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Experimental study of soot formation in DME jet diffusion flame was performed to investigate the influence of the oxygen contained in the molecular structure of DME. The amount of soot in the flame was measured using the transmitted light attenuation method, and was compared with that of the partial premixing methane flame under the high temperature and various surrounding oxygen conditions. The results showed that the amount of soot in the DME diffusion flame is much less than that of methane flame in most conditions, and the partially premixied methane flame of φ=7 that is substantially equal in equivalent ratio with DME diffusion flame generated 3-10 times as much soot as DME. This result suggests that the suppression of soot formation in DME flame is not due to the decrease of substantial equivalent ratio with contained oxygen, but attributed to the molecular structure of DME. The volume of the methane that is generated by primary pyrolysis of DME might have considerable influence on the generated soot amount.

症例は72歳，女性．腸閉塞の診断にて当院入院となった．精密検査にてS状結腸癌による腸閉塞と診断し，S状結腸切除術を施行した．開腹所見にて腹腔内に径2-3mmの腹膜小結節を無数に認め，肉眼的に腹膜播種と診断した．術後の病理検査結果にて腹膜結節は中心性乾酪壊死と周囲にLanghans型巨細胞を伴う肉芽腫であり，S状結腸癌に合併した結核性腹膜炎と診断した．術後抗結核剤による治療を開始した．結核性腹膜炎は稀な疾患であるが，悪性腫瘍と合併した場合に癌性腹膜炎と鑑別できない危険性があり，両疾患に対する適切な治療機会を逸する可能性もある．粟粒大の腹膜結節を認めた場合には念頭に置くべき疾患と考えられる．

Objective Smoking is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Varenicline, a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, is used to aid smoking cessation. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the long-term benefits of smoking cessation on GERD and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). Methods Patients treated with varenicline were asked to fill out a self-report questionnaire about their smoking habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, and HR-QOL before and 1 year after smoking cessation. The prevalence of GERD, frequency of symptoms, and HR-QOL scores were compared. We also investigated associations between clinical factors and newly-developed GERD. Results A total of 141 patients achieved smoking cessation (success group) and 50 did not (failure group) at 1 year after the treatment. The GERD improvement in the success group (43.9%) was significantly higher than that in the failure group (18.2%). The frequency of reflux symptoms significantly decreased only in the success group. There were no significant associations between newly developed GERD and clinical factors including increased body mass index and successful smoking cessation. HR-QOL significantly improved only in the success group. Conclusions Smoking cessation improved both GERD and HR-QOL. Smoking cessation should be recommended for GERD patients.

Disulfide bonds play an important role in protein stability and function. Here, we describe a general procedure for generating disulfide-linked dimers and multimers of proteins of known crystal structures. An algorithm was developed to predict sites in a protein compatible with intermolecular disulfide formation with neighboring molecules in the crystal lattice. A database analysis was carried out on 46 PDB coordinates to verify the general applicability of this algorithm to predict intermolecular disulfide linkages. On the basis of the predictions from this algorithm, mutants were constructed and characterized for a model protein, thioredoxin. Of the five mutants, as predicted, in solution four formed disulfide-linked dimers while one formed polymers. Thermal and chemical denaturation studies on these mutant thioredoxins showed that three of the four dimeric mutants had similar stability to wild-type thioredoxin while one had lower stability. Three of the mutant dimers crystallized readily (in four to seven days) in contrast to the wild-type protein, which is particularly difficult to crystallize and takes more than a month to form diffraction-quality crystals. In two of the three cases, the structure of the dimer was exactly as predicted by the algorithm, while in the third case the relative orientation of the monomers in the dimer was different from the predicted one. This methodology can be used to enhance protein crystallizability, modulate the oligomerization state and to produce linear chains or ordered three-dimensional protein arrays.

In this study, we synthesized the C8–C20 and C21–C30 segments of the diarrhetic shellfish toxin pectenotoxin 2. The C8–C20 segment was assembled from a phosphonate corresponding to the C8–C15 segment (prepared from l -malic acid in 19 steps) and an aldehyde corresponding to the C16–C20 segment (synthesized from 3-methyl-3-butenol in nine steps) by a twelve-step process including the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction, regio- and stereoselective reduction of the resulting enone, diastereoselective epoxidation, and 5-exo epoxide cleavage forming the C-ring. The C21–C30 segment was constructed in 13 steps from (S)-glycidol via a route involving E-ring formation by 5-exo epoxide cleavage and stereoselective methylation at C27 by the Evans method.

Experimental study of soot formation in DME jet diffusion flame was performed under various surrounding temperature and oxygen conditions. Amount of soot in the flame was measured by the transmitted light attenuation method, and was compared with that of the methane diffusion flame under the same surrounding conditions. The results showed that maximum soot concentration appeared in a given temperature and oxygen concentration, i. e. more than 1000K and O2=10-13%, while DME is known as a soot free fuel. The oxygen concentration to give maximum soot concentration shifts to lower oxygen concentration with increase in surrounding air temperature. The range of surrounding oxygen concentration for soot formation with DME shifts toward lower oxygen concentration in comparison with methane combustion. These facts are elucidated by the appearance of maximum soot concentration at a balanced condition of soot formation and soot oxidation, which strongly depends on the surrounding temperature and type of fuel.

症例は83歳, 男性. 増大する臀部腫瘤を主訴に当院初診となった. 精査したところ, 仙骨前部に最大径23cmの嚢胞状腫瘍を認め, 骨盤内臓器を前方に圧排していた. 仙骨前部developmental cystと診断し, 経仙骨的腫瘍摘出術を施行した. 摘出標本の嚢胞壁は重層扁平上皮に被われ皮膚付属器を認めず, epidermoid cystと診断した. 術後経過は良好で現在無再発経過観察中である. 成人の仙骨前部epidermoid cystは自験例を合わせて本邦で63例が報告されているが, 自験例が最高齢であった. 本邦報告63例について性状や術式などの文献的検討を行った.

Varenicline has been reported to achieve high rates of smoking cessation. It remains undetermined whether varenicline therapy improves vascular function in smokers.Consecutive Seventy-two smokers (age 57 ± 12 years) who succeeded in complete smoking cessation and 46 normal healthy volunteers (age 24 ± 3 years) with no cardiovascular risk factors were enrolled into this study. Vascular function and structure were assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation, and brachial artery intima-media thickness (baIMT) at baseline and 20 weeks after the initiation of varenicline therapy in smokers. FMD and baIMT were measured simultaneously using a semi-automatic vessel wall-tracking software program. 75 μg dose of a nitroglycerin tablet were sublingually administered for the nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation measurement.Exhaled-carbon monoxide concentration decreased significantly (20.0 ± 11.1 ppm at baseline vs 1.9 ± 1.5 ppm after 20 weeks, p0.001). FMD was significantly improved after 20 weeks (4.09% ± 1.83% at baseline vs 4.77% ± 2.33% after 20 weeks, p = 0.010), whereas nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation and baIMT were not significantly changed.Smoking cessation with varenicline therapy significantly increased FMD without significant changes of nitroglycerin-induced vasodilation or baIMT from baseline to 20 weeks. It appears to improve vascular function in smokers, which depends on endothelial function rather than on vascular smooth muscle function or changes in vascular structure.

Background Most cases of disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow (DCBM) arise from gastric cancer. DCBM from pancreatic cancer is very rare. We herein present a case of DCBM from pancreatic cancer. Case presentation A 57-year-old man was referred to our hospital for severe lumbago. Laboratory data indicated that he suffered from disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Non-contrast abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple bone masses but no other abnormal findings. Left iliac bone marrow biopsy revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells. Positron emission tomography (PET)-CT showed diffuse abnormal uptake in the bones and tail of the pancreas. Contrast whole-body CT showed a tumor measuring approximately 28 mm in diameter with poor enhancement in the tail of the pancreas. The patient’s final diagnosis was pancreatic cancer located in the tail of the pancreas with diffuse bone metastases and DIC. His DCBM was thus believed to originate from the pancreatic cancer. He succumbed to the disease approximately 2 months after admission to our hospital. Conclusion We herein describe a case of pancreatic cancer located in the tail of the pancreas with diffuse bone metastases and DIC, which, in our case, was DCBM. Therefore, in cases of DCBM with an unknown primary tumor, pancreatic cancer should be considered during differential diagnosis.

"Vaccell" is a dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine which has been established in Japan. The DCs play central roles in deciding the direction of host immune reactions as well as antigen presentation. We have demonstrated that DCs treated with a streptococcal immune adjuvant OK-432, produce interleukin-12, induce Th1-dominant state, and elicit anti-tumor effects, more powerful than those treated with the known DC-maturating factors. We therefore decided to mature DCs by the OK-432 for making an effective DC vaccine, Vaccell. The 255 patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer who received standard chemotherapy combined with DC vaccines, were analyzed retrospectively. Survival time of the patients with positive delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reaction was significantly prolonged as compared with that of the patients with negative DTH. The findings strongly suggest that there may be "Responders" for the DC vaccine in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. We next conducted a small-scale prospective clinical study. In this trial, we pulsed HLA class II-restricted WT1 peptide (WT1-II) in addition to HLA class I-restricted peptide (WT1-I) into the DCs. Survival of the patients received WT1-I and -II pulsed DC vaccine was significantly extended as compared to that of the patients received DCs pulsed with WT1-I or WT1-II alone. Furthermore, WT1-specific DTH positive patients showed significantly improved the overall survival as well as progression-free survival as compared to the DTH negative patients. The activation of antigen-specific immune responses by DC vaccine in combination with standard chemotherapy may be associated with a good clinical outcome in advanced pancreatic cancer. We are now planning a pivotal study of the Vaccell in appropriate protocols in Japan.

In this paper, an open integration and test platform is used for the multi-objective optimization of the powertrain concept of a hybrid vehicle. This was done for different driving scenarios and driver types and taking into account longitudinal and lateral vehicle dynamics. A comparative study of fuel efficiency and performance for a hybrid-electric powertrain with different battery sizes and operating strategies was made, using the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) approach to integrate a detailed vehicle powertrain model into a comprehensive full-vehicle model driven by a virtual driver on a virtual road.

Autophagy plays important roles in metabolism, differentiation, and survival in T cells. TNFAIP3/A20 is a ubiquitin-editing enzyme that is thought to be a negative regulator of autophagy in cell lines. However, the role of TNFAIP3 in autophagy remains unclear. To determine whether TNFAIP3 regulates autophagy in CD4 T cells, we first analyzed Tnfaip3-deficient naive CD4 T cells in vitro. We demonstrated that Tnfaip3-deficient CD4 T cells exhibited reduced MAP1LC3/LC3 (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3) puncta formation, increased mitochondrial content, and exaggerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These results indicate that TNFAIP3 promotes autophagy after T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation in CD4 T cells. We then investigated the mechanism by which TNFAIP3 promotes autophagy signaling. We found that TNFAIP3 bound to the MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) complex and that Tnfaip3-deficient cells displayed enhanced ubiquitination of the MTOR complex and MTOR activity. To confirm the effects of enhanced MTOR activity in Tnfaip3-deficient cells, we analyzed cell survival following treatment with Torin1, an MTOR inhibitor. Tnfaip3-deficient CD4 T cells exhibited fewer cell numbers than the control cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the impaired survival of Tnfaip3-deficient cells was ameliorated with Torin1 treatment in vitro and in vivo. The effect of Torin1 was abolished by Atg5 deficiency. Thus, enhanced MTOR activity regulates the survival of Tnfaip3-deficient CD4 T cells. Taken together, our findings illustrate that TNFAIP3 restricts MTOR signaling and promotes autophagy, providing new insight into the manner in which MTOR and autophagy regulate survival in CD4 T cells.

The recently approved HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) dolutegravir (DTG) (S/GSK1349572) has overall advantageous activity when tested in vitro against HIV-1 with raltegravir (RAL) and elvitegravir (EVG) resistance signature mutations. We conducted an in vitro resistance selection study using wild-type HIV-1 and mutants with the E92Q, Y143C, Y143R, Q148H, Q148K, Q148R, and N155H substitutions to assess the DTG in vitro barrier to resistance. No viral replication was observed at concentrations of ≥32 nM DTG, whereas viral replication was observed at 160 nM RAL or EVG in the mutants. In the Q148H, Q148K, or Q148R mutants, G140S/Q148H, E138K/Q148K, E138K/Q148R, and G140S/Q148R secondary mutations were identified with each INSTI and showed high resistance to RAL or EVG but limited resistance to DTG. E138K and G140S, as secondary substitutions to Q148H, Q148K, or Q148R, were associated with partial recovery in viral infectivity and/or INSTI resistance. In the E92Q, Y143C, Y143R, and N155H mutants, no secondary substitutions were associated with DTG. These in vitro results suggest that DTG has a high barrier to the development of resistance in the presence of RAL or EVG signature mutations other than Q148. One explanation for this high barrier to resistance is that no additional secondary substitution of E92Q, Y143C, Y143R, or N155H simultaneously increased the fold change in 50% effective concentration (EC 50 ) to DTG and infectivity. Although increased DTG resistance via the Q148 pathway and secondary substitutions occurs at low concentrations, a higher starting concentration may reduce or eliminate the development of DTG resistance in this pathway in vitro .

Cyclodextrins are commonly used as a safe excipient to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic pharmaceutical agents. Their efficacies and mechanisms as drug-delivery systems have been investigated for decades, but their immunological properties have not been examined. In this study, we reprofiled hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as a vaccine adjuvant and found that it acts as a potent and unique adjuvant. HP-β-CD triggered the innate immune response at the injection site, was trapped by MARCO+ macrophages, increased Ag uptake by dendritic cells, and facilitated the generation of T follicular helper cells in the draining lymph nodes. It significantly enhanced Ag-specific Th2 and IgG Ab responses as potently as did the conventional adjuvant, aluminum salt (alum), whereas its ability to induce Ag-specific IgE was less than that of alum. At the injection site, HP-β-CD induced the temporary release of host dsDNA, a damage-associated molecular pattern. DNase-treated mice, MyD88-deficient mice, and TBK1-deficient mice showed significantly reduced Ab responses after immunization with this adjuvant. Finally, we demonstrated that HP-β-CD–adjuvanted influenza hemagglutinin split vaccine protected against a lethal challenge with a clinically isolated pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, and the adjuvant effect of HP-β-CD was demonstrated in cynomolgus macaques. Our results suggest that HP-β-CD acts as a potent MyD88- and TBK1-dependent T follicular helper cell adjuvant and is readily applicable to various vaccines.

Canine epididymal sperm was collected from the cauda epididymis using 2 different methods (flushing and mincing) to compare the qualities (the percentage of progressively motile, viable, morphologically abnormal, immature and intact acrosomes) before and after freezing and thawing. No significant difference was noted in the quality of the cauda epididymal sperm immediately after collection and after freezing-thawing between the collection methods, although the mean levels of sperm quality with the flushing method were slightly better than that of the mincing method. The flushing method is simple and free of blood contamination, although the vas deferens was too small to be perfused in only 1 dog, and our results suggest that the flushing method is preferable to the mincing method for collecting sperm from the canine cauda epididymis.

Acoustic signals were observed with a lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) element that was directly irradiated with a 368 MeV/n xenon beam. Using an array comprising PZT elements, the energy loss in the PZT was studied. These elements are sensitive to an energy deposit of 100 nJ. A series of values of output voltage vs. integrated thickness of PZT was represented along a line similar to the ionization loss calculated by the Bethe–Bloch formula. The induced voltage was attributed to several processes—ionization, thermal, elastic, and piezoelectric processes. This study describes the possible applications of the PZT element as an active medium for calorimeters and a monitor for hypervelocity impact of space dust.

Bombardment experiments with thick targets made of each of Al and Fe were performed using 230 MeV/nucleon helium and 210 MeV proton beams. The energies and intensities of prompt gamma rays emitted by inelastic nuclear scattering of energetic neutrons were measured by a high-purity Ge detector. This work presents the first experimental results concerning the emission of prompt gamma rays from thick targets anticipated by helium component in galactic cosmic rays, since no foregoing work related to this one has been done. It is concluded that helium has the capability of prompt gamma ray line emission through the inelastic nuclear reaction of neutrons with target material by a factor of 3.5 on average in comparison with proton. As regards the lunar and planetary nuclear spectroscopy, a consideration is given on the role of helium particles to the total production of gamma rays emitted from a planetary surface.

The acoustic signals generated by bombarding 400 MeV/n xenon ions in water were studied using an array of piezoelectric lead–zirconate–titanate elements. The observed signal was reduced to a bipolar form through Fourier analysis. The output voltage corresponded to the amount of energy deposit in water, and it tailed off beyond the range of 400 MeV/n xenon in water. This magnitude was explained qualitatively as cumulative processes. Its behavior was consistent with the calculations based on the Bethe–Bloch formula. Possible applications of this detector to radiology and heavily doped radiation detectors are described.

The SELENE-B, a lunar landing mission, has been studied in Japan, where a scientific investigation plan is proposed using a robotic rover and a static lander. The main theme to be investigated is to clarify the lunar origin and evolution, especially for early crustal formation process probably from the ancient magma ocean. The highest priority is placed on a direct in situ geology at a crater central peak, “a window to the interior”, where subcrustal materials are exposed and directly accessed without drilling. As a preliminary study was introduced by Sasaki et al. [Sasaki, S., Kubota, T., Okada, T. et al. Scientific exploration of lunar surface using a rover in Japanse future lunar mission. Adv. Space Res. 30, 1921–1926, 2002.], the rover and lander are jointly used, where detailed analyses of the samples collected by the rover are conducted at the lander. Primary scientific instruments are a multi-band stereo imager, a gamma-ray spectrometer, and a sampling tool on the rover, and a multi-spectral telescopic imager, a sampling system, and a sample analysis package with an X-ray spectrometer/diffractometer, a multi-band microscope as well as a sample cleaning and grinding device on the lander.

A comparison between the abundances of major elements on the Moon determined by Lunar Prospector gamma ray spectrometer and those in returned lunar samples is performed. Lunar Prospector shows higher Mg and Al content and lower Si content in western maria in comparison with the lunar sample collection. Lunar Prospector overestimated the Mg content by about 20%. There are no elemental anomalies at the lunar poles: this is additional evidence for the presence of polar lunar hydrogen. Using Mg, Fe, and Al abundances, petrologic maps containing information about the abundances of ferroan anorthosites, mare basalts, and Mg-rich rocks are derived. This approach is useful for searching for cryptomaria and Mg-rich rocks deposits on the lunar surface. A search is implemented for rare rock types (dunites and pyroclastic deposits). Ca-rich, Al-low small-area anomalies are detected in the far side highlands.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in flushings from oviducts and uterine horns of 8 anestrous, 5 estrous and 7 diestrous bitches was measured. SOD activity in oviductal fluid in estrous bitches was significantly higher than that in anestrous and diestrous bitches (P

We analyze preliminary Lunar Prospector gamma-ray spectrometer data. Al–Mg and Fe–Mg petrologic maps of the Moon show that Mg-rich rocks are located in Mare Frigoris, the South Pole Aitken basin, and in some cryptomaria. Analysis of distances of Lunar Prospector pixels from three end-member plane in Mg–Al–Fe space reveals existence of Ca-rich, Al-low small-area anomalies in the farside highlands. An Mg–Th–Fe petrologic technique can be used for estimation of abundances of ferroan anorthosites, mare basalts, KREEP basalts, and Mg-rich rocks.

著者人数: 14名, 資料番号: SA1003696000

Although a long time has passed since alarm bells first sounded a warning of a tendency toward low quality of marine fuel oil, there have been no signs at all of improvement. The low quality of marine fuel oil and mixing with foreign substances leads to serious problems with marine engines. We therefore decided to report our experience on the issue of marine fuel oil quality from the point of view of a ship operating company. Moreover, we report on the correspondence of recent regulations concerning prevention of air pollution by ships and low sulphur fuel oil.

A solution of the inhomogeneous Bloch equation is given for a class of time-varying magnetic fields. A method of determining the fundamental system of the homogeneous Bloch equation employing the characteristics of the Riccati equation is formulated. It turns out that the fundamental matrix is an orthogonal matrix. A brief discussion of the characteristics of the magnetic field class and an illustrative example are given.

Scintillation and ionization yields in xenon gas for 5.49 MeV alpha-particles were measured in the range of pressure from 0.35 to 3.7 MPa and the electric field strength (E) over the number density of xenon atoms (N), E/N from 0 to 5×10−18 V cm2. When our data are normalized at the data point measured by Saito et al., the number of scintillation photons is 2.3×105 while the number of ionization electrons is 2.0×105 at 2.6 MPa and at 3.7×10−18 V cm2. The scintillation and ionization yields of xenon doped with 0.2% hydrogen, High-Pressure Xenon gas[H2-0.2%], at 2.6 MPa was also measured. Scintillation yield of the Xe–H2 mixture gas is 80% as high as that of pure xenon. It is found that the scintillation yield is luminous enough to generate a trigger pulse of the high-pressure xenon time projection chamber, which is expected as a promising MeV Compton gamma-ray camera.

The Liquid Xenon Gamma-Ray Imaging Telescope (LXeGRIT) is the first balloon-borne instrument developed to validate the concept of a monolithic detector with 3D imaging capability as a Compton telescope for MeV astrophysics. The geometrical area is about 350 cm 2 , an order of magnitude smaller than that of COMPTEL and the thickness of sensitive LXe is 7 cm, of equivalent stopping power as COMPTEL D2 detector. The spectroscopic and imaging response of LXeGRIT has been fully characterized in calibration experiments on the ground and during balloon flight experiments. During its most successful flight campaign of 27 h from Ft Sumner, in Fall 2000, the LXeTPC was operated without any external shield. The γ-ray background, measured at float altitude in the 0.5–10 MeV energy band, is well explained by the known atmospheric γ-ray flux. Results on the LXeGRIT in-flight performance, effective area, minimum flux sensitivity and background level are presented in this paper.

We have developed a hip hemi-arthroplasty using polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel (PVA-H) as the treatment for hip joint disorders in which the lesion is limited to the joint surface. In previous studies, we characterized the biocompatibility and the mechanical properties of PVA-H as an arthroplasty material. To fix PVA-H firmly to the bone, we have devised an implant composed of PVA-H and porous titanium fiber mesh (TFM). However, because of poor infiltration of the PVA solution into the pores of the TFM when using the low temperature crystallization method, the strength of the PVA-H-TFM interface was insufficient. Consequently, the infiltration method was improved by adopting high-pressure injection molding. With this improved method, the bonding strength of the interface increased remarkably. However, as this injection molding requires high temperature, various mechanical properties of the PVA-H might change with this treatment in comparison with the previous method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high temperature treatment on the mechanical properties of PVA-H as artificial articular cartilage, the tensile test and friction test were performed about new PVA-H. The results showed no significant mechanical deterioration of the PVA-H. This certified that the injection-molding method did not induce the change of the mechanical properties of PVA-H and indicated the potential of hemi-arthroplasty using PVA-H by this method in the future.

Objective. To determine if there is any merit in measuring peak load duration in studies of bone–implant interface during a pull-out test was performed to record the interfacial shear load. Design. Mechanical and histological investigations were performed to determine the bone–implant interfacial strength. Background. A common long-term problem following artificial joint replacement is the formation of an intervening fibrous tissue seam at the interface between bone and a prosthesis. To investigate the nature and strength of interfacial attachment between bone and an implanted biomaterial, a detaching method such as pull-out test can be used. Methods. Four porous surfaced alumina ceramic implants with or without glass-ceramic containing apatite and wollastonite coating at the surface of the beads and the substrate were implanted into canine the femoral condyles. Peak value and its duration of the interfacial shear load for the different types of implants were analyzed. Tissue formed at the bone–implant interfaces were examined histologically. Results. The peak value of interfacial shear load of the apatite and wollastonite glass-ceramic-coated implant was significantly greater than that of the non-coated implant at every stage, but the peak value duration in the control at each time period was greater than that of the coated implant. Histologically, more bone tissue ingrowth in the pores of coated implants, whereas a gap was observed at the interface of bone and the non-coated implant. Conclusions. The interfacial shear load values, peak and its duration, are significantly influenced by the direct bone bonding or the intervening fibrous tissue which formed at the bone–implant interface. Relevance The peak load measurement and the duration of the peak load value are useful to measure the strength of interfacial attachment between bone and an implanted biomaterial. However, the duration of peak load value is closely related to the strength and plasticity of the tissue formed in the bone–implant interface. The analysis of peak value duration could be used to determine the properties of new grown tissue before histologic examination.

LXeGRIT is a liquid xenon time projection chamber (LXeTPC) used as balloon-borne Compton telescope for imaging cosmic sources in the MeV energy band. The three-dimensional position sensitive charge readout is triggered by the xenon scintillation light. In the original chamber design, the light is detected by four UV sensitive, 2'' PMT's (EMI 9813), coupled to the liquid xenon vessel by quartz windows. In order to improve the trigger efficiency and uniformity, a new light readout system has been studied. It consists of 12 UV sensitive, compact 2'' PMT's (Hamamatsu R6041Q), mounted in Teflon frames which cover the four sides of the LXeTPC active volume. These all-metal PMT's were especially developed to work at liquid xenon temperature and up to 3.5 atm overpressure. Light simulations promise an increase in light collection efficiency by more than a factor of ten for the new readout. We present simulations of the light collection efficiency and initial results from the successful operation of the new PMT fully immersed in liquid xenon.

Due to the prognosis and sporting needs of young athletes who have severe meniscus injury, we have developed an artificial meniscus using polyvinyl alcohol-hydrogel (PVA-H). Biomechanical studies have shown that the human meniscus has various mechanical functions; in our mechanical tests, specimens of human meniscus (part I of this study) demonstrated unique viscoelastic properties. Those tests also showed that a high water-content PVA-H has very similar mechanical properties to those of human meniscus and potential as a substitutive meniscus implant. To assess further the use of PVA-H as an artificial meniscus, we have now performed animal experiments using a PVA-H with 90% water content. In rabbits, the lateral meniscus was replaced with an artificial meniscus in one knee of each animal and lateral meniscectomy was performed on the other side as a control. In the knees of meniscectomy group, degenerative changes in articular cartilage progressed with time and osteoarthritis was observed after 1 year. In the knees of the artificial meniscus group, regressive changes were initially observed, but did not progress, and knee joint function was good even after 1 year. Neither wear nor breakage were observed in artificial menisci. These results suggest that an artificial meniscus using a high water-content PVA-H might be clinically applicable.

We describe the development of novel lentivirus vectors based on simian immunodeficiency virus from African green monkey (SIVagm) pseudotyped with Sendai virus (SeV) envelope glycoproteins. SeV fusion (F) and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) proteins were successfully incorporated into the SIVagm-based vector by truncation of the cytoplasmic tail of the F protein and by addition of the cytoplasmic tail of SIVagm transmembrane envelope protein to the N terminus of the HN protein. As with the vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein-pseudotyped vector, the mutant SeV F- and HN-pseudotyped SIVagm vector was able to transduce various types of animal and human cell lines. Furthermore, the vector was able to transduce an enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter gene into polarized epithelial cells of rat trachea from the apical and basolateral sides. Therefore, SeV F- and HN-pseudotyped SIVagm vectors have considerable potential for effective use in gene therapy for various therapies, including respiratory diseases.

Objective: To clarify whether combination treatment with desmopressin (DDAVP) and thiazide was clinically effective in a patient with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (CNDI), we evaluated the treatment in a 7-year-old boy with CNDI who had demonstrated a partial response to DDAVP. Method: Both volume of urine and the presence of nocturia were determined during treatment. Result: Neither the usual therapy of a low-salt diet and a thiazide nor intranasal therapy with a large dose of DDAVP was effective. However, combination treatment resulted in a decrease in urinary volume and the disappearance of nocturia. Conclusion: DDAVP coupled with thiazide may be useful for CNDI in patients who have shown a partial response to DDAVP.

Introduction Influenza virus infection increases susceptibility to bacterial infection and mortality in humans. Although the efficacy of approved intravenous peramivir, a neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor, against influenza virus infection has been reported, its efficacy against bacterial co-infection, which occurs during the period of viral shedding, was not fully investigated. To further understand the significance of treatment with peramivir, we assessed the efficacy of peramivir against a bacterial co-infection model in mice caused by clinically isolated influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae . Methods Mice were infected with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Peramivir was intravenously administered after the viral infection. At 2 days post viral infection, the mice were infected with S. pneumoniae . Peramivir efficacy was measured by the survival rates and viral titers, bacterial titers, or proinflammatory cytokine concentrations in lung homogenates. Results Peramivir treatment reduced the mortality of mice infected with influenza virus and S. pneumoniae . The survival rate in the peramivir-treated group was significantly higher than that in the oseltamivir-treated group. Viral titers and proinflammatory cytokine responses in the peramivir-treated group were significantly lower than those in the oseltamivir-treated group until at 2 days post viral infection. Bacterial titer was significantly lower in the peramivir-treated group than in the oseltamivir-treated group at 4 days post viral infection. Conclusion These results demonstrated that peramivir inhibits viral replication, consequently leading to bacterial clearance and prevention of mortality during severe murine bacterial co-infection, which occurs during the period of viral shedding, with the efficacy of peramivir being superior to that of oseltamivir.

平成26年度

The Japanese lunar polar orbiter SELENE carries a gamma-ray spectrometer which uses a high-purity Ge detector cooled to 80-90 K by a Stirling mechanical cooler. The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) consists of a large volume n-type Ge detector (252 cc) as the main detector and bismuth-germanate (BGO) and plastic scintillators as an active shielding. The engineering model still maintains excellent energy resolution even after severe vibration testing. The Gamma-Ray Spectrometer will globally map of the Moon for the major elements of O, Mg, Al, Si, Ti, Fe, etc. and natural radioisotopes of K, Th and U with a high precision. The energy resolution of the GRS is such that it would identify prompt gamma-ray line from hydrogen and the location and the amount of ice, if it exists at the polar regions.

The electron and ion spectrometer (EIS) is one of the fourteen instruments onboard the Nozomi spacecraft, a Mars orbiter, launched on July 4, 1998. EIS consists of two kinds of telescopes (TOF– E and ΔE – E telescopes) designed to measure the fluxes of electrons and ions in the energy range from ∼40 keV to a few MeV. The ΔE – E telescopes are used to measure electrons and protons, while the TOF– E telescope is mainly used to measure He, CNO-group, NeMgSi-group, and Fe-group. In this paper, (a) the objectives of this experiment, (b) the details of the instrument and (c) initial results of the observation in interplanetary space are described.