Theoretical studies on tunneling ionizations of helium atom in intense laser fields

Our generalized Keldysh theory is applied to the simplest many-electron atom, helium atom. For the single ionization (He-->He(+)+e) we derive a compact rate formula, which does not contain any series summation or integral and thus is as simple as the Ammosov-Delone-Krainov ionization rates. In addition to its simplicity, our formula can explicitly show the wavelength dependence. Furthermore a simple form of the angular distribution of the photoelectron is available. Our compact formula agrees well with both the exact numerical calculations [A. Scrinzi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 706 (1999)] and experimental data [B. Walker et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1227 (1994)] in the intensity range of I<5x10(15) Wcm(2). In higher intensity regions, we suggest to utilize another simple formula which is valid in the tunneling limit.

Peripheral odontogenic tumor: a clinicopathologic study of 30 cases. General features and hamartomatous lesions

BACKGROUND

Peripheral odontogenic tumors (POT), either neoplastic or hamartomatous, are rare. This study briefly summarizes the general features of POT and selectively reviews the histomorphologic spectrum of under-recognized hamartomatous lesions that we have designated peripheral odontogenic hamartomas (POH) in order to shed more light into the pathogenesis of POT.

METHODS

Archival material accessioned at our institutions between 1970 and 2004 was systematically searched to identify examples of POT/POH.

RESULTS

Among 39 660 biopsies, we retrieved 25 cases of 'classical' POT and five cases of 'unique' POH. Odontogenic fibroma and ameloblastoma were by far the most common. Of POH, two purely epithelial lesions showed multiple strands of basaloid rests [odontogenic gingival epithelial hamartoma (OGEH)] and a conglomerate of polyhedral epithelium, ghost cells and concentric calcifications (calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor-like hamartoma), respectively. OGEH and peripheral squamous odontogenic tumor (PSOT) deserve to be a related entity. In two types of mixed POH, ectomesenchymal elements appeared juxtaposed to the squamous lining (gingival cyst-like organoid hamartoma) and ghost cells aggregated in the enamel organ of a microdont (peripheral odontoma). None of POH exhibited continuity with the surface epithelium.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of this relatively limited series of cases, POH, to conceptualize a unified histogenetic source, are speculated to arise from the soft-tissue remnants of dental lamina. Gingival rests of Serres seem to retain the ability to pursue epithelial-ectomesenchymal interactions that are necessary leading to odontoma formation.

Ameloblastoma ex calcifying odontogenic cyst (dentinogenic ghost cell tumor)

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) has shown to be of extensive diversity in its clinical and histopathological features, as well as in its biological behavior. In this report, a rare case is described of ameloblastoma ex COC (dentinogenic ghost cell tumor) and the relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

Investigation of Solid D 2 for UCN Sources

Solid deuterium (sD2) will be used for the production of ultra-cold neutrons (UCN) in a new generation of UCN sources. Scattering cross sections of UCN in sD2 determine the source yield but until now have not been investigated. We report first results from transmission and scattering experiments with cold, very cold and ultra-cold neutrons on sD2 along with light transmission and Raman scattering studies showing the influence of the sD2 crystal properties.

Effect of quantum interference on tunneling photoionization rates of N2 and O2 molecules

In this work, we reexamine the photoionization rates of N(2) and O(2) molecules using the previously published photoionization rate theory which is based on the original atomic Keldysh theory [K. Mishima et al., Phys. Rev. A 66, 033401 (2002); ibid.66, 053408 (2002)]. We have found that the constructive quantum interference takes place for N(2) molecule while the destructive quantum interference plays an important role for O(2) molecule. This is consistent with the experimental and theoretical results reported in the literature. The formulas derived in this paper clearly show that this is due to the different symmetries of the valence orbitals of N(2) and O(2) molecules.

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma (SMEC) with eosinophilia is a rare but distinctive tumor usually affecting the thyroid. SMEC involvement of salivary gland is exceptional, with only six cases in the literature. We present here the first case of an intermediate-grade SMEC, arising from the intraoral minor salivary glands. A particularly interesting finding is the cytoplasmic accumulation of eosinophilic hyaline granules in carcinoma cells, similar to aberrant zymogen-like granules previously described in salivary sclerosing polycystic adenosis.

Effect of ENU (ethylnitrosourea) mutagenesis in cleft lip and/or palate pathogenesis in mice

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are caused by many factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetic point mutations in CL/P pathogenesis. ICR and AJ strain mice were used. Ethylnitrosourea (ENU) was injected into 10-week-old male mice (G0) intraperitoneally at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The males were bred with two untreated virgin females of the same strain on day 100 after injection. The uterine contents (G1) of one female were examined on day 18.5 of pregnancy. From the other female, the offspring were delivered naturally, and F3 mice (G3) were also examined in the same way. In ICR strain mice, cleft palate only (CPO) was increased in both the G1 and G3. The frequency was significantly higher in the G3 than the G1 generation. Cleft lip was not observed. In AJ strain mice, CL/P increased in both the G1 and G3. In the G3, the frequency of CPO was increased significantly. Genes related to CPO may be recessive in phenotype. CPO and cleft lip differ from a genetic viewpoint. Point mutations play a significant role in cleft lip and palate.

Towards the realization of the quantum chemistry approach to tunneling photoionization processes in strong laser fields

Based on Keldysh's theory, we investigate the possibility to use the molecular orbital theoretic approach for calculating the tunneling photoionization rates of molecules. As a demonstration, we concentrate on the 1s state of the hydrogen atom as the initial state.

Void fraction and velocity measurement of simulated bubble in a rotating disc using high frame rate neutron radiography

To evaluate measurement error of local void fraction and velocity field in a gas-molten metal two-phase flow by high-frame-rate neutron radiography, experiments using a rotating stainless-steel disc, which has several holes of various diameters and depths simulating gas bubbles, were performed. Measured instantaneous void fraction and velocity field of the simulated bubbles were compared with the calculated values based on the rotating speed, the diameter and the depth of the holes as parameters and the measurement error was evaluated. The rotating speed was varied from 0 to 350 rpm (tangential velocity of the simulated bubbles from 0 to 1.5 m/s). The effect of shutter speed of the imaging system on the measurement error was also investigated. It was revealed from the Lagrangian time-averaged void fraction profile that the measurement error of the instantaneous void fraction depends mainly on the light-decay characteristics of the fluorescent converter. The measurement error of the instantaneous local void fraction of simulated bubbles is estimated to be 20%. In the present imaging system, the light-decay characteristics of the fluorescent converter affect the measurement remarkably, and so should be taken into account in estimating the measurement error of the local void fraction profile.

Velocity field measurement in gas–liquid metal two-phase flow with use of PIV and neutron radiography techniques

To establish reasonable safety concepts for the realization of commercial liquid-metal fast breeder reactors, it is indispensable to demonstrate that the release of excessive energy due to re-criticality of molten core could be prevented even if a severe core damage accident took place. Two-phase flow due to the boiling of fuel-steel mixture in the molten core pool has a larger liquid-to-gas density ratio and higher surface tension in comparison with those of ordinary two-phase flows such as air-water flow. In this study, to investigate the effect of the recirculation flow on the bubble behavior, visualization and measurement of nitrogen gas-molten lead bismuth in a rectangular tank was performed by using neutron radiography and particle image velocimetry techniques. Measured flow parameters include flow regime, two-dimensional void distribution, and liquid velocity field in the tank. The present technique is applicable to the measurement of velocity fields and void fraction, and the basic characteristics of gas-liquid metal two-phase mixture were clarified.

Juxtaoral organ of Chievitz presenting clinically as a tumour

An extremely rare hamartomatous lesion of the juxtaoral organ of Chievitz (JOOC) in a 63 year old man is reported. The tumour appeared as a large mass in the infratemporal fossa with associated mandibular bone resorption; histologically, it was well encapsulated and composed of numerous tangled masses of benign squamous epithelial nests and mature fibrofatty tissue. There were no histological features suggestive of neoplastic transformation. A literature survey confirmed that this is the first adult case of JOOC presenting clinically as an extraoral tumour.

Evaluation of respiratory status and mandibular movement after total temporomandibular joint replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

We performed total TMJ replacement to improve respiratory status and correct occlusion in six patients with destruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Morphological changes were evaluated on lateral cephalograms before and after surgery. Respiratory function and mandibular movement were assessed with the use of an apnea-monitor and an LED mandibular tracking device, respectively. After surgery, symptoms such as snoring and daytime sleepiness improved, and solid food could be masticated. Postoperative cephalograms showed that both the posterior airway space and ramal height were significantly improved by surgery. Postoperative records of mandibular movement indicated stability of the occlusion and improvement of mandibular movement, as compared with the preoperative records. Mean oxygen saturation significantly improved 1 month after surgery, whereas apnea and apnea-hypopnea indices did not change significantly.

Post-ischemic administration [correction of administeration] but not pre-ischemic administration [correction of administeration] of NG-nitro-L-arginine prevents spatial memory impairments and apoptosis by an inhibition of a delayed increase in NOx- in the hippocampus following repeated cerebral ischemia

In the present study, we investigated the effects of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on repeated cerebral ischemia-induced impairment of spatial memory of the 8-arm radial maze in rats. Repeated ischemia (10 min ischemia x 2 times with 1 h interval) impaired the spatial memory in the 8-arm radial maze test and produced apoptosis in the hippocampus 7 days after final occlusion, and gradually increased the NO(x)(-) levels approximately 30-180 min after the second reperfusion. Post-ischemic administration of L-NAME at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p. 30 min following the second occlusion, significantly attenuated the repeated ischemia-induced impairment of spatial memory in the 8-arm radial maze test and suppressed apoptosis in the hippocampus, and also significantly suppressed a delayed increase in the NO(x)(-) levels induced by repeated ischemia. However, pre-ischemic administration of L-NAME at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p. 30 min before the first occlusion, caused about 90% mortality (the mortality rate of vehicle-treated group was 10%). These results suggest that the delayed generation of NO(x)(-) may cause spatial memory impairment and induction of apoptosis in the hippocampus in rats subjected to repeated ischemia.

Ameliorative effect of NC-1900, a new AVP4-9 analog, through vasopressin V1A receptor on scopolamine-induced impairments of spatial memory in the eight-arm radial maze

The mechanism by which NC-1900, a new pGlu-Asn-Cys(Cys)-Pro-Arg-Gly-NH(2) (AVP(4-9)) analog, improves spatial memory in rats using an eight-arm radial maze was examined. Even at very low doses (0.2 ng/kg for s.c., 1 microg/kg for p.o., 1 fg for i.c.v.) NC-1900 improved scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial memory. NC-1900 (1 ng/kg, s.c.) also improved impairment of spatial memory induced by pirenzepine, a muscarinic(1) (M(1)) receptor antagonist, and by KN-62, a Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor. [Pmp(1), Tyr(Me)(2)]-Arg(8)-vasopressin, a vasopressin(1A) (V(1A)) receptor antagonist, and nicardipine, L-type Ca2+ blocker, but not OPC-31260, a V(2) antagonist, suppressed the effect of NC-1900 on scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial memory. A microdialysis study showed that NC-1900 did not affect acetylcholine release in the ventral hippocampus (VH) of intact rats or of scopolamine-treated rats. NC-1900 (1 microM) increased [Ca2+](i) in the VH than in the dorsal hippocampus (DH). Pretreatment with nicardipine (1 microM) and Ca2+ -free conditions inhibited the NC-1900-induced [Ca2+](i) response in the VH. Whereas co-administration of NC-1900 (1 microM) and carbachol (500 microM) increased [Ca2+](i) in the VH. Moreover, nicardipine concentration-dependently inhibited the increase in [Ca2+](i) induced by the co-administration of NC-1900 and carbachol in the VH. These results suggest that NC-1900 activates the V(1A) receptor at the postsynaptic cholinergic nerve, and causes a transient influx of intracellular Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels, to interact with the M(1) receptor. The activation of these Ca2+ -dependent processes induced by NC-1900 may be involved in the positive effect of NC-1900 on scopolamine-induced impairment of spatial memory.

Salivary cystatins influence ingestion of capsaicin-containing diets in the rat

Dietary capsaicin consumed by rats over several days induces cystatin-like substances in submandibular saliva. Yet the physiological role of these salivary proteins has not been thoroughly investigated. Salivary cystatins in the rat submandibular glands are known to be induced by chronic treatment with the sympathetic beta-agonist, isoproterenol. In the present study, the possible roles of the salivary proteins on food intake were examined by comparing consumption of a capsaicin-adulterated (0.05%) diet in rats with and without isoproterenol pretreatment (0.1 and 5.0 mg/kg, 5 days). Electrophoretic analysis performed prior to feeding trials revealed that the group pretreated with 5 mg/kg isoproterenol had large amounts of cystatin in the saliva compared with the group pretreated with 0.1 mg/kg isoproterenol and control group. The group treated with 5 mg/kg isoproterenol showed greater consumption of the capsaicin-adulterated diet than the other groups until the 3rd day of trials. Bilateral removal of the submandibular and sublingual glands neutralized the effects of isoproterenol. Induction of salivary cystatins by isoproterenol treatment was not mimicked by systemic and intragastric administration of capsaicin. These results suggest that cystatins are included in the salivary proteins induced by capsaicin and that they contribute to enhanced ingestion of the capsaicin diet. Induction of salivary cystatins may be triggered by irritation of the oral mucosa by capsaicin.