Unkeito Suppresses RANKL-Mediated Osteoclastogenesis via the Blimp1–Bcl6 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Enhancing Osteoclast Apoptosis

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease, particularly in menopausal women. Herein, we screened four Kampo medicines (Unkeito (UKT), Kamishoyosan (KSS), Kamikihito (KKT), and Ninjinyoeito (NYT)), frequently used to treat menopausal syndromes, for their effects on receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation in RAW 264 cells. Considering that UKT exhibited the most potent effect, we examined its effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, the induction of osteoclast apoptosis, and the mechanisms underlying its effects. UKT inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in the early stage and decreases osteoclast-related genes, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (Dcstamp), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp9), and cathepsin K (Ctsk). Specifically, UKT inhibits the nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), which is essential for osteoclastogenesis. UKT increases Bcl6, which antagonizes NFATc1 and Dc-stamp, thereby blocking the progression of osteoclasts to maturation. UKT also decreased nuclear translocation by downregulating the activity of p65/NF-κB. In addition, UKT enhances mononuclear osteoclast apoptosis via activation of caspase-3. Herein, we demonstrate that UKT suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis via the Blimp1–Bcl6 and NF-κB signaling pathways and enhances mononuclear osteoclast apoptosis. Furthermore, UKT prevents bone loss in OVX mice. Thus, UKT might be a potential therapeutic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

A 120-mm2 64-Mb NAND flash memory achieving 180 ns/Byteeffective program speed

Emerging application areas of mass storage flash memories require low cost, high density flash memories with enhanced device performance. This paper describes a 64 Mb NAND flash memory having improved read and program performances. A 40 MB/s read throughput is achieved by improving the page sensing time and employing the full-chip burst read capability. A 2-μs random access time is obtained by using a precharged capacitive decoupling sensing scheme with a staggered row decoder scheme. The full-chip burst read capability is realized by introducing a new array architecture. A narrow incremental step pulse programming scheme achieves a 5 MB/s program throughput corresponding to 180 ns/Byte effective program speed. The chip has been fabricated using a 0.4-μm single-metal CMOS process resulting in a die size of 120 mm² and an effective cell size of 1.1 μm²     

Near-zone gain of open-ended rectangular waveguides

Full-wave solutions to the problem of radiation by open-ended rectangular waveguides (OEG) are presented. The radiation problem is formulated in terms of an electric field integral equation (EFIE). The EFIE is solved using the method of moments for three OEG antennas covering the frequency range from 200 to 750 MHz. Results for the near-zone gains as a function of both frequency and distance from the OEG aperture are presented. Estimates for uncertainties in the calculated gain are also given     

A three-loop antenna system for performing near-field measurementsof electric and magnetic fields from video display terminals

This paper discusses the use of a three-loop antenna system (TLAS) for near-field measurement of electric and magnetic fields from video display terminals (VDTs). We calculated the electric and magnetic dipole moments to derive the electric and magnetic field patterns in the near field region. Electric and magnetic fields, emitted by several different models of VDTs, were evaluated with the TLAS and were compared with those measured by conventional electric and magnetic field probes at different distances and directions from VDTs. A good correlation (±1.6 dB) between the two measurement techniques was found. This agreement is within the accuracy (±2 dB) of the conventional field probe measurements     

Thermo-optic designs for electromagnetic-field probes formicrowaves and millimeter waves

The development of an electromagnetic-field probe for microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies is reported. The probe uses an optically sensed thermometer to measure the heating of a resistive element in an electromagnetic field. The response is calculated for several different configurations of the resistive element, and two optimal designs are chosen. Measurements on experimental probes of these designs are presented. One of the designs displays a flat frequency response above 30 GHz and a sensitivity of 38 V/m. Improvements in the design are identified that should significantly increase the sensitivity and improve the low-frequency response     

Nanoimprinting using release-agent-coated resins

A fluorinated self-assembled monolayer (F-SAM) is mainly used as the antisticking layer. To prevent the F-SAM coated on the nanoimprint lithography (NIL) mold from deteriorating, we propose a new form of nanoimprinting using a release-agent-coated resin. The results from measuring the surface free energy and observations by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) confirmed that the surface free energy, frictional force, and adhesion force of the release-agent spray-coated polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were lower than those of PMMA. To prove the release-agent spray-coated PMMA had a releasing effect, we tried to undertake thermal nanoimprinting on it using a mold without F-SAM. The pattern was clearly imprinted on the resin without any signs of adhesion.     

Near-zone gain of 500 MHz to 2.6 GHz rectangular standard pyramidalhorns

Full-wave solutions to the problem of radiation by rectangular standard pyramidal horn antennas are presented. The radiation problem is formulated in terms of an electric field integral equation (EFIE), which is solved using the method of moments (MoM) for four rectangular standard pyramidal horns covering the frequency range from 500 MHz to 2.6 GHz. Results for the near-zone gains as a function distance from the aperture of the horn antenna are presented. A comparison is made with the analytical formula for the fields and near-zone gains     

The impact of a nonideal return path on differential signalintegrity

Printed circuit board transmission lines propagating high-speed digital signals are susceptible to nonideal return paths which may affect signal integrity. In an attempt to clarify this complex issue, this paper presents a study of differential signal integrity issues for the familiar situation in which two coupled microstrip traces are in close proximity to a common reference plane. Differential signaling on coupled microstrip lines and stripline configurations are investigated. Finite-difference time domain simulations are used to demonstrate the impact a nonideal return path can have on differential signal integrity     

What is the significance of nitrogen-vacancy centers in the doping into diamond?

In order to advance quantum computer after successful synthesis of a qubit (quantum-bit) using a NV (nitrogen-vacancy) center in diamond crystal, the innovation of a NOT processor is strongly demanded. A candidate of it can be one NV center associated with an additional N atom, which is called a NV–N center. Making use of a classical molecular dynamics simulation of N ion implantation into pure diamond with an energy of 200 eV, we have examined the crystallographic structure of “NV–N” centers. However, at low temperature of 30 K, most implanted N atoms became interstitials, thus it was difficult to identify even NV centers.     

Fabrication of fluorine-terminated diamond-like carbon thin film using a hyperthermal atomic fluorine beam

Surface modification of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film was performed using a hyperthermal atomic fluorine beam on the purpose of production of hydrophobic surface by maintaining the high hardness of DLC film. By the irradiation of atomic fluorine beam of a 1.0 × 10²⁰ atoms/cm², the contact angle of a water drop against the DLC surface increased from 73° to 111°. The formation of CF₃, CF₂ and CF bonding on the modified DLC surface was confirmed from the measurements of X-ray photoelectron spectra and near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectra. Irradiation of hyperthermal atomic fluorine beam was concluded to produce insulator fluorine-terminated DLC film, which has high F content on the surface, by the taking of the use of neutral atomic beam as a fluorine source.