A Y2BaCuO5 buffer (Y211) block, as a diffusion barrier for samarium atoms of a top seeded melt growth (TSMG) processed YBa2Cu3O7 − y (Y123) superconductor using a SmBa2Cu3O7 − d (Sm123) seed, was examined in terms of the buffer thickness (t). Disc-type Y211 blocks with various t were inserted at the seed/compact interface and subjected to melt growth heating cycles. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and critical current density (Jc) were measured for the three different top surface regions: (1) the region just below the seeded Y211 buffer block, (2) the intermediate region between the buffer block and the sample edge, and (3) the sample edge. The Tc values of regions 1 and 2 of the samples without the buffer and with thin buffers were lower than that of region 3, and the superconducting transition widths were larger. As t was increased to 3 mm, the susceptibility curves of the three regions showed the same Tc of 90 K and sharp transitions. The Jc–B curves of regions 1 and 2 without a buffer and with thin buffers showed the peak effect due to the formation of Y1 − xSmxBa2Cu3Oz. The peak effect almost disappeared when t was increased to 3 mm. Y211 particles and the Y123 matrix in the buffer block acted as an effective samarium absorber by forming mixed rare-earth 211 particles and Y1 − xSmxBa2Cu3Oy. These results suggest that the Y211 buffer block technique can be applied to the fabrication of large single grain Y123 superconductors with a uniform Tc and Jc distribution on the top surfaces.

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In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Cinnamomum camphora leaves on allergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis. We evaluated the effects of C. camphora leaves on human adult low-calcium high-temperature keratinocytes and atopic dermatitis mice. C. camphora leaves inhibited Macrophage-derived chemokine (an inflammatory chemokine) production in interferon-γ (10 ng/mL) stimulated Human adult low-calcium high-temperature keratinocytes in a dose dependent manner. C. camphora leaves suppressed the phosphorylation of janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. C. camphora leaves also suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, a central signaling molecule in the inflammation process. These results suggest that C. camphora leaves exhibits anti-inflammatory effect via the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. To study the advanced effects of C. camphora leaves on atopic dermatitis, we induced experimental atopic dermatitis in mice by applying 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. The group treated with C. camphora leaves (100 mg/kg) showed remarkable improvement of atopic dermatitis symptoms: reduced serum immunoglobulin E levels, smaller lymph nodes with reduced thickness and length, decreased ear edema, and reduced levels of inflammatory cell infiltration in the ears. Interestingly, the effects of C. camphora leaves on atopic dermatitis symptoms were stronger than those of hydrocort cream, a positive control. Taken together, C. camphora leaves showed alleviating effects on the inflammatory chemokine production in vitro and atopic dermatitis symptoms in vivo . These results suggest that C. camphora leaves help in the treatment of allergic inflammation such as atopic dermatitis.

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