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In both 5- and 15-min data, FI was significantly higher in malignant tissues than in benign tissues. The diagnostic accuracy was similar at 5 and 15 min. Therefore, the 5-min FI was enough applying in the further analyses.

Measuring accurate dynamic deformation distribution for large-scale structures inexpensively and efficiently is a crucial challenge of structural health monitoring. In this study, a simple technique for measuring the deflection and vibration frequency from a captured video, based on the sampling Moiré method is developed. The striking advantage over conventional measurement using sensors and other imaging techniques are that the developed technique allows accurate measurement of two-dimensional deformations at multiple locations as well as the natural frequency of the target structure. Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)-formatted images encoded from the recorded video with Motion-JPEG (MJPEG) format reduced the file size significantly without degrading the measurement accuracy and applied to deformation measurement. The effectiveness of the developed technique was confirmed through a field experiment of an old bridge in Taiwan. The field experiment demonstrated that both deflection and natural frequency of the bridge were successfully measured with higher 0.1 mm displacement accuracy and 0.05 Hz frequecy comparable to a conventional microwave radar displacement sensor from 20 m distance.

We studied the acoustic properties of liquid oxygen up to 90 T by means of ultrasound measurements. We observed a monotonic decrease of the sound velocity and an asymptotic increase of the sound attenuation when applying magnetic fields. The unusual attenuation, twenty times as large as the zero-field value, suggests strong fluctuations of the local molecular arrangement. We point out that the observed fluctuations are related to a liquid-liquid transition or crossover, from a small-magnetization to a large-magnetization liquid, which is characterized by a local-structure rearrangement. To investigate higher-field properties of liquid oxygen, we performed single-turn-coil experiments up to 180 T by means of the acoustic, dilatometric, magnetic, and optical techniques. We observed only monotonic changes of these properties, reflecting the absence of the proposed liquid-liquid transition in our experimental conditions., Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1906.01207

We experimentally demonstrate multi-band (O- to L-band) monolithic and hybrid photonic integrated wavelength selective switches with fast switching and different data format and data-rates for flexible low-cost 5G/6G optical metro and access distribution networks. We also present results on photonic integrated multiband optical cross-connect switches.

Background: Early-stage breast cancer is increasingly detected by screening mammography, and we aim to establish radiofrequency ablation therapy (RFA) as a minimally invasive, cost-efficient, and cosmetically acceptable local treatment. In our Phase I study, localized tumors with a maximum diameter of 2 cm, preoperatively diagnosed by imaging and histopathology, were treated with RFA. A 90% complete ablation rate was confirmed histopathologically. Our phase II multicenter study of RFA without resection for early breast cancer will evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of RFA as well as its cosmetic results, which are a perceived advantage of this technique. Trial design: This study is a Phase III, single-arm, multicenter study being conducted with the participation of 11 hospitals. In our experimental therapy, a radiofrequency electrode needle is inserted through the skin into the breast lesion under imaging guidance, followed by thermal ablation with radiofrequency waves. RFA will be conducted under general anesthesia. The Cool-tip™ RF Ablation Single Electrode Kit (Medtronic, CO, USA) will be used to standardize the evaluation of the ablation effect. After RFA, all patients will receive radiotherapy and systemic therapy according to the ER, HER2, tumor grade, and lymph node status of the primary tumor. Residual lesions after RFA will be assessed approximately 3 months after radiotherapy using imaging and pathological studies. All patients will undergo vacuum-assisted biopsy regardless of imaging results. If specimens show viable tumor tissue, additional excision will be performed. Follow-up evaluation for residual tumor, including clinical breast examination and diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI, and mammography), will be performed yearly after RFA. This trial has been registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000012429. Eligibility criteria: Early breast cancer patients, who are lack of prior treatment for breast cancer and histologically confirmed ductal carcinoma with a single localized tumor of 1.5 cm or less in the greatest dimension and clinically node negative on preoperative imaging. Specific Aims: The primary endpoint is 5-year ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence(IBTR) rate, and the secondary endpoints are residual lesion rate, overall survival, DFS, and adverse events of RFA. Statistical methods: The IBTR rate should be similar to that with standard treatment (BCS). However, the IBTR after RFA alone may be higher by up to 10% than in the NSABP-B06 study; therefore the 5-year IBTR rate is estimated to be 6.3%. We calculated the required sample size based on the following assumptions: a clinically acceptable 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate of 90%, a one-sided significance level of 5% (alpha = 0.1, 2-sided), and power of 80% (beta = 0.2). Taking into account a drop-out rate of 10%, approximately 372 patients will be enrolled in the study. Present accrual and target accrual: The trial was activated in August 2013, with a total of 372 patients enrolled by the end of June 2018. Citation Format: Kinosita T, Takahashi M, Fujisawa T, Yamamoto N, Doihara H, Ohtani S, Futamura M, Takahashi M, Aogi K, Hojo T, Yoshida M, Shiino S, Tsuda H. Multicenter study to standardize and evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation therapy for early breast cancer (RAFAELO study) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT2-03-01.

Summary Background Several recent studies have reported on the overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD). However, there are only a few cases in which both overexpression and gene amplification of HER2 have been examined. Objectives To evaluate the overexpression and gene amplification of HER2 using a standardized method with a large number of cases of EMPD. Methods Immunohistochemically, the overexpression of the HER2 protein was examined in 104 cases of EMPD, including 31 intraepithelial cases and 73 invasive cases (35 superficially invasive and 38 deeply invasive). When the HER2 protein was overexpressed or potentially overexpressed, further analysis of amplification of the gene encoding HER2, ERBB2, was undertaken using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results The HER2 protein was overexpressed in 16 cases (15%) in total, and in 13 of 73 cases (18%) of invasive EMPD. The ERBB2 gene was amplified in all cases with a HER2 score of 3+. A HER2 score of 3+ or 2+, and ERBB2 amplification were significantly more frequent in the cases of deeply invasive EMPD than in intraepithelial/superficially invasive EMPD (24% vs. 6%/3%, P = 0·012) and were correlated with a larger number of lymph-node metastases (P = 0·047). Log-rank tests for survival curves showed that lymph-node metastasis and ERBB2 amplification were significant prognostic factors (P = 0·0001 and P = 0·043, respectively). However, by a multivariate analysis, only lymph-node status was a significant indicator of Paget-disease-specific survival (P = 0·0001). Conclusions A subset of EMPD, both intraepithelial and invasive, showed HER2 overexpression and gene amplification. These HER2 alterations were correlated with biologically aggressive EMPDs, i.e. those with deep invasion and lymph-node metastasis. Clinical trials of HER2-targeted therapy are awaited for improvement of the prognosis of patients with aggressive EMPD.

The effect of Re addition on microstructure and hardness of the Ni3Al (L12) and Ni3V (D022) dual two-phase intermetallic alloys was investigated as functions of alloying (substituting) method of Re and aging condition (temperature and time). Re was added to the base alloy composition by three methods: Re was substituted for Ni, Al and V, respectively. The Re-added alloys were solution-treated at 1553 K and then aged at lower temperatures of 1123 K-1248 K. Apparent age hardening occurred in the alloy where Re was substituted for Ni while no age hardening was observed in the alloys where Re was substituted for Al or V. In the case of the latter two alloys, the hardness was unchanged or reduced with a progression of aging time. These results were discussed in terms of phase separation and ordering in the channel region, and hardening due to Re-rich phase precipitation.

Mutations in VAPB have been identified in a familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and reduced VAPB levels have been found in patients with sporadic ALS. Vap protein family members from different species and cell types have been implicated in a number of cellular functions, but how Vap dysfunction in neurons and/or muscles contributes to motor neuron degeneration and death is poorly understood. UsingDrosophilaas a model organism, we show that Vap physically interacts with and affects the axonal functions of the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam). Dscam is a cell-surface receptor involved in axon and dendritic patterning and neuron self-recognition and avoidance. Alternative splicing of the Dscam transcript leads to the production of Dscam isoforms that contain one of two possible transmembrane (TM) domain and flanking sequences that either restrict the isoform to dendrites and cell bodies (TM1) or target the isoform to axon processes (TM2). We find that Vap specifically interacts with Dscam isoforms that contain the TM2 cytoplasmic juxtamembrane flanking sequences. Using loss-of-function genetics, we further show that Vap is required for localization of Dscam isoforms containing TM2 to axons and that Vap loss suppresses Dscam gain-of-function axon phenotypes. We propose that Vap function is required in neurons to selectively traffic proteins to axons, and disruption of this function may contribute to the pathology of ALS.

There are many studies that show biological differences between invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) with and without nodal metastasis, but no prognostic classification taking into consideration any biological differences between them is currently available. We previously investigated the histological characteristics that play an important role in tumour progression of IDCs according to their nodal status, and a new prognostic histological classification, the primary tumour–vessel tumour–nodal tumour (PVN) classification, was devised based on the histological characteristics of IDCs with and without nodal metastasis. Multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the ability of the PVN classification to predict tumour recurrence and death in 393 IDC patients based on the following histological classifications: (1) the pTNM classification, (2) the Nottingham Prognostic Index, (3) the modified Nottingham Prognostic Index, and (4) the histologic grade. In IDCs without nodal metastasis, only the PVN classification significantly increased the hazard rates (HRs) of tumour recurrence and death (P

SrTiO3 (STO) is of considerable interest because of very strong electron-phonon coupling. We measure the property electron-phonon coupling in order to elucidate the origin of the ferroelectricity from electronic structure. We measured the mid-infrared optical absorption of pure STO and Nb doped STO in order to investigate this electron-phonon coupling and multi-phonon. The mid-infrared absorption measurements were made over a wavenumber range from 400 to 7800 cm−1, and over a temperature range from 30 to 150(30 · 40 · 50 … 150). The Nb doped STO shows the broad infrared absorption peak near 2000 cm−1.

We report a result in conduction of PTCR component. We measure it under heating and cooling respectively. As the result, the result that the conductivity under heating and that under cooling differed was obtained. And the offset current also had such a hysteresis. Moreover, by the measurements in the range of 10 μV to 10 mV, the result that the temperature characteristic of the conductivity is not dependent on voltage was obtained.

Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is a form of cancer detection based on the administration of an exogenous photo-activated compound that accumulates in malignant cells, followed by appropriate photo irradiation. The authors describe a spectroscopic study of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-generated photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines to validate its clinical use. 5-ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence intensity was measured in the presence and absence of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO). Two, one and two cell lines produced poorly, moderately and well differentiated carcinomas, respectively, on transplantation in scid mice. The fluorescence intensity was high in the poorly differentiated cell lines, followed by the moderately differentiated cell line; the intensity of the well differentiated cell lines was low and not significantly different from that of normal keratinocytes in the absence of DFO. It was elevated to the level of poorly differentiated cell lines following DFO treatment. This elevation was not observed in normal keratinocytes. The results indicate that DFO enhances the photodynamic sensitivity of 5-ALA in non-responsive carcinoma cells as a result of increased cellular accumulation by inhibiting haeme biosynthesis. This PDD system can be applied clinically to the detection of OSCC irrespective of the degree of differentiation.

Dependence of electrical properties-dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties-on film thickness was studied for lead-zirconate titanate (PZT) thick films directly deposited onto stainless-steel (SUS) substrates in actuator devices by using a carbon dioxide (CO(2) ), laser assisted aerosol deposition technique. Optical spectroscopic analysis data and laser irradiation experiments revealed that absorption at a given wavelength by the film increased with increasing film thickness. Dielectric constant epsilon, remanent polarization value P(r), and coercive field strength E(c) of PZT films directly deposited onto a SUS-based piezoelectric actuator substrate annealed by CO(2) laser irradiation at 850 degrees C improved with increasing film thickness, and for films thicker than 25 microm, epsilon 800, P(r) 40 microC/cm(2), and E(c) 45 kV/cm. In contrast, the displacement of the SUS-based actuator with the laser-annealed PZT thick film decreased with increasing film thickness.

The tensile properties of YAG laser welded butt joints using different high strength steel sheets with a tensile strength of 270 MPa, 590 MPa and 980 MPa (denoted HR270, HR590 and HR980, respectively) were investigated at static and dynamic rates, together with the three kinds of laser welded joints made by the same steel sheets. The impact tensile tests were performed by using the vertical type of split Hopkinson tension bar apparatus, while the static tensile tests were carried out using a universal testing machine INSTRON5586. The impact tensile strengths were significantly increased in comparison with the static ones due to the effect of strain rate, which might be the contribution of the part of HR270 base metal. And in both of static and impact tests, the fracture strains of HR270-HR590 joint, HR270-HR980 joint and HR590-HR980 joint were about one half of the fracture strains observed in the same steel welded joints of HR270-HR270, HR270-HR270 and HR590-HR590, respectively.

In this research, the effects of pre-fatigue on the dynamic and quasi-static tensile properties of laser welded butt joints between three kinds of steel plates, i.e. HR270, HR590 and HR780 steels, were investigated using tensile split Hopkinson bar apparatus. There were no significant effects of pre-fatigue on the dynamic and static tensile properties of HR780-HR270 and HR780-HR590 joints. Their fracture occurred in the middle of the weaker base metal parts. However, one or two in three pre-fatigued HR780-HR780 joint specimens broke at the heat affected zone, irrespective of strain rate. Their elongation decreased dramatically from that of the virgin specimens, although there are no changes in the tensile strength.

The structural, dielectric and magnetic properties of single crystalline Ba 1− x Bi x Fe 0.3 Zr 0.7 O 3− δ ( x =0.0–0.29) thin films have been studied. The pseudotetragonal epitaxial thin films were obtained by pulsed laser-beam deposition (PLD) on (0 0 1) SrTiO 3 (STO) single-crystal substrates. The Bi substitution for the Ba ions up to an extent of x =0.18 caused a slight improvement in the leakage current properties, as well as an enhancement of the apparent dielectric constant. The saturation magnetization of the films was significantly decreased following Bi substitution. These changes were thought to be related to the increase in oxygen deficiencies in the films. The effect of the Bi substitution on the dielectric and magnetic properties was analyzed in conjunction with the change in valence value of the Fe ions.

In synthetic single crystals of the olivine group, a strong compositional zoning along the growth direction has often been observed. Here we have synthesized large homogeneous single crystals of forsterite doped with manganese (50 mm×150–200 mm) by the Czochralski method using a large volume crucible, at ∼1950 °C in an N 2 atmosphere. The size of the crystals in this study is the largest reported. The homogeneous parts of as-grown crystals with the compositions of (Mn 0.004 Mg 0.996 ) 2 SiO 4 and (Mn 0.011 Mg 0.989 ) 2 SiO 4 are as large as 20×20×50 mm 3 [ x =0.0040±0.0004 in (Mn x Mg 1− x ) 2 SiO 4 ] and 12×12×30 mm 3 [ x =0.011±0.001], respectively. The crystals were prepared to allow for accurate measurements of physical properties and their anisotropies of pure Mn bearing forsterite, to extract the effect of Mn itself, ultimately for the study of the Earth's mantle. The polarized absorption spectra were measured for an evidence of measured anisotropy, and the clear pleochroism was observed.

The impact tensile properties of laser welded butt joints of two kinds of high strength steel plates with the tensile strength level of 590 MPa and 780 MPa (denoted by HR590 and HR780, respectively), were investigated using split Hopkinson bar tensile testing apparatus. Impact tension tests for the joint specimens pre-fatigued were also carried out to examine the effect of pre-fatigue. There were no significant effects of strain-rate and pre-fatigue on the dynamic and quasi-static tensile strength of laser welded butt joints. However, the decrease in the elongation of HR780 welded joints subjected high cycle pre-fatigue was observed only at a high strain-rate. From the observation of fracture surface, it was found that the decrease in the elongation may be caused by a number of damages due to the combination of high cycle pre-fatigue and high strain-rate.

We performed two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on direct touch smears and liquid-based thin-layer (ThinPrep) cytological preparations of endometrial tumors to detect alterations of chromosome 1 and 17 that present with high incidence in endometrial cancers. The DNA probes used for two-color FISH analysis were a combination of the probes designed for 17cen (cCI 17-321) and 17p13.3 (D17S34), and a combination of the probes designed for 1q12 (D1Z1) and 1p36 (cCI1-5335). Numerical or structural alterations of chromosome 1 and/or 17 were detected in 95% (19 of 20 cases) of the direct touch smears obtained from endometrial cancer, while these alterations were also detected in 93% (12 of 13 cases) of samples obtained from grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma cases, including three cases that could not be diagnosed as positive by conventional Papanicolaou cytopathologic staining. Using ThinPrep cytopathologic preparations, numerical or structural abnormalities were found in 26 (90%) and five (100%) cases, respectively, of samples obtained transcervically from 29 endometrial cancer and five atypical endometrial hyperplasia cases. Therefore, two-color FISH may be a useful diagnostic method for endometrial adenocarcinoma and premalignant lesions that demonstrate only slight cellular atypia in conventional cytopathologic preparations.

The last World Congress of Psychiatry took place in Yokohama, Japan. It gave the opportunity for presenting specifically Japanese approaches to psychopathology to the international psychiatric community. This paper reports on prominent trends in Japanese psychopathological research, which has close ties to German psychopathology

Okada S, Tsuda H, Ohmi K, Kasamatsu T, Yamada T, Tsunematsu R, Sumi M, Tokuuye K, Yoshikawa H, Hirohashi S. Immature glandular features in squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix as an independent indicator of resistance to radiotherapy.The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of “immature glandular features” in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as an indicator of tumor radioresistance. Pretreatment biopsied tissue specimens of cervical SCC from 100 patients who were uniformly treated with radiotherapy alone were classified into clinically radioresistant (cR) and radiosensitive (cS) groups. Seven histologic parameters comprising glassy cells, signet ring cells, squamous differentiation, recognizable gland, nuclear atypia, stromal response, and mitotic counts were examined. Glassy cells and signet ring cells were regarded as “immature glandular features”. The correlation of these seven parameters with tumor response to radiotherapy and patient prognosis was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. As objective indicators of glandular differentiation, alcian-blue staining and immunostaining of cytokeratins 7 and 20 were also performed. It was revealed that immature glandular features, absence of squamous differentiation, and low nuclear atypia were significant indicators of radioresistance of the tumor and of poorer patient prognosis. Combining those histological parameters, the present SCC cases were classified into 26 pathologically radioresistant (pR) and 74 radiosensitive (pS) groups. In the pR group, 54% (14 of 26) were clinically radioresistant, whereas 20% (15 of 74) of the pS group were clinically radioresistant (P = 0.002). The overall prognosis of the pR group was much poorer than that of the pS group (P < 0.0001). This correlation also held true in cases of identical stage and age. We could not show objectively glandular differentiation of “immature glandular features”. Nonetheless, the identification of “immature glandular features” was effective in predicting the radiotherapy resistance of cervical SCC and poorer patient prognosis.

We study here the process whereby active enhancement intensifies absorption rates over vertical flat plates. Towards capturing the essential aspects of this process, we employ a model already developed, introducing new heat and mass transfer coefficients. It is shown that when the enhancement is done by a vibrating screen, it is possible to estimate the absorption rates employing simple parameters such as the plate peak velocity, vibrational frequency and amplitude. The predictions obtained are compared to recent experimental data. Although the prediction with this simple model is not exact, the essential features of the enhancement technique seem to be reflected quite well. Our calculations allow identification of the factor possibly limiting absorption. Estimates of the ultimate absorption rates possible with the limiting factor removed are offered, along with speculative thought as to whether this limiting factor can indeed be neutralized by mechanical agitation.

In order to estimate the losses and temperature rise at the end of electrical machines, it is important to clarify electromagnetic behavior in the core end region. In this paper, the method of evaluating the leakage flux of the stator end region of large turbogenerators, combining three-dimensional magnetic field analysis and phasor diagram analysis of the end leakage flux is described. Moreover, the result of applying this method to a 60 Hz-1000 MW turbogenerator is also described.

We analysed p16 gene alteration and p16, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin D3 and retinoblastoma protein (pRb) expression in ten normal endometriums (PE), 18 endometrial hyperplasias (EH) and 35 endometrial cancers (EC). Two of ten PE (20%), nine of 18 EH (50.0%) and 29 of 35 EC (82.9%) exhibited p16 nuclear staining. p16 expression was significantly higher in EC than EH (P = 0.0119). In the six p16 (–) EC, one was considered to have reduced gene dosage consistent with possible homozygous deletion of the CDKN2 gene and three had methylation in 5′CpG island in the promoter region of the p16 gene, whereas none showed such reduced gene dosage and four had methylation in the nine p16 (–) EH. Strong CDK4 staining was observed in 12 of 35 EC (34.3%) and one of 18 EH (5.6%). The strong expression of CDK4 was higher in EC than in EH (P = 0.0399). The expression of CDK4 was higher in EH than PE (P = 0.0054). The abnormalities of p16-cyclin D/CDK-pRb pathway were detected in 18 of 35 EC (51.4%). In conclusion, the expression of p16 and CDK4 may be an early event in the neoplastic transformation of endometrial cancer. © 2000 Cancer Research Campaign

In order to assess links between renal cell cancer (RCCs) and transitional cell cancers (TCCs) of the kidney and cancer development in other organs of the abdominal cavity, incidence data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (Vol VII) were compared between various cancer registries in Europe. Significant correlations which persisted on partial analysis were observed between RCCs and carcinomas of the colon and gallbladder, as well as between the latter themselves. Kidney TCCs, in contrast, were associated with tumours of the urinary bladder. In addition, significant correlations between hepatocellular, but not cholangiocellular carcinomas, and gallbladder and colon cancers were observed. Data for pancreas and gallbladder neoplasms also correlated. Prostate cancer incidences, while positively linked to RCCs, negatively correlated with gallbladder rates. The results point to shared risk factors for RCCs and adenocarcinomas in a number of organs, suggesting a role for humoral agents. The present findings also underline the necessity of distinguishing between tumour types within organs in epidemiological investigations of causal influences.

This study was undertaken to assess the capabilities of intrauterine ultrasonography performed while inflating the endometrial cavity with fluid and magnetic resonance imaging as a means to assess the depth of myometrial invasion by endometrial cancer preoperatively. Twenty women with endometrial disorders underwent preoperative intrauterine ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. We introduced the probe and hysteroscope simultaneously into the uterine cavity and observed both the uterine cavity surface and cross-sectional uterine muscle. We classified the depth of myometrial invasion as none, superficial (less than half of the myometrium), or deep (more than half of the myometrium). The accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and intrauterine ultrasonography in assessing the depth of myometrial invasion was 85%. In two cases, intrauterine sonography was able to demonstrate superficial myometrial invasion that could not be diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. In contrast, intrauterine ultrasonography was unable to diagnose myometrial invasion in two cases in which magnetic resonance imaging could diagnose it. Intrauterine sonography may be useful for estimation of myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer.

We have developed a CIRC (cross interleave Reed Solomon code) decoder which provides compatible high-speed decoding and high-performance error correction with high precision, and performs real-time, high-speed error correction (up to 24/spl times/) by means of original technologies. We have applied the CIRC decoder to a single chip, high-speed CD-ROM decoder LSI on which CD-DSP, CD-ROM decoder functions, a DVD-ECC interface, an ATAPI interface, and servomotor control are integrated. This LSI achieves fully CAV (constant angle velocity).

The structural, magnetic and electric properties of calcinated BaCo/sub 1-x/Mn/sub x/O/sub 3/ (x = 0.0-0.25) oxides are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy, SQUID measurements, and conventional four-probe technique, respectively. XRD data show a 2H-type perovskite at x = 0.0, 10H-type crystal structure at x = 0.15, and mixed phases (2H- and 10H-types) at x = 0.05 and 0.10. The magnetisation-temperature curves reveal the antiferromagnetic phase of the 2H single phase and ferromagnetic behavior (brought by the observed hysteresis and remanent magnetization) at 5 K of the 10H-type structure. A transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state is also observed with a transition temperature of around 47 K. Around this temperature region, specifically at 50 K, a semiconductor-insulator transition is found with a dielectric constant /spl epsiv/ = 1.13. These results suggest that the 10H-type structure around the obtained transition temperature is a possible candidate for device applications of ferromagnetic oxides with dielectric properties.

SummaryIntroduction The number of infused CD34+ cells is crucial to the success of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Here, we present, for the first time, a new method of enumerating hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) for PBSCT. Method This novel method is based on hemolysis and chemical staining, followed by flow cytometry-based optical detection, conducted using an automated hematology analyzer (XN series, Sysmex). CD34+ cells and HPCs were compared in 76 granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized blood or apheresis samples taken from healthy donors (n = 18) or patients undergoing autologous PBSCT (n = 6). Results There was a strong correlation between the numbers of HPCs and CD34+ cells (R2 = 0.958). The expected total number of HPCs in the final products, which was estimated from HPCs in pre-apheresis PB or mid-apheresis products, also correlated well with the total number of CD34+ cells in the final products. The change in HPCs in PB closely resembled that of CD34+ cells during mobilization. Experiments using immunomagnetic beads suggested that the majority of CD34+ cells existed in HPCs, and vice versa. Conclusion Hematopoietic progenitor cells may serve as surrogates for CD34+ cells in PBSCT. However, further investigations are required to verify this.

Several recent studies have reported on the overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 in extramammary Paget disease (EMPD). However, there are only a few cases in which both overexpression and gene amplification of HER2 have been examined.To evaluate the overexpression and gene amplification of HER2 using a standardized method with a large number of cases of EMPD.Immunohistochemically, the overexpression of the HER2 protein was examined in 104 cases of EMPD, including 31 intraepithelial cases and 73 invasive cases (35 superficially invasive and 38 deeply invasive). When the HER2 protein was overexpressed or potentially overexpressed, further analysis of amplification of the gene encoding HER2, ERBB2, was undertaken using fluorescence in situ hybridization.The HER2 protein was overexpressed in 16 cases (15%) in total, and in 13 of 73 cases (18%) of invasive EMPD. The ERBB2 gene was amplified in all cases with a HER2 score of 3+. A HER2 score of 3+ or 2+, and ERBB2 amplification were significantly more frequent in the cases of deeply invasive EMPD than in intraepithelial/superficially invasive EMPD (24% vs. 6%/3%, P=0·012) and were correlated with a larger number of lymph-node metastases (P=0·047). Log-rank tests for survival curves showed that lymph-node metastasis and ERBB2 amplification were significant prognostic factors (P=0·0001 and P=0·043, respectively). However, by a multivariate analysis, only lymph-node status was a significant indicator of Paget-disease-specific survival (P=0·0001).A subset of EMPD, both intraepithelial and invasive, showed HER2 overexpression and gene amplification. These HER2 alterations were correlated with biologically aggressive EMPDs, i.e. those with deep invasion and lymph-node metastasis. Clinical trials of HER2-targeted therapy are awaited for improvement of the prognosis of patients with aggressive EMPD.

Human dentin mineral has been investigated by using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Fluorescence and thermal problems were largely avoided by preparing dentin samples by grinding and ultrasonic agitation in acetone. The Raman spectral features were consistent with those of impure hydroxyapatite containing CO3 and HPO4. While spectral differences between enamel and dentin were clearly observable as changes in the bandwidth of the PO43- v(1) band and the intensities of the OH-, CO32- and HPO42- bands, the technique could not detect spectral differences between coronal and root dentin. NaOCl, NaF and APF-gel treatments caused measurable changes in intensities of the bands due to CO32- and HPO42-; the results were found to be useful for band assignments. After NaOCl treatment, the Raman bands, presumably due to amide and HPO42-, were lost, but the band intensity of the CO32- v(1) bands increased by 35-60%. This increase coincided with the appearance of a new broad band (250-300 cm(-1)). The same treatment on enamel caused no increase in the CO32- v(1) band intensity. This NaOCl-induced carbonate could be removed within 20 h in a 1000 ppm NaF solution. These findings indicate that the carbonate ions induced by the NaOCl treatment are presumably in or on the mineral surface. After 3 min of APF-gel treatment on NaOCl- pretreated dentin, the intensities of the hydroxyapatite phosphate bands dropped by approximately 20%, and newly formed CaF2 and HPO4 bands became observable.

Sintering of elemental powders was carried out to form ternary Ll 2 compounds based on Al 3 Ti containing Mn. In the Al−Ti−Mn system, the Ll 2 , phase field and equilibrium phases surrounding the Ll 2 , phase at 1423 K have been established, and the vertical section of the Al-25 at% Ti−Mn alloys has been determined experimentally. Button ingots of some ternary Ll 2 , compounds were prepared by arc-melting to investigate their microstructure (especially second phases and porosity), microhardness and bend ductility. In general, homogenization of as arc-melted alloys substantially reduces the amount of second phases but introduces extensive porosity. However, no residual porosity was observed in alloys of higher Mn content. The formation of the porosity was closely associated with the nature of the Ll 2 , matrix and solutionizing second phases. For Ti 25 Mn 14 Al 61 , Ti 27 Mn 14 Al 59 and Ti 29 Mn 14 Al 57 alloys with nearly no porosity, a bend ductility of up to about 0·4% was achieved at ambient temperature.

The diagnosis of root caries, in particular the judgment of the activity of a visually observed lesion, is difficult. Quantitative determination of lesion severity would allow the lesion to be monitored with time, so that an indication of lesion activity could be obtained. This paper describes a step in the development of a method that provides such a quantitative determination. Specifically, fluorescein sodium salt is used as a penetrating dye, the subject of study being the relationship between dye concentration and porosity in demineralized root dentin. Fourteen human third molars were demineralized in vitro (lactic acid CMC-gel, pH 5; in each of 6 groups for 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21 days). Fluorescein sodium salt (0.2 g/L) was applied for 2 min. Thin slices (± 130 um) were cut from the root surfaces without water cooling. The dye fluorescence radiance in the demineralized dentin was determined by means of a micro-Raman spectroscope and compared with the mineral loss profiles measured with transverse microradiography (TMR). The TMR data were corrected for the difference in measurement area between the two measurement systems. Corrected TMR profiles were compared with the corresponding fluorescence scans, showing linear correspondence. The correlation coefficient was r = 0.96. We conclude that, after uptake of fluorescein sodium salt for 2 min, the dye concentration in an artificially produced root-surface caries lesion is proportional to the amount of mineral lost from that lesion.

The intermetallic compound TiAl has attracted much attention for its potential use as a structural high-temperature material. However, its use has been limited because of its negligible low-temperature ductility and fracture toughness and low high-temperature strength and creep. To improve these properties, recently this compound has been made as a composite material containing a secondary phase such as boride, carbide, nitride, or oxide. Recently, combustion synthesis or self-propagating, high-temperature synthesis (SHS) using powder compacts has been developed to produce intermetallics or ceramics. It is also possible to form intermetallic-intermetallic, intermetallic-ceramic, or ceramic-ceramic composites from combustion reactions between corresponding elemental constituents. It has the advantage of an in-situ forming technique compared with conventional artificial composite production approaches. In the previous studies using elemental powders, combustion reaction was carried out to form intermetallic-ceramic composites in the Ti-Al-C, or Ti-Al-N system. The compacts of Ti and Al powders with carbon powder or in gaseous nitrogen reacted exothermically, and formed a mixture product which had a fine distribution of the Ti[sub 2]AlC or Ti[sub 2]AlN particles in the matrix TiAl with a small amount of Ti[sub 3]Al. The processing technique, therefore, is of interest as a combustion reaction synthesis to make in-situ intermetallic-based compositemore » materials. In the present work, to investigate the effect of BN addition on the reaction of Ti And Al powder mixtures, combustion synthesis of TiAl-matrix composites has been performed for the Ti-Al-BN system.« less

We have observed that the fibrinolytic process is enhanced in gradient magtic fields up to 8 T. In this paper, we focus on the mechanism of the phenomenon. First, we observed that gradient magnetic fields eroded a fibrin gel in a specific direction. Next, we carried out an experiment to measure the concentrations of fibrin polymers in magnetic fields up to 8 T. We measured the levels of solubilized fibrin polymer by colorimetric determination, and concluded that changes in the concentrations of fibrin polymers occurred in gradient magnetic fields up to 8 T. We could not detect any change in the concentration of a fibrinogen solution in magnetic fields up to 8 T. The results indicate that fibrinogen molecules could not be moved by a magnetic force, whereas fibrin polymers drifted in a specific direction in magnetic fields up to 8 T.

Vitamin D3 is a potent regulator of cell growth, differentiation and death, tumour invasion, and angiogenesis. Production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-13 by tumour cells may promote tumour growth, invasion and metastasis.To investigate whether calcipotriol could suppress the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in a human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line (DJM cells), and to examine the mechanism of modulation of MMP-9 and MMP-13 by calcipotriol in DJM cells treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α.Protein and mRNA levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 were examined by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Activation of signalling cascades was assessed using several inhibitors of signalling molecules and western blot analysis.Production of MMP-9 and MMP-13 markedly increased when the cells were treated with TNF-α. Calcipotriol suppressed the production of MMP-9 and MMP-13 mRNA and proteins significantly, in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of MMP-9 by TNF-α was suppressed by an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor but not by a p38 inhibitor, whereas induction of MMP-13 was inhibited by a p38 inhibitor but not by an ERK inhibitor. Calcipotriol inhibited the phosphorylation of both ERK and p38, as shown by western blotting.Calcipotriol reduces MMP-9 and MMP-13 production through inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK and p38, respectively.

Review on SMYD2 (SET and MYND domain containing 2), with data on DNA, on the protein encoded, and where the gene is implicated.

We investigated the possible effects of magnetic fields on fibrinolysis. Fibrinolytic activities were evaluated by a fibrin plate method. First, fibrinolytic processes in magnetic fields were investigated. We gathered solutions from the dissolved fibrin, and measured the mean levels of fibrin degradation products (FDPs) in solutions. The mean levels of FDPs exposed to 8 T magnetic fields were higher than those not exposed to fields. Next, we carried out an experiment to understand how fibrin oriented in a magnetic field dissolves. It was observed that the shapes of holes in dissolved fibrin were different in fibrin formed with a magnetic field of 8 T and in that formed without a field. Fibrin gels formed in a magnetic field at 8 T were more soluble than those not formed in a magnetic field. A model based on the diamagnetic properties of macromolecules was explained, and changes of protein concentrations in a solution in gradient magnetic fields were simulated by a Monte Carlo method.