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Abstract: Objective: Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN) has become the standard procedure for renal transplantation. This technique is considered less invasive for the donor, allowing lower postoperative analgesic requirements and a faster return to daily activities. In Japan, 1123 renal transplantation were performed in 2009. And, almost 83% were living related procedures. The aim of this study was a retrospective assessment of the safety and outcomes of LLDN on renal transplantations. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the intraoperative data and surgical complications for 21 patients who underwent retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy between June 2009 and March 2011. Results: LLDN was successfully completed in all patients, without conversion to open surgery. Mean operative time was 243.5 ± 46.0 minutes with an average blood loss of 46.0 ± 46.1 mL. Warm ischemic time was 2.1 ± 0.62 minutes. Hospital stay was 11.1 ± 2.7 days. There were no major donor complications. One patient presented a wound infection responding to conservative treatment. Conclusions: LLDN is a safe effective procedure. The vascular stapler is useful to manage the renal vessels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a study which examined anode surfaces states and traces of the cathode spots after arcing of various anode discharge modes in vacuum arcs. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Vacuum UV photolyses of silane and chlorinated silanes were investigated by using rare gas resonance lamps. Strong emissions, from the A 2Δ→X 2Π transition of SiH and the 1P0→1D2 transition of Si were observed in the photolysis of SiH4 by Ar and Kr resonance lamps. It was suggested that the threshold energies for the appearance of both emissions were lower than the values obtained by the electron impact of SiH4 reported by Perrin et al. A new broad unstructured emission band in the region 300–400 nm was observed in the photolysis of SiH2Cl2 and SiHCl3 by Ar, Kr, and Xe lamps. The band was attributed to the A 1B1→X 1A1 transition of SiCl2 radicals from the measurement of the appearance energy of the emission by using synchrotron orbital radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a diagnosis of admixture type of hyperplastic polyp of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) in a 67-year-old man with a history of reflux esophagitis and was presented to the hospital complaining of heartburn.

Abstract: A 25-year-old male, blood type A, was admitted to our hospital for renal transplantation from his father of AB blood type. Before transplant, we performed laparoscopic splenectomy. The serum anti-B antibody titer fell from 1:8 to 1:2. Therefore, plasmapheresis was not performed. The total ischemic time was 80 minutes. Five immunosuppressive agents, including tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisolone, basiliximab, and deoxyspergualine, were administered in the initial period. On the 47th day, value of cytomegalovirus antibody, which was routinely measured, became positive. Hence, we administered ganciclovir, with a fall in antibody. Sixty-five days after transplant, he was discharged with a serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL. We concluded that it was possible to perform ABO-incompatible renal transplantation with no need for plasmapheresis or rituximab. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dust generated by plasma–wall interaction is a potential source of tritium retention in a fusion reactor. Evaluation of the dust accumulation in the entire vacuum vessel is required to estimate the total amount of tritium retention, but it was particularly difficult to measure for plasma-unexposed areas behind the PFC structures, i.e. “shadow areas”. Dust samples were collected at 3, 5 and 2–4 different toroidal locations on the first wall, divertor surface and the exhaust route under the divertor in JT-60U, respectively. On the tile surface, large mass area density was found at the inner divertor and baffle, in particular, upper tiles compared to the lower target tile where the thick deposition layers were produced. Mass area density was significantly increased at the shadow areas, i.e. under the divertor structure such as the divertor and baffle tiles and the divertor dome. It was found that the poloidal distribution is relatively symmetrical in the toroidal direction within a factor of three. In comparison with the previous collection just before major change of the plasma operations, dust accumulation was increased both at the exposed and shadow areas due to change in the operating conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of administrated interferon (IFN)-α on Reovirus type-2 (Reo-2)-triggered autoimmune insulitis. Newborn DBA/1J mice infected with Reo-2 (on day 0) showed the highest titre in the pancreas on day 5 and thereafter the titre declined. Similar viral growth curve with lower titre was found in the spleen and thymus. Insulitis with impaired glucose tolerance developed in infected mice on day 10, but not on day 5. IFN-α was produced in the blood on days 3 and 5, but not on days 7 and 10. During the virus growth phase, IFN-α positive(+) cells were detected in some pancreatic islet cells and infiltrated dendritic cells (DCs) in interstitium. Virus antigen positive cells were detected in islet cells, but not in DCs. Administration with IFN-α (102, 103 or 104 international unit) on day 7, which is the time of the disappearance of virus from the pancreas and IFN-α from the blood, exacerbated insulitis with increased glucose values compared to only infected mice. IFN-α administration at the same time of infection did not develop insulitis. In addition, IFN-α administration in uninfected mice on day 7 did not cause any damage to islet cells. The present study suggests that IFN-α may have a possibility to exacerbate Reo-2-tiggered mild insulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is associated with fatal outcomes for patients with acute type A aortic dissection, and the presence of cardiac tamponade should prompt urgent aortic repair. However, treatment of the patient with critical cardiac tamponade who cannot survive until surgery remains unclear. We analyzed our experience of controlled pericardial drainage (CPD) managing critical cardiac tamponade. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between September 2003 and May 2011, 175 patients with acute type A aortic dissection were treated surgically, including 43 (24.6%) who presented with cardiac tamponade on arrival. Eighteen patients, who did not respond to intravenous volume resuscitation, underwent CPD in the emergency department. An 8F pigtail drainage catheter was inserted percutaneously, and drainage volume was controlled by means of several cycles of intermittent drainage to maintain blood pressure at ~=90 mm Hg. After CPD, all of the patients were transferred to the operating room, and immediate aortic repair was performed. Systolic blood pressure before CPD was 64.3±8.2 mm Hg and elevated significantly in all of the cases after CPD. Systolic blood pressure after CPD was 94.8±10.5 mm Hg, and increase in systolic pressure was 30.5±11.7 mm Hg. Total volume of aspirated pericardial effusion was 40.1±30.6 mL, and 10 patients required only <=30-mL aspiration volume. All of the patients underwent aortic repair successfully. In-hospital mortality was 16.7%; however, there was no complications or mortality related to CPD. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pericardial drainage with control of volume is a safe and effective procedure for acute type A aortic dissection complicated by critical cardiac tamponade. In our patient population, timely controlled pericardial drainage is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A prospective radiographical trial. Objective: To elucidate effects of loading associated with spinal canal encroachment (SCE) in patients with insufficient bone union after vertebral fractures in the elderly, using computed tomography-myelography in 2 different positions. Summary Of Background Data: In elderly patients with vertebral fractures, influence of loading would be involved in SCE, but the details are not well understood. Methods: Seventeen patients (mean age, 77.4 ± 8 yr; range, 62-91 yr) with various degrees of neurological deficit due to insufficient bone union at both vertebral body and posterior vertebral wall were included in this study. Computed tomography-myelography was performed in both semisitting and supine positions. Kyphotic angle, rate of dural compression, ratio of occupation by bony fragments, and posterior vertebral body height ratio were measured and compared between positions. Results: Mean ratio of occupation by bony fragments was significantly higher in the semisitting position (47.9 ± 9.2%) than in the supine position (33.9 ± 10.0%, P, 0.001). Similarly, mean posterior vertebral body height ratio was significantly lower in the semisitting position (67.8 ± 10.8%) than in the supine position (76.3 ± 13.3%), indicating a significant loss of vertebral height in the semisitting position (P, 0.001). Mean rate of dural compression was likewise significantly higher in the semisitting position (48.6 ± 13.3%) than in the supine position (33.3 ± 16.5%; P, 0.001). Mean change in ratio of occupation by bony fragments, change in posterior vertebral body height ratio, and angular instability between positions were 13.9 ± 8.6%, 8.5 ± 6.7%, and 13° ± 5.7°, respectively. A significant correlation was identified between change in ratio of occupation by bony fragments and change in posterior vertebral body height ratio (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that collapse of the nonunited posterior vertebral wall and intracanal protrusion of vertebral fragments would occur simultaneously with axial loading, causing SCE. Computed tomographic scan obtained in semisitting position seems quite useful to evaluate the amount of SCE by an unstable posterior wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted to develop detection methods for solar axions using transition-edge-sensor (TES) microcalorimeters. Since the axion absorber comprised of iron-57 (57Fe) is electroplated upon the membrane instead of directly onto the TES itself (with the absorber hence thermally connected to the TES via a gold thermal strap), some of the heat deposited into the absorber consequently escapes into the heat bath through the membrane before being detected by the TES. If the heat-loss depends upon the axion interaction position within the absorber, position dependence may degrade the energy resolution. Therefore, this study endeavored to evaluate the dependence of heat-loss and pulse shape on axion incident position with the COMSOL Multiphysics software package (using a finite element method). In addition, heat-loss and pulse shape were likewise evaluated when the energy was deposited directly within the gold thermal strap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the electrical properties and structure of high-conductivity n-type CdTe films with large crystallite size. Sample preparation; Dark conductivity of the film at room temperature; Explanation on the decrease in the conductivity of the film.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE: lupus) is a chronic complicated autoimmune disease and pathogenesis is still unclear. However, key cytokines have been recognized. Interferon (IFN)-gamma and also IFNalpha/beta are of particular importance. Depending on the concept that lupus is a helper T(Th)1 disease and that dendritic cells (DCs) determine the direction of lupus, balance shift of Th1/Th2 and immunogenic/tolerogenic DCs is reviewed for therapy. (IFN)-gamma- and IFN-alpha/beta-targeted (gene) therapies are introduced. These consist of Th1/Th2 balance shift and elimination of IFN-gamma and IFN-gamma-related cytokines such as (interleukin)IL-12 and IL-18. Other approaches include suppression of immunocompetent cells, normalization of abnormal T-cell function, costimulation blockade, B lymphocyte stimulator (Blys) blockade, and suppression of nephritic kidney inflammation. Moreover, balance shift of IFN-alpha/beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha together with regulatory T(Treg) cells are briefely introduced. Clinical application will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two cases of acute myocardial infarction caused by thrombotic occlusion at the conventional stented site two years after stenting are described. Late thrombotic stent occlusion may be caused by atherosclerotic regression, sustained inflammatory reaction, and inhibition of proliferation of neointima. Cardiologists must be aware of the potential for late thrombosis following even conventional stent implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cardiac microangiopathy may be involved in the development of heart failure in diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of angiotensin II receptor blockade on cardiac function and fine structures in diabetes. METHODS: Male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (n = 30), a model of spontaneously developing diabetes mellitus, and their diabetes resistant counterparts (n = 20) were used. At 30 weeks of age, when the OLETF rats show hyperglycaemic obesity with hyperinsulinaemia, the animals were divided into two groups and given candesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, 0.2 mg/kg/day, or vehicle for six weeks. Capillary density was evaluated in the left ventricular myocardium by electron microscopy, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity by zymography, and cytokines by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Compared with the control rats, the OLETF rats at 36 weeks showed decreased peak negative dP/dt (mean (SD): 2350 (250) v 3492 (286) mm Hg/s) and increased cardiomyocyte diameter (24.3 (0.6) v 18.9 (0.6) microm) (both p < 0.05). Thickening of the capillary basement membranes and decreased capillary density were observed. Angiotensin receptor blockade improved almost all the haemodynamic variables, and the histological findings became similar to those of the controls. Angiotensin receptor blockade also activated MMP-2 and prevented an increase of inflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6, in the diabetic heart. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin II receptor blockade preserved left ventricular diastolic function. It was also potent at improving cardiomyocyte diameter and the thickening of the capillary basement membrane, increasing MMP-2 activity, and decreasing inflammatory cytokines. With all these changes, candesartan could contribute to cardioprotection in diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison of the microtexture and structure of the low temperature heat-treated polyparaphenylene (PPP)-based carbons which are promising for the Li ion battery has been performed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. It is found that the PPP-based carbon prepared by Kovacic method remains in suitable microtexture for high Li storage over a wider temperature range relative to that obtained by Yamamoto method. This characteristic of the Kovacic PPP-based carbon could lead to a more controlled microtexture for obtaining a higher Li storage capacity for Li ion battery applications. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high precision quadrupole mass filter has been developed using the zero-method control circuit. With this method, peak values of a control voltage are compared with a high-precision reference voltage and detected by a diode and signal-producing resistance connected in series. The dc component of the signal is selectively amplified and fed back to a module in the amplifying system of the rf voltage so as to minimize the voltage in excess of the reference voltage. An instrument has been constructed and the doublet of [sup 4]He[sup +]-D[sub 2][sup +] has been successfully separated. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the design and performance of a transition edge sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeter array for scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The TES X-ray microcalorimeter has better energy resolution compared to conventional silicon drift detector and STEM-EDS utilizing a TES detector makes it possible to map the distribution of elements on a specimen in addition to analyze the composition. The requirement for a TES detector is a high counting rate ( $$>$$ 20 kcps), wide energy band (0.5-15 keV) and good energy resolution ( $$<$$ 10 eV) full width at half maximum. The major improvement of this development is to increase the maximum counting rate. In order to accommodate the high counting rate, we adopted an $$8 \times 8$$ format, 64-pixel array and common biasing scheme for the readout method. We did all design and fabrication of the device in house. With the device we have fabricated most recently, the pulse decay time is 40 $$\upmu $$ s which is expected to achieve 50 kcps. For a single pixel, the measured energy resolution was 7.8 eV at 5.9 keV. This device satisfies the requirements of counting rate and energy resolution, although several issues remain where the performance must be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a three-step strategy that uses structural and physicochemical properties of chemicals to predict their 72 h algal growth inhibition toxicities againstPseudokirchneriella subcapitata. In Step 1, using a logD-based criterion and structural alerts, we produced an interspecies QSAR between algal and acute daphnid toxicities for initial screening of chemicals. In Step 2, we categorized chemicals according to the Verhaar scheme for aquatic toxicity, and we developed QSARs for toxicities of Class 1 (non-polar narcotic) and Class 2 (polar narcotic) chemicals by means of simple regression with a hydrophobicity descriptor and multiple regression with a hydrophobicity descriptor and a quantum chemical descriptor. Using the algal toxicities of the Class 1 chemicals, we proposed a baseline QSAR for calculating their excess toxicities. In Step 3, we used structural profiles to predict toxicity either quantitatively or qualitatively and to assign chemicals to the following categories:Pesticide,Reactive,Toxic,Toxic lowandUncategorized. Although this three-step strategy cannot be used to estimate the algal toxicities of all chemicals, it is useful for chemicals within its domain. The strategy is also applicable as a component of Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]