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Reduction in intermediate layer thickness of CoCrPt -SiO 2 perpendicular recording media by using Ru -SiO 2A spectroscopic ellipsometry study of the interfacial stresses and their correlation with microvoids in very thin thermally grown SiO2 films

The junction between the epithelium and the underlying connective tissue undulates, constituting of rete ridges, which lack currently available soft tissue constructs. In this study, using a micro electro mechanical systems process and soft lithography, fifteen negative molds, with different dimensions and aspect ratios in grid- and pillar-type configurations, were designed and fabricated to create three-dimensional micropatterns and replicated onto fish-scale type I collagen scaffolds treated with chemical crosslinking. Image analyses showed the micropatterns were well-transferred onto the scaffold surfaces, showing the versatility of our manufacturing system. With the help of rheological test, the collagen scaffold manufactured in this study was confirmed to be an ideal gel and have visco-elastic features. As compared with our previous study, its mechanical and handling properties were improved by chemical cross-linking, which is beneficial for grafting and suturing into the complex structures of oral cavity. Histologic evaluation of a tissue-engineered oral mucosa showed the topographical microstructures of grid-type were well-preserved, rather than pillar-type, a well-stratified epithelial layer was regenerated on all scaffolds and the epithelial rete ridge-like structure was developed. As this three-dimensional microstructure is valuable for maintaining epithelial integrity, our micropatterned collagen scaffolds can be used not only intraorally but extraorally as a graft material for human use.

A computerized adiabatic calorimeter system operating in the temperature range 13–300 K is described. A digital voltmeter is used for energy measurement and the duration of energy input is determined by a program unit operated by 1 Hz pulse. Temperatures of the calorimeter are measured by a 25 Ω platinum resistance thermometer and an automated ac double bridge. The measured resistance is converted into temperature (IPTS-68) by a calibration table stored in a mini-computer. Criterion for the realization of thermal equilibration is that a temperature drift calculated from the latest six data becomes smaller than a preset value, usually 7×10−8 Ω s−1. The system is able to measure the heat capacity of solid and liquid in an intermittent heating mode and gives the computed results during measurement. Some examples of the test runs on cyclohexanol crystal are shown and the results are compared with those obtained by manual measurements by use of dc Müller bridge. A relaxational heat capacity anomaly observed in glassy crystalline state of cyclohexanol is discussed in correlation with a secondary relaxation observed by previous dielectric measurement.

The toxic effects of i.v. administration of N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a component of parenteral nutrition solutions, on fertility and embryonic development were investigated in SD male and female rats at doses of 100, 300, and 1000 mg kg-1 day-1. Infertility was observed in females in the 1000-mg/kg group throughout the period from before mating to embryogenesis. No effect of NAC on the reproductive ability of the male rats was seen. The oocytes and embryos were assessed morphologically to clarify the cause of the effects of NAC. The unfertilized oocytes (UO) recovered from the ampullae of the uterine tubes and Gestational Day (GD) 1 and 2 embryos recovered from the oviducts or uterus of the rats that received NAC i.v. at a dosage of 1000 mg kg-1 day-1 for more than 1 wk before mating were assessed morphologically by stereomicroscopy. In addition, the thickness of the zona pellucida (ZP) was calculated by morphometric evaluation of the UO. Fewer UO were collected in the NAC group than in the control (nontreatment) group. Interestingly, ZP-lacking or partially ZP-lacking oocytes were observed in the NAC group, and the morphometric evaluation of the UO showed thinning of the ZP. The number of embryos in each animal was markedly decreased on GD1, and no embryos were recovered on GD2 in the NAC group. The oocytes that had ZP affected by NAC treatment were abnormal or nonviable. The findings of the present study suggest that changes in the ZP are related to the infertility associated with NAC.