The downregulation of β-ARs after ureter dilation, particularly for β1-AR and β3-AR in the muscular layer, suggests a potential compensatory mechanism involving increased contraction of the ureter to push urine through the obstruction. Thus, β-ARs may be a potential target for treatment of ureter obstruction.

Enterovesical fistula is an abnormal communication between the urinary bladder and intestine. Diverticulitis is the most common aetiology, accounting for approximately 50–70% of cases, and malignancy is the second most common cause, accounting for approximately 20% of cases. However, most patients are hospitalized because of urinary symptoms. The disease can be misdiagnosed if patients have been symptomatic for a long time before the diagnosis is made. Detection of enterovesical fistula and the underlying disease is important. However, the optimal diagnostic methods have not been clarified. CT scan is the most sensitive diagnostic modality, but should be backed up with cystoscopy, cystography, colonoscopy and barium enema.

No abstract

The demand for neuromorphic computing is increasing, and resistive random access memory devices (ReRAM) are intriguing candidates for synaptic applications. We studied a Ti/HfOx/Au ReRAM device with this potential in view, and fabricated a Ti/HfOx/Pt device for comparison. Both devices exhibited bipolar switching characteristics. In response to voltage pulse trains, gradual resistance change was observed in the Ti/HfOx/Au device for both the SET and RESET processes, indicating its suitability for artificial synapse application. In contrast, an abrupt resistance change was observed in the SET process of the Ti/HfOx/Pt device. A significant diffusion of Au atoms occurred in the HfOx layer of the Ti/HfOx/Au device, and the Au atoms were oxidized at the interface. This led to an increase in the O vacancy concentration, which assisted the achievement of the gradual resistance change. The present study indicates that the Ti/HfOx/Au device demonstrates good potential for use as an artificial synaptic device.