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Measurement of the dwell time and moving speed of a high-activity iridium-192 (Ir-192) source used for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is important for estimating the precise dose delivery to a tumor. For this purpose, we used a cerium-doped yttrium aluminum perovskite (YA1OGamma photon imaging was conducted using the gamma camera in list mode for the Ir-192 source of HDR brachytherapy with fixed dwell times and positions. The acquired list-mode images were sorted to millisecond-order interval time sequential images to evaluate the dwell time at each position. Time count rate curves were derived to calculate the dwell time at each source position and moving speed of the source.We could measure the millisecond-order time sequential images for the Ir-192 source. The measured times for the preset dwell times of 2 s and 10 s were 1.98 to 2.00 s full width at half maximum (FWHM) and 10.0 s FWHM, respectively. The dwell times at the first dwell position were larger than those at other positions. We also measured the moving speeds of the source after the dwells while moving back to the afterloader and found the speed increased with the distance from the edge of the field of view to the last dwell position.We conclude that millisecond-order time sequential imaging of the Ir-192 source is possible by using a gamma camera and is useful for evaluating the dwell times and moving speeds of the Ir-192 source.

AIM Disease characteristics of primary biliary cholangitis have changed recently. However, detailed studies on the subject have been limited. Therefore, we aimed to clarify disease characteristics of patients with recent primary biliary cholangitis using the cohort from Niigata University and 21 affiliated hospitals. METHODS Overall, 508 patients were enrolled in this study from 1982 to 2016, divided into three cohorts according to their year of diagnosis: ≤1999, 2000-2009 and ≥2010. We compared differences in clinical characteristics, response to ursodeoxycholic acid and prognosis. RESULTS The male-to-female ratio increased incrementally from 1:16.4 (≤1999) to 1:3.8 (≥2010) (P

Introduction Pathological abnormalities first appear in the medial temporal regions including entorhinal cortex and parahippocampus in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies showed that olfactory decline in elderly subjects was associated with volume reductions in the left hippocampus and left parahippocampus without cognitive impairment. The aim of this study is to investigate the link between olfaction and volume reductions in the medial temporal regions including the parahippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampal subfields. Method 27 elderly subjects and 27 young controls were measured olfaction acuity, cognitive function, and structural magnetic resonance imaging. Image processing and gray matter volumetric segmentation were performed with FreeSurfer. Volume data were analyzed with SPSS Statistics software. Results Interesting results of this study were that volume reduction in the entorhinal cortex was not directly linked with declining olfactory ability. Volume reduction in the left entorhinal cortex was correlated with volume reduction in the left parahippocampus and dentate gyrus. However, left parahippocampus volume reduction had the greatest impact on olfactory decline, and the entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus might additionally contribute to olfactory decline. Conclusion Our results indicate that olfactory decline may be directly reflected in the medial temporal regions as reduced parahippocampus volumes, rather than as morphological changes in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. The parahippocampus may play an important role in the association between memory retrieval and olfactory identification., Left: Visualization of brain segmentation in a single subject with FreeSurfer. The entorhinal cortex (ENT) is indicated in red, and the parahippocampus (para‐HI) is indicated in green. Right: Visualization of hippocampal subfield segmentation in a single subject with each subfield represented by a different color.

Introduction Exercise therapies during rehabilitation significantly promote recovery from various deficits after cerebral infarction, which is mediated by neuronal plasticity with distinct inputs. Although adult neurogenesis can also be modulated by neuronal activity before synaptogenesis, how distinct exercises contribute to the neurological reorganization of the injured cerebral cortex remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of different exercise therapies on motor recovery and neuronal reorganization after photochemically induced focal cerebral infarction. Methods Here, we examined the effects of three different exercises—(a) forced lower‐intensity and (b) higher‐intensity treadmill exercises, and (c) voluntary exercise with wheel running—on motor recovery and adult neurogenesis in a rat model of focal cerebral infarction. Photochemically induced thrombosis (PIT) was used to generate focal infarction in rats that was mostly confined to their motor cortices. Results Beam walking tests showed that recovery after PIT‐induced cortical infarction differed in acute and chronic stages and was influenced by the type of exercise. Furthermore, forced low‐intensity training had more positive effects on functional recovery than other exercises or control. To evaluate the production of newly generated cells including de novo neurogenesis, we performed lineage analysis with BrdU labeling and immunofluorescence experiments. Lower‐intensity treadmill exercise increased the number of BrdU/NeuN colabeled cells, but not total BrdU‐retaining or BrdU/Sox2‐colabeled cells, in the peri‐infarct region of the ipsilateral cortex. In contrast, high‐intensity treadmill or voluntary exercises had the opposite effects. Conclusions These results suggest that neuronal maturation can be differently modulated by distinct exercises and that low‐intensity treadmill exercise could result in more potent generation of mature neurons. This also suggests the possibility that the generation of neural stem/progenitor cells and differentiation might be modulated by rehabilitation‐mediated neural plasticity., Lower‐intensity treadmill exercise could increase the number of BrdU/NeuN colabeled cells, but not total BrdU‐retaining and BrdU/Sox2‐colabeled cells, in the peri‐infarct region of the ipsilateral cortex. Interestingly, high‐intensity treadmill or voluntary exercises exerted the opposite effects.

BACKGROUND Digital pathology increasingly has been gaining the attention of pathologists worldwide. However, the application of digital cytology by Panoptiq (ViewsIQ, Vancouver, Canada) microscope-based scanning software is relatively unexplored. Panoptiq enables the operator to combine low-power panoramic digital images with z-stacks at regions of interest with a significantly smaller image size than that obtained by whole-slide scanning. The current study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the use of Panoptiq in the digital interpretation of cervicovaginal cytology specimens in comparison with conventional light microscopy. METHODS A total of 100 liquid-based cytology slides were selected sequentially. The dotted slides were reviewed and scanned, in which all dotted areas were scanned further by the ×20 objective with z-stacks. The cases were reviewed by 4 pathologists and a cytotechnologist using conventional light microscopy and digital cytology images acquired by Panoptiq and interpreted based on the Bethesda classification system. The washout time was set as 3 weeks. The Cohen kappa coefficient was calculated to measure the agreement between the 2 modalities. RESULTS Digital cytology demonstrated an intermodality agreement among 3 observers who had sufficient training in digital pathology at concordance rates between 81% and 90% with kappa values between 0.76 and 0.86, whereas the other 2 observers who did not have sufficient training in digital pathology had lower agreement at a concordance rate of between 56% and 57%, with kappa values between 0.41 and 0.44. CONCLUSIONS Panoptiq appears to be feasible for the interpretation of cervicovaginal cytology specimens but requires adequate training in digital pathology. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:918-25. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Luminescence processes occurring in the 5d1 excited state of Ce3+ and Pr3+ centers in the (Gd,RE)3(Ga,Al)5O12, RE=Lu,Y, multicomponent garnet host were studied by purely optical contactless methods. Combination of measurements of the prompt nanosecond decay and slow delayed radiative recombination decay allows to resolve the presence of thermal quenching and thermally induced ionization processes acting upon the 5d1 excited state. Additional energy transfer process depleting the 5d1 state of Pr3+ center was found and is due to the resonance of 5d1-3H4 emission transition of Pr3+ and 8S-6Px absorption transition of Gd3+ which might be responsible for noticeably lower light yield in Pr-doped multicomponent garnets. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Ce1%:(GdxY1-x)AlO3 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) crystals were grown by the μ-PD method with RF heating system. All of the grown crystals show single perovskite phase. Ce3+ 4f-5d emission is observed within 360-400nm wavelength. Emission peak shifts to shorter wavelength with increasing Y concentration. In order to determine light yield, the energy spectra were collected under 662 keV γ-ray excitation (137Cs source) and detection by an PMT R6451(Hamamatsu). The light yield was calculated by comparing to LYSO standard. The light yield of Ce1%:(GdxY1-x)AlO3samples were increased with increasing Y concentration and Ce1%:Gd0.6Y0.4AlO3sample shows the highest light yield of 14,000 photon/MeV. Scintillation decay time was around 14.4 ns (16%) with slower decay component of.139 ns (84%) (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Some Eu-doped scintillators, such as Eu:SrI2, emit around 400-nm wavelength that originates from 5d-4f transition of Eu2+, while some Eu-doped crystals have emissions from Eu3+ (f-f emission). In this report, effect of Eu-doping on optical and scintillation properties of SrF2 crystals with Core-valence luminescence is discussed. The samples had 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mol% of Eu and were grown by an annealing method. As a result, 5D0-7Fi (i =1, 2) transition (Eu3+) was detected in the SrF2, containing over 0.5 mol% of Eu, while emission from 0.1 and 0.2-mol% Eu:SrF2 originated from 5d-4f transition of Eu2+ and Core-valence luminescence. The light output of SrF2 doped with 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mol% Eu was estimated to be 13,000 ± 1,000, 12,000 ± 1,000, 13,000 ± 2,000, 8,000 ± 1,000 and 7,000 ± 1,000 photons/MeV, respectively. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

10%-Ce doped GdScO3 perovskite type single crystal was grown by the Czochralski process. The Ce concentration in the crystal was measured. No impurity phases were observed by powder X-ray diffraction analysis. We evaluated the optical and radiation properties of the grown crystal. Ce:GdScO3 crystal showed photo- and radio-luminescence peaks due to Ce3+ of 5d-4f transition and colour centre. The photoluminescence decay time was sub-ns order. The relative light yield under 5.5 MeV alpha-ray excitation was calculated to be approximately 9% of BGO. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The BaLu2F8 crystals doped with 1 mol% Tm, Nd and Er were prepared by micro-pulling-down method to study their scintillation and luminescence properties. The unwanted phase transition from orthorhombic structure to monoclinic one, which occurs some 50 °C below the melting point, was avoided using Li-flux. No Li-containing secondary phase was observed. Radioluminescence measurements of Nd-doped samples revealed 5d-4f Nd3+ luminescence situated around 180nm, the intensity of which was comparable with that of the LaF3:Nd 8% reference scintillator sample. Further slight enhancement of the Nd3+ 5d-4f emission was achieved by Tm3+ co-doping probably due to energy transfer from the Tm3+ 5d levels to the Nd3+ ones. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Ce1%:(GdxY1-x)3Al5O12 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) crystals were grown by the μ-PD method. In the range of x=0∼0.4, the grown crystals showed single garnet phase, but x=0.6 and 0.8 crystals showed secondary perovskite phase. In these crystals, Ce3+ 4f-5d emission was observed within 500-530 nm wavelength. Emission peaks shifted to shorter wavelength and the decay times was delayed with increasing Gd concentration. The light yield of Ce:(Gd0.6Y0.4)3Al5O12sample was around 13,000 photon/MeV. Scintillation decay time was around 111 ns (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Optical and scintillation properties of a 1.0-mol% Dy-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) grown under N2 atmosphere and undoped YAG crystals were investigated. Both crystals were grown by the Czochralski process. The one of the undoped YAG crystal was grown in an Ar + H2 (97:3) reducing atmosphere. Absorption peaks at 352 nm and 366 nm observed in 1.0-mol% Dy-doped YAG originated from 4f-4f transition of Dy3+. In addition, the crystal showed sharp emission lines at near 482 nm and 584 nm under 352 nm UV and alpha-ray excitation. The light output of Dy-doped YAG was estimated to be approximately 20,000 photons/(5.5-MeV alpha ray, 241Am). The scintillation decay time constants for Dy-doped YAG crystal was around 400 ns and 40 ns. Undoped YAG crystals grown under Ar + H2(97:3) atmosphere showed absorption and excitation peak at 370 nm. A 400-nm emission peak was observed under 370-nm excitation. The light output of the crystal was also estimated to be 50,000 photons/(5.5-MeV alpha ray). The scintillation decay time constants of the crystal were around 370 ns and 50 ns. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Ce 2% doped LiYF4 [Ce:LYF] bulk single crystal was grown by Czochralski method and the structural phase, crystallinity, optical properties and scintillation properties were investigated. Grown Ce:LYF bulk single crystal included some cracks in the initial part of crystal and meanwhile there were no visible cracks in the center and end parts. Full width of half maximum of X-ray rocking curve on the plate crystal in center part of Ce:LYF bulk single crystal was 81.4 arcsec. Alpha-ray position in the pulse-height spectra under alpha-ray irradiation was almost quarter that of Li-glass(GS20). Decay times of the crystals in center and end parts were 69.9 and 58.3 ns, respectively (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Ce-doped Gd3Al3Ga2O12 (Ce:GAGG) crystal shows good scintillation performances, especially high light yield. However, its scintillation decay contains slower components. Such phenomenon is due to the delayed radiative recombination process which is caused by trapping effects in the transport stage of scintillation mechanism. Various defects including oxygen vacancy can give rise to shallow traps in the forbidden gap of the material which can cause such phenomena. To study the influence of such oxygen defects, 0.2-mol% Ce-doped GAGG single crystals were grown by Floating Zone method using growth atmosphere with different oxygen concentrations. The optical and scintillation properties of the crystals were examined. The light yield and emission wavelength of these samples did not depend on the oxygen content in the growth atmosphere. On the other hand, scintillation decays of the samples grown under the high oxygen concentrations (100 and 40% oxygen) were faster than that of the sample grown under the lower concentration (20%). Oxygen content in the growth atmosphere thus appears an important parameter in the optimization of the growth process of these materials (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The optical and scintillation properties of 0.5% fixed Ce-doped (Y1-xGdx)AlO3 single crystals have been investigated at three different levels of Gd doping: x = 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6. Single crystal of the Ce3+-doped (Y0.8Gd0.2)AlO3, (Y0.6Gd0.4)AlO3 and (Y0.4Gd0.6)AlO3 were successfully grown by μ-PD technique in nitrogen atmosphere. From X-ray diffraction analysis, no impurity phase was detected for the grown Ce-doped crystals. Ce-doped (Y0.6Gd0.4)AlO3 crystal demonstrated highest fluorescence quantum efficiency (∼ 25%) with improvement of excitation efficiency due to the Gd-doping. When irradiated by the alpha-rays from a 241Am source, all the Ce-doped crystals showed luminescence band that corresponding to 5d (t2g)-4f transition of Ce3+. The scintillation decay time was characterized by two components; the fast component (5-15 ns) is ascribed to 5d-4f transition of Ce3+, while the slow one (100-200 ns) may be related to energy transfer between Ce3+ and Gd3+ ion. According to the result of 137Cs gamma-ray irradiated pulse height spectra compared with BGO scintillator, the relative scintillation light output was found to be about 12200 ± 1220 (Gd 20%) and 16000 ± 1600 (Gd 40%) ph/MeV. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

In this work, scintillation properties of Ce1%, Pr1%, Eu1% and non-doped La3-xLu2+xGa3O12 (LLGG) single crystals were evaluated. At first, in order to investigate single phase region of La3-xLu2+xGa3O12, crystal growth was carried out for undoped LLGG crystal. After that, Ce1%, Pr1% and Eu1% doped La2.5Lu2.5Ga3O12 crystals were grown by the μ-PD method. Radioluminescence spectra and photoluminescence decay curve of these crystals ware measured. Energy spectra were collected under 5.5 MeV α-ray excitation (241Am source) and detected by an PMT R7600U (Hamamatsu) in order to determine light yield. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Aim: In Japan, the etiology of 10–20% of cases of acute hepatitis remains unclarified. This study was conducted to verify the agent causing non-A–E hepatitis. Methods: Serum samples from 500 blood donors with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were screened by polymerase chain reaction using primers constructed from conserved areas of RNA virus helicase. The sequence obtained was investigated for viral properties. Results: Four blood samples were found to contain a novel DNA sequence of 9496 bp, which was designated KIs-V. KIs-V was sensitive to the restriction enzyme SalI and BstXI. Rolling-circle amplification produced an excessive amount of KIs-V DNA. In sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation, KIs-V banded at a 1.158-g/cm3 density. Detergent treatment increased the density of KIs-V. There was no KIs-V DNA amplification from human leukocyte DNA. Serial filtration suggested that KIs-V was included in a 30–50-nm size particle. In silico analysis revealed that KIs-V contained 13 potential genes, none of which showed homology to any viral proteins reported. One gene showed similarity to a DNA polymerase domain. Strong signals for transcription initiation and a CpG island were identified. The nucleotide composition of KIs-V showed a characteristic feature of circular DNA genomes that contain a replication origin and a terminus. In a preliminary study, KIs-V was frequently identified among hepatitis E virus antibody positive individuals with elevated ALT levels. Conclusion: A new sequence KIs-V was isolated from blood donors with elevated ALT levels. It was suggested that KIs-V is a double-stranded circular DNA genome derived from a novel category of enveloped viruses.

Optical and scintillation properties of Pr3+-activated Ca3(BO3)2 (CBO) single crystals for neutron scintillator applications were examined. The crystals were grown by the micro-pulling down (µ-PD) method. In transmittance spectra, two absorption lines at 210 and 245 nm were observed and they were identified as Pr3+ transition from the ground state 3H to 5d state. The both of photo- and radio-luminescence spectra of Pr3+-doped CBO crystals demonstrated intense peak at 260 and 310 nm which was ascribed to the transition from the lowest 5d excited state to the 4f ground state levels of 3H. The main decay component was about 16–17 ns under 245 nm excitation wavelength. The relative scintillation light yield of 1.0% Pr3+-doped CBO was about 90% when compared with that of reference Li-glass scintillator (GS20) under 241Am 5.5 MeV α-ray excitation, while that measured under 252Cf neutron irradiation was about 20%. It was concluded that this difference originated from the difference of energy released from the neutron reactions.

Transparent ceramics of Pr-doped (0.2 mol%, 0.6 mol%, 1 mol%, and 2 mol%) Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) scintillators produced by the sintering method are discussed. These materials were cut to the specimens with physical dimensions of 5 × 5 × 2 mm3. Similar size specimens were also prepared from Czochralski grown Pr:LuAG single crystals to compare scintillation properties. Their transmittance and radio luminescence spectra were evaluated. All specimens were highly transparent in wavelength range above 300 nm, and intense Pr3+ 5d-4f emission was detected around 310 and 370 nm under excitation with X-ray. Under 137Cs γ-ray is irradiation, 2 keV photo-absorption peaks were also clearly observed in each sample. The Pr 0.6 mol% doped LuAG ceramics demonstrated highest light yield achievable among the ceramics, and it was half of that observed in the single crystals. Under pulse X-ray excitation, the decay time constants became faster when Pr concentration increased, and. the fastest decay (∼5.7 ns time constant) was noticed in the 2 mol% doped ceramic. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The optical and scintillation properties of (Ca1-xNdx)F2+x, NdF3 and (Na0.425Lu0.575-xNdx)F2.15 single crystals grown from the melt by the Micro-Pulling-Down (μ-PD) method were compared. The grown crystals except NdF3 were single-phase materials with fluorite-type structure (Fm-3m, Z = 4). Lattice constants of both grown crystals increased proportionally with Nd concentration. The Nd3+ 5d-4f absorption wavelength of (Na0.425Lu0.575-xNdx)F2.15shifted to longer wavelength region when content of Nd in the crystals increased, while that of (Ca1-xNdx)F2+x shifted to shorter wavelength region. Nd3+ 5d-4f luminescence was observed for all the samples under X-ray excitation. The maximum of the luminescence peak of (Na0.425Lu0.575-xNdx)F2.15 was also shifted to longer wavelength region, while that of (Ca1-xNdx)F2+x shifted to shorter wavelength region with increasing of Nd content. From these results, the effect of interstitial F- on optical properties of rare-earth doped CaF2 was considered (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Using the micro-pulling-down method, (Ce,Sr)-doped PrAlO3 square-shaped single crystals (4×4×12 mm) were grown. Structural parameters studied by X-ray powder diffraction were consistent with R3m space group. Compositional homogeneity was checked with electron probe micro-analysis and found quite uniform. Absorption spectra and luminescence characteristics under UV and X-ray excitations were measured at room temperature with no Ce-related emission appeared. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

This paper deals with Pr-doped and Pr, Si-codoped YAlO3 single crystal growth by the micro-pulling-down method and investigation of their spectroscopic and scintillating properties. The Pr3+ 5d -4f radioluminescence intensity is more than 10 times higher than that of Bi4Ge3O12 standard sample, but the Si-codoping decreases it. Absorption spectra of as-grown and air-annealed Si,Pr-codoped YAlO3 samples show along with an onset of 4f -5d transition round 230 nm the induced absorption band at 400 nm which possibly related to a hole center absorption (Pr4+ or O-). Thermoluminescence measurements above the room temperature were performed in order to monitor deep electron traps. Strong concentration dependence of thermoluminescence was observed for Pr:YAlO3 glow curves. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) implemented a fully automated pooling and nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) system for testing seronegative donations. The JRC sample repository and repeat blood donations allowed for lookback and follow-up studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA–positive donors, who tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti–hepatitis B core antigen in the JRC screening system. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: From February 1, 2000, to March 31, 2003, 17,314,486 units were tested in 50-sample pools with a semiautomated multiplex assay system (AMPLINAT MPX test, Roche). During this period, 328 HBV DNA–positive donations were found. From 26 of these donors, sequential samples were available at short intervals. This enabled us to examine the dynamics of viral markers in acute HBV infection. The length of detectable periods of plasma viremia and antigenemia were estimated by regression analysis from the results obtained in the quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (JRC) and HBsAg enzyme immunoassay (Auszyme II, AxSYM, Abbott) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (Abbott). RESULTS: The median length of detectable HBV DNA in individual donation and 20-sample minipool (MP) NAT format was estimated to be 74 and 50 days, respectively, whereas the median length of detectable HBsAg was estimated to be 42 days. Six of the 26 donors were infected with mutant viruses, and 3 of these 6 donors did not develop detectable HBsAg during the entire observation period, despite a moderately high viral load of 104 to 105 HBV DNA copies per mL. CONCLUSION: Transmission of mutant virus may cause occult HBV infection in the acute stage. HBV NAT, even in MP configuration, is more effective than HBsAg testing and capable of interdicting infected donors in the pre- and post-HBsAg window periods.

Ti and Mn-doped MgAl2O4 spinel have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down method and spectroscopic properties have been investigated in view of the potential use as a short-wavelength tunable solid-state laser. Strong blue emission is observed from Ti-doped MgAl2O4 and green emission from a Mn-doped one. The optimum conditions to obtain the strongest emission were studied by changing the doping concentration. These two broad emission bands around 455 nm for Ti (decay time of 5.7 µs) and 518 nm for Mn (decay time of 6.11 ms) were obtained by pumping in the UV region at 266 nm and 355 nm, respectively. Discussion is submitted to assign the origins of each type of fluorescence in spinel. Ni2+-doped crystal exhibits a broad absorption band at around 980 nm suitable for InGaAs laser diode pumping and a broad emission band in the near infrared with two decay times at 210 µs and 850 µs respectively and high quantum yields. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Shaped single crystals of Bi:Gd 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 (Bi = 0.102, 0.126 and 0.141 mol.%) and Bi:Y 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 (Bi = 0.041, 0.047 and 0.061 mol.%) were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. Measured optical absorption spectra show an absorption band round 290 nm ascribed to the lowest energy 6s 2 →6s6p transition of Bi 3 + . Difference in the position of the emission spectra of Bi-related bands in Gd 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 (470 nm) and Y 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 (314 nm) was explained by the lower local distortion of Bi polyhedron in Y 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 host leading to smaller Stokes shift of only 0.36 eV. Unsuitability of Bi-doping in the Gd 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 host to get energy transfer from Gd 3 + towards Bi 3 + centers was concluded, while Bi-doped Y 3 Ga 5 O 1 2 could compete against Bi 4 Ge 3 O 1 2 scintillator.

Background and Objectives The Japanese Red Cross (JRC) carries out nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) by using a multiplex (MPX) reagent. Screening is undertaken on serologically negative units. In this study we characterized HBV NAT-positive donations individually and analysed the window period and kinetics of HBV DNA, during acute infection, in follow-up studies. Materials and Methods Two hundred and seventy-seven HBV DNA-positive donations have been identified in Japan since the introduction of NAT screening of 50-donation minipools. The viral loads and genotypes of these HBV DNA-positive donations were characterized. The doubling time and half-life of HBV was estimated from the data of 123 follow-up donors. The sensitivity of the NAT system (based on 50-donation minipools) was compared with the sensitivities of the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Samples that were CLIA negative, but with > 104 copies/ml of HBV DNA, were analysed by sequencing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) region. Results Out of 277 HBV NAT-positive samples, 125 (45%) were found to have an increasing viral load and 45 (16%) a decreasing viral load. Forty per cent of HBV NAT-positive samples with an increasing viral load, and 33% of those with a decreasing viral load, were negative when tested by using the CLIA. No mutations related to escape mutants were found in the samples that were CLIA negative but with HBV DNA loads of > 104 copies/ml. The median HBV doubling time was 2·6 days (n = 93, 1·3–15·2 days) and the half-life was 1·6 days (n = 55, 0·9–6·3 days). Some kinetic difference was observed between genotypes A and B. Conclusions HBV NAT screening detected HBV DNA in both early (the so-called serological window period) and late stages of acute HBV infection.

Background and Objectives The Japanese Red Cross screens seronegative blood donors by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus-1 markers. NAT-positive donors thus identified seemed to have a different infectious background from serologically positive donors. The purpose of our study was to characterize this background in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) NAT-positive donors. Materials and Methods Some 328 HBV DNA-positive and 44 HCV RNA-positive donors were detected by NAT testing of seronegative blood donors. These were characterized regarding age, gender and genotype of HBV and HCV. Results Those who were HBV NAT-positive were mainly young, in particular teenage girls. In Japan, genotypes C and B have previously been dominant, but recently genotype A has increased, and genotype H was recently detected. In HBV NAT-positive donors, the rate of genotype A was high (12·2%) compared with patients in hospital (1·7–2%). Donors who were HCV NAT-positive were also young, but mostly men in their twenties. The ratio of genotype 1b to 2a or 1b to 2b in HCV NAT-positive donors differed from that of hospitalized patients in Japan. We did not find genotype 1a, which is dominant in the USA. Conclusions The high-risk donors detected by NAT were mainly young, with a different distribution of genotypes from that of hospitalized patients, regarding both HBV and HCV. The rare HBV genotype H has been found for the first time in Japan. The findings reflect the present spread of hepatitis viruses B and C.

We developed the growth technique of the CeBr3 scintillator single crystal by a Halide-micro-pulling-down (H-μ-PD) method using a carbon crucible with a die under suitable temperature gradient. Four-types after-heaters with different configurations were prepared to control the temperature gradient around the liquid-solid interface during crystal growth. The high temperature gradient resulted in the stable meniscus during the crystal growth and the CeBr3 single crystal with high transparency could be obtained. The light yield and the decay time under γ-ray irradiation were ∼68,000 ph/MeV and 19 ns, respectively.

The first nationwide nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) of voluntarily donated blood after serological pre-screening and before release of cellular components and plasma for fractionation was implemented by the Japanese Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services. From February 1, 2000 to April 30, 2001, specimens from 6,805,010 units of serologically negative donation were screened in minipools of 50 samples within 24 hr after blood donation by NAT using multiplex HBV/HCV/HIV-1 reagent for blood transfusion including short shelf-life platelets. Among them, 112 HBV DNA-positives, 25 HCV RNA positives and 4 HIV-1 RNA positives were screened out and we could prevent transfusion of these NAT positive units. Subtypes/genotypes of HBV DNA, adr/C, adw/A, adw/B, adw/C, ayr/C and ayw/D were found and adr/C was predominant. A total of 61.6 % of them (69/112) were negative by overnight EIA. Sixth three of HBV NAT-positive samples carried virus loads less than 10(4) copies/mL and 92.1 % of them (58/63) were negative by overnight EIA. The virus growth curves of HBV in 6 cases obtained by retrospective and prospective follow-up study showed exponential straight lines in the early stage of serological window periods and the log times of HBV growth (10 fold increase) in serological window period were between 4.6 and 7.6 days. NAT screening with highly sensitive reagents in pool of specimens is useful to exclude blood units with low level of HBV and HBV mutants from blood transfusion.

Yb-doped Ca8La2(PO4)6O2 (CLPA) single crystals with the apatite-type structure and having orientation were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The apatite structure is represented by the monophased field of Ca8(La2–xYbx)-(PO4)6O2 (CLYPA) where it is assumed that 2 Ca2+ sites are substituted by La3+ and Yb3+ cations. Its monophased range was found to be from x = 0.0 to 0.2. The segregation of Yb3+ in CLPA single crystals and the maximum Yb3+ concentration are discussed. The crystallinity was studied using X-ray rocking curve analysis. Absorption, emission and fluorescence decay studies of Yb3+ ions in CLPA were also carried out both at low temperature and room temperature. Spectroscopic data reveal Yb3+ ion occupation within different crystallographic sites of the apatite-type structure. The potential for a diode-pumped Yb3+ laser is evaluated.

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that tissue factor (TF) plays an important role in tumor metastasis. Its expression in sarcoma cells was reported to up-regulate the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and thereby enhance tumor angiogenesis, which is essential to tumor metastasis. Although many malignant tumors have been reported to express this protein constitutively, recent clinical studies have focused mainly on the correlations among TF expression, tumor progression, and histologic grade. Therefore, to address the role of TF and the underlying mechanism of hematogenous metastasis of colorectal carcinoma, the authors analyzed the correlations among TF expression, hepatic metastasis, and VEGF gene expression in surgical specimens. Furthermore, they analyzed the prognostic significance of TF expression with respect to overall patient survival. METHODS Expression of TF and VEGF genes in 67 advanced colorectal carcinoma specimens was studied by immunohistochemistry and Northern blot analysis, respectively. The correlations among TF expression, hepatic metastasis, and other factors were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. RESULTS Univariate and multivariate analyses showed TF expression to be a significant (P = 0.0001) and independent risk factor for hepatic metastasis, whereas a weak but insignificant correlation was observed between TF and VEGF gene expression. The outcomes in the TF positive group were significantly worse in all cases (P = 0.0001) and in the cases without synchronous hepatic metastasis (P = 0.0156). CONCLUSIONS Although the precise mechanisms are unknown, TF expression is a suitable indicator of both hepatic metastasis and prognosis for colorectal carcinoma patients. Cancer 2000;88:295–301. © 2000 American Cancer Society.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to survey the epidemiology of recently reported non-A through -E hepatitis virus designated hepatitis G virus (HGV) and its strain variant, the GB agent (GBV-C). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Pilot samples from 2461 blood donors in Japan, randomly selected to form cohorts with different levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and markers of hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, were tested for RNA of HGV/GBV-C by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with nested primers deduced from the 5'-noncoding region. RESULTS: HGV/GBV-C RNA was detected in 23 (7.4%) of the 361 donors with anti-HCV and HCV RNA. This detection is more frequent than that in donors without elevated ALT levels (

Photo- and radioluminescence characteristics of the Pr3+-doped Lu3Al5O12 single crystal are reported and compared with those of Pr-doped Y3Al5O12. With respect to the Y3Al5O12 host, lower emission quenching and better temperature stability round 300 K is obtained for the Pr3+ 5d–4f emission peaking round 308 nm and about a factor 2 higher radioluminescence intensity is observed around this temperature. The photoluminescence decay time is of about 17 ns, while the scintillation decay is dominated by the component of about 25 ns. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Luminescence spectra and decay are measured under X- and gamma-ray excitation in single crystals of PrF3:Ce3% prepared by the micro-pulling-down method and compared with those of CeF3. The dominant emission of Ce3+ is peaking at 285 nm and both the photoluminescence and scintillation decays show similar decay times of 17 and 20 ns, respectively. Scintillation efficiency of PrF3:Ce is higher than that of CeF3 due to the absence of specific quenching in the ionisation track found earlier in the CeF3 scintillator. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

In order to study the effect of the interaction and coalescence of multisurface cracks on the static fatigue behavior of brittle materials such as glass and ceramics, a single crack and three collinear cracks were introduced on the surfaces of plate specimens of glass ceramics by Vickers microhardness indentation and were subjected to a constant four-point bending load. It was found that time-to-failure for a certain applied stress significantly decreased with the decrease in the crack center distance of indentation cracks, and the effect of interaction and coalescence of multicracks was shown to be significant. On the basis of the crack growth parameters for a single crack, time-to-failure for multicracks was predicted by taking the interaction and coalescence into consideration. It was demonstrated that the proposed multicrack coalescence model gives better predictions.

Phase transition of solid solution phases of (Nd x ,Sm 1− x )AlO 3 was investigated by powder X-ray diffraction technique. The transition temperature T c from orthorhombic to trigonal structure is linearly related to x in (Nd x ,Sm 1− x )AlO 3 with the relation of T c (°C)=−1043.4 x +785.8 as an approximation at ambient pressure. This transition is reversible against the change of temperature. At room temperature, the structural change from orthorhombic to trigonal system takes place at around x =0.73 when x varies from 0.0 to 1.0 in (Nd x ,Sm 1− x )AlO 3 . Thus, the average ionic radius of R 3+ plays an important role to decide the structure of RAlO 3 , and an appropriate selection of ionic radius r R for R will function so as to control temperature and/or pressure for the structural change. As a result, structural diagram of RAlO 3 given by temperature condition and atomic number of R, which implies a phase diagram under pressure and temperature conditions, was proposed. Change of molar volume of a series of RAlO 3 was also discussed based on both effects of temperature and ionic radius R 3+ .

Sera obtained from patients with non‐A, non‐B hepatitis were examined for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome by using the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assay, as well as for antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV) by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also examined the presence of HCV RNA in liver tissue obtained by surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. Among 33 patients, HCV RNA was detectable in 21 (64%), and the antibody was also positive in 21 (64%). Eighteen (55%) patients were positive for both assays. The two assays gave inconsistent results in 3 patients who were positive for HCV RNA but negative for anti‐HCV, and in 3 other patients who were negative for HCV RNA and positive for anti‐HCV. HCV RNA was also detected in 6 out of 10 non‐cancerous liver tissue specimens and in 3 out of 7 tumor tissue specimens. Using the polymerase chain reaction, the HCV genome was detected directly in many specimens obtained from patients with non‐A, non‐B hepatitis, suggesting the presence of replicating virus in patients positive for anti‐HCV. In addition, the differing results of the two assay systems suggest that the application of both is important for evaluation of the status of HCV infection.