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Histiocytic sarcoma is a malignant proliferation of cells that exhibit morphological and immunophenotypic features of mature histiocytes. Owing to its rarity, its clinical features and standard treatment have not yet been established. This report describes a case of histiocytic sarcoma of the palate that developed in a 76-year-old man, the first report of an intraoral histiocytic sarcoma. An extended resection was performed; however, establishing the excision line was extremely difficult because assessing the tumour boundary on imaging was challenging and the tumour underwent dynamic gross morphological changes following biopsy. Complete resection is required to obtain a favourable prognosis for high-grade tumours with indistinct borders. In this case, an intraoperative rapid examination with frozen section analysis was performed along the planned excision line to completely resect the tumours exhibiting such behaviour. At 28 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated no recurrence or metastasis; however, he is under careful monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventionally, the volumetric error compensation of six-axis robots is mostly based on a kinematic model with position and orientation errors of the rotary axis average lines, known as Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) parameters. This study proposes a novel kinematic model with angular positioning deviation of each rotary axis, modeled as a function of the command angle and rotation direction. The error motions of one rotary axis can be dependent on the angular position of other axes owing to changes in the moment of inertia or center of gravity. The prediction accuracy of the proposed model was experimentally evaluated. Compensation experiments showed a significant reduction in the static volumetric error over the entire workspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quantitative cartilage morphometry is a valuable tool to assess osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Current methodologies generally evaluate cartilage morphometry in a full or partial sub-region of the cartilage plates. This report describes the evaluation of a semi-automated cartilage segmentation software tool capable of quantifying cartilage loss in a local indexed region.Methods: We examined the baseline and 24-month follow-up MRI image sets of twenty-four subjects from the progression cohort of Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score of 3 at baseline as the inclusion criteria. A radiologist independently marked a single region of local thinning for each subject, and three additional readers, blinded to time point, segmented the cartilage using a semi-automated software method. Each baseline-24-month segmentation pair was then registered in 3D and the change in cartilage volume was measured.Results: After 3D registration, the change in cartilage volume was calculated in specified regions centered at the marked point, and for the entire medial compartment of femur. The responsiveness was quantified using the standardized response mean (SRM) values and the percentage of subjects that showed a loss in cartilage volume. The most responsive measure of change was SRM=-1.21, and was found for a region of 10mm from the indexed point.Discussion: The results suggest that measurement of cartilage loss in a local region is superior to larger areas and to the total plate. There also may be an optimal region size (10mm from an indexed point) in which to measure change. In principle, the method is substantially faster than segmenting entire plates or sub-regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The interaction between a tool and a workpiece during machining determines the quality of a machined workpiece. This study presents a novel direct monitoring method using evanescent light, which detects the distance between a diamond tool edge and the workpiece surface. In the proposed method, evanescent light is generated around the diamond tool edge, and the intensity of the reflected laser beam corresponds to the distance between the tool edge and the workpiece surface. Experimental results confirmed that the proposed method is capable of monitoring the distance change of a sub-micrometer scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Demands for nano-positioning over a long range have recently increased in a variety of industries. This paper presents a long range positioning table system with a sub-nanometer resolution. The table system developed is characterized by a motion error-minimized structure, and the table motion is implemented by a cooperative control of the primary and the secondary tables. Successful implementation of a laser interferometer makes it possible to achieve the Abbe''s error free measurement and a long range positioning with a sub-nanometer resolution. Experimental results confirm that the table system achieves sub-nanometer positioning over a 150mm range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Introduction: Quantitative cartilage morphometry is a valuable tool to assess osteoarthritis (OA) progression. Current methodologies generally evaluate cartilage morphometry in a full or partial sub-region of the cartilage plates. This report describes the evaluation of a semi-automated cartilage segmentation software tool capable of quantifying cartilage loss in a local indexed region. Methods: We examined the baseline and 24-month follow-up MRI image sets of twenty-four subjects from the progression cohort of Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), using the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) score of 3 at baseline as the inclusion criteria. A radiologist independently marked a single region of local thinning for each subject, and three additional readers, blinded to time point, segmented the cartilage using a semi-automated software method. Each baseline-24-month segmentation pair was then registered in 3D and the change in cartilage volume was measured. Results: After 3D registration, the change in cartilage volume was calculated in specified regions centered at the marked point, and for the entire medial compartment of femur. The responsiveness was quantified using the standardized response mean (SRM) values and the percentage of subjects that showed a loss in cartilage volume. The most responsive measure of change was SRM=−1.21, and was found for a region of 10mm from the indexed point. Discussion: The results suggest that measurement of cartilage loss in a local region is superior to larger areas and to the total plate. There also may be an optimal region size (10mm from an indexed point) in which to measure change. In principle, the method is substantially faster than segmenting entire plates or sub-regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Demands for characterization of three dimensional (3D) micro-geometries and surface topographies over a large area have recently increased in many industries. This paper presents a newly developed 3D profile measuring machine with a nanometer spatial resolution. The machine developed is composed of an active vibration isolating system, a planar nano-motion table system driven by voice coil motors, a vertical nano-motion platform driven by a hybrid actuator, and a probing system based on the scanning tunneling microscopy principle. Performance evaluation results confirm that the machine can be successfully conducted the characterization of micro-geometries and surface topographies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multi-axis controlled machine tools require a tilting rotary table or a tilting spindle head. In order to realize an ultraprecision multi-axis machine tool, it is an important issue to develop a high performance tilting platform. This paper presents a newly developed hybrid actuator-driven tilting platform. The hybrid actuator is constructed by integrating a pneumatic rotary actuator and a couple of voice coil motors. Performance evaluation results confirm that the platform provides high precision and high torque motions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objective: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with contrast media has shown promise for articular cartilage assessment. Dendrimer-linked nitroxides, a new family of MR contrast agents targeted to glycosaminoglycan, may improve cartilage evaluation. This study is designed to determine the ability of dendrimer-linked nitroxides to enhance articular cartilage and measure the intra-articular life-time of these agents. Design: Cartilage T 1 was evaluated using immature bovine patella in solutions of five different dendrimer-linked nitroxides, saline or Gd–DTPA at 1.5T. The “relaxivity per dose” (change in cartilage 1/T 1 produced by a given concentration of agent) was calculated. The half-life of joint fluid enhancement was measured at 2T after solutions of three dendrimer-linked nitroxides, Gd–DTPA, and saline were injected into rabbit stifle joints. Twenty-four hours after injection, the joints were examined grossly and by histology for toxicity. Results: All but the largest dendrimer-linked nitroxide were able to intensely enhance articular cartilage on MR. Relaxivity per dose measurements were between 3.5 and 68 times greater than Gd–DTPA. The largest nitroxide appeared to be excluded from articular cartilage. Intra-articular half-lives of the dendrimer-linked nitroxides were sufficiently long (160–208min) for in vivo MR imaging to be performed. Histological assessments of joints showed minimal synovial inflammatory and necrosis scores 1 day post-injection that were similar for all agents, including Gd–DTPA. Conclusion: Dendrimer-linked nitroxides strongly enhance cartilage and are promising as articular cartilage-specific MR contrast agents. The intra-articular life-time is sufficient for imaging studies and, in initial evaluation, the agents exhibit minimal toxicity in rabbit joints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The importance of nano-machining processes is continually increasing in a wide range of industries. In particular, the demands for machining with stable nanometer order accuracy in a wide work area have recently increased in the electronics and automotive industries. In order to meet such industrial requirements, it is necessary to develop an ultraprecision machine tool based on a new design concept. Therefore, in this study, a novel linear motor-driven aerostatic planar motion table system was developed for nano-machining. The results of actual machining tests confirmed that the developed table system has a remarkable performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is the most frequently performed orthopedic procedure. Functional outcomes of APM are variable, particularly among patients with underlying knee osteoarthritis. While most patients undergoing APM have knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed preoperatively, the prognostic value of knee MRI in predicting the functional outcomes of APM has not been evaluated. Methods: We studied patients who had APM performed by one of five participating surgeons at one institution in 2002. The preoperative MRI scans of these patients were assessed using a standardized rating system by an independent observer who was not involved in the care of the patients and who was blinded to patient outcomes. Patients completed a questionnaire in the summer of 2003, 6-18 months postoperatively. The questionnaire included the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and items on satisfaction with the results of surgery. We used bivariate and multivariate techniques to evaluate the associations between MRI findings, other preoperative findings, and the functional status and pain scales of the KOOS. Results: Eighty-three patients were included in the analyses. The outcome of surgery was variable with average KOOS functional score of 77 and range of 15-100. One-quarter of patients were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the results of surgery and 17% were using a cane at the time of follow-up. In bivariate analyses, preoperative predictors of KOOS function score at follow-up included preoperative functional status and several MRI findings including the extent of cartilage damage, bone marrow edema in the medial compartment, and length of the tear. Multivariate analyses showed that after adjusting for preoperative functional status, the extent of cartilage signal abnormality in the medial compartment on MRI remained an independent predictor of functional status, 6-18 months following surgery. Specifically, preoperative functional status explained 21% of the variability in follow-up KOOS functional status score and the extent of medial tibial cartilage damage on MRI explained an additional 16%. Analyses of knee pain 1 year following APM yielded similar findings, with preoperative functional status accounting for 17% of the variability in pain scores and medial tibial cartilage damage accounting for an additional 13%. Conclusions: Preoperative MRI findings of cartilage damage have independent prognostic value in predicting the functional outcome of APM. This study was limited by a cross-sectional design with retrospective recall of preoperative functional status. Thus, the findings need to be confirmed in prospective investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of reorienting shoots 60° from the vertical to horizontal on carbohydrate concentrations and the related enzyme activities in the lateral bud and the shoot internode of 'Kosui' Japanese pear, to clarify the change of sugar metabolism in response to shoot reorientation which is known to accelerate flower-bud formation. The carbohydrates included: fructose, glucose, sorbitol, sucrose and starch, where the related enzymes included: NAD-dependent sorbitol dehydrogenase (NAD-SDH), NADP-dependent SDH (NADP-SDH), sorbitol oxidase (SOX), sucrose synthase (SS) and acid invertase (AI). Concentrations of sorbitol and sucrose in the lateral buds of a horizontal shoot temporarily decreased on 3 d after shoot reorientation (DAR) but did not differ significantly from those of the controls on 7 DAR and thereafter. On the other hand, sorbitol and sucrose concentrations of the central internode of horizontal shoots were higher on 30 DAR than those of untreated shoots. Glucose and fructose levels were not influenced by shoot reorientation. Activities of NAD-SDH, NADP-SDH and soluble AI, that degrade translocated sugars, in lateral buds increased on 20 and 30 DAR, whereas NAD-SDH in the internode of the shoot center decreased on 30 DAR. No other enzymes measured were influenced by the reorientation. Consequently, these changes may increase the sink capacity of the bud relative to shoot tissue, thereby stimulating bud growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A triangular fibrocartilage complex(TFCC) injury can be generated in the wrist joint when stress is applied during dorsal flexion and pronation. This can be the result of an external force caused by an event such as a fall or by repetitive stress leading to degenerative rupture. Here we report on a TFCC injury caused by the motion of a tennis stroke. The patient is a female first-year high school student who had been playing tennis for four years. Although she had been aware of a sense of incongruity in the right wrist joint for some time, acute pain in the wrist joint, accompanied by a clicking sound, suddenly occurred during tennis stroke practice one day. We diagnosed a TFCC injury by microscopy coil MRI and arthrography. We performed debridement of the partial TFCC tear and ulnar shortening. Although the occurrence of an acute TFCC injury without an external cause is relatively rare. the stress caused by the hyperdorsal flexion and hyperpronation during the tennis stroke caused this patient's injury. Diagnosis or prevention of a TFCC injury in a tennis player could be aided by considering the characteristics of the game and the player's background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the possible roles of interleukin 6 and soluble interleukin 6 receptor in the growth of endometrial and endometriotic cells.Study Design: Endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells were collected from the uterus or from ovarian chocolate cysts. We examined the effects of interleukin 6, soluble interleukin 6 receptor, and a combination of both factors on the proliferation of endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells. The action of sex steroids on the interleukin 6 regulation of the growth of stromal cells was also evaluated. The gene expressions of interleukin 6 receptor and glycoprotein 130 were examined in endometrial and endometriotic cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results: Interleukin 6 had no effect on the growth of stromal cells in tissue from the proliferative phase. In contrast, the addition of concentrations of >/=100 pg/mL interleukin 6 induced significant inhibition of stromal cell proliferation in tissue from the secretory phase. Similarly, the addition of soluble interleukin 6 receptor caused significant suppression in the growth of endometrial stromal cells in tissue from the secretory phase but not the proliferative phase. On the other hand, stromal cells of endometriotic tissues were resistant to interleukin 6, showing no inhibitory response. Although the combination treatment did not affect the proliferation of stromal cells of the proliferative phase and of endometriotic tissues, 10 pg/mL interleukin 6 inhibited proliferation of stromal cells of the secretory phase in the presence of 1 ng/mL soluble interleukin 6 receptor. Treatment with estradiol and progesterone for 10 days newly induced the inhibitory response to interleukin 6 in the endometrial cells from the proliferative phase. Expressions of transcripts of interleukin 6 receptor and glycoprotein 130 were observed in the endometrial cells from the proliferative and secretory phases and in endometriotic cells.Conclusions: Interleukin 6 may play a central role in regulation of the growth of endometrial cells as a mediator of endocrine action. Endometriotic cells may behave differently from their normal counterparts in terms of the inhibitory regulation exerted by interleukin 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]