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Passive proton beam therapy (PPBT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a higher local control rate than surgery or photon beam therapy. Moreover, it is attracting attention as one of the new treatment options. In the PPBT planning, the selection of the beam angle is determined according to the subjective judgment of the planner. Therefore, there are differences in the dose distribution depending on the planner. It has not yet been clarified which the irradiation angle can be selected to reduce unnecessary dose on the organ-at-risks and maintain the target coverage. The purpose of this study was to determining the optimal beam angle for liver S8 lesions. The subjects were fifty-four treatment plans for HCC located in S8 irradiated using PPBT during the period of 2012.6-2021.3 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. Tumor sizes were aggregated from the subjects. Clinical Target Volume (CTV) of the subject's liver ranged from 4 cm3 to 1370 cm3. Tumor sizes ranged from 132 cm to 655 cm3. From these results, the average CTV were represented on a virtual phantom, the dose distribution using PPBT was optimized using two irradiation angles. For the calculation of the optimum irradiation angle, the combination of the two beams rotated every 10 degrees and the best dose distribution was considered to be the optimum angle. The Conformity Index (CI) and Homogeneity Index (HI) of the CTV and the V30 (%) of the liver were calculated using the Dose volume histogram (DVH). The combination of beam angles showing 1 in the Conformity Index was 360 ° and 250 °, 350 ° and 230 °, 260 ° and 190 ° for small tumor volumes. Homogeneity Index and V30 averaged 1.06 and 28.0%, respectively. At the time of large tumor volume, it was 350 ° and 270 °, 350 ° and 250 °, 250 ° and 170 °. Homogeneity Index and V30 averaged 1.07 and 47.6%, respectively. The treatment schemes beam-arranged with a 70 ° difference in angle between the two beams were the most homogeneous with respect to the target. A significant difference was found in Conformity Index when compared to the most heterogeneous 190 ° difference (p <0.05). Based on our findings, we recommend using a 2-beam configuration with a beam tilted by approximately 70 ° between the two beams for passive irradiation of hepatocellular carcinoma located in S8. This has the potential to achieve a uniform dose distribution within the target and at the same time reduce the hepatic dose. However, it should be noted that there is a difference in dose increase / decrease depending on the positional relationship of organs and tumors. Further treatment planning studies on aspects of respiration and organ movement need to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2005, Space system laboratory of Kyushu Institute of Technology has been studying experimental unmanned rockets called WIRES (WIngedREusable Sounding rocket) [1–3]. WIRES are test beds and demonstration platforms for future reusable space transportation system to reduce space transportation cost. In this paper, design, development, ground combustion test and flight test of the winged rocket named WIRES#012IA are presented. WIRES#012IA aims to demonstrate autonomous guidance and control using parafoil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several genome-wide linkage studies have suggested linkage between markers on the long arm of chromosome 22 and schizophrenia. It has also been reported that 22q11.2 deletions increase the risk of schizophrenia. Therefore, 22q is a candidate region for schizophrenia. To search for genetic susceptibility loci for schizophrenia on 22q, we conducted a three-stage case-control association study in Japanese individuals. In the first stage, we examined 13 microsatellite markers on 22q in 766 individuals (340 patients with schizophrenia and 426 control individuals) and found a potential association of AFM262VH5 (D22S283) with schizophrenia. In the second stage, we performed fine mapping of the myosin heavy chain 9, non-muscle (MYH9) gene, where AFM262VH5 is located, using 25 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We obtained potential associations between three SNPs in MYH9 and schizophrenia in 1193 individuals (595 patients and 598 controls), which included the individuals analyzed in the first stage. In the third stage, however, we could not replicate these associations in 4694 independent individuals (2288 patients and 2406 controls). Our results suggest that MYH9 does not confer increased susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population, although we could not exclude possible contributions of other genes on 22q to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to elucidate the spatial distribution of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the Japanese coastal environment, hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines (OCs: PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, HCHs, HCB) were determined in bivalves (oysters and mussels) collected from Japanese coastal waters. HBCDs and PBDEs were detected in all samples analyzed. Concentration ranges of HBCDs were 12–5200ngg−1 lipid wt., followed by PCBs (20–3100ngg−1)>PBDEs (3.1–86ngg−1 lipid wt.). The highest concentration of HBCDs was found in the Osaka region. This result indicates that HBCDs are ubiquitous and predominant compounds in bivalves from the Japanese coastal waters. Since no species differences between oysters and mussels were observed for the bioaccumulation properties of HBCDs and PBDEs, oysters could be utilized for BFR contamination monitoring worldwide as an alternative to mussels. Global comparisons between oysters and mussels showed that HBCD concentrations in Japan are among the highest levels reported from Asia and Europe. Estimated dietary exposures of HBCDs and PBDEs through seafood were 0.45–34ngkg body weight−1 d−1, and 0.054–6.8ngkg body weight−1 d−1, respectively. These exposure levels were more than 1000 times lower than the lowest observable effects or no observable adverse effects levels for HBCDs and PBDEs, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. DRD3 has been tested for an association with schizophrenia, but with conflicting results. A recent meta-analysis suggested that the haplotype T-T-T-G for the SNPs rs7631540-rs1486012-rs2134655-rs963468 may confer protection against schizophrenia. However, almost all previous studies of the association between DRD3 and schizophrenia have been performed using a relatively small sample size and a limited number of markers. To assess whether DRD3 is implicated in vulnerability to schizophrenia, we conducted case-control association studies and performed an updated meta-analysis. In the first population (595 patients and 598 controls), we examined 16 genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including tagging SNPs selected from the HapMap database and SNPs detected through resequencing, as well as 58 imputed SNPs that are not directly genotyped. To confirm the results obtained, we genotyped the SNPs rs7631540-rs1486012-rs2134655-rs963468 in a second, independent population (2126 patients and 2228 controls). We also performed an updated meta-analysis of the haplotype, combining the results obtained in five populations, with a total sample size of 7551. No supportive evidence was obtained for an association between DRD3 and schizophrenia in our Japanese subjects. Our updated meta-analysis also failed to confirm the existence of a protective haplotype. To draw a definitive conclusion, further studies using larger samples and sufficient markers should be carried out in various ethnic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chromosome 1p13 is linked with schizophrenia in Japanese families, and one of the candidate genes in this region is the netrin G1 (NTNG1) gene at 1p13.3. Associations of 56 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with schizophrenia were explored by transmission disequilibrium analysis in 160 Japanese trios and by case–control analysis in 2174 Japanese cases and 2054 Japanese controls. An association between SNP rs628117 and schizophrenia was identified by case–control comparison (nominal allelic p =0.0009; corrected p =0.006). The associated polymorphism is located in intron 9 and in the haplotype block encompassing the alternatively spliced exons of the gene. Allelic association of a different SNP in the same haplotype block in Japanese families was previously reported. These findings support that the NTNG1 gene is associated with schizophrenia in the Japanese. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) has been implicated in the susceptibility to schizophrenia. PICK1 interacts with enzymes and receptors that play roles in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via glutamatergic dysfunction. Recently, two studies reported associations between schizophrenia and two PICK1 gene polymorphisms, rs3952 in Chinese and Japanese populations and rs2076369 in a Japanese population. We attempted to confirm these associations in a case–control study of 1765 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 1851 Japanese control subjects. Neither polymorphism was associated with schizophrenia (rs3952, p =0.755; rs2076369, p =0.997). A haplotype block with these polymorphisms spanning the 5′ region of the PICK1 gene showed high linkage disequilibrium in the Japanese population (D′=0.98, r 2 =0.34); however, neither haplotype was significantly associated with schizophrenia. We conclude that the common haplotypes and polymorphisms of the PICK1 gene identified thus far are unlikely to contribute to genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Japanese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The specific contact resistivity (ρC) and interfacial reaction between Au/Pt/Al/Ti metallic multi-layers and Si-doped n-type AlxGa1−xN (n-AlGaN) layers in modulation-doped Al0.22Ga0.78N/GaN heterostructures have been investigated. By means of the measurements based on the transmission line model, the ρC as low as 1.6 × 10−4 Ω cm2 is obtained. Based on the X-ray diffraction analysis, it is found that N atoms in n-AlGaN layer diffuse out and a much amounts of N-vacancies are formed in n-AlGaN layer near the interface after the sample is annealed at temperatures higher than 500 °C. It induces the heavy n-type doped region in n-AlGaN near the interface, and thus leads to the decrease of the ρC. With increasing the annealing temperature, more N atoms in n-AlGaN layer diffuse out and react with Ti atoms. Ti2N phase is formed at the interface after the sample is annealed at 800 °C. In this case, the ρC further decreases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Transport properties of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in AlxGa1−xN/GaN heterostructures were investigated by means of magnetotransport measurements. The mobilities corresponding to the 2DEG in the first and the second subbands in the trianglar quantum well at the heterointerface were obtained. When the AlxGa1−xN barrier is partially relaxed, the mobility of the 2DEG in the first subband decreases significantly, but there is an increase of mobility in the second subband. We suggest that the scattering from the piezoelectric polarization field modulated by the misfit dislocations at the heterointerface is responsible for the decrease of the 2DEG mobility. Meanwhile, the 2DEG in the second subband leaves farther from the heterointerface than that in the first subband, and thus suffers weaker scattering from the heterointerface roughness and the modulated polarization field. Therefore, the mobility of the 2DEG in the second subband is much higher than that in the first subband. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Kerr gate technique is used to time-resolve the gain in an In0.02Ga0.98N/In0.16Ga0.84N multiple quantum well sample. A new way of analyzing the data in such a variable stripe length method gain experiment is used to analyze the time-resolved spectra. The dynamics of the emission and gain are discussed. These measurements suggest that the photoexcited carriers must localize (possibly at indium-rich sites) before strong stimulated emission is seen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]