Search

After the radioactive material leak accident at the J-PARC hadron experimental facility on May 23, 2013, we designed a new production target, which is capable of a primary proton beam with the energy of 30 GeV and power of 50 kW. It is made of gold and cooled by water through a copper block. For the countermeasures of the recurrence of the accident, the target is enclosed by an airtight chamber and helium gas is circulated to monitor the target soundness. In this paper, technical details of the new target design are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered N-glycosylation of membrane proteins is associated with malignant transformation of cells. We found that the expression of the β4-galactosyltransferase 2 (β4GalT2) gene is decreased markedly during the transformation. Here, we examined whether the tumor growth activity of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells can be reduced by the enhanced expression of the β4GalT2 gene. We isolated a clone, B16-β4GalT2, showing its β4GalT2 transcript 2.5 times higher than a control clone, B16-mock, by transducing its cDNA, and transplanted them subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice to examine their tumor growth activity. The results showed that the average size of tumors formed with B16-mock cells is 13.1±0.76 mm, whereas that of tumors formed with B16-β4GalT2 cells is 5.1±1.13 mm (P<0.01) 2 weeks after transplantation. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that the apoptosis and the suppression of angiogenesis are induced in the tumors upon transduction of the β4GalT2 gene. To pursue a clinical usefulness of the β4GalT2 gene for suppressing human tumor growth, we injected adenoviruses carrying the human β4GalT2 cDNA into HuH-7 human hepatocellular carcinomas developed in severe combined immunodeficient mice, and observed marked growth retardation of the tumors. The enhancement of the β4GalT2 gene expression in tumors is one of the promising approaches to suppress human tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass shift of the vector mesons in nuclei is known to be a powerful tool for investigating the mechanism of generating hadron mass from the QCD vacuum. The mechanism is known to be the spontaneous breaking of chiral symmetry. In 2007, KEK-PS E325 experiment reported about 3.4 % mass reduction of the ϕ meson in medium-heavy nuclei (Cu). This result is possibly one of the indications of the partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclei, however, unfortunately it is hard to make strong conclusions from the data. One of the ways to conclude the strength of the ϕ meson mass shift in nuclei will be by trying to produce only slowly moving ϕ mesons where the maximum nuclear matter effect can be probed. The observed mass reduction of the ϕ meson in the nucleus can be translated as the existence of an attractive force between ϕ meson and nucleus. Thus, one of the extreme conditions that can be achieved in the laboratory is indeed the formation of a ϕ-nucleus bound state, where the ϕ meson is 'trapped' in the nucleus. The purpose of the experiment is to search for a ϕ-nucleus bound state and measure the binding energy of the system. We will demonstrate that a completely background-free missing-mass spectrum can be obtained efficiently by $(\bar{p}, \phi)$ spectroscopy together with KΛ tagging, using the primary reaction channel $\bar{p} p \rightarrow \phi \phi$. This paper gives an overview of the physics motivation and the detector concept, and explains the direction of the initial research and development effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Follow-up by chest CT is often performed routinely after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary lung cancer. We investigated how often periodical chest CT detected lung-cancer related chest events (failure in the chest, new primary lung cancer), and how often chest CT follow-ups led to curative intent salvage treatment.Materials and Methods: Between 2006 and 2009, 90 stage I primary lung cancers in 86 patients received SBRT. In principle, chest CT was scheduled every 2-3 months in the first two years, and every 3-4 months thereafter.Results: Median time to follow-up by chest CT was 26 months (1-61 months). Twenty-seven lung-cancer related chest events were detected by periodical chest CT after SBRT. The three-year lung-cancer related chest event free rate was 62 %. It was possible to apply curative-intent salvage treatment to 56 % of the lung-cancer related chest events. The two-year overall survival rate was 66 % among the 13 patients who received curative-intent salvage treatment (radiotherapy, 11; surgery, 2).Conclusion: Post-SBRT lung-cancer related chest events (as detected by periodical chest CT) were not uncommon (approximately 40 % at 3 years from SBRT), and it was possible to treat more than half of these lesions with curative-intent salvage treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of the present prospective study was to compare the safety and efficacy of a 12-h method to a 6-h method in chronic cancer pain management.Materials and Methods: Randomized, prospective clinical trial was conducted between December 2007 and June 2009, enrolling 90 patients with chronic cancer pain. Patients with chronic cancer pain were randomly assigned to the conversion from continuous intravenous infusion to transdermal fentanyl using two-step taper of the continuous intravenous infusion in 12 h (12-h method) or the conversion in 6 h (6-h method). The parameters assessed in the present study included pain intensity (on a scale of 0 to 10) and bolus use frequency, and the adverse effects were assessed with National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.Results: Pain intensity and the number of boluses during conversion remained stable in both arms. The incidence of adverse events was 25.6% in the 12-h method group and 2.3% in the 6-h method group (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.55; p = 0.002). Adverse events occurred in four patients at 6-12 h, five patients at 12-18 h, two patients at 18-24 h, and one patient at 24-48 h after application.Conclusions: Excellent safety profile and sustained efficacy are shown for the 6-h conversion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), an aggressive neoplasm etiologically associated with human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), is resistant to treatment. In this study, we examined the effects of a new inhibitor of deacetylase enzymes, LBH589, on ATLL cells. LBH589 effectively induced apoptosis in ATLL-related cell lines and primary ATLL cells and reduced the size of tumors inoculated in SCID mice. Analyses, including with a DNA microarray, revealed that neither death receptors nor p53 pathways contributed to the apoptosis. Instead, LBH589 activated an intrinsic pathway through the activation of caspase-2. Furthermore, small interfering RNA experiments targeting caspase-2, caspase-9, RAIDD, p53-induced protein with a death domain (PIDD) and RIPK1 (RIP) indicated that activation of RAIDD is crucial and an event initiating this pathway. In addition, LBH589 caused a marked decrease in levels of factors involved in ATLL cell proliferation and invasion such as CCR4, IL-2R and HTLV-1 HBZ-SI, a spliced form of the HTLV-1 basic zipper factor HBZ. In conclusion, we showed that LBH589 is a strong inducer of apoptosis in ATLL cells and uncovered a novel apoptotic pathway initiated by activation of RAIDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the size-effect on the surface tension of nano-scale gallium droplets by molecular dynamics simulations. The interaction among gallium metal atoms is described by a many-body potential. We derive a generic expression of the stress tensor to evaluate the surface tension of systems including many-body interactions. The equivalency between the mechanical and thermodynamic definitions of the surface tension is also proved in such systems. It is shown that the surface tension of gallium droplets increases with the droplet size approaching its value for a planar surface, which is consistent with the resent experimental result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 52-year-old woman was treated for a splenic aneurysm that was found on abdominal computed tomography (CT) during a preoperative assessment for rectal cancer. The aneurysm was embolized using the "double coil-delivered microcatheter technique," and 4 ml of a mixture of N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and iodized oil (Lipiodol) (NBCA/Lipiodol = 1.0: 2.5) were injected into the aneurysm. The patient complained of left upper quadrant abdominal pain immediately after the procedure. A blood test 2 days after the procedure showed an increased white blood cell count (13,100/microl), C-reactive protein (13.36 mg/dl), and pancreatic amylase (428 U/l). Abdominal CT scan showed a huge cystic lesion at the pancreatic tail, in the center of which was a highly enhanced area due to accumulated NBCA-Lipiodol. Postembolization pancreatitis was diagnosed, and treatment with fasting and a drip infusion of nafamostat mesilate was started. The patient's abdominal pain became less severe within 3 days, and the pancreatic enzyme level had normalized 14 days after treatment. On CT, the cystic lesion at the pancreatic tail was smaller 20 days after the procedure, and it had disappeared completely 75 days after the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used metal wires and fibers to fabricate a composite knitted stent and then compare the mechanical characteristics of this stent with those of a pure metallic stent of the same construction in order to develop a stent that offers a comparable degree of expandability as metallic stents but can be used for highly curved lesions that cannot be treated using metallic stents. We fabricated two types of composite knitted stent (N-Z stents), using nitinol wire with a diameter of 0.12 mm and polypara-phenylene-benzobisoxazole (PBO) multifilament fiber (Zyron AS; Toyobo, Osaka, Japan). Stents were knitted into a cylindrical shape using the same textile pattern as a Strecker stent. Two loop lengths (L) of nitinol wire were used in the N-Z stents: L = 1.84 mm (N-Z stent L = 1.84) and L = 2.08 mm (N-Z stent L = 2.08). For the sake of comparison, we fabricated a metallic stent of nitinol using the same textile pattern (N-N stent L = 1.92). We applied a radial compression force diametrically to each stent and applied a bending force diametrically at the free end of a stent with one end fixed in order to evaluate the relationship between stent elasticity and load values. In addition, we macroscopically evaluated the generation of kinks when the stent was bent 180 degrees . The radial compressive force when the stent diameter was reduced by 53% was 6.44 N in the case of N-Z stent L = 1.84, 6.14 N in the case of N-Z stent L = 2.08, and 4.96 N in the case of N-N stent L = 1.92 mm. The composite stent had a radial compressive force higher than that of a metallic stent. The restoring force to longitudinal direction at a 90 degrees bending angle was 0.005 N for N-Z stent L = 1.84, 0.003 N for N-Z stent L = 2.08, and 0.034 N for N-N stent L = 1.92. The restoring force of the composite stent was significantly lower. Finally, the composite stent generated no definitive kinks at a bending angle of 180 degrees , regardless of loop length. However, the N-N stent clearly produced kinks, causing blockage of the inner cavity. In conclusion, the use of a metal and fiber composite in the construction of a knitted stent ensures an expansion performance comparable to that of metallic stents, while providing better kink resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of peripheral stent placement after failed balloon angioplasty in patients with grafts who are on hemodialysis. We examined 30 Wallstents that were placed in 26 patients because balloon angioplasty failed or early restenosis (<3 months) occurred within 3 months. We retrospectively reviewed 267 consecutive balloon angioplasties performed in 71 patients with graft access between August 2000 and March 2007. Stent placements accounted for 30 (11.2%) of the 267 balloon angioplasties. The clinical success rate of stent placement was 93.3% (28 of 30 stent placements). The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary patency rates were 73.3%, 39.3%, and 17.7%, respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year secondary patency rates were 90.2%, 83.8%, and 83.8%, respectively. Primary patency was significantly prolonged by stent placement after early restenosis compared with previous balloon angioplasty alone (P = 0.0059). Primary patency after stent placement was significantly lower than after successful balloon angioplasty without indications for stent placement (P = 0.0279). Secondary patency rates did not significantly differ between stent placement and balloon angioplasty alone. The mean number of reinterventions required to maintain secondary patency after stent placement was significantly larger than that after balloon angioplasty alone (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.0419). We concluded that peripheral stent placement for graft access is effective for salvaging vascular access after failed balloon angioplasty and for prolonging patency in early restenosis after balloon angioplasty. However, reinterventions are required to maintain secondary patency after stent placement. Furthermore, peripheral stent placement for graft access cannot achieve the same primary patency as balloon angioplasty alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relative benefits of cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (CSB) among patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes mellitus are not firmly established. To determine whether diabetic patients with CHF accrue the same mortality benefit from CSB therapy as non-diabetic patients. Between October 1999 and November 2000 consecutive patients with CHF at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN, USA, were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and prospectively followed for 5 years. Disease severity and CHF-specific functional status were obtained from patients at baseline. Medical records were accessed for data regarding co-morbidities, medications, and mortality. Propensity-score analysis was used to balance co-variates because of the observational nature of CSB use, given this was a post hoc analysis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare survival between diabetic and non-diabetic patients stratified by whether they were or were not receiving CSB therapy. Of the 412 evaluable patients, 222 (54%) had diabetes and 212 (51%) were taking a CSB. At 5-year follow-up, 186 (45%) patients had died. In the multivariate analysis, using propensity scores to balance co-variates, CSB therapy was an independent predictor of survival in patients without diabetes (hazard ratio 0.60; p = 0.054) only. These results extend prior observations that patients with diabetes and CHF may not accrue the same mortality benefit from CSB therapy as patients without diabetes, and warrant further prospective investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava (IVC) cannulation is an alternative approach for central venous catheterization, but there have been sporadic reports of puncture-related complications. To avoid complications during IVC puncture, percutaneous translumbar IVC cannulation was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance in addition to fluoroscopy in two patients. To perform chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer, we planned subcutaneous port catheter placement for central venous access. Under CT guidance, the direction and insertion distance of a long elastor needle were adjusted, and the IVC was punctured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra while taking care to avoid the right urinary tract. A guidewire was inserted through the long elastor needle, and a catheter was placed over the guidewire. It was possible to perform central venous catheterization by percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation under CT guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency of gas retention in the renal vein following carbon dioxide intraosseous venography in the prone position and, while citing references, to examine its onset mechanisms. All percutaneous vertebroplasties performed at our hospital from January to December 2005 were registered and retrospectively analyzed. Of 43 registered procedures treating 79 vertebrae, 28 procedures treating 54 vertebrae were analyzed. Vertebral intraosseous venography was performed using carbon dioxide as a contrast agent in all percutaneous vertebroplasty procedures. In preoperative and postoperative vertebral CT, gas retention in the renal vein and other areas was assessed. Preoperative CT did not show gas retention (0/28 procedures; 0%). Postoperative CT confirmed gas retention in the renal vein in 10 of the 28 procedures (35.7%). Gas retention was seen in the right renal vein in 8 procedures (28.6%), in the left renal vein in 5 procedures (17.9%), in the left and right renal veins in 3 procedures (10.7%), in vertebrae in 22 procedures (78.6%), in the soft tissue around vertebrae in 14 procedures (50.0%), in the spinal canal in 12 procedures (42.9%), and in the subcutaneous tissue in 5 procedures (17.9%). In conclusion, in our study, carbon dioxide gas injected into the vertebra frequently reached and remained in the renal vein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become an attractive surgical procedure, but several issues remain to be resolved. Prognosis after VATS lobectomy is important to evaluate the adequacy of VATS lobectomy as a cancer operation. Interestingly, several investigators, including us, have reported that prognosis after VATS lobectomy was superior to that after open lobectomy in early non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One of the possible reasons is the low invasiveness of VATS lobectomy. But we considered that patient bias might have some influence favoring VATS lobectomy. To evaluate our hypothesis, we reviewed medical records of stage I NSCLC patients undergoing operation between 1993 and 2002. We compared and evaluated the relationship between patient characteristics and prognosis after VATS and open lobectomy. We focused particularly on histological type, classifying it into four subgroups; (1) bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), (2) mixed BAC + papillary adenocarcinoma (BAC + Pap), (3) other adenocarcinoma (Other adeno), (4) squamous cell carcinoma + others (Sq + others).Results: A total of 165 patients underwent VATS lobectomy, and 123 patients underwent open lobectomy. The 5-year survival rate of the VATS lobectomy group was 94.5% and that of the open lobectomy group was 81.5%. Univariate Cox regression of survival revealed that male, CEA > 5, Other adeno, Sq + others, open lobectomy, and tumor size > 3 cm were significant negative prognostic variables. Multivariate Cox regression of survival revealed that histological subtype and tumor size were independent prognostic factors, but surgical procedure was not an independent prognostic factor.Comments: Prognosis after VATS lobectomy was superior to that after open lobectomy, but patient bias influenced the prognosis in favor of VATS lobectomy, and the surgical procedure itself was not a prognostic factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The casein kinase CK2 is one of the major multifunctional protein kinases in cells that is expressed ubiquitously and is essential for survival. The α-subunit of CK2 is thought to be involved in light-regulated gene expression and rhythmic expression of genes by circadian rhythm in plants. The rice chromosome-3 region containing the photoperiod-response Hd6 gene, an orthologue of the CK2α genes of Arabidopsis and maize, is in synteny with the wheat chromosome-5A Vrn-A1 region. This evidence proposes two possibilities, first the wheat Vrn-A1 is an orthologue of the rice CK2α, and second the wheat CK2α which has not yet been identified is located independently but tightly linked to Vrn-A1. To clarify whether the wheat CK2α gene is conserved in the Vrn-A1 region and to elucidate the above two possibilities, we attempted to isolate this gene from the wheat cDNA library and to map it on the chromosome-5A region that is syntenous to the rice Hd6 region. The isolated cDNA clone showed an extremely high homology with the Arabidopsis CK2α gene. Using this clone as a probe genomic Southern-blot analyses of the aneuploid lines available in Chinese Spring assigned the wheat homologue of CK2α to the long arm of chromosome 5A. Furthermore, a linkage analysis using an F2 population having recombination in the Vrn-A1 region revealed that the wheat CK2α, designated as tck2a, is tightly linked to Vrn-A1 by 1.1 cM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling seed dormancy were detected on group 4 chromosomes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using 119 doubled haploid lines (DHLs) derived from a cross between AC Domain and Haruyutaka. A major QTL, designated QPhs.ocs-4A.1, was identified within the marker interval between Xcdo795 and Xpsr115 in the proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 4A. Two minor QTLs, QPhs.ocs-4B.2 on 4B and QPhs.ocs-4D.2 on 4D, were flanked by common markers, Xbcd1431.1 and Xbcd1431.2 in the terminal region of the long arms, suggesting a homoeologous relationship. These three QTLs explained more than 80% of the total phenotypic variance in seed dormancy of DHLs grown in the field and under glasshouse conditions. The AC Domain alleles at the three QTLs contributed to increasing seed dormancy. Comparative maps across wheat, barley and rice demonstrated the possibility of a homoeologous relationship between QPhs.ocs-4A.1 and the barley gene SD4, while no significant effects of the chromosome regions of wheat and barley orthologous to rice chromosome 3 region carrying a major seed dormancy QTL were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 5A of wheat is known to carry a number of genes affecting adaptability and productivity. To localize quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling grain yield and its components, an RFLP map was constructed from 118 single-chromosome recombinant lines derived from the F1 between Chinese Spring (Cappelle-Desprez 5A) and Chinese Spring (Triticum spelta 5A). The map was combined with the field-trial data scored over 3 years. A total of five regions in chromosome 5A contributed effects on yield traits. Increases in grain yield, 50-grain weight and spikelet number/ear were determined by complementary QTL alleles from both parents. The effects associated with the vernalization requirement gene Vrn-A1 or a closely linked QTL were significant only in the favorable growing season where the later-flowering vrn-A1 allele from Cappelle-Desprez 5A produced a higher tiller number/plant and spikelet number/ear. The effects of the ear morphology gene q or closely linked QTL(s) were detected for grain yield and ear grain weight. Three other QTLs with minor effects were dispersed along chromosome 5A. These QTLs had large interactions with years due to changes in the magnitude of the significant response. The alleles from T. spelta, however, conferred a higher yield performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: The aim of the study was, to examine the relationship between serum levels of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptors (sTNF-R) and the gene expression of two types of receptor for TNF (TNF-R), a 55 kDa receptor (TNF-R1) and a 75 kDa receptor (TNF-R2), in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM/DM). Soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) and soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNF-R2) levels in sera from patients were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 mRNAs in PBMC was analysed by Northern blotting. Serum sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 levels were elevated significantly in 25 patients with active-stage PM/DM, compared to those in 18 patients with inactive-stage PM/DM and 32 normal controls. Serum concentrations of sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2 were correlated with PM/DM disease activity. TNF-R1 gene expression was enhanced in freshly isolated PBMC from patients with active-stage PM/DM. In contrast, TNF-R2 mRNA was expressed constitutively in patients with active-stage PM/DM and in normal controls. The expression of TNF-R1 and TNF-R2 mRNAs in PBMC and elevation of their soluble forms in the sera of patients with active-stage PM/DM suggest increased proteolytic cleavage of cell surface TNF-R from PBMC in patients with active-stage PM/DM, and that sTNF-R may regulate TNF-α-mediated muscle fibre damage in PM/DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amylose/amylopectin ratio and the pasting properties of wheat starch are important in producing marketable flour products, especially Japanese noodles. To determine if null mutations at the three Wx loci confer differences in starch-pasting viscosity, we analyzed the variation associated with the null mutations in three separate sets of recombinant substitution lines of chromosomes 7A, 4A and 7D produced from crosses between Chinese Spring and three single-chromosome substitution lines carrying the null Wx alleles. Differential effects of null alleles at the three Wx loci on starch-pasting properties were revealed. With respect to chromosome 4A, the effect of the Wx-B1b allele, giving a higher peak and breakdown viscosity, was unambiguous. In addition, a QTL of minor effect was identified near the centromere on the short arm. The presence or absence of the Wx-A1 protein gave some variation in peak and breakdown viscosity, but the effects of Wx-Alb were much smaller than those of the Wx-Blb allele. Associated effects of the Wx-D1 locus were detected for the breakdown viscosity as the null Wx-D1b allele produced a higher viscosity than the wild-type Wx-D1a. While negative correlations between amylose content and breakdown viscosity were common in the three populations, the null mutations at the Wx loci produced some variation independent of amylose content. The genetic variation detected for breakdown viscosity was more evident than that for peak viscosity in all three recombinant populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of theoretical calculations for electronic structures and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of porous silicon whose morphology is generated through the diffusion limited aggregation process of pores in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. We have found that due to irregularity of the structure most of its eigenstates near band gap are localized while some of them are relatively delocalized. The localization of the eigenstates near band gap causes band-gap narrowing analogous to the quantum confinement effect. Solving the time-dependent equations for the occupation numbers of the eigenstates, we show that the present model reproduces the stretched exponential decay of PL intensity observed in the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four patients were treated by placement of an expandable metallic stent (two Gianturco Z-stents, two Ultraflex stents) for malignant colorectal strictures. All four patients were able to defecate after stent placement. Stent migration was recognized in one patient. Two patients suffered from tenesmus after stent placement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

“Spontaneous alloying” observed by Yasuda, Mori et al. for metallic small clusters is simulated using classical Hamiltonian dynamics. Very rapid alloying occurs homogeneously and cooperatively starting from the solid phase of the cluster if the heat of solution is negative and the size of cluster is less than a critical size. Analysis of 2D models reveals that the alloying rate obeys an Arrhenius-type law, which predicts the alloying time much less than second at room temperature. Evidences manifesting that the spontaneous alloying proceeds in the solid phase without melting are also presented. The simulation reproduces the essential features of the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 4A of wheat carries the Wx-B1 gene encoding the granule-bound starch synthase involved in amylose synthesis in the endosperm. To determine the pleiotropic effects of this locus and effects of independent QTLs on agronomic traits, genetical analysis of chromosome 4A was conducted using 98 single-chromosome recombinant substitution lines derived from a cross of Chinese Spring and Chinese Spring (Kanto107 4A) with a low amylose content due to the null Wx-B1b allele. For amylose content, most of the genetic variation was explained by the allelic difference at the Wx-B1 locus. An additional QTL of minor effect was mapped in the 6.2-cM Xbcd1738/Xcdo1387 interval on the short arm, where the allele from Kanto107 led to an increase in amylose content. Field trials over two seasons revealed a pleiotropic effect of Wx-B1, or else the effect of a closely linked QTL, on ear emergence time. A QTL linked to Wx-B1 was detected for plant height. For plant yield and its components, there was no evidence for significant main effects associated with Wx-B1 or adjacent regions. One plant-yield QTL was identified by RFLP markers on the short arm and this was identical to QTLs controlling spikelet number/ear and grain weight/ear. At these QTLs for agronomic traits, alleles from Kanto107 contributed to an earlier emergence time, a height reduction and an yield increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome 5A of wheat carries major gene loci for agronomic traits including the vernalization requirement ( Vrn-A1) and ear morphology ( Q). To determine whether the genetic variation for ear emergence time and plant height is attributable to either of these major genes as pleiotropic effects or independent QTL, we combined a RFLP map constructed from 120 recombinant substitution lines derived from a cross between ‘Chinese Spring’ (Cappelle-Desprez 5A) and CS( Triticum spelta 5A) with data collected from field trials over 3 years. For ear emergence time the main effects on flowering time were by Vrn-A1 and QEet.ocs-5A.1, the latter a QTL in the 28.6-cM Xcdo584/ Q interval linked to Q by less than 10 cM. The CS( T. spelta 5A) allele at QEet.ocs-5A.1 contributed to an earlier ear emergence time by 2.7–6.0 days, which was approximately equal to the effects of Vrn-A1. For plant height, three QTLs were identified on the long arm and linked in repulsion. The CS( T. spelta 5A) allele at Vrn-A1 or closely linked to Xfba068 contributed to a height reduction of 3.5–6.1 cm, whereas both the Q allele and Qt.ocs-5A.1 allele within the Xcdo1088/Xbcd9 interval from CS(Cappelle-Desprez 5A) produced a shorter plant. When plant height was partitioned into culm length and ear length, the Vrn-A1 allele and CS(Cappelle-Desprez 5A) allele at QCl.ocs-5A.1 within the Xcd1088/Xbcd9 interval were found to contribute to a shorter culm. CS( T. spelta 5A) allele at q was a major determinant of a long ear, together with minor effects at QEl.ocs-5 A.1 within the Xcdo1088/ Xbcd9 interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural fluctuation of Au and Au clusters with and without the substrate interaction are examined using model potentials and the transition state theory. It is shown that, for Au both with and without the substrate interaction, the cuboctahedral structure (COCT) has a lifetime too short to be observed with an electron microscope while the icosahedral structure (IC) has a lifetime long enough. On the other hand, for Au without the substrate interaction, both COCT and IC have lifetimes long enough but the lifetime of IC is too long for both of them to be observed in an observation period, say in several minutes. However, the lifetime is so much reduced by the substrate interaction that both the structures can be observed in an observation period. These results are compared with the experimental facts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atomic structure and thermodynamic properties of transition-metal clusters containing N atoms are investigated for N=6 and 7 using the method of molecular dynamics, where Gupta's potential taking into account many-body interaction is employed. The caloric curve (total energy - temperature curve) and the structural fluctuations are studied. The 'fluctuating state' is found for N=6 in the region of the temperature near below the melting point, where clusters undergo structural transition from one isomer to others without making any topological change. The fluctuating state differs from the coexistence state in that the former involves no atomic diffusion, and goes to a structural phase transition of the bulk when N is increased. On the other hand, the motion of atom-permutation is found in the low-temperature region of the liquid state, being induced by the cooperative motion of two atoms. It is discussed that such a motion easily occurs along the surface and may be considered to be one of the characteristics of small clusters. The fluctuating state is discussed in relation to the structural fluctuation of gold clusters observed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal drainage was performed with expandable metallic stents in a 79-year-old male with lung abscess secondary to bronchogenic carcinoma. Initial external drainage was prolonged, and internalization of drainage allowed removal of the external drainage catheter. Connection of abscess cavity to obstructed bronchus was created after passing a steerable guidewire percutaneously through the abscess into the bronchus. This new type of internal drainage technique may be applicable to patients with prolonged standard percutaneous external drainage of lung abscesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gianturco self-expanding metallic stents were successfully placed to treat incomplete balloon dilatation of the abdominal aorta in 2 patients with Takayasu's aortitis. In 1 case eleven 1-cm long, 1-cm diameter stents were inserted in tandem to bridge a long stenosis. In the other patient, four stents 1.5 cm long, 1.5 cm in diameter were inserted in tandem to bridge what had been a complete occlusion prior to balloon angioplasty. Clinical symptoms, as well as angiographic findings, improved significantly after placement of the stents. The patients underwent repeat aortography at 10 and 8 months, respectively, and were followed clinically for a total of 18 months and 15 months, respectively, without clinical evidence of deterioration. Our results show the usefulness of expandable metallic stents in the treatment of aortic stenosis due to Takayasu's aortitis that remains unresponsive to balloon dilatation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For improved visualization of the intrahepatic portal vein, balloon-occluded superior mesenteric arteriography was performed using a torque-controlled balloon catheter after injection of 20 micrograms prostaglandin E1. In patients who underwent arterial portography twice, i.e., by the method using prostaglandin E1 alone and the prostaglandin E1 plus the balloon method, the latter method provided better visualization, particularly in cases in which an aberrant right hepatic artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the significance of stem cell factor (SCF) and soluble KIT (sKIT) in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), levels of SCF and sKIT in patients with SLE were estimated, and their correlations with clinical parameters were examined. The sKIT levels in SLE patients ( n=106) were significantly lower than those in healthy controls ( n=40). A significant negative correlation was found between the SCF and sKIT levels of SLE patients. Although the SCF levels correlated with the titre of anti-RNP antibody, no significant relationship was found between SCF levels and blood cell counts, such as white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet counts. sKIT levels were significantly correlated with the platelet count, and were negatively correlated with the white blood cell count, titre of anti-DNA antibody, and SLE activity index (SLEDAI). sKIT levels were also negatively affected by high doses of corticosteroid. These results indicate that serum sKIT levels may be more closely related than SCF to the haematological abnormalities in SLE patients, and may reflect the clinical status of SLE patients and the effectiveness of high-dose corticosteroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated the concentration of soluble IL-2R (sIL-2R) in the serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and examined the relationship between the serum levels of sIL-2R and clinical features or laboratory data. We found that elevated levels of sIL-2R were present in the serum of SLE patients with discoid rash, and sIL-2R concentrations were correlated with the soluble CD4 and soluble CD8 concentrations but not with classical serological marker, anti-DNA antibody or complement titer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of T cells to secrete IL-2 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was investigated. In patients with SLE, impaired IL-2 production by peripheral blood lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens is well known. In this paper, we report that purified T cells stimulated with mitogens, in the presence of Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cells (B-LCL) as an accessory cell, however, could secrete a large quantity of IL-2 as much as normal T cells. In order to study this potential capacity of T cells to secrete IL-2 in patients with SLE, IL-2 secreting T cells were examined. To obtain these cells, T cells were divided into cluster forming cells and noncluster forming cells after short culture of T cells with accessory cells in the presence of Con A. Then the ability of IL-2 production in two kinds of separated T cells was examined. We found that 1) after short culture with B-LCL, the cluster forming T cells could secrete IL-2 when cultured again, but noncluster forming T cells could not, even in the presence of B-LCL, 2) after short culture with macrophages, in normal donors and SLE patients, noncluster forming T cells were able to secrete a greater amount of IL-2 than cluster forming and undivided T cells when cultured with B-LCL. These results suggested that IL-2 secreting T cells activated with Con A in the presence of macrophages were shown to be not all of, but a part of them, and that in SLE T cells which secreted IL-2 in the presence of macrophages might be impaired but other IL-2 secreting T cells might remain intact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To add to our knowledge of collagen diseases, plasma fibronectin (FN) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been measured, and it was determined that the plasma FN value in those with SLE was 454±36 μg/ml, is significantly higher than the FN value in normal subjects (234±21 μg/ml. Further, the plasma FN value of patients with active SLE was significantly higher (591±46 μg/ml than that of patients with non-active SLE (287±31 μg/ml. The plasma FN value of SLE patients was also seen to be associated with the peripheral blood platelet count and with the dose level of the corticosteroid hormone administered to patients. In active SLE patients, it was similarly found that the plasma FN value had a significant correlation with the peripheral blood lymphocyte count and with the dose level of the corticosteroid hormone given to patients. Since the plasma FN value is known to be high in untreated SLE patients, it was felt that the increase of the FN value in SLE patients is not due to the effect of the corticosteroid but to the disease itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares functional properties of T-cells capable of forming clusters with EB virus transformed B lymphoblastoid cells (B-LCL) as accessory cells (A -cells). T-cell functional properties examined include T-cell activation, interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and cell proliferation. In addition, functional properties were compared with the presence or absence of surface markers. T-cells were divided into those that formed clusters with the B-LCL (clustered T-cells) and those that failed to form clusters (nonclustered T-cells). Each subpopulation of T-cells was also incubated with B-LCL and Concanavalin A (Con A) to test for changes in proliferative capabilities. Functional studies indicated that IL-2 activity was higher in the culture supernatant fluids from clustered T-cells than nonclustered T-cells. Spontaneous proliferation of clustered T-cells was equivalent to proliferation of clustered T-cells stimulated with Con A or human IL-2. However, weak spontaneous proliferation by non clustered T cells was enhanced after culturing with Con A or human IL-2. The nonclustered T-cells also produced less IL-2 in cultures containing both B-LCL or Con A. Quantification of T-cell surface markers showed that the expression of Tac antigen was greater on the clustered T-cells than on the nonclustered T-cells. These data suggest that functionally different T-cell subsets can be identified and isolated by their capacity to form clusters with B-LCL A-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of ectopic ACTH syndrome associated with undifferentiated carcinoma of the ascending colon. A 62-year-old woman developed hypokalaemia and metabolic alkalosis associated with markedly elevated serum cortisol and plasma ACTH levels. High-dose dexamethasone (8 mg/day) did not suppress increased urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and 17-keto-steroid excretion. Barium enema and abdominal computerised tomography showed a Borrmann II type tumour in the ascending colon, multiple metastatic nodules in the liver and bilateral enlargement of the adrenal glands. Histological examination of the resected primary colon cancer and metastatic liver tumour showed undifferentiated carcinoma with areas of distinct neuroendocrine, exocrine, and squamous differentiation. ACTH production by the tumour was confirmed by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. This is a unique case report of carcinoma of the colon with distinct multidirectional differentiation causing ectopic ACTH syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorylcholine (PC) antibodies in serum from patients with pulmonary infection, and from normal individuals, were studied. Anti-PC antibodies were detectable in the serum from normal individuals at mean concentrations of 320 μg/ ml for the IgG class and 110 μg/ml for the IgM class. Concentrations of anti-PC antibodies which were higher than normal for both the IgG and IgM classes were observed in the serum in pulmonary infection (1,440 μg/ml and 210 μg/ml, respectively). Despite the significant difference in the concentration of anti-PC antibodies, the PC-specific B cell precursor frequency in the peripheral blood lymphocytes showed no difference between normal individuals and the patients with pulmonary infection, or between the acute phase and the chronic phase in a single patient with chronic pulmonary infection. Serologically, the purified IgG anti-PC antibody did not share the cross-reactive idiotype of TEPC 15, which is the most common idiotype of the murine anti-PC antibodies. However, the purified IgM anti-PC antibody expressed a very weak cross-reactive idiotype of TEPC 15. It appears from these studies that human anti-PC antibodies may play an important biological role in pulmonary infection by microorganisms which possess a PC determinant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experimental studies have shown that positron emission tomography (PET) with 13N-labeled ammonia provides accurate quantification of regional myocardial blood flow (MBF) under rest and stress conditions. To establish the clinical utility of this method, the interobserver variability and the temporal variability of serial measurements of blood flow and coronary flow reserve (CFR) must be known. This study investigated the interobserver and temporal reproducibility of 13N-labeled PET for measurement of MBF and CFR.Methods and Results: Initial and follow-up 13N-labeled ammonia PET studies were performed at rest and during adenosine infusion in six normal volunteers and six patients with stable coronary artery disease. Two investigators analyzed dynamically acquired data from the initial studies and one investigator analyzed the follow-up studies. Time-activity curves of tissue tracer activity were derived by a semiautomated sampling routine. A three-compartment model and curve-fitting algorithm were used to determine estimates of MBF in five myocardial regions. The interobserver correlations for MBF and CFR were excellent (r = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively). The interstudy correlation was good for rest and stress MBF (r = 0.87). The estimates of CFR on the initial and follow-up studies demonstrated a fair correlation (r = 0.72). For individual myocardial regions, there was considerable interstudy variability of stress MBF and CFR, with a mean percent difference for CFR of 19% +/- 19% in normal volunteers and 38% +/- 16% in patients with coronary disease. In normal subjects, regional CFR was highly reproducible (95%) when the values were defined as either normal (> or = 2.5) or reduced (< 2.5).Conclusions: The interobserver of reproducibility of 13N-labeled ammonia PET estimates of regional MBF was excellent. The temporal reproducibility of MBF and CFR was fair, with individual regions demonstrating substantial interstudy variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actions of α-kainic acid (KA) were re-examined in thin sections of the hippocampus and the cerebellum of the guinea pig in view of various discrepancies between our previous findings and reports from other laboratories. Brief pulses of KA ejected in st. lucidum in the CA3 region induced short- and long-lasting depolarizations in neurons nearby, whereas those ejected in st. radiatum or st. oriens induced only short-lasting responses. Neurons in CA1 region and Purkinje cells in the cerebellum generated only short-lasting depolarizations in response to KA pulses ejected in their dendritic fields. The short-lasting KA responses in CA1 region were sensitive to γ-D-glutamylglycine and pentobarbital. The slow KA responses were suppressed by kynurenic acid. They were not accompanied by increases in extracellular potassium concentration. These results suggest that the mossy fiber-innervated portions of the surface membrane of CA3 neurons have a type of KA receptor different from those ubiquitously distributed in central neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A system for the controlled expression of a foreign gene in cultured tobacco cells ( Nicotiana tabacum, BY2) by temperature shift was constructed. A 925-base-pair (bp) DNA fragment containing the 5′-flanking region of a low-molecular-mass heat-shock protein gene ( HSP18.2) of Arabidopsis thaliana was inserted upstream of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene ( GUS). The resulting HSP18.2-GUS construct was introduced into BY2 cells by electroporation or Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transient expression of the HSP18.2 promoter in protoplasts was very low regardless of the heat shock. Although expression of the HSP18.2-GUS chimeric gene in the stable transformants of BY2 was hardly detected in culture at 25°C, the expression increased rapidly on the transcriptional level when the incubation temperature was shifted to 35-37°C. The optimal temperature for heat-shock induction was 37°C. After a 2-h incubation at 37°C, GUS activity was about 1000-fold greater than that before heat shock. The amount of GUS mRNA was maximum 2 h after heat shock, and then decreased gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actions of dihydrokainate (DHKA) and 3-hydroxy-DL-aspartate (HAsp), inhibitors of high-affinity uptake for L-glutamate (Glu), were studied in vitro in thin hippocampal slices of the guinea pig. The amplitude of the depolarizations induced by Glu and by L-aspartate (Asp) in CA3 neurons are markedly augmented by DHKA and HAsp. Depolarizations induced by D-homocysteate (DH) were unaffected by the inhibitors. In about half of the neurons, depolarizations induced by L-homocysteate (LH) and by quisqualate (Quis) were slightly augmented by the inhibitors. Fast responses to kainate (KA) were augmented by the inhibitors to a similar extent as were Glu responses whereas slow KA responses were insensitive to HAsp. HAsp was without effect on excitatory postsynaptic potentials elicited by stimulation of granular layer. These findings are in general agreement with the biochemical data on amino acid uptake processes and are also consistent with the slow time-courses of depolarizations induced by DH, LH and Quis. Augmentation of fast KA responses provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that an KA pulse causes a liberation of Glu and/or Asp from the tissue and the liberated amino acid(s) induces the fast KA response in neurons nearby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actions of pentobarbital sodium (Pent) on receptors for glutamate (Glu) and related compounds were studied in thin sections of the guinea pig hippocampus. Depolarizations induced by Glu and quisqualate (Quis) in CA3 neurons were reduced in amplitude during iontophoretic administration of Pent. This action of Pent was not accompanied by any noticeable changes in membrane potential or neuron input resistance. Depolarizations induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate were less sensitive to Pent. The fast kainate (KA) response was as susceptible as the Glu response, whereas the slow KA response was unaffected by Pent in three quarters of the neurons examined. Pent suppressed the Glu response at lower concentrations than required to potentiate responses to gamma-amino butyric acid. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) elicited by stimulation of mossy fibers were suppressed by Pent. The EPSPs were a little more resistant to Pent than were the Glu responses. These results indicate that Pent blocks receptors for excitatory amino acids in the hippocampus. Of the three different populations of the receptors, Quis receptors are the most sensitive to Pent and KA receptors are the least sensitive. The suppression of the EPSPs is in accordance with the notion that Glu is the transmitter released from mossy fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actions of gamma-D-glutamylglycine (DGG) and cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylate (PDA) were studied in thin hippocampal sections of the guinea pig by intracellular recording. DGG and PDA suppressed depolarizations induced in CA3 neurons by short pulses of L-aspartate (Asp), D-homocysteat (DH) or L-glutamate (Glu). Asp-and DH-responses were more susceptible to the antagonists than were Glu-responses. The sensitivity difference between Glu-responses and Asp-or DH-responses was not so pronounced that these antagonists could be used to differentiate between Glu-mediated and Asp-mediated synapses. Glu and Asp pulses induced long hyperpolarizing deflections in some neurons. In about half of these neurons, PDA and DGG were without effect on the hyperpolarizing responses. The depolarizing action of gamma-amino butyric acid was unaffected by DGG and PDA. These antagonists blocked excitatory postsynaptic potentials induced by fimbrial stimulation. These results suggest that DGG and PDA are relatively specific antagonists of excitatory amino acids in the hippocampus, and that Glu (or Asp) is the neurotransmitter released from axons of CA3 neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The action of 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB) on mossy fiber-induced excitation in CA3 neurons was studied in vitro with thin sections of guinea pig hippocampus. D- and DL-APB suppressed field potentials induced in regio CA3 by granular layer stimulation. Threshold concentration of DL-APB to induce the suppression was 2-5 μ M. D-APB was about 10-fold less potent than DL-APB. Field potentials induced by fimbrial stimulation were much less affected. DL-APB was without effect on antidromic activation of granule cells. 2-Amino-phosphonovaleric acid had a similar but less potent action. Gamma-D-glutamylglycine and cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid were almost ineffective. DL-APB suppressed excitatory postsynaptic potentials recorded intracellularly from CA3 neurons in response to granular layer stimulation but caused no marked changes in resting potentials, action potentials and membrane conductance. Single cell discharges induced by iontophoretic administration of glutamate (Glu) or aspartate (Asp) were unaffected when mossy fiber-induced excitation was suppressed by D- or DL-APB. DL-APB had no suppressing action on Glu- or Asp-induced depolarizing potentials. These results indicate that APB is a relatively specific blocker of synaptic transmission between mossy fibers and CA3 neurons, and that this action does not result from blockade of receptors for Glu or Asp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of catecholamines, enkephalins and related compounds on electrical activity of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BST) were studied in vitro on thin BST sections prepared from guinea pig brains. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) suppressed field potentials elicited by a single shock to the stria terminalis (ST). The effects of NE and E were mimicked by phenylephrine and blocked by phenoxybenzamine. Isoproterenol and dichloroisoproterenol were without effect. NE and E suppressed the spontaneous firing of BST neurons and discharges elicited by ST stimulation. Dopamine was a less potent depressant. [D-Ala]-Met-enkephalinamide (EKA) suppressed the field potentials and spike discharges elicited by ST stimulation. Spikes occurring spontaneously or during administration of glutamate were also suppressed by EKA. The action of EKA was blocked by naloxone. Late inhibition induced by stimulation of the lateral division of the ST was blocked by naloxone in about a third of the neurons examined. These results indicate that norepinephrine suppresses the activity of BST neurons by activating postsynaptic α-receptors. It is also suggested that opioid peptides mediate inhibitory control of the amygdala over the BST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 25-year-old man noted swelling of the right cervical lymph nodes in October 1983. Diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was made on the basis of pathological examination of biopsies. Despite both chemotherapy and irradiation treatment, blast cells appeared in the peripheral blood and bone marrow in April 1984. Immunophenotypic analysis demonstrated that the blasts in the patient's peripheral blood expressed CD13, CD33, CD41a, and no markers for T or B lymphocytes, suggesting that he had been suffering from megakaryocytic sarcoma. We established a new cell line derived from the blasts in the peripheral blood, designated KH184. KH184 cells expressed glycoprotein (GP) Ib (CD42b) and GPIIb/IIIa (CD41a), while platelet peroxidase (PPO) activity was negative in an ultrastructural study. Both Northern blot and flow cytometric analysis of surface antigens and DNA content revealed that treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) did not induce the maturation of these cells. Various cytokines such as interleukin 3 (IL-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) had no effect in promoting the growth of KH184 cells. KH184 cells expressing CD41a seem to possess unusual characteristics. KH184 cells, human GPIIb- and GPIIIa-positive leukemia cells, which lack response to TPA-induced differentiation, provide a new and unique model for the characterization of factors that are implicated in the terminal differentiation of megakaryocytes, and should aid in studies of the mechanism underlying the occurrence of megakaryocytic sarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 65-year-old man developed respiratory distress during insertion of a central venous catheter (CVC). The presence of gas in the pulmonary trunk and ascending aorta was observed on computed tomography (CT) scans performed immediately after insertion, and paradoxical air embolism (PAE) was diagnosed. There were no symptoms of cerebral or coronary arterial embolism, and the patient was maintained in the same supine position as during CVC insertion. CT conducted after 200 min confirmed disappearance of the gas, and the resting position was discontinued. No subsequent symptoms of PAE occurred. In this patient with respiratory distress during CVC insertion, CT revealed PAE, and PAE was resolved and systemic arterial embolism did not occur by maintenance of the supine position and O(2) administration. This case also highlights the potential risk for the occurrence of asymptomatic PAE related to CVC insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:We treated three patients with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) with intra-arterial steroid-injection therapy (IAST). Two patients with gut aGVHD received IAST into both superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, while one patient with liver aGVHD received IAST into the proper hepatic artery. The volume of stools and the bilirubin level improved soon after IAST. Angiography of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was performed in the two patients with steroid-refractory gut aGVHD, and identical abnormal findings were obtained. IAST might be an earlier option for steroid-refractory aGVHD.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 33, 1231-1233. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704523 Published online 19 April 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stabilities and structural fluctuations of both neutral and charged Au clusters are examined and discussed in relation to recent experimental observations of small gold particles with an electron microscope. Transition probabilities between the icosahedral and cuboctahedral structures are calculated according to the transition state theory using a model potential consisting of attractive many-body, repulsive pairwise and Coulomb parts. It is shown that for a neutral cluster the cuboctahedral structure has too short life time to be observed around room temperature and that, on the other hand, for more than 6-fold multiply charged clusters, both structures have life times of the order of 0.1 s around room temperature and, therefore, the transition between them can be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]