechins and its biological activity.     

Establishment of evaluation method to determine effects of veterinary medicinal products on manure fermentation using small-scale composting apparatus

To evaluate on a laboratory scale the influence of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) excreted into feces on manure fermentation, we have developed an evaluation method that uses a small-scale composting apparatus. Each run is of approximately 3 kg scale and the operation can be conducted in an environmentally controlled laboratory. The main evaluation parameter is calorific value generated by aerobic fermentation. At the sulfadimethoxine (SDM) trial, the volume of CO(2) generated during fermentation and the disappearance of the inhibitory effect of immature manure on sprouting (using Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis)) were measured. In addition, DNA of 16S rRNA was extracted from a manure sample and subjected to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results suggest that the presence of such VMPs in feces affected the microbial community in manure fermentation, and indicate that the evaluation method may be used as a standard method to evaluate the effect of VMPs on the microbial community. Using the method, we obtained data of the influence of five VMPs approved for stockbreeding in Japan on swine manure fermentation. Erythromycin (EM) affected the calorific value even at a relatively low concentration (105 mg/3 kg manure). In contrast, oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC), norfloxacin (NFLX), and tylosin tartrate (TS) had no effect at that concentration. These VMPs also affected the increase of fermentation temperature when added at high concentrations.     

0.25?μm 1.2?MHz BOOST-PFM-CONTINUOUS triple mode LED driver integrated in analog front end IC for portable application

This paper proposes a triple mode LED driver integrated with 16bit level sensitive analog front end by 0.25???m CMOS process for portable application. The LED driver needs to regulate single LED current with 0.9?C3.6 V_input voltage to support several types of battery. The output range is 2.5?C4?V which requires voltage step-up and step-down. A step-up/step-down converter can do this with a lot complexity, more components, lower efficiency and requirement of high voltage switches which adds extra manufacture cost. Our proposed topology avoids complicated step-up/step-down topology. It has triple modes: Boost PWM mode, PFM mode, LDO mode to cover different input voltage range. The mode control is implemented by simple circuit and gives smooth mode transition and very stable LED current. The simple topology makes it possible to use two stack 3?V IO devices as internal power switch to tolerate max to 5.7?V. By careful design and layout, LED switching activity only degrades the 16bit level analog front end SNR by 1?dB.     

Glass Formation in the System SiO2–PbO Containing Transition-Metal Oxides

Glass-forming regions, valence states, and viscosities in SiO₂–PbO systems containing various transition-metal oxides as a third component were investigated. The glasses were prepared by melting in an open atmosphere. The glass-forming regions ranged as follows: MnO≡ZnO > FeO_1.5>NiO. The ratios Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺+ Fe³⁺) and Mn³⁺/ (Mn³⁺+ Mn²⁺) in the glasses were determined by chemical analysis. The Fe²⁺/ (Fe²⁺+ Fe³⁺) ratio in SiO₂–PbO–FeO_1.5 glasses ranged from 0.016 to 0.050. The Mn³⁺/ (Mn³⁺+ Mn²⁺) ratio in SiO₂–PbO–MnO glasses ranged from 0.056 to 0.30. The fraction of manganese (III) ions in the glasses varies considerably with the glass composition. The effects of transitionmetal oxides on the viscosity are discussed.