Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the...Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the highest theoretical gross thermal efficiency of the conventional IGCC]IGFC is still below 52~. In order to obtain higher power generation efficiency, an advanced IGCC （A-IGCC） or advanced IGFC （A-IGFC） sys- tem making use of the exergy recuperation concept by recycling waste heat from gas turbine or fuel cells for steam gasification of coal and biomass was proposed in our laboratory, Corresponding to this system, a novel high-density triple-bed combined circulating fluidized bed （TBCFB） gasifier, composed of a downer pyrolyzer, a bubbling fluidized bed char gasifier, and a riser combustor, was proposed to replace traditional gasifiers such as the entrained flow bed gasifier. The new system is expected to more effectively utilize the waste heat from gas turbines or fuel cells and the heat produced by the combustion of the unreacted char in the riser combustor for pyrolysis and gasification of coal and biomass. In this short review, the advantages and future challenges in the development of high-density TBCFB gasifier are presented and discussed.展开更多
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It h...The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It has recently become possible to determine pathological changes in the brain without autopsy with the advancement of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool used to evaluate brain microstructural complexity and integrity, axonal order, density, and myelination via the micron-scale displacement of water molecules diffusing in tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging, a type of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique is widely utilized in clinical and research settings;however, it has several limitations. To overcome these limitations, cutting-edge diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusional kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and free water imaging, have been recently proposed and applied to evaluate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the main applications, findings, and future directions of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the first and second most common neurodegenerative diseases, respectively.展开更多
Nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from soils were measured using the closed chamber method during the snow-free seasons (middle April to early November),for three years,in a total of 11 upland crop fields in central Hokkaido...Nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from soils were measured using the closed chamber method during the snow-free seasons (middle April to early November),for three years,in a total of 11 upland crop fields in central Hokkaido,Japan.The annual mean N2O fluxes ranged from 2.95 to 164.17 μgN/(m2·h),with the lowest observed in a grassland and the highest in an onion field.The instantaneous N2O fluxes showed a large temporal variation with peak emissions generally occurring following fertilization and heavy rainfall eve...展开更多
In the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastasis, it is important to preserve sufficient liver volume after resection in order to avoid post-hepatectomy liver sufficiency and to in...In the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastasis, it is important to preserve sufficient liver volume after resection in order to avoid post-hepatectomy liver sufficiency and to increase the feasibility of repeated hepatectomyin case of intrahepatic recurrence. Parenchymasparing approach, which minimizes the extent of resection while obtaining sufficient surgical margins, has been developed in open hepatectomy. Although this approach can possibly have positive impacts on morbidity and mortality, it is not popular in laparoscopic approach because parenchyma-sparing resection is technically demanding especially by laparoscopy due to its intricate curved transection planes. "Small incision, big resection" is the words to caution laparoscopic surgeons against an easygoing trend to seek for a superficial minimal-invasiveness rather than substantial patient-benefits. Minimal parenchyma excision is often more important than minimal incision. Recently, several reports have shown that technical evolution and accumulation of experience allow surgeons to overcome the hurdle in laparoscopic parenchymasparing resection of difficult-to-access liver lesions in posterosuperior segments, paracaval portion, and central liver. Laparoscopic surgeons should now seek for the possibility of laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy as open approach can, which we believe is beneficial for patients rather than just a small incision and lead laparoscopic hepatectomy toward a truly minimally-invasive approach.展开更多
AIM: To assess the efficacy of topical Semaphorin 3A(SEMA3A) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.METHODS: Experimental allergic conjunctivitis(EAC)mice model induced by short ragweed pollen(SRW) in 4-week-old ...AIM: To assess the efficacy of topical Semaphorin 3A(SEMA3A) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.METHODS: Experimental allergic conjunctivitis(EAC)mice model induced by short ragweed pollen(SRW) in 4-week-old of BALB/c mice, mice were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining, immunofluor-escence and light microscope photographs. Early phase took the samples in 24 h after instillation and late phase took the samples between 4 to 14 d after the start of treatment. The study use of topical SEMA3A(10 U, 100 U,1000 U) eye drops and subconjunctival injection of SEMA3 A with same concentration. For comparison, five types of allergy eyedrops were quantified using clinical characteristics.· RESULTS: Clinical score of composite ocular symptoms of the mice treated with SEMA3 A were significantly decreased both in the immediate phase and the late phase compared to those treated with commercial ophthalmic formulations and non-treatment mice. SEMA3 A treatment attenuates infiltration of eosinophils entering into conjunctiva in EAC mice. The score of eosinophil infiltration in the conjunctiva of SEMA3 A 1000 U-treated group were significantly lower than low-concentration of SEMA3 A treated groups and non-treated group. SEMA3 A treatment also suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro and decreased serum total Ig E levels in EAC mice. Moreover, treatment of SEMA3 A suppressed Th2-related cytokines(IL-5, IL-13 and IL-4)and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α)release, but increased regulatory cytokine IL-10 concentration in the conjunctiva of EAC mice.CONCLUSION: SEMA3 A as a biological agent, showed the beneficial activity in ocular allergic processes with the less damage to the intraocular tissue. It is expected that SEMA3 A may be contributed in patients with a more severe spectrum of refractory ocular allergic diseases including allergic conjunctivitis in the near future.展开更多
To analyze the effect of agricultural activity on nitrogen(N) budget at the watershed scale,a comparative study was conducted at two Japanese watersheds,the Shibetsu River watershed(SRW) and Upper-Naka River watershed...To analyze the effect of agricultural activity on nitrogen(N) budget at the watershed scale,a comparative study was conducted at two Japanese watersheds,the Shibetsu River watershed(SRW) and Upper-Naka River watershed(UNRW),and one Chinese watershed,the Jurong Reservoir watershed(JRW).The total area and the proportion of agricultural area(in parentheses) of the watersheds were 685(51%),1 299(21%),and 46 km 2(55%) for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The main agricultural land use in SRW was forage grassland,while paddy fields occupied the highest proportion of cropland in UNRW(11% of total area) and JRW(31% of total area).The farmland surplus N was 61,48,and 205 kg N ha 1 year 1 for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The total input and output for the whole watershed were 89 and 76,83 and 61,and 353 and 176 kg N ha 1 year 1 for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The proportion of discharged N to net anthropogenic N input was 31%,37%,and 1.7% for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The two watersheds in Japan showed similar proportions of discharged N to those of previous reports,while the watershed in China(JRW) showed a totally different characteristic compared to previous studies.The high N input in JRW did not increase the amount of discharged N at the outlet of the watershed due to high proportions of paddy fields and water bodies,which was an underestimated N sink at the landscape scale.展开更多
The removal of chromium（Vl） from an aqueous solution using persimmon gel was examined. The amount of chromium（VI） removed was strongly affected by the pH of the solution, with all ehromium（VI） being removed at p...The removal of chromium（Vl） from an aqueous solution using persimmon gel was examined. The amount of chromium（VI） removed was strongly affected by the pH of the solution, with all ehromium（VI） being removed at pH 2 or lower. However, in a solution containing, 15 mg dry weight of immobilized persimmon gel, the amount of removed chromium（VI） decreased as the pH increased. A part of chromium（VI） was reduced another oxidation stage, mainly chromium（III）, by immobilized persimmon gel. The amount of reduced chromium（III） in the solution was increased with decreasing the pH of the solution. As a result, the amount of total chromium removed was maximal at pH 2. The amount of chromium removed were affected by the chromium concentration and the amount of gel. The maximal amount of chromium removed by the column system was also discussed.展开更多
Destruction resistance such as start-up wear resistance characteristics of vitamin E(dl-α-tocopherol)blended ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)were evaluated using the destruction energy index(DEI).The D...Destruction resistance such as start-up wear resistance characteristics of vitamin E(dl-α-tocopherol)blended ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)were evaluated using the destruction energy index(DEI).The DEI is used to evaluate wear-like destruction,by minimising the effects of viscosity at the sliding interface,and is estimated using newly designed friction testers.In this experiment,silicone oils of different viscosities were used to determine micro displacement up to a start-up point,and the DEI of the UHMWPE was changed from 17.48 to 1.84μJ by adding vitamin E.The results suggest that the blending with vitamin E reduces destruction of UHMWPE at start-up friction in silicone oils.展开更多
Samples of ultra-high-purity tungsten prepared using chemical vapour deposition(CVD)technique were irradiated with neutrons at temperatures T_(irr)=373-483 K(stage Ⅱ of defect recovery)and T_(irr)=573-673 K(stage Ⅲ)...Samples of ultra-high-purity tungsten prepared using chemical vapour deposition(CVD)technique were irradiated with neutrons at temperatures T_(irr)=373-483 K(stage Ⅱ of defect recovery)and T_(irr)=573-673 K(stage Ⅲ)up to 0.15 displacements per atom(dpa)in the Belgian reactor(BR2).The study of the microstructure of neutron-damaged samples using transmission electron microscopy(TEM)revealed visible defects with a predominance of dislocation loops.With an increase in the neutron irradiation temperature,the spatial distribution of the loops acquired pronounced inhomogeneity,and their average size moderately increased.Cavities and voids were not observed.Irradiation-induced hardening was found and a linear correlation was obtained between Vickers microhardness and nanohardness for undamaged and neutron-irradiated CVD-W samples.Irradiation of tungsten with neutrons led to a significant increase in the retention of deuterium,which accumulated mainly in vacancy-type traps.Furthermore,the influence of the columnar grain structure in low-dose neutron-irradiated tungsten seemed to be non-trivial upon deuterium retention.展开更多
Osteoinductive properties of β-TCP remain unknown in humans. It is important to improve the bone grafts which have been the standard treatment for bone defect due to their biocompatibility and bone-healing properties...Osteoinductive properties of β-TCP remain unknown in humans. It is important to improve the bone grafts which have been the standard treatment for bone defect due to their biocompatibility and bone-healing properties. The purpose of this study was to radiologically clarify the bone forming property of β-TCP by evaluating the replacement of β-TCP by newly formed bone in the defect after fibular resection and to examine the histological features of a β-TCP specimen three months after grafting. Radiographs of 17 patients who underwent β-TCP grafting were evaluated. Osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties were assessed by examining bone formation from the remnant fibula, periosteum, and β-TCP alone. In one case, β-TCP was removed later because of postoperative complications and was evaluated histologically. Twenty two of 34 sites between the remnant fibula and β-TCP had achieved good bone regeneration. Five of 14 sites between the periosteum and β-TCP had achieved good bone regeneration. We found immature but evident bone formation in three cases with no osseous and periosteal sites. Histological analysis revealed bone formation on the outer macropore surface of β-TCP. Some blood vessels formed in the macropores expressed CD31 and CD34, while a few lymphatic vessels expressed CD34 and podoplanin. Thus, the osteoinductive ability of β-TCP alone was demonstrated in humans radiographically for the first time. The histological morphology of β-TCP was demonstrated at an early stage after grafting in humans.展开更多
Objective: To clarify the preoperative diagnostic rate and elucidate the morphological features of thyroglossal duct cancer through a literature search on cases reported in Japan. Methods: A search of a medical databa...Objective: To clarify the preoperative diagnostic rate and elucidate the morphological features of thyroglossal duct cancer through a literature search on cases reported in Japan. Methods: A search of a medical database (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) identified 40 studies on thyroglossal duct cancer in Japanese patients between 1976 and 2014. A total of 47 cases, including the present case, are summarized herein. Patient characteristics, preoperative diagnosis, and morphological features were reviewed and analyzed. Morphological features of the internal portions in the cystic lesions were classified using the previously reported Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital criteria for ultrasonography findings of thyroid cystic tumors. Results: Preoperative diagnosis was described for 43 of the 47 cases. Malignancy was suspected in 18 (41.9%) of the 43 cases on the basis of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology (presence of suspected papillary carcinoma cells) and imaging studies (presence of calcifications), 12 and 6 cases, respectively. Preoperative FNA was performed in 24 cases with a correct diagnosis obtained in only 12 (50%) cases. Morphological features were evaluated by preoperative imaging studies and/or postoperative histopathology. We found 6 cases (15%) with solid lesions, 32 cases (80%) with cystic lesions containing a solid part, and 2 cases (5%) with solo cystic lesions, respectively. Calcification was observed in 28 (72.5%) cases. We further examined the internal morphology of 32 cases with cystic lesions according to the criteria for ultrasonography findings of thyroid cystic tumors described in Methods. Of the 32 cases, 25 (62.5%) and 7 (17.5%) were classified as “eccentric acute angle type (Ea)” and “multiseptate type (M)”, respectively. The boundary between the solid part and the cystic part was irregular in all 7 “M” cases. No “eccentric and blunt angle type (Eb)” or “concentric type (C)” lesions were observed. Conclusions: The preoperative diagnostic rate for thyroglossal duct cancer usin展开更多
Recently, small hydroelectric generators have gained attention as a further development in water turbine technology for ultra low head drops in open channels. The authors have evaluated the application of cross-flow w...Recently, small hydroelectric generators have gained attention as a further development in water turbine technology for ultra low head drops in open channels. The authors have evaluated the application of cross-flow water turbines in open channels as an undershot type after removing the casings and guide vanes to substantially simplify these water turbines. However, because undershot cross-flow water turbines are designed on the basis of cross-flow water turbine runners used in typical pipelines, it remains unclear whether the number of blades has an effect on the performance or flow fields. Thus, in this research, experiments and numerical analyses are employed to study the performance and flow fields of undershot cross-flow water turbines with varying number of blades. The findings show that the turbine output and torque are lower, the fluctuation is significantly higher, and the turbine efficiency is higher for runners with 8 blades as opposed to those with 24 blades.展开更多
The assessment of the biomass of energy crops has garnered widespread interest since renewable bioenergy may become a substantial proportion of the future energy supply, and modeling has been widely used for the simul...The assessment of the biomass of energy crops has garnered widespread interest since renewable bioenergy may become a substantial proportion of the future energy supply, and modeling has been widely used for the simulation of energy crops yields. A literature survey revealed that 23 models have been developed or adapted for simulating the biomass of energy crops, including Miscanthus, switchgrass, maize, poplar, willow, sugarcane, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Three categories（radiation model, water-controlled crop model, and integrated model with biochemical and photosynthesis and respiration approaches） were addressed for the selected models according to different principles or approaches used to simulate biomass production processes. EPIC, ALMANAC, APSIM, ISAM, MISCANMOD, MISCANFOR, SILVA, DAYCENT, APEX and SWAT are radiation models based on a radiation use efficiency approach（RUE） with few empirical and statistical parameters. The Aqua Crop model is a typical water-crop model that emphasizes crop water use, the expression of canopy cover, and the separation of evapotranspiration to soil evaporation and plant transpiration to drive crop growth. CANEGRO, 3PG, Crop Syst and DSSAT are integrated models that use photosynthesis and respiration approaches. SECRETS, LPJm L, Agro-BGC, Agro-IBIS, and WIMOVAC/Bio Cro, DNDC, DRAINMOD-GRASS, and Ag TEM are integrated models that use biochemical approaches. Integrated models are mainly mechanistic models or combined with functional models, which are dynamic with spatial and temporal patterns but with complex parameters and large amounts of input data. Energy crop models combined with process-based models, such as EPIC in SWAT and CANEGRO in DSSAT, provide good examples that consider the biophysical, socioeconomic, and environmental responses and address the sustainability and socioeconomic goals for energy crops. The use of models for energy crop productivity is increasing rapidly and encouraging; however, relevant databases, such as climate, land use/land cover, s展开更多
Multilayer polarization elements and their applications to polarimetric studies in 20～400 eV region are mainly reviewed. General principle of selecting material combinations to get high linear polarizance multilayers...Multilayer polarization elements and their applications to polarimetric studies in 20～400 eV region are mainly reviewed. General principle of selecting material combinations to get high linear polarizance multilayers of reflection type is given with practical examples,with periodic or non-periodic layer structures depending on the usage. Transmission type is introduced as linear polarizer and phase shifter. Their applications include polarization diagnosis of laboratory optical systems and synchrotron radiation beamlines of linear and circular polarization,magnetic rotation experiments such as Faraday rotation and magnetic Kerr rotation on magnetic films and multilayers,and ellipsometry to measure optical constants of thin films precisely. Polarization analysis of soft X-ray fluorescence using multilayer-coated grating is also mentioned. Finally this review is summarized with outlook of further developments.展开更多
This study herein was investigated the removal of chromium(VI) from an aqueous solution using persimmon tannin gel and its subsequent recovery as chromium(III). At pH 2, Cr(VI) was effectively adsorbed (~80% adsorptio...This study herein was investigated the removal of chromium(VI) from an aqueous solution using persimmon tannin gel and its subsequent recovery as chromium(III). At pH 2, Cr(VI) was effectively adsorbed (~80% adsorption) and ppm solution was reduced to Cr(III) on the persimmon gel within 10 min. Although desorption of the Cr(III) species was challenging at 30°, it was increased upon increasing the temperature and was quantitatively desorbed in the presence of 1 M hydrochloric acid under reflux. In addition, although the quantity of retained Cr(VI) on the tannin gel increased upon increasing the chromium concentration of the original aqueous solution, all the desorbed chromium was successfully reduced to Cr(III). Finally, Cr(VI) removal and recovery as Cr(III) was repeated effectively 8 times using the same persimmon tannin gel sample, thus demonstrating the recyclability of this system.展开更多
基金supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization(NEDO)
文摘Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle （IGCC） and Integrated coal Gasification Fuel-cell Com- bined cycle （IGFC） are being developed as high-efficiency electric power generation technology. However, the highest theoretical gross thermal efficiency of the conventional IGCC]IGFC is still below 52~. In order to obtain higher power generation efficiency, an advanced IGCC （A-IGCC） or advanced IGFC （A-IGFC） sys- tem making use of the exergy recuperation concept by recycling waste heat from gas turbine or fuel cells for steam gasification of coal and biomass was proposed in our laboratory, Corresponding to this system, a novel high-density triple-bed combined circulating fluidized bed （TBCFB） gasifier, composed of a downer pyrolyzer, a bubbling fluidized bed char gasifier, and a riser combustor, was proposed to replace traditional gasifiers such as the entrained flow bed gasifier. The new system is expected to more effectively utilize the waste heat from gas turbines or fuel cells and the heat produced by the combustion of the unreacted char in the riser combustor for pyrolysis and gasification of coal and biomass. In this short review, the advantages and future challenges in the development of high-density TBCFB gasifier are presented and discussed.
基金supported by research grants from the program for Brain/MINDS Beyond program from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development(AMED)under Grant Number JP18dm0307024(to KK)MEXT-Supported Program for the Private University Research Branding Project+1 种基金ImPACT Program of Council for Science,Technology and Innovation(Cabinet Office,Government of Japan)JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP16K10327(to KK)
文摘The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing as human longevity increases. The objective biomarkers that enable the staging and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases are eagerly anticipated. It has recently become possible to determine pathological changes in the brain without autopsy with the advancement of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging is a robust tool used to evaluate brain microstructural complexity and integrity, axonal order, density, and myelination via the micron-scale displacement of water molecules diffusing in tissues. Diffusion tensor imaging, a type of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging technique is widely utilized in clinical and research settings;however, it has several limitations. To overcome these limitations, cutting-edge diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques, such as diffusional kurtosis imaging, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging, and free water imaging, have been recently proposed and applied to evaluate the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focused on the main applications, findings, and future directions of advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging techniques in patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the first and second most common neurodegenerative diseases, respectively.
基金the Global Environmental Research Program of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan (No.S-2).
文摘Nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes from soils were measured using the closed chamber method during the snow-free seasons (middle April to early November),for three years,in a total of 11 upland crop fields in central Hokkaido,Japan.The annual mean N2O fluxes ranged from 2.95 to 164.17 μgN/(m2·h),with the lowest observed in a grassland and the highest in an onion field.The instantaneous N2O fluxes showed a large temporal variation with peak emissions generally occurring following fertilization and heavy rainfall eve...
文摘In the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal liver metastasis, it is important to preserve sufficient liver volume after resection in order to avoid post-hepatectomy liver sufficiency and to increase the feasibility of repeated hepatectomyin case of intrahepatic recurrence. Parenchymasparing approach, which minimizes the extent of resection while obtaining sufficient surgical margins, has been developed in open hepatectomy. Although this approach can possibly have positive impacts on morbidity and mortality, it is not popular in laparoscopic approach because parenchyma-sparing resection is technically demanding especially by laparoscopy due to its intricate curved transection planes. "Small incision, big resection" is the words to caution laparoscopic surgeons against an easygoing trend to seek for a superficial minimal-invasiveness rather than substantial patient-benefits. Minimal parenchyma excision is often more important than minimal incision. Recently, several reports have shown that technical evolution and accumulation of experience allow surgeons to overcome the hurdle in laparoscopic parenchymasparing resection of difficult-to-access liver lesions in posterosuperior segments, paracaval portion, and central liver. Laparoscopic surgeons should now seek for the possibility of laparoscopic parenchyma-sparing hepatectomy as open approach can, which we believe is beneficial for patients rather than just a small incision and lead laparoscopic hepatectomy toward a truly minimally-invasive approach.
基金A grant-in-aid for Scientific Research from the Japanese Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology
文摘AIM: To assess the efficacy of topical Semaphorin 3A(SEMA3A) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.METHODS: Experimental allergic conjunctivitis(EAC)mice model induced by short ragweed pollen(SRW) in 4-week-old of BALB/c mice, mice were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin(H&E) staining, immunofluor-escence and light microscope photographs. Early phase took the samples in 24 h after instillation and late phase took the samples between 4 to 14 d after the start of treatment. The study use of topical SEMA3A(10 U, 100 U,1000 U) eye drops and subconjunctival injection of SEMA3 A with same concentration. For comparison, five types of allergy eyedrops were quantified using clinical characteristics.· RESULTS: Clinical score of composite ocular symptoms of the mice treated with SEMA3 A were significantly decreased both in the immediate phase and the late phase compared to those treated with commercial ophthalmic formulations and non-treatment mice. SEMA3 A treatment attenuates infiltration of eosinophils entering into conjunctiva in EAC mice. The score of eosinophil infiltration in the conjunctiva of SEMA3 A 1000 U-treated group were significantly lower than low-concentration of SEMA3 A treated groups and non-treated group. SEMA3 A treatment also suppressed T-cell proliferation in vitro and decreased serum total Ig E levels in EAC mice. Moreover, treatment of SEMA3 A suppressed Th2-related cytokines(IL-5, IL-13 and IL-4)and pro-inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-17 and TNF-α)release, but increased regulatory cytokine IL-10 concentration in the conjunctiva of EAC mice.CONCLUSION: SEMA3 A as a biological agent, showed the beneficial activity in ocular allergic processes with the less damage to the intraocular tissue. It is expected that SEMA3 A may be contributed in patients with a more severe spectrum of refractory ocular allergic diseases including allergic conjunctivitis in the near future.
基金Supported by the Strategic International Cooperative Program "Comparative Study of Nitrogen Cycling and Its Impact on Water Quality in Agricultural Watersheds in Japan and China" by the Japan Science and Technology Agency and the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41071196)
文摘To analyze the effect of agricultural activity on nitrogen(N) budget at the watershed scale,a comparative study was conducted at two Japanese watersheds,the Shibetsu River watershed(SRW) and Upper-Naka River watershed(UNRW),and one Chinese watershed,the Jurong Reservoir watershed(JRW).The total area and the proportion of agricultural area(in parentheses) of the watersheds were 685(51%),1 299(21%),and 46 km 2(55%) for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The main agricultural land use in SRW was forage grassland,while paddy fields occupied the highest proportion of cropland in UNRW(11% of total area) and JRW(31% of total area).The farmland surplus N was 61,48,and 205 kg N ha 1 year 1 for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The total input and output for the whole watershed were 89 and 76,83 and 61,and 353 and 176 kg N ha 1 year 1 for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The proportion of discharged N to net anthropogenic N input was 31%,37%,and 1.7% for SRW,UNRW,and JRW,respectively.The two watersheds in Japan showed similar proportions of discharged N to those of previous reports,while the watershed in China(JRW) showed a totally different characteristic compared to previous studies.The high N input in JRW did not increase the amount of discharged N at the outlet of the watershed due to high proportions of paddy fields and water bodies,which was an underestimated N sink at the landscape scale.
文摘The removal of chromium（Vl） from an aqueous solution using persimmon gel was examined. The amount of chromium（VI） removed was strongly affected by the pH of the solution, with all ehromium（VI） being removed at pH 2 or lower. However, in a solution containing, 15 mg dry weight of immobilized persimmon gel, the amount of removed chromium（VI） decreased as the pH increased. A part of chromium（VI） was reduced another oxidation stage, mainly chromium（III）, by immobilized persimmon gel. The amount of reduced chromium（III） in the solution was increased with decreasing the pH of the solution. As a result, the amount of total chromium removed was maximal at pH 2. The amount of chromium removed were affected by the chromium concentration and the amount of gel. The maximal amount of chromium removed by the column system was also discussed.
文摘Destruction resistance such as start-up wear resistance characteristics of vitamin E(dl-α-tocopherol)blended ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene(UHMWPE)were evaluated using the destruction energy index(DEI).The DEI is used to evaluate wear-like destruction,by minimising the effects of viscosity at the sliding interface,and is estimated using newly designed friction testers.In this experiment,silicone oils of different viscosities were used to determine micro displacement up to a start-up point,and the DEI of the UHMWPE was changed from 17.48 to 1.84μJ by adding vitamin E.The results suggest that the blending with vitamin E reduces destruction of UHMWPE at start-up friction in silicone oils.
基金Neutron irradiations at BR2 in SCK/CEN were carried out in the framework of MICADO project.Hot-lab experiments were conducted at the International Research Centre for Nuclear Materials Science(Oarai site),Institute for Materials Research(IMR),Tohoku University.All authors wish to thank IMR staffs Mr.K.Suzuki and T.Maniwa for their kind assistance.X.Yi acknowledges funding support from the Global Institute for Materials Research Tohoku(GIMRT)program via proposals No.19M0504,20M0502 and 202012-IRKMA-0516the National Natural Science Foundation of China via grant No.12175013J.P.Song acknowledges funding support from the National Magnetic Confinement Fusion Program of China via Grant No.2018YFE031210.
文摘Samples of ultra-high-purity tungsten prepared using chemical vapour deposition(CVD)technique were irradiated with neutrons at temperatures T_(irr)=373-483 K(stage Ⅱ of defect recovery)and T_(irr)=573-673 K(stage Ⅲ)up to 0.15 displacements per atom(dpa)in the Belgian reactor(BR2).The study of the microstructure of neutron-damaged samples using transmission electron microscopy(TEM)revealed visible defects with a predominance of dislocation loops.With an increase in the neutron irradiation temperature,the spatial distribution of the loops acquired pronounced inhomogeneity,and their average size moderately increased.Cavities and voids were not observed.Irradiation-induced hardening was found and a linear correlation was obtained between Vickers microhardness and nanohardness for undamaged and neutron-irradiated CVD-W samples.Irradiation of tungsten with neutrons led to a significant increase in the retention of deuterium,which accumulated mainly in vacancy-type traps.Furthermore,the influence of the columnar grain structure in low-dose neutron-irradiated tungsten seemed to be non-trivial upon deuterium retention.
文摘Osteoinductive properties of β-TCP remain unknown in humans. It is important to improve the bone grafts which have been the standard treatment for bone defect due to their biocompatibility and bone-healing properties. The purpose of this study was to radiologically clarify the bone forming property of β-TCP by evaluating the replacement of β-TCP by newly formed bone in the defect after fibular resection and to examine the histological features of a β-TCP specimen three months after grafting. Radiographs of 17 patients who underwent β-TCP grafting were evaluated. Osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties were assessed by examining bone formation from the remnant fibula, periosteum, and β-TCP alone. In one case, β-TCP was removed later because of postoperative complications and was evaluated histologically. Twenty two of 34 sites between the remnant fibula and β-TCP had achieved good bone regeneration. Five of 14 sites between the periosteum and β-TCP had achieved good bone regeneration. We found immature but evident bone formation in three cases with no osseous and periosteal sites. Histological analysis revealed bone formation on the outer macropore surface of β-TCP. Some blood vessels formed in the macropores expressed CD31 and CD34, while a few lymphatic vessels expressed CD34 and podoplanin. Thus, the osteoinductive ability of β-TCP alone was demonstrated in humans radiographically for the first time. The histological morphology of β-TCP was demonstrated at an early stage after grafting in humans.
文摘Objective: To clarify the preoperative diagnostic rate and elucidate the morphological features of thyroglossal duct cancer through a literature search on cases reported in Japan. Methods: A search of a medical database (Japan Medical Abstracts Society) identified 40 studies on thyroglossal duct cancer in Japanese patients between 1976 and 2014. A total of 47 cases, including the present case, are summarized herein. Patient characteristics, preoperative diagnosis, and morphological features were reviewed and analyzed. Morphological features of the internal portions in the cystic lesions were classified using the previously reported Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital criteria for ultrasonography findings of thyroid cystic tumors. Results: Preoperative diagnosis was described for 43 of the 47 cases. Malignancy was suspected in 18 (41.9%) of the 43 cases on the basis of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology (presence of suspected papillary carcinoma cells) and imaging studies (presence of calcifications), 12 and 6 cases, respectively. Preoperative FNA was performed in 24 cases with a correct diagnosis obtained in only 12 (50%) cases. Morphological features were evaluated by preoperative imaging studies and/or postoperative histopathology. We found 6 cases (15%) with solid lesions, 32 cases (80%) with cystic lesions containing a solid part, and 2 cases (5%) with solo cystic lesions, respectively. Calcification was observed in 28 (72.5%) cases. We further examined the internal morphology of 32 cases with cystic lesions according to the criteria for ultrasonography findings of thyroid cystic tumors described in Methods. Of the 32 cases, 25 (62.5%) and 7 (17.5%) were classified as “eccentric acute angle type (Ea)” and “multiseptate type (M)”, respectively. The boundary between the solid part and the cystic part was irregular in all 7 “M” cases. No “eccentric and blunt angle type (Eb)” or “concentric type (C)” lesions were observed. Conclusions: The preoperative diagnostic rate for thyroglossal duct cancer usin
文摘Recently, small hydroelectric generators have gained attention as a further development in water turbine technology for ultra low head drops in open channels. The authors have evaluated the application of cross-flow water turbines in open channels as an undershot type after removing the casings and guide vanes to substantially simplify these water turbines. However, because undershot cross-flow water turbines are designed on the basis of cross-flow water turbine runners used in typical pipelines, it remains unclear whether the number of blades has an effect on the performance or flow fields. Thus, in this research, experiments and numerical analyses are employed to study the performance and flow fields of undershot cross-flow water turbines with varying number of blades. The findings show that the turbine output and torque are lower, the fluctuation is significantly higher, and the turbine efficiency is higher for runners with 8 blades as opposed to those with 24 blades.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41201279 and 41301304)the Shaanxi Science and Technology for Co-ordination and Innovation Project, China (2016KTZDNY03-06)
文摘The assessment of the biomass of energy crops has garnered widespread interest since renewable bioenergy may become a substantial proportion of the future energy supply, and modeling has been widely used for the simulation of energy crops yields. A literature survey revealed that 23 models have been developed or adapted for simulating the biomass of energy crops, including Miscanthus, switchgrass, maize, poplar, willow, sugarcane, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Three categories（radiation model, water-controlled crop model, and integrated model with biochemical and photosynthesis and respiration approaches） were addressed for the selected models according to different principles or approaches used to simulate biomass production processes. EPIC, ALMANAC, APSIM, ISAM, MISCANMOD, MISCANFOR, SILVA, DAYCENT, APEX and SWAT are radiation models based on a radiation use efficiency approach（RUE） with few empirical and statistical parameters. The Aqua Crop model is a typical water-crop model that emphasizes crop water use, the expression of canopy cover, and the separation of evapotranspiration to soil evaporation and plant transpiration to drive crop growth. CANEGRO, 3PG, Crop Syst and DSSAT are integrated models that use photosynthesis and respiration approaches. SECRETS, LPJm L, Agro-BGC, Agro-IBIS, and WIMOVAC/Bio Cro, DNDC, DRAINMOD-GRASS, and Ag TEM are integrated models that use biochemical approaches. Integrated models are mainly mechanistic models or combined with functional models, which are dynamic with spatial and temporal patterns but with complex parameters and large amounts of input data. Energy crop models combined with process-based models, such as EPIC in SWAT and CANEGRO in DSSAT, provide good examples that consider the biophysical, socioeconomic, and environmental responses and address the sustainability and socioeconomic goals for energy crops. The use of models for energy crop productivity is increasing rapidly and encouraging; however, relevant databases, such as climate, land use/land cover, s
文摘Multilayer polarization elements and their applications to polarimetric studies in 20～400 eV region are mainly reviewed. General principle of selecting material combinations to get high linear polarizance multilayers of reflection type is given with practical examples,with periodic or non-periodic layer structures depending on the usage. Transmission type is introduced as linear polarizer and phase shifter. Their applications include polarization diagnosis of laboratory optical systems and synchrotron radiation beamlines of linear and circular polarization,magnetic rotation experiments such as Faraday rotation and magnetic Kerr rotation on magnetic films and multilayers,and ellipsometry to measure optical constants of thin films precisely. Polarization analysis of soft X-ray fluorescence using multilayer-coated grating is also mentioned. Finally this review is summarized with outlook of further developments.
文摘This study herein was investigated the removal of chromium(VI) from an aqueous solution using persimmon tannin gel and its subsequent recovery as chromium(III). At pH 2, Cr(VI) was effectively adsorbed (~80% adsorption) and ppm solution was reduced to Cr(III) on the persimmon gel within 10 min. Although desorption of the Cr(III) species was challenging at 30°, it was increased upon increasing the temperature and was quantitatively desorbed in the presence of 1 M hydrochloric acid under reflux. In addition, although the quantity of retained Cr(VI) on the tannin gel increased upon increasing the chromium concentration of the original aqueous solution, all the desorbed chromium was successfully reduced to Cr(III). Finally, Cr(VI) removal and recovery as Cr(III) was repeated effectively 8 times using the same persimmon tannin gel sample, thus demonstrating the recyclability of this system.
