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Background Rapid reduction of heart rate (HR) is the most evident physiological response of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS). Since HR reduction is the most potent factor to decrease myocardial oxygen consumption rate (MVO2), the appropriate VNS can exert cardio-protective effects. It is also known that VNS reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and sympathetic overload. In addition, the VNS during ischemia-reperfusion is known to attenuate myocardial damage by studies in various animal species. Despite the presence of preclinical evidence of VNS benefits, the lack of the device has limited the translation of this technology to clinical practice. We have recently developed an intravenous VNS catheter (JOHAKU, Neuroceuticals Inc.) that can stimulate the right vagal nerve via superior vena cava (SVC) (Figure 1) on temporary basis. Purpose We aimed to confirm the feasibility of JOHAKU as a device to modulate heart rate and MVO2 rapidly by a canine experiment. Methods In eight beagle dogs, JOHAKU was inserted from the right femoral vein and placed at the SVC level. The stimulation intensity was adjusted to 10–20 V (20 Hz). We simultaneously recorded electrocardiogram and intraarterial blood pressure (BP). In three of eight dogs, we measured the left anterior descending coronary artery flow and oxygen saturations of arterial and coronary sinus blood to calculate MVO2. We compared HR, BP, and MVO2 during JOHAKU stimulation to ones at baseline. Results As shown in Figure 2, JOHAKU attenuated HR immediately after stimulation. Compared with baseline, JOHAKU significantly reduced HR (baseline: 135±13 vs. 5 min on stimulation: 107±13 bpm, p Conclusion JOHAKU rapidly attenuated cardiac metabolism burden via the rapid HR reduction. The controllability of HR by JOHAKU without affecting BP enables us to apply the VNS even for patients with hemodynamic instability, such as heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Japan Agency for Medical and Research Development

The flexural strength, elastic moduli, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness for silicate glass-ceramics (anorthite and diopside) containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were measured. The microstructures of the silicate glass–ceramics containing TCP were shown to consist of a complex structure of rod-like silicate and TCP crystals. The flexural strengths of glass–ceramics containing 32 wt% TCP for anorthite and 38 wt% TCP for diopside corresponding to a eutectic composition in the phase diagram were 236 and 226 MPa. The Young’s modulus and fracture toughness of the eutectic compositions were 89.4 GPa and 2.5 MPa·m1/2 for anorthite and 126 GPa and 2.3 MPa·m1/2 for diopside, respectively. The anorthite glass–ceramic containing TCP has a lower Young’s modulus in spite of a high strength as compared to other silicate glass–ceramics containing apatite or TCP.

Objectives:We report an extremely rare case of congenital cholesteatoma of the mastoid region, presenting as acute mastoiditis. We also review the 16 previously reported cases of congenital cholesteatoma of the mastoid region.Case report:A 65-year-old man presented with left-sided, post-auricular swelling and pain. Acute mastoiditis was diagnosed, with computed tomography demonstrating destruction of the bony plates of the posterior cranial fossa and sigmoid sinus. Initial surgery revealed a cholesteatoma in the mastoid, with no extension into the aditus ad antrum or attic. These findings were confirmed by pathological and immunohistochemical analysis of the surgical specimen, the latter using involucrin. The cholesteatoma matrix was completely removed in a second operation.Conclusions:Including this case, only four of the 17 reported cases of congenital cholesteatoma of the mastoid region showed post-auricular pain or swelling, indicating acute mastoiditis. Clinicians should bear in mind that congenital cholesteatoma may be present in patients presenting with mastoiditis, particularly adults.

A method of real‐time monitoring of implant angle for state‐of‐the‐art ion implant doping in integrated circuit manufacturing has been developed using Surface Photo Voltage measurements on conventional monitor wafers. Measurement results are analyzed and compared to other techniques.

Gliomas, the most frequent tumors originating in the human nervous system, are divided into various subtypes. Currently, microscopic examination alone is insufficient for classification and grading so that genetic profiles are increasingly being emphasized in recognition of the emerging role of molecular diagnostic approaches to glioma classification. Glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) may develop de novo (primary glioblastomas) or through progression from lower-grade astrocytomas (secondary glioblastomas), while both glioblastomas show similar histological features. In contrast, they do constitute distinct disease entities that evolve through different genetic pathways, and are likely to differ in prognosis and response to therapy. Oligodendrogliomas (WHO grade II) account for 2.7% of brain tumors and 5-18% of all gliomas. Since this tumor is recognized as a particular subtype of glioma that shows remarkable responses to chemotherapy, a correct diagnosis is of prime importance. The difficulty is that histological differentiation of oligodendrogliomas from diffuse astrocytomas is highly subjective in cases without typical morphological features and there is a lack of reliable immunohistochemical markers. While histological distinction of low-grade gliomas from reactive astrocytes is also often difficult, reactive astrocytes usually lack genetic alterations. More biological and molecular approaches to glioma classification thus appear warranted to provide improved means to achieve correct diagnoses.

This work looks into one possible cause for wider V T distributions arising from implanter issues. An unintentional convergence or divergence in the implanter beam direction leads to non-uniformities in the odd-row and even-row average V T S across the wafer. A mechanism for this phenomenon is proposed and experimental evidence supporting it is presented. An improvement in the uniformity is shown on a newer generation implanter with better divergence control of the beam.

Mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases are well known serine threonine kinases that modulate gene expression, mitosis, cell proliferation and programmed cell death or 'apoptosis' in response to various stresses. Extracellular stress regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2 terminal kinase and p38 are major members of the MAP kinases, and there is now a body of evidence of their involvement in genesis or sensitivity to chemotherapy of human prostate cancers. In this review, we focus on the molecular roles of MAP kinases and their pathological correlations, with particular attention to novel downstream signals through phosphorylation of the Fas-associated death domain protein that effectively regulates not only apoptosis but also the cell cycle in prostate neoplastic cells.

The survival time of patients with unresectable malignant biliary stenosis and the patent period of metallic biliary stents are different in each disease. The efficacy of the covered metallic stent was analyzed according to the primary disease.Seventy-three patients with bile duct carcinoma (12 cases), gallbladder carcinoma (22 cases), and pancreas carcinoma (39 cases) were retrospectively enrolled. Covered metallic stents were used in 42 patients and uncovered metallic stents in 31 patients. The patency of covered stents was compared with that of uncovered stents for each disease.The patent rate at 6 months after insertion was 80.6% (95% CI [72.6%, 88.6%]) for the covered stent, and 49.5% (95% CI [37.6%, 61.4%]) for the uncovered stent. The mean patent periods of the covered stent and the uncovered stent were 14.6 and 27.6 months for bile duct carcinoma (p=0.424), 12.7 and 3.0 months for gallbladder carcinoma (p=0.003), and 11.9 and 9.6 months for pancreas carcinoma (p=0.919), respectively.The covered metallic stent was the most effective in patients with gallbladder carcinoma.

Recent increases in the incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), a rare non-Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in the brain, have been noted in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients. Compared with lymphomas originating outside the central nervous system, the biology of PCNSL at the molecular or cytogenetic level has not been well characterized, yet it is important to thoroughly understand the etiology of this rare malignant lymphoma if effective therapies are to be developed. This review will focus on the epidemiology, clinical aspects, histopathology, pathogenesis, and molecular genetics of this aggressive, extranodal lymphoma in immunocompetent patients.

Ultrashallow junctions (∼60 nm) are obtained using low energy BF2 (5 keV) implants in crystalline Si. The variation of junction depth as a function of the dose rate is studied for doses of 1×1014 and 1×1015 cm−2. Boron diffusion is retarded in the tail region for the higher dose rates and consequently the junction depth decreases as compared to the lower dose rates. The residual defect density after a 950 °C, 10 s anneal for a dose of 1×1015 cm−2 is reduced for the higher dose rate as compared to the lower dose rate.

Cobalt silicide layer formation on ultra-shallow junctions (

We have performed an analysis of the structural characteristics of silicon following low-energy (3.5 kV) by plasma source ion implantation from a BF/sub 3/ plasma and postimplant rapid thermal annealing. Cross-sectional high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging has shown that in the as-implanted silicon the first 5 nm is amorphous; no evidence of dislocations or other extended defects was observed. Rutherford backscattering channeling spectra suggest a similar result. High resolution x-ray diffraction analyses revealed a continuous change in the stress in the implanted layer that ranged from highly compressive in the as-implanted Si to moderately tensile in fully annealed samples. All results show that low energy PSII avoids the formation of extended defects and maintain excellent structural quality following annealing.

It is known that boron transient enhanced diffusion (TED) is influenced by the existence of fluorine. This paper further investigates this phenomenon by separating the damage effect of fluorine from the chemical effect of fluorine. To accomplish this goal, a /sup 20/Ne/sup +/ implant with equivalent energy and dose was selected to simulate the fluorine damage (F has an amu of 19). Three types of samples were investigated. First was a 5 keV BF/sub 2/ implant. The second sample created the same damage profile but the B and F implants were separated using a 1.94 keV 2e15 F/sup +/ followed by 1.2 keV 1e15 B/sup +/ implant. The third sample used a 2 keV 1.8e15 Ne/sup +/ implant to create the amorphous layer followed by a 1.2 keV 1e15 B/sup +/ implant. All three implant sets were then subjected to the same rapid thermal annealing conditions (RTA) between 950/spl deg/C and 1050/spl deg/C for 10 sec in a controlled 300 ppm O/sub 2/ in N/sub 2/ ambient. It was found that F/sup +/ plus B/sup +/ resulted in the least amount of B diffusion with /spl Delta/Xj=20 /spl Aring/ at 950/spl deg/C and 100 /spl Aring/ at 1050/spl deg/C, BF/sub 2//sup +/ and Ne/sup +/ plus B/sup +/ implants showed /spl Delta/Xj>100 /spl Aring/ for all temperatures. Damage behavior was also studied by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The defect structure of F+B implant is similar to that of Ne+B implant and different from the BF/sub 2/ implant. Results indicate that the chemical effect of fluorine on boron diffusion dominates over the implant damage effect.

The role of fluorine in suppressing boron diffusion is studied by comparing the diffusion of boron from 5 keV BF/sub 2//sup +/ implants versus 1.1 keV /sup 11/B/sup +/ implants with varying 1.9 keV F/sup +/ implant doses. Prior to B/sup +/, F/sup +/ or BF/sub 2//sup +/ implantation, the surface was amorphized to a depth of 1450 /spl Aring/ using a 70 keV Si/sup +/ 1/spl times/10/sup 15//cm/sup 2/ implant. By implanting the boron, fluorine or BF/sub 2/ into pre-amorphized silicon, the differences in damage are factored out of the experiment. In addition, the pre-amorphizing implant provides a source of silicon interstitials for studying boron transient-enhanced diffusion (TED). Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) profiles indicate negligible reduction in boron diffusion, even with higher fluorine doses corresponding to F:B ratios>that for BF/sub 2/. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows no effect of the presence of F on the evolution of the source of the interstitials, except at F doses>2/spl times/10/sup 14//cm/sup 2/. Earlier studies also using pre-amorphized substrates, but higher dose B implants, showed a significant effect of F on B TED. By comparing our results on lower dose B to these earlier results on higher dose B, a mechanism for the observed reduction in B TED at high B doses is proposed.

The SEMATECH 0.18 micron Source/Drain (S/D) project is targeted toward the development of a doping tool that will meet the requirements for ultra-shallow junction depth, cost, and reliability. Cooperative research efforts are directed toward evaluating the feasibility of forming ultra-shallow junctions by three competing methods: (1) conventional ion implantation, (2) plasma source ion implantation, and (3) Projection-Gas Immersion Laser Doping (P-GILD). The results of this effort will be used to assist SEMATECH in making its 0.18 micron doping technology decision. This paper gives a description of the SEMATECH/University/Industry cooperative program and of the recent results obtained from the various research groups.

Ultra-shallow junctions are obtained using low energy BF/sub 2/ (5 keV) implants in crystalline Si. The variation in junction depth as a function of dose rate and two-step anneals is studied for doses of 1/spl times/10/sup 14/ and 1/spl times/10/sup 15/ cm/sup -2/. B diffusion is retarded in the tail region for the higher dose rates and consequently the junction depth decreases as compared to the lower dose rates. Junction depth is further reduced for the two-step anneals as compared to the single-step RTA.

To elucidate the role of p53/p16(INK4a)/RB1 pathways in the tumorigenesis of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs), we have analyzed p14(ARF), p16(INK4a), RB1, p21(Waf1), and p27(Kip1) status in a series of their 18 sporadic cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, using methylation-specific PCR, differential PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Homozygous deletion or methylation of p14(ARF) was detected in 10 (56%) PCNSLs, and they were almost entirely deletions (except 1 case). A total of 11 (61%) PCNSLs demonstrated homozygous deletion (6 cases) or methylation (5 cases) of p16(INK4a). Six tumors showed both p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a) homozygous deletions. Hypermethylation of the RB1 and the p27(Kip1) promoter region was detected in 2 (11%) cases, whereas p21(Waf1) methylation was not detected in any. Immunohistochemistry revealed loss of p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a) expression in 10 (56%) samples, correlating with the gene status. Four cases showed independent negative immunoreactivity for pRB and p27(Kip1), and nearly one-half of cases (8 of 18; 44%) were characterized by lack of p21(Waf1) expression. These results indicate that inactivation of p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a) by either homozygous deletion or promoter hypermethylation represents an important molecular pathogenesis in PCNSLs. Hypermethylation of RB1, p21(Waf1), and p27(Kip1) appears to be of minor significance, these genes being independently methylated in PCNSLs.

Paste-like materials with ability of self-setting are attractive for bone substitutes, since they can be injected from the small hole with minimized invasion to the patient. Although bone cements which set as apatite are clinically used, there is limitation on clinical applications due to their mechanical properties such as high brittleness and low fracture toughness. To overcome this problem, organic-inorganic hybrids based on a flexible polymer are attractive. We have obtained an idea for design of self-setting hybrids using polyion complex fabricated by ionic interaction of anionic and cationic polymers. We aimed at preparation of organic-inorganic hybrids exhibiting self-setting ability and bioactivity. The liquid component was prepared from cationic chitosan aqueous solution. The powder component was prepared by mixing various carrageenans with α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP). The obtained cements set within 1 day. Compressive strength showed tendency to increase with increase in α-TCP content in the powder component. The prepared cements formed the apatite in simulated body fluid within 3 days. Novel self-setting materials based on organic-inorganic hybrid can be designed utilizing ionic interaction of polysaccharide.

High implant dose rates and two‐step anneals have been used to optimize ultrashallow junctions (∼60 nm) formed by low‐energy (2–5 keV) BF2 ion implantation. Variation in junction depth and dopant profile as a function of beam current density (dose rate) and damage/activation anneal is studied. Junction depths and transient enhanced boron diffusion, as seen from secondary ion mass spectroscopy, are reduced for increasing implant dose rate. In addition, transmission electron microscopy images indicate that implantation at a higher dose rate yields lower residual defect levels following anneal. Dependence of sheet resistance on dose rate seems to be a function of the amorphizing nature of the implant. At a dose of 1×1014 cm−2, use of a low‐temperature, 600 °C furnace preanneal, prior to a high‐temperature rapid thermal anneal, serves to reduce transient enhanced diffusion. At a dose of 1×1015 cm−2, subtle changes in residual damage are observed while no apparent changes in transient enhanced diffusion or she...

The X-ray diffraction profiles of magnesium, and calcium phosphate glasses have been measured and the pair function distributions (PFDs) were calculated. Using the pair function method, distance and coordination numbers for the pairs of PO, OO, and MO (M = Mg, Zn or Ca) were determined. A fundamental unit of the structure in these phosphate glasses is confirmed to be a PO4 tetrahedron. It is found that in the calcium phosphate glass the PO4 tetrahedra from long chains and almost all Ca2+ are surrounded by 6 oxygens, which agrees with the structural model by other workers. In contrast to this normal-type calcium phosphate glass, it is also realized that the structures of the abnormal-type magnesium and zinc phosphate glasses consist of long chains with many branches, and most of Mg2+ and Zn2+ are surrounded by 4 oxygens. Thus, the distinct structural difference for abnormal-type phosphate glasses was recognized by the present X-ray diffraction results. However, an abrupt change of an oxygen coordination number around a metallic ion at the metaphosphate concentration was not observed, which is previously considered to be a main reason for the abnormal behavior in the abnormal-type phosphate glasses.

An X-ray diffraction study has been carried out on binary phosphate and silicate glasses with MgO or CaO in equimolar composition. The structure of a 60 mol% CaO–40 mol% Al2O3 glass was also investigated for comparison. The electron radial distribution function was calculated by the usual Fourier transformation and interpretation of it was made in terms of pair functions. The number of oxygens around magnesium is evaluated to be four in both phosphate and silicate glasses. On the other hand, the number of oxygens which surround calcium appears to depend upon the component of network formers: namely, the oxygen coordination numbers around calcium are five in phosphate, six in silicate and four in aluminate glasses, respectively.

The fracture of binary CaO- and MgO-phosphate glasses was studied by measuring the fracture toughnesses and calculating the resulting fracture surface energies. Application of the ionic potential concept yields a linear relationship describing both the normal - and the abnormal - structure glasses on the same surface energy/ionic potential plot. Trends are explained on the basis of the modifying cation to nonbridging oxygen bond density in the glass structure.

A case of mycosis fungoides (MF) that began with cutaneous eritemato-papular lesions leading to death with neurological symptoms is reported. Cutaneous histophatology was typical to MF and the liquoric citology showed Sézary cells. Necropsy evidenced extra-cutaneous dissemination of the tumor involving lymphnodes, heart, digestive system, bladder, liver, bone marrow and leptomeninges. The uncommon clinical manifestations and evolution are discussed.

Murine peritoneal macrophages pretreated with interferon (IFN)-alpha and then stimulated by opsonized zymosan produced two to three times more LTB4 than untreated macrophages. However, PGE2 production was not changed by IFN-alpha. Meanwhile, IFN-gamma did not affect the production of LTB4 and PGE2. From the results it is considered that IFN-alpha can modulate inflammation or host defence through the production of LTB4.