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The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is a Ca2+ release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum that is essential for skeletal muscle contraction. RyR1 forms a channel with six transmembrane segments, in which S5 is the fifth segment and is thought to contribute to pore formation. However, its role in channel gating remains unclear. Here, we performed a functional analysis of several disease-associated mutations in S5 and interpreted the results with respect to the published RyR1 structures to identify potential interactions associated with the mutant phenotypes. We demonstrate that S5 plays a dual role in channel gating: the cytoplasmic side interacts with S6 to reduce the channel activity, whereas the luminal side forms a rigid structural base necessary for S6 displacement in channel opening. These results deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of RyR1 channel gating and provide insight into the divergent disease phenotypes caused by mutations in S5.Functional analysis of disease-associated mutations from a structural perspective reveals the dual role of the S5 segment in the RyR1 channel gating through multiple interactions and explains divergent disease phenotypes caused by mutations in S5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated associations between enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. However, an association between EPVS and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has not yet been clarified. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of our prospective study cohort of 109 participants (16 with DLB). We assessed cognitive function, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and brain magnetic resonance imaging features. The relationships between EPVS and DLB were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Compared with the non-dementia group, the DLB group was more likely to have EPVS in the basal ganglia. Compared with participants without EPVS, those with EPVS were older and had cognitive impairment and high PWV. In multivariable analyses, EPVS in the basal ganglia was independently associated with DLB. High PWV was also independently associated with EPVS in both the basal ganglia and centrum semiovale. High PWV may cause cerebrovascular pulsatility, leading to accelerated EPVS in DLB participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The single-energy metal artifact reduction (SEMAR) algorithm effectively reduces metal artifacts in computed tomography (CT). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of the occlusal plane angle on metal artifacts caused by dental implants and zirconia upper structures, and the effectiveness of SEMAR for CT prognostic evaluation. Methods: Part of a bovine rib was used as the mandibular implant phantom. First, the phantom immersed in a water tank was scanned using CT to obtain the control image under certain conditions. Subsequently, three titanium implant bodies were implanted in a straight line into the phantom, and a zirconia superstructure was attached. CT scans were performed. The CT-reconstructed images were obtained with and without SEMAR processing. Twelve regions of interest (ROIs) were set at the same site on each sagittal image, and the CT values were measured at all the ROIs. The CT values of the ROIs in the control images and those of the ROIs with and without SEMAR were compared. Results: The variations in the occlusal plane angle during CT imaging negligibly affected the number of regions in which metal artifacts appeared. SEMAR improved the CT value of the trabecular bone, which was affected by metal artifacts. Conclusion: This study showed that the occlusal plane angle occasionally did not affect the area of metal artifacts caused by dental implants or zirconia upper structures. Other results indicate that SEMAR is effective for accurately evaluating the alveolar bone around the implant body by reducing metal artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A few studies reported that both decrease and increase in body mass index (BMI) were associated with the development of dementia in later life. However, it is unclear what changes in body composition are associated with cognitive decline. This study investigated the longitudinal influences of changes in body composition on cognitive function among community-dwelling adults. Design, Setting and Participants: This longitudinal study included older adults aged ≥60 years without cognitive impairment who participated in National Institute for Longevity Sciences -Longitudinal Study of Aging. Measurements: Cognitive function was assessed using the MMSE. Body composition was measured by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Then, BMI, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), and muscle mass index (MMI) were calculated. The changes in body composition over 6 years (second wave to fifth wave) were calculated, and three groups were created: decreased group, decrease of >5%; stable group, change within 5%, and increased group, increase of >5%. In statistical analysis, a linear mixed model was applied by sex to investigate the influences of body composition changes on cognitive function over 4 years (fifth wave to seventh wave). Results: This study analyzed 515 participants (mean age, 67.05 years; 53.4% men). Men with decreased group in FFMI and MMI exhibited faster declines in MMSE scores than those with stable group (β [95% CI]: FFMI, −0.293 [−0.719 to −0.020]; MMI, −0.472 [−0.884 to −0.059]). In women, there was no significant association between body composition changes and cognitive functions. Conclusions: Decrease in fat-free mass and muscle mass is associated with faster cognitive declines in men. These results suggest the importance of continuous monitoring of muscle mass to prevent cognitive decline in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare hematologic malignancy. HS of the breast is extremely rare, and we present a case of an elderly patient with breast HS. Case presentation: An 81-year-old woman with unremarkable past medical and family histories presented to our hospital with a palpable mass in her right upper breast. She had noticed a mass in her right breast 3 months before her first visit. Physical examination revealed a mass measuring approximately 30 mm in the right upper quadrant of the breast; there were no cervical or axillary lymphadenopathies. Mammography revealed a high-concentration mass with unclear margins in the upper and outer breast. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 31 × 23-mm nodule with a relatively clear margin and necrotic sign on the T2-intensified image. A mastectomy was performed upon the patient's request, and the surgical specimen revealed a 35-mm hemorrhagic mass. The lesion was estrogen receptor-, progesterone receptor-, and HER2/neu-negative. The Ki-67 labeling index was approximately 30%. The immunohistochemical panel showed immune reactivity for the histiocytic markers CD68, CD163, and CD206 and was immune-negative for B lineage, T lineage, Langerhans cells, and keratins. The diagnosis of HS was based on the morphological and immunophenotypic characteristics of the mass. The patient received no systemic therapy and survived for 50 months without recurrence. Conclusions: Here, we report the case of an elderly patient with rare breast HS. Although the prognosis of HS seems poor, the breast HS was not as poor as expected, since it might have been discovered in the local region before it metastasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its limited accessibility, the CA2 area has been less investigated compared to other subregions of the hippocampus. While the development of transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase in the CA2 has revealed unique features of this area, the use of mouse lines has several limitations, such as lack of specificity. Therefore, a specific gene delivery system is required. Here, we confirmed that the AAV-PHP.eB capsid preferably infected CA2 pyramidal cells following retro-orbital injection and demonstrated that the specificity was substantially higher after injection into the lateral ventricle. In addition, a tropism for the CA2 area was observed in organotypic slice cultures. Combined injection into the lateral ventricle and stereotaxic injection into the CA2 area specifically introduced the transgene into CA2 pyramidal cells, enabling us to perform targeted patch-clamp recordings and optogenetic manipulation. These results suggest that AAV-PHP.eB is a versatile tool for specific gene transduction in CA2 pyramidal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a large Ca2+ release channel in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and indispensable for excitation-contraction coupling in the heart. RyR2 is activated by Ca2+ and RyR2 mutations are implicated in severe arrhythmogenic diseases. Yet, the structural basis underlying channel opening and how mutations affect the channel remains unknown. Here, we address the gating mechanism of RyR2 by combining high-resolution structures determined by cryo-electron microscopy with quantitative functional analysis of channels carrying various mutations in specific residues. We demonstrated two fundamental mechanisms for channel gating: interactions close to the channel pore stabilize the channel to prevent hyperactivity and a series of interactions in the surrounding regions is necessary for channel opening upon Ca2+ binding. Mutations at the residues involved in the former and the latter mechanisms cause gain-of-function and loss-of-function, respectively. Our results reveal gating mechanisms of the RyR2 channel and alterations by pathogenic mutations at the atomic level. Ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is a Ca2+ release channel essential for cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Here, the authors use structural and functional analysis to reveal RyR2 gating mechanism and its alterations by pathogenic mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wasaburo Unno, a renowned professor emeritus of the University of Tokyo, passed away at the age of 98. Unno was known for his contributions to the field of solar physics, particularly his work on the Unno-Rachkovsky formula for the Zeeman effect and his involvement in helioseismology. He obtained his doctor's degree in 1955 and continued his research on radiative transfer, convection, instability, and oscillations of the Sun and stars throughout his career. Unno's impact extended beyond academia, as he also studied complex systems, sustainable energy, and built international connections. He will be remembered for his dedication to science and his numerous contributions to research and education. [Extracted from the article]

There are many subtypes of dementia, and identification of diagnostic biomarkers that are minimally-invasive, low-cost, and efficient is desired. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently gained attention as easily accessible and non-invasive biomarkers. We conducted a comprehensive miRNA expression analysis of serum samples from 1348 Japanese dementia patients, composed of four subtypes—Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and normal pressure hydrocephalus—and 246 control subjects. We used this data to construct dementia subtype prediction models based on penalized regression models with the multiclass classification. We constructed a final prediction model using 46 miRNAs, which classified dementia patients from an independent validation set into four subtypes of dementia. Network analysis of miRNA target genes revealed important hub genes, SRC and CHD3, associated with the AD pathogenesis. Moreover, MCU and CASP3, which are known to be associated with DLB pathogenesis, were identified from our DLB-specific target genes. Our study demonstrates the potential of blood-based biomarkers for use in dementia-subtype prediction models. We believe that further investigation using larger sample sizes will contribute to the accurate classification of subtypes of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and dynamics of the solar corona is dominated by the magnetic field. In most areas in the corona magnetic forces are so dominant that all non-magnetic forces such as plasma pressure gradients and gravity can be neglected in the lowest order. This model assumption is called the force-free field assumption, as the Lorentz force vanishes. This can be obtained by either vanishing electric currents (leading to potential fields) or the currents are co-aligned with the magnetic field lines. First we discuss a mathematically simpler approach that the magnetic field and currents are proportional with one global constant, the so-called linear force-free field approximation. In the generic case, however, the relationship between magnetic fields and electric currents is nonlinear and analytic solutions have been only found for special cases, like 1D or 2D configurations. For constructing realistic nonlinear force-free coronal magnetic field models in 3D, sophisticated numerical computations are required and boundary conditions must be obtained from measurements of the magnetic field vector in the solar photosphere. This approach is currently a large area of research, as accurate measurements of the photospheric field are available from ground-based observatories such as the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) and space-born, e.g., from Hinode and the Solar Dynamics Observatory. If we can obtain accurate force-free coronal magnetic field models we can calculate the free magnetic energy in the corona, a quantity which is important for the prediction of flares and coronal mass ejections. Knowledge of the 3D structure of magnetic field lines also help us to interpret other coronal observations, e.g., EUV images of the radiating coronal plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Periareolar incisions for nipple-sparing mastectomy offer the advantages of smaller inconspicuous wounds and easier resection below the nipple–areolar complex. However, they provide a narrow surgical field, which complicates the procedure and carries a risk of nipple necrosis. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes and safety of periareolar incisions for breast reconstructive surgery in patients with breast cancer. Methods: The study included 181 patients with primary operable breast cancer who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy for reconstructive breast procedures without intraoperative nipple-areolar complex resection. The clinical outcomes and complications were retrospectively evaluated. The recurrence-free survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier curves. Results: Nipple-sparing mastectomy was performed via inframammary fold and periareolar incisions in 31 and 150 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes related to surgery, frequency of complications, nipple necrosis (inframammary fold incision vs. periareolar incision: 0% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.590), or the recurrence-free survival (P = 0.860) between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Our results showed that the clinical outcomes and complication rates of periareolar incisions for breast reconstruction were equivalent to those of inframammary fold incisions, suggesting that the periareolar incision technique for breast reconstructive surgery may safely improve cosmetic outcomes if done with adequate care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysregulation of the gut microbiome is associated with dementia. However, the relationship between microbiome-associated metabolites and dementia has yet to be identified. Outpatients visiting a memory clinic in Japan enrolled in this cross-sectional study; 107 subjects were eligible for the study, 25 of which had dementia. We collected demographics, activities of daily living, risk factors, cognitive function, and brain imaging data. The gut microbiome was assessed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Concentrations of faecal metabolite were measured. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify whether metabolites were independently related to dementia. The concentrations of metabolites were significantly different between subjects with and those without dementia. Every 1 standard deviation increment in faecal ammonia concentration was associated with around a 1.6-fold risk for the presence of dementia. A higher faecal lactic acid concentration was related to a lower risk of dementia, by around 60%. A combination of higher faecal ammonia and lactic acid concentrations was indicative of the presence of dementia, and had a similar predictive value as traditional biomarkers of dementia. Thus, faecal ammonia and lactic acid are related to dementia, independently of the other risk factors for dementia and dysregulation of the gut microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Purpose We examined the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of TS-1 add-on therapy (TAT) in Japanese patients with triple-negative breast caner (TNBC). Methods TAT (TS-1, 80 mg/m2/day, BID, PO), consisting of the 21-day cycles of 14-day consecutive administration followed by 7-day drug holiday, was conducted for 365 days. The median follow-up was 75.2 months (range, 7.3–103.3 months). The primary endpoint was the feasibility of TAT. The secondary endpoints included relapse-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Results 63 Japanese patients with TNBC (median age, 52.5 years; range, 23.7–68.6 years) were examined. Among them, 34 (54.0%) were postmenopausal, 54 (93.7%) had TNBC of common histological type, 51 (81.0%) had T1 to 3 tumors, 63 (100%) had undergone standardized surgery, and 44 (69.8%) and 19 (30.2%) had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. The 365-day cumulative rate of TS-1 administration was 68.3% (95% confidence interval, 55.3–79.4), being comparable to 65.8% previously reported for gastric cancer. The 5-year RFS rates were 52.3% and 84.2% in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy groups, respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 68.0% and 89.5%, respectively. The most common adverse events (AEs) were leucocyte count decreased (50.8%), total bilirubin decreased (44.4%), and pigmentation (42.9%). AEs were manageable clinically, and any grade 4 AEs did not develop. Conclusions The 365-day cumulative rate of TS-1 administration in TNBC patients was comparable to that in gastric cancer patients despite previous chemotherapy with anthracyclines and/or taxanes. TAT was feasible for TNBC patients after standard primary therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have revealed an association between the dysregulation of the gut microbiome and dementia. However, whether this dysregulation is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an early stage of cognitive decline, in patients without dementia remains unclear. We performed a cross-sectional analysis to determine the association between the gut microbiome and MCI. Data, including patient demographics, risk factors, cognitive function, and brain imaging, were collected. The gut microbiome was assessed through terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors independently associated with MCI. Graphical modelling was used to illustrate mutual associations between MCI and identified factors. We analysed 82 patients, 61 of whom exhibited MCI. Patients with MCI had a higher prevalence of Bacteroides. Furthermore, patients with more Bacteroides were more likely to present with white matter hyperintensity and high voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's Disease (VSRAD) scores, indicating cortical and hippocampal atrophy. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater prevalence of Bacteroides was independently associated with MCI. Graphical modelling also showed a close association between Bacteroides and MCI. In conclusion, an increased prevalence of Bacteroides is independently associated with the presence of MCI in patients without dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is increasingly used in breast cancer patients, as it offers better cosmetic outcomes and improves quality of life. Nipple–areola complex (NAC) involvement must be accurately determined to identify which patients may be candidates for NSM. We aimed to identify the predictors of NAC involvement and develop a clinical predictive model to determine the patients for whom NAC preservation may be considered. Patients and methods: Patients (n = 168) with primary operable breast cancer who underwent subcutaneous mastectomy for breast reconstruction at Saitama Medical Center from July 2013 to December 2017 were selected from the hospital's surgical database. Results: The clinicopathological factors of tumor size ≧ 4 cm (p < 0.001), nipple-to-tumor distance (NTD) < 1 cm by mammography (p = 0.002), NTD < 1 cm by magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) (p < 0.001), nipple contrast findings by MRI (p < 0.001), tumor in central portion (p < 0.001), multicentric/focal lesion (p < 0.001), and clinical node involvement (p = 0.014) were significantly associated with the presence of NAC involvement. Each predictor was scored 0 or 1. A score of 0–3 points was defined as low risk, 4 points as intermediate risk, and 5–7 points as high risk. Using these classification criteria, NAC involvement rate was determined to be 3.5% in low-risk, 68.7% in intermediate-risk, and 90.0% in high-risk specimens. A significant correlation was observed between the risk group and NAC involvement (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This nipple–areola complex involvement predictive index can be used to determine the appropriate indication for NSM in breast cancer patients who request NAC preservation with more oncological safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signs of aging in facial skin correlate with lifespan and chronic disease; however, the health of aging skin has not been extensively studied. In healthy young skin, the dermis forms a type III collagen-rich dermal papilla, where capillary vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to basal epidermal cells. Chicken eggshell membranes (ESMs) have been used as traditional medicines to promote skin wound healing in Asian countries for many years. Previously, we designed an experimental system in which human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were cultured on a dish with a solubilized ESM (S-ESM) bound to an artificial phosphorylcholine polymer; we found that genes that promoted the health of the papillary dermis, such as those encoding type III collagen, were induced in the S-ESM environment. The present study found that a gel with a ratio of 20% type III/80% type I collagen, similar to that of the baby skin, resulted in a higher elasticity than 100% type I collagen (p < 0.05) and that HDFs in the gel showed high mitochondrial activity. Thus, we decided to perform further evaluations to identify the effects of S-ESM on gene expression in the skin of hairless mice and found a significant increase of type III collagen in S-ESM. Picrosirius Red staining showed that type III collagen significantly increased in the papillary dermis after S-ESM treatment. Moreover, S-ESM application significantly improved human arm elasticity and reduced facial wrinkles. ESMs may have applications in extending lifespan by reducing the loss of tissue elasticity through the increase of type III collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This phase II neoadjuvant study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a triweekly regimen of docetaxel and carboplatin in combination with trastuzumab (TCbH) in Japanese women with human epidermal growth factor receptor type2 (HER2)-positive primary breast cancer. Methods: Patients with HER2-positive, stage I-III invasive breast cancer received six courses of trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose, then 6 mg/kg, day 1), docetaxel (75 mg/m, day 1), and carboplatin (area under the curve: 6, day 1) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR) of both breast and axillary lymph node disease. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled in this study. Median age was 58 (range 32-75) years. All patients underwent definitive surgery. Thirty-three (66%) patients completed the chemotherapy course, while the treatment was delayed or discontinued in the other 17 (34%) patients because of adverse events (AEs). The pCR rate was 52%; the overall response rate was 66%. Grade 3/4 AEs due to nonhematological toxicity were anorexia (4%), diarrhea (2%), and rash (2%), and those due to hematological toxicity were neutropenia (36%), anemia (12%), and thrombocytopenia (2%). Conclusion: Although the triweekly six-course regimen of TCbH achieved a high pCR rate, hematological AEs frequently occurred during the latter part of the chemotherapy course. One-third of patients experienced delayed or discontinued chemotherapy. Clinical registration number: UMIN000013513. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of eribulin monotherapy has been obtained by a prospective clinical study in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who had well-defined taxane resistance. The present Phase II, multicenter, single-arm, open-label study aimed to obtain the evidence. Japanese female patients, aged 33-74 years who had the metastasis of taxane-resistant and histopathologically confirmed breast cancer, received eribulin mesylate 1.4 mg/m (equivalent to eribulin 1.23 mg/m [expressed as free base]) as a 2- to 5-min intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The primary endpoint was the clinical benefit rate (CBR) [complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and long-term stable disease (LSD) ≥24 weeks]. A total of 51 patients underwent chemotherapy cycles (median 4; range 1-42 cycles). The CBR was 39.2 % (CR 2.0 %; PR 23.5 %; and LSD 13.7 %), and the rate of progressive disease was 49.0 %. The median progression-free survival and the median overall survival were 3.6 months [95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.6-4.6 months] and 11.7 months (95 % CI 9.2-14.2 months), respectively. Grade 3 or greater adverse events were leukopenia (23.5 %), neutropenia (35.3 %), anemia (5.9 %), and febrile neutropenia (7.8 %). The incidences of grade 3 and 4 peripheral sensory neuropathy were 2.0 and 0 %, respectively. Eribulin showed a clinically manageable tolerability profile by dose adjustments or symptomatic treatment. Eribulin was effective and well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with MBC who had well-defined taxane resistance, thus providing a potential therapeutic option in the clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To characterize the osteoporosis-preventive effects of a novel material consisting of a complex of type 1 collagen and hydroxyapatite (CCH) in osteoporosis model mice. Methods: Ten-week-old ovariectomized (OVX) ICR mice were used. The five study groups comprised a sham group, OVX control group, calcium carbonate (CaCO) group, vitamin K [menaquinone 7 (MK7)] group, and CHH group ( n = 10 each). The CaCO and CHH groups were fed a special diet containing 2 % of the respective substance, whereas the MK7 group received a special diet containing 0.5 % MK7. After maintenance of the animals under these conditions for 8 weeks, their femurs were removed and blood samples were collected. The bone mineral densities (BMDs) of the distal femoral epiphysis were analyzed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Three-dimensional images were rendered with micro-focus computed tomography, and the trabecular structures were determined. Results: The significantly lower BMDs in the epiphyseal and diaphyseal regions of the OVX control group femurs compared with the sham group femurs were clear osteoporotic signs. The trabecular structure analyses revealed 12 parameters that were significantly lower in the OVX control group compared with the sham group. No distinct changes in the BMD or trabecular structure were observed in the CaCO group. Significant improvements in the BMD in the MK7 group were limited to three parameters, whereas 11 trabecular structure parameters were significantly improved. The CHH group showed significant improvements in seven BMD parameters and seven trabecular structure parameters. Conclusions: CHH improves trabecular structure and BMD in a well-balanced manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We investigated the effects of a fermented soy product from lactic acid bacteria (PS-B1) in preventing the decrease in bone mineral content and deterioration of trabecular bone structure in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Methods: Four-week-old ICR OVX or sham-operated (Sham) mice were maintained on a normal diet in five groups: a Sham group, the OVX control group, PS-B1 1 % (Ps 1 %) group, PS-B1 2 % (Ps 2 %) group, and PS-B1 5 % (Ps 5 %) group. The Sham and OVX control groups were given tap water as drinking water. Water containing 1, 2, and 5 % PS-B1 was given ad libitum to the respective PS-B1 groups. The animals were kept under these conditions for 12 weeks and sacrificed under anesthesia. Their femurs were removed under sterile conditions. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the removed femurs was measured by use of peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Subsequently, morphometric indices for trabecular bone structure were measured by use of microfocus X-ray computed tomography. Results: Total BMD, trabecular BMD, and cortical width were significantly higher in the Ps 2 % group than in controls. In the Ps 2 % group, there was a tendency for retarded BMD loss. Maintenance of bone volume fraction, trabecular number, trabecular space, trabecular continuity, and trabecular connectivity were seen in the Ps 2 % and Ps 5 % groups. In the Ps 2 % and Ps 5 % groups, deterioration of trabecular bone structure was significantly inhibited. Conclusions: These results suggest that PS-B1 is effective in slowing the decrease in BMD and deterioration of trabecular bone structure in OVX mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a new evaluation method that utilizes three-dimensional morphological filter processing for the analysis of fine vascular structures. Methods: Three-dimensional morphological filter processing was applied to a simulated vascular image to extract a binary skeletal pattern. To assess the precision of the proposed method, grayscale test charts were created using standard graphics software and evaluated visually. In addition, to access the accuracy of the grayscale test charts, phantom images with varied densities and structures were obtained by computed tomography and a quantitative evaluation was performed by calculation of morphological indices and a node-strut analysis. Results: Application of the three-dimensional morphological filter allowed fine vascular structures to be extracted as binary skeletal patterns. In the quantitative analysis, all parameters showed strong correlations ( R = 0.983-1.000) between the theoretical and measured values. Conclusion: The results suggest that the new method has potential for three-dimensional analysis of fine vascular structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and dynamics of the solar corona is dominated by the magnetic field. In most areas in the corona magnetic forces are so dominant that all non-magnetic forces like plasma pressure gradient and gravity can be neglected in the lowest order. This model assumption is called the force-free field assumption, as the Lorentz force vanishes. This can be obtained by either vanishing electric currents (leading to potential fields) or the currents are co-aligned with the magnetic field lines. First we discuss a mathematically simpler approach that the magnetic field and currents are proportional with one global constant, the so-called linear force-free field approximation. In the generic case, however, the relation between magnetic fields and electric currents is nonlinear and analytic solutions have been only found for special cases, like 1D or 2D configurations. For constructing realistic nonlinear force-free coronal magnetic field models in 3D, sophisticated numerical computations are required and boundary conditions must be obtained from measurements of the magnetic field vector in the solar photosphere. This approach is currently of large interests, as accurate measurements of the photospheric field become available from ground-based (for example SOLIS) and space-born (for example Hinode and SDO) instruments. If we can obtain accurate force-free coronal magnetic field models we can calculate the free magnetic energy in the corona, a quantity which is important for the prediction of flares and coronal mass ejections. Knowledge of the 3D structure of magnetic field lines also help us to interpret other coronal observations, e.g., EUV images of the radiating coronal plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed to clarify the antitumor effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hyperthermia, and combinations thereof in an effort to devise a highly effective noninvasive regimen. Methods: The human KB cell line, derived from an epidermal carcinoma of the mouth, was used for the experiments. The antitumor effects of monotherapy-with radiotherapy of 6-MV X-rays, 43°C hyperthermia, and chemotherapy with the taxoid antineoplastic drug docetaxel-as well as combinations of these therapies were evaluated using a colony assay. Results: Compared with monotherapy of 6-MV X-rays, 43°C heat, and docetaxel, radiation combined with 43°C heat showed a slight increase in sensitization; radiation or 43°C heat combined with docetaxel showed stronger sensitization. Furthermore, more pronounced sensitization was observed with a three-way combination of radiation, 43°C heat, and docetaxel. Conclusions: These results suggest that the combined use of radiation, 43°C heat, and docetaxel will improve the therapeutic efficacy against malignant tumors by increasing sensitization to the antitumor effects of each therapy. The results also suggest that it is possible to reduce the dosage of the individual therapies in combination therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have found that a water-soluble alkaline-digested form of eggshell membrane (ASESM) can provide an extracellular matrix (ECM) environment for human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) in vitro. Avian eggshell membrane (ESM) has a fibrous-meshwork structure and has long been utilized as a Chinese medicine for recovery from burn injuries and wounds in Asian countries. Therefore, ESM is expected to provide an excellent natural material for biomedical use. However, such applications have been hampered by the insolubility of ESM proteins. We have used a recently developed artificial cell membrane biointerface, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer (PMBN) to immobilize ASESM proteins. The surface shows a fibrous structure under the atomic force microscope, and adhesion of HDF to ASESM is ASESM-dose-dependent. Quantitative mRNA analysis has revealed that the expression of type III collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and decorin mRNAs is more than two-fold higher when HDF come into contact with a lower dose ASESM proteins immobilized on PMBN surface. A particle-exclusion assay with fixed erythrocytes has visualized secreted water-binding molecules around the cells. Thus, HDF seems to possess an ECM environment on the newly designed PMBN-ASESM surface, and future applications of the ASESM-PMBN system for biomedical use should be of great interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the inhibitory effects of maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on the deterioration of bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular structure due to osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Materials and methods: Five-week-old OVX ICR mice were divided into three groups: (1) OVX mice given Pycnogenol (Pycnogenol), (2) sham-operated mice (sham), and OVX mice not given Pycogenol (OVX control). All mice received standard feed; drinking water was provided ad libitum, with tap water for the sham and OVX control groups, and water containing Pycnogenol (120 mg/L) for the Pycnogenol group. Mice were housed for 3 months under these conditions, and then the femurs were resected and blood samples collected. The BMD of the distal femoral epiphysis was analyzed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Micro-computed tomography was also performed to evaluate the three-dimensional structure. Deterioration of BMD and trabecular structure was compared between the groups. Results: The Pycnogenol group showed a reduced loss of BMD compared to the OVX control group, which led to a significantly higher trabecular BMD in the former group. Additionally, surface area, number, content and complexity of the trabeculae, intertrabecular distance, and trabecular connectivity were all preserved in the Pycnogenol group. Pycnogenol thus significantly prevented trabecular architectural deterioration. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Pycnogenol may be useful in preventing BMD loss and trabecular architectural deterioration in osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of diabetes on the trabecular structure of the mandible in an animal model of spontaneous diabetes mellitus. Methods: Glucose tolerance tests were performed and the urine glucose level monitored in nine Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats (DM group) and nine Wistar rats (control group) from their 8th to 81st weeks of life. Mandibular molar bone was resected and evaluated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography to analyze bone mineral density (BMD), cross-sectional morphology, and the bone strength index. Micro-computed tomography was performed to evaluate the three-dimensional structure of bone from the same site, including the alveolar crest level. The morphometric indices, connectivity index, and continuity index were also determined. Results: The alveolar crest level did not significantly differ between the DM and control groups. Trabecular BMD was significantly decreased in the DM group compared with that in the control group, but there was no significant difference in the cortical BMD. Parameters indicating morphological changes and the Stress/Strain Index, an indication of bone strength, were significantly decreased in the DM group compared with those in the control group. Morphometric indices, the connectivity index, and the continuity index showed a coarser trabecular structure in the DM group than in the control group. Conclusions: The diabetic condition has a significant effect on the mandibular trabecular structure, which may lead to deterioration in bone quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the significance of cytoskeletal microtubule networks in striated muscles, we analyzed correlation between the content of tubulin (building block of microtubules) and αB-crystallin (a molecular chaperone for tubulin) in a variety of striated muscles expressing different myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms. The content of both tubulin and αB-crystallin was larger in MHC-I dominant soleus muscle and in MHC-α dominant cardiac (atrium and ventricle) muscles; intermediate in MHC-IId dominant masseter, tongue, and diaphragm muscles; and smaller in MHC-IIb dominant plantaris, gastrocnemius, psoas, extensor digitorum longus, and tibialis anterior muscles. Since the muscles of slow-type MHC (MHC-I/α) show the most economical features in their function and metabolism, which suit for continuous activity required to sustain posture and blood pumping, the present results afforded additional support to our hypothesis that microtubule networks transduce mechanical environmental demands to morphological and biochemical responses that eventually evolve adaptive transformation in the function and metabolism of the mature muscles. The comparison of tubulin/αB-crystalline ratios across the muscles of varied MHC isoforms further suggested that mechanical stress fluctuating at the rhythmic frequency of walking and breathing efficiently activates the hypothesized dynamic function of microtubules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a detailed and quantitative X-ray imaging evaluation method for analyzing the vascular structure of malignant tumors in small experimental animals. Methods. A microfocus tube X-ray imaging system and a computed radiography system were used to capture images directly at 7× magnifi cation. Various parameters of the vascular structures in the digital images were quantitatively analyzed with image analysis software after the vascular structure patterns were extracted by a mathematical morphology fi lter. The evaluation included the following three stages: assessment of the digital images drawn with graphics software, evaluation of digital X-ray images of vascular structure model phantoms made from copper wire, and assessment of the angiography of the mouse tumor model. Results. In the quantitative analysis of the digital images, each vascular structure parameter increased as the thickness, length, and area of the test chart increased. In contrast, nonvascular structure parameters decreased with increases in the thickness, length, and area of the test chart. The results of the analysis of the digital X-ray images of model phantoms were similar to those of the digital test chart image. Vascular structure parameter values were higher in the tumor model mouse than in the control mouse. In contrast, values of parameters that measured the nonblood vessel parameters were lower in the tumor model mouse than in the control mouse. Conclusions. The results of our preliminary investigation suggest that our quantitative X-ray imaging evaluation method may be useful for analyzing the vascular structure of tumors in small experimental animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To develop a new image processing system for personal identification that applies phase-only correlation (POC) to digital intraoral X-ray images. Methods. We developed a personal identification analysis system that applies POC. Amplitude components were extracted by applying fast Fourier transform to digital intraoral X-ray image data. The amounts of rotation and magnification of the images was transformed into a translational shift via image processing of the obtained amplitude components. The position shift of the images caused by these translational shifts was corrected by applying POC to the images after the rotation and magnification were corrected. The accuracy of the system was evaluated visually by using digital image subtraction images of the reference image and a comparison image processed by the system. Results. The results showed that this system corrects the position of the images for translational shift and rotational displacement. The magnification of images caused by the translational shift of the imaging plate was also corrected to within a specific admissible range. The system has a wide tolerance for images with density differences. Conclusions. This image processing system is effective for objective personal identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To examine the effects of citric acid administration on trabecular structures. Methods. Ovariectomized female ICR mice (n = 39), 8 weeks of age, were divided into four groups: ovariectomized control (OVX-control, n = 9, standard diet); citric acid (CIT, n = 10, citric acid 5 g/100 g diet); vitamin K2 (menaquinone 7; VK2, n = 10, vitamin K2 50 μg/100 g diet); and citric acid + vitamin K2 (CIT + VK2, n = 10, citric acid 5 g/100 g diet and vitamin K2 50 μg/100 g diet). After 12 weeks, the bone mass of the right femur was measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography and the three-dimensional (3-D) trabecular structure of the right femur was assessed using microfocus computed tomography. Results. The bone mineral density was signifi cantly increased in the VK2 group versus the OVX-control group (P < 0.05). In the 3-D trabecular structure analysis, skeletal perimeter and number were significantly greater in the CIT, VK2, and CIT + VK2 groups than in the OVX-control group. Skeletal separation, spacing, and trabecular bone pattern factor were significantly lower in the CIT, VK2, and CIT + VK2 groups than in the OVX-control group. Almost all parameters in node-strut analysis were significantly greater in the CIT, VK2, and CIT + VK2 groups than in the OVX-control group. Conclusions. These results suggest that citric acid improved trabecular structures. However, simultaneous administration of citric acid and vitamin K2 did not have any additional effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a view to investigate variations in parameters of coronal emission lines over a large range of radial distance from the limb, raster scans were made with sufficiently long exposure times on several days during September – October 2003. An analysis of the data shows that (i) in most of the coronal structures, the FWHM of the Fe xiv 5303 Å line decreases up to 300″±50″, (ii) the FWHM of the Fe x 6374 Å line increases up to about 200″ and then remains unchanged up to about 500″, and (iii) the FWHMs of the Fe xi 7892 Å and Fe xiii 10747 Å lines show an intermediate behaviour with height. The analysis of the data also shows that the ratio of FWHM of 6374 Å to that of 5303 Å increases from 0.93 at the limb to 1.18 at 200″ above the limb. From this and the ratio of intensities of the two lines we infer that the plasma in steady coronal structures at a height of about 200″ has a temperature of about 1.5 MK and a non-thermal velocity around 17 km s−1. The observations also show that non-homogeneous temperatures and non-thermal velocities largely exist in the lower corona up to about 300″±100″ above the limb. Amplitudes of variations in FWHM of different emission lines with height in the coronal loops are similar to those in the diffuse plasma around the coronal loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have obtained spectroscopic observations in coronal emission lines by choosing two lines simultaneously, one [Fe X] 6374 Å and the other [Fe XI] 7892 Å or [Fe XIII] 10747 Å or [Fe XIV] 5303 Å. We found that in 95 per cent of the coronal loops observed in 6374 Å, the FWHM of the emission line increases with height above the limb irrespective of the size, shape and orientation of the loop and that in case of 5303 Å line decreases with height in about 89 per cent of the coronal loops. The FWHM of 7892 Å and 10747 Å emission lines show intermediate behavior. The increase in the FWHM of 6374 Å line with height is the steepest among these four lines. We have also studied the intensity ratio and ratio of FWHM of these lines with respect to those of 6374 Å as a function height above the limb. We found that the intensity ratio of 7892 Å and 10747 Å lines with respect to 6374 Å line increases with height and that of 5303 Å to 6374 Å decreases with height above the limb. This implies that temperature in coronal loops will appear to increase with height in the intensity ratio plots of 7892 Å and 6374 Å; and 10747 Å and 6374 Å whereas it will appear to decrease with height in intensity ratio of 5303 Å to 6374 Å line versus height plot. These findings are up to a height of about 200 arcsec above the limb. The varying ratios with height indicate that relatively hotter and colder plasma in coronal loops interact with each other. Therefore, the observed increase in FWHM with height above the limb of coronal emission lines associated with plasma at about 1MK may not be due to increase in non-thermal motions caused by coronal waves but due to interaction with the relatively hotter plasma. These findings also do not support the existing coronal loop models, which predict an increase in temperature of the loop with height above the limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report that chromogranins, components of neurosecretory vesicles, interact with mutant forms of superoxide dismutase (SOD1) that are linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but not with wild-type SOD1. This interaction was confirmed by yeast two-hybrid screen and by co-immunoprecipitation assays using either lysates from Neuro2a cells coexpressing chromogranins and SOD1 mutants or lysates from spinal cord of ALS mice. Confocal and immunoelectron microscopy revealed a partial colocalization of mutant SOD1 with chromogranins in spinal cord of ALS mice. Mutant SOD1 was also found in immuno-isolated trans-Golgi network and in microsome preparations, suggesting that it can be secreted. Indeed we report evidence that chromogranins may act as chaperone-like proteins to promote secretion of SOD1 mutants. From these results, and our finding that extracellular mutant SOD1 can trigger microgliosis and neuronal death, we propose a new ALS pathogenic model based on the toxicity of secreted SOD1 mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To investigate the reliability of two-dimensional (2D) skeletal structure parameters obtained using radiological bone morphometric analysis. Methods. The 2D skeletal parameters in the regions of interest (ROIs) were measured on computed radiography (CR) images of first phalanges from racehorses, using radiological bone morphometric analysis. Cancellous bone blocks were made from the phalanges in the same position as the ROI determined on CR images. Three-dimensional (3D) trabecular parameters were measured using microcomputed tomography (μCT). The correlations between the 2D skeletal parameters and 3D trabecular parameters were evaluated in relation to the measured bone strength. Results. The following 2D skeletal structure parameters were correlated with bone strength (r = 0.61 - 0.69): skeletal perimeter (Sk.Pm), skeletal number (Sk.N), skeletal separation (Sk.Sp), skeletal spacing (Sk.Spac), fractal dimension (FD), and skeletal pattern factor (SkPf). The 3D trabecular structure parameters were closely correlated with bone strength (r = 0.74 - 0.86). The 2D skeletal parameters Sk.N, Sk.Pm, FD, SkPf, and Sk.Spac were correlated with the 3D trabecular parameters (r = 0.61 - 0.70). Conclusions. The 2D skeletal parameters obtained using radiological bone morphometric analysis may be useful indicators of trabecular strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtained time-sequence spectroscopic observations in (Fex) 6374 Å and (Fexiv) 5303 Å lines successively with the 25-cm coronagraph, and narrow-band and Doppler images in 5303 Å line by the 2-D 10-cm Doppler coronagraph “NOGIS” at the Norikura Solar Observatory, of a coronal region for about 7 h on 9 19-20, 2001. The raster scans were obtained with a quasi-periodicity of about 14 min and “NOGIS” obtained the images with an interval of about 1 min. The coronal region observed showed the formation of a coronal loop by a high-speed surge in the 6374 Å line rising from one of the footpoints of the loop. Off the limb spectroscopic observations in the 6374 Å line showed large velocities along the line of sight and vertical to the solar limb at the time of formation of the loop. The 5303 Å line observations showed negligible line-of-sight velocities and low vertical velocities when compared to those in the 6374 Å line. A hump in the intensity plots in 5303 Å with height appears to move up with respect to the solar limb with an average velocity of 4km s-1. The FWHM of the 6374 Å showed a much smaller value of about 0.7 Å near the foot point as compared to a value of 1.2 Å at larger heights at the beginning of observations. Later as the loop developed, the FWHM of 6374 Å line showed a gradual decrease along the loop up to 70? from the limb, reached a minimum value of about 0.5 Å and then increased with height during the formation of the loop; this trend lasted for about 2 h. About 3 h after the beginning of the formation of the loop, the FWHM of 6374 Å emission line showed normal values and normal rate of increase with height with some fluctuations. The FWHM of the 5303 Å line did not show such variations along the loop and showed normal decrease in FWHM with height found earlier (Singhet al., 2003a). These observations suggest that a relatively cooler plasma at a temperature of about 0.7 MK or less (corresponding to minimum value of FWHM of 0.5 Å) was ejected from the transition region with a large velocity of about 48km s-1, heated up in the corona by some process and formed a coronal loop with a height of about 200? above the limb that had lifetime greater than 4 h. It appears that the plasma moved from one of the footpoints and the loop was formed by evaporation of chromospheric plasma. No large-scale brightening and Ha flare were observed in this region during the observational period of 7 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumour cell invasiveness is crucial for cancer metastasis and is not yet understood. Here we describe two functional screens for proteins required for the invasion of fibrosarcoma cells that identified the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (hsp90). The hsp90a isoform, but not hsp90ß, is expressed extracellularly where it interacts with the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Inhibition of extracellular hsp90a decreases both MMP2 activity and invasiveness. This role for extracellular hsp90a in MMP2 activation indicates that cell-impermeant anti-hsp90 drugs might decrease invasiveness without the concerns inherent in inhibiting intracellular hsp90. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-energy trauma resulting in fractures of the distal femur is often observed in elderly patients with osteoporosis; such fractures are often associated with treatment difficulties and poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors that affect the bone strength of the distal femur. We used ovariectomized mice to demonstrate bone quality factors associated with deterioration of the strength of the distal femur. Ten-week old ICR-strain mice were ovariectomized or sham-ovariectomized. Total bone mineral density (BMD), total bone area, cortical BMD, cortical thickness, and trabecular BMD were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography in the distal metaphyseal region of the femora. As three-dimensional architectural parameters, the trabecular number, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation, and connectivity density were measured in the same region by microcomputed tomography. The maximum load measured by compression testing of the distal metaphyseal region was regarded as the bone strength of each sample. No significant differences in total bone area or in cortical BMD were found between the groups. Bone strength showed the closest relationship with total BMD ( r = 0.834). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that total BMD greatly depended on cortical thickness. The addition of Tb.Th to trabecular BMD markedly reflected bone strength ( R = 0.857), suggesting that Tb.Th affected bone strength more significantly than trabecular BMD. These findings suggested that deterioration of bone strength of the distal femur (metaphysis) was not caused by a reduction in cortical BMD, but was related to reduced cortical thickness, which reduced total BMD, and to trabecular BMD and architecture, in particular to reduced Tb.Th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness of a supplement containing vitamin K2 (VK2) and salmon bone powder (SBP) in improving bone trabeculae. Using ovariectomized (OVX) female mice, the effects of a supplement containing naturally occurring SBP (calcium phosphate) and VK2 (menaquinone 7) were examined. Three test groups were given SBP supplements with concentrations of 2% calcium (Ca), 5% Ca, or 2% Ca + VK2 (50 µg/100 g). The control group received calcium carbonate (CC) at a concentration of 2% Ca, and a sham-ovariectomized group was given CC at a concentration of 1.2% Ca. Each group was maintained on its respective diet for 3 months. The femora were then extracted and analyzed three-dimensionally by microcomputed tomography with regard to bone structural parameters. No significant difference was observed in the serum Ca concentration among the five groups. The bone trabecular structure was better preserved in the OVX-2% Ca and OVX-5% Ca groups; a significantly difference ( P ≪ 0.05) was observed in trabecular thickness as compared with the control group. In the OVX-2% Ca + VK2 group, significant improvements were observed in bone volume, bone surface area, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, fractal dimension, and connectivity density ( P ≪ 0.05, P ≪ 0.01). The state of the bone trabecular structure in the OVX-2% Ca + VK2 group was better than that in the OVX-2% Ca group with a significant difference in bone surface area ( P ≪ 0.05). The results indicate that a supplement of VK2 and SBP is effective in preventing deterioration of the bone trabecular structure in OVX mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop an X-ray bone morphometric analysis method using a combination of morphological filter processing and bone histomorphometry. Phantoms for the evaluation were prepared from a 10 × 10 × 10 mm block of cancellous bone removed from a human lumbar spine and cut into five sections, each 2 mm thick. Also prepared were 1.5-mm-thick phantoms of either cortical bone or soft tissue (X-ray tube side 10 mm, imaging plate side 5 mm). Standardized digital radiography was performed at each of five thicknesses of the cancellous bone without changing the total thickness. This was accomplished by serially replacing the 2-mm sections of the bone blocks with the soft-tissue phantoms. After morphological filter processing of the digital images, the skeletal patterns of the bone trabeculae were extracted and quantitatively assessed by bone histomorphometric analysis. The accuracy of the correlations between the trabecular structures prepared by changing the cancellous bone thickness and several structural parameters were evaluated. Each parameter obtained by the bone histomorphometric analysis showed a correlation coefficient ® of more than 0.89 between the cancellous bone thickness and the analytic value. Star volume analysis demonstrated a close correlation ( r = 0.97) between the skeletal star volume and the bone thickness. Node-strut analysis indicated that the correlation coefficients of all of the parameters were larger than 0.93. X-ray bone morphometric analysis that combines morphological filter processing and bone histomorphometry is clinically applicable as a computer-aided diagnosis for the evaluation of trabecular structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied intensity oscillations of the coronal green line ([Fe xiv] 530.3 nm) observed with two coronagraphs at Lomnický Štít and Norikura nearly simultaneously. In the spectroscopic data obtained at Norikura, we have detected and confirmed the earlier detection of 5-minute oscillations in photoelectric photometer observations made at Lomnický Štít. Quasi-periodic structures in the green-line intensity with a tangential speed up to 400 km s-1 have been detected for the first time. We briefly discuss the implications of these oscillations on the coronal heating mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectra around the 6374 Å [Fe x] and 7892 Å [Fe xi] emission lines were obtained simultaneously with the 25-cm coronagraph at Norikura Observatory covering an area of 200′ ′×500′ ′ of the solar corona. The line width, peak intensity and line-of-sight velocity for both the lines were computed using Gaussian fits to the observed line profiles at each location (4′ ′×4′ ′) of the observed coronal region. The line-width measurements show that in steady coronal structures the FWHM of the 6374 Å emission line increases with height above the limb with an average value of 1.02 mÅ arc sec-1. The FWHM of the 7892 Å line also increases with height but at a smaller average value of 0.55 mÅ arc sec-1. These observations agree well with our earlier results obtained from observations of the red, green, and infrared emission lines that variation of the FWHM of the coronal emission lines with height in steady coronal structures depends on plasma temperatures they represent. The FWHM gradient is negative for high-temperature emission lines, positive for relatively low-temperature lines and smaller for emission lines in the intermediate temperature range. Such a behaviour in the variation of the FWHM of coronal emission lines with height above the limb suggests that it may not always be possible to interpret an increase in the FWHM of emission line with height as an increase in the nonthermal velocity, and hence rules out the existence of waves in steady coronal structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is recognized that bone quality and strength are affected by trabecular bone structure. The purpose of this study was to establish a method for the three-dimensional analysis of trabecular bone structures for use in the evaluation of bone quality. A mathematical morphological filter was applied to magnetic resonance (MR) images of the radius, tibia, calcaneus, and the third lumbar vertebra, and their trabecular bone structures were extracted as binary skeletal patterns. A superimposition of MR image and binary skeletal pattern was conducted in order to demonstrate that the filter accurately extracted trabecular bone structure. The filter successfully extracted trabecular bone structures from MR images as distinctive binary skeletal patterns. The skeletal patterns were obtained as a set of subset images and sumset images that comprised spatial frequency components that agreed with the equation and structural element of the filter. The extracted skeletal images exhibited characteristic patterns corresponding to the type of bone, slice direction, and slice position. It was concluded that mathematical morphological filter processing of MR images is a useful method of evaluating bone quality through the three-dimensional analysis of trabecular bone structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3N/X3.3 flare of 28 November 1998 was observed in multiple wavelength simultaneously. The available data include Hα images, spectra in He i 1083 nm and Ca ii 854.2 nm from Purple Mountain Observatory (PMO), soft X-ray (SXR) and hard X-ray (HXR) images and flux from Yohkoh. Morphological relationship investigation and spectral analysis of these data show: (1) The sudden brightening at loop top above the active region and the steep increase of SXR flux before flare onset suggest that the corona there had already been heated to some extent in the preflare phase. (2) The scales of the Ca ii 854.2 nm emission areas are very similar to those of the Hα line, but the emission profiles look like those of the Ca ii K line. Most of the He i 1083 nm emissions exist in the bright Hα kernels and can last to the decay phase. (3) Flare spectra show that line shift and asymmetry are very common in this flare not only in the impulsive phase but also in the decay phase. The difference in the line shifts or asymmetry between Ca ii 854.2 nm and He i 1083 nm, as well as the difference between the line center and wings of Ca ii 854.2 nm imply the existence of a velocity gradient in the line-of-sight direction. (4) Post-flare loops with very deep absorption (≈ 70%) and very-high-velocity red shifts (30–90 km s−1) were observed in He i 1083 nm during the decay phase. However, only a slight dip can be found in the Ca ii 854.2 nm profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]