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T cell independent type II (TI-II) antigens, such as capsular polysaccharides, have multivalent epitopes, which induce B cell activation, plasma cell differentiation and antibody production by strongly cross-linking B cell receptors. However, the mechanism of B cell activation by TI-II antigens remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that DNA endonuclease DNase1L3 (also termed DNase γ) is required for the TI-II response. The production of antigen-specific antibodies was severely diminished in DNase1L3-deficient mice upon immunization with TI-II antigens, but not with T cell dependent (TD) antigens. Bone marrow chimeric mice and B cell transfer experiments revealed that B cell-intrinsic DNase1L3 was required for the TI-II response. DNase1L3-deficient B cells were defective in cell proliferation and plasma cell differentiation in the TI-II response in vivo as well as in vitro, which was not rescued by co-culture with DNase1L3-sufficient B cells in vitro, disproving an involvement of a secretory DNase1L3. In vitro stimulation with TI-II antigen transiently increased expression of DNase1L3 and its translocation into the nucleus. RNA-seq analysis of ex vivo B cells that had responded to TI-II antigen in vivo revealed a marked reduction of Myc-target gene sets in DNase1L3-deficient B cells. Expression of IRF4, a gene that Myc targets, was diminished in the ex vivo DNase1L3-deficient B cells, in which forced expression of IRF4 restored the TI-II response in vivo. These data revealed an unexpected role of DNase1L3 in a missing link between B cell receptor signaling and B cell activation in the TI-II response, giving a valuable clue to molecularly dissect this response.

Introduction: Condoliase is a newly approved drug that improves symptoms associated with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) by intradiscal administration. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of condoliase injection, examine the adverse events, including cases that required surgery after condoliase administration, and verify cases in which condoliase could be effective. Methods: We enrolled patients with LDH who were treated conservatively for at least six weeks and received condoliase. We assessed the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, disk height, and disk degeneration for up to 6 months, and we examined the complications. Furthermore, a 50% or more improvement in leg pain VAS score was considered effective. Factors related to symptom improvement were investigated by determining whether lower limb pain improved in six months. Results: In total, 84 patients were recruited (52 men, 32 women; mean age, 44.2 ±> 17.1 [16-86 years]). The duration of illness was 6.7 ±> 6.8 (1.5-30) months. All patient-based outcomes significantly improved at 4 weeks after the administration compared with pretreatment. The intervertebral disc height decreased significantly at four weeks after condoliase administration compared with that before administration. Progression of intervertebral disc degeneration occurred in 50% of the patients. Eleven patients underwent herniotomy due to poor treatment effects. Moreover, treatment in 77.4% of the patients was considered effective. A logistic regression analysis revealed that L5/S1 disk administration (p = 0.029; odds ratio, 5.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-29.45) were significantly associated with clinical effectiveness. Conclusions: Condoliase disk administration improved pain and quality of life over time. Condoliase disk administration was more effective in L5/S1 intervertebral administration.

There are many satisfactory long-term outcomes after posterolateral fusion (PLF) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS); nonunion cases have also achieved good clinical outcomes. Facet fusion (FF), a minimally invasive evolution of PLF, also resulted in good clinical outcomes. We aimed to assess the course of nonunion cases after FF and determine whether the nonunion cases achieved good clinical outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 136 patients who underwent FF for DLS. Range of motion (ROM) at the fused level was measured using a flexion-extension lateral radiograph preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Patients were classified into the Fusion or Unconfirmed Fusion group by computed tomography (CT) 1 year postoperatively. Furthermore, patients in the Unconfirmed Fusion group were classified into the Delayed Union or Nonunion group depending on the confirmation status of FF upon the following CT. The average preoperative ROM and clinical outcomes were compared between the three groups. The Fusion, Delayed Union, and Nonunion groups had 109, 14, and 13 patients, respectively. In the Nonunion group, the average ROM significantly decreased from 13.0° preoperatively to 4.9° postoperatively. There was a significant difference in the average preoperative ROM between the groups. The larger the preoperative ROM, the fewer facets fused. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups. Five patients (3.7%) required revision surgery for adjacent segment disease 1-5.5 years after FF. Even nonunion cases after FF achieved good clinical outcomes, likely because the unstable spondylolisthesis was stabilized. FF did not require revision surgery for nonunion itself.

Many authors have reported no significant differences in clinical outcomes between posterolateral fusion (PLF) and interbody fusion, as well as satisfactory long-term outcomes after PLF. Facet fusion (FF), a minimally invasive evolution of PLF, has also resulted in good clinical outcomes. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes 5 years after FF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and determine whether good clinical outcomes were maintained after FF. Records of 115 patients who underwent FF for single-level DLS with at least 5 years of follow-up were retrospectively studied. The therapeutic effectiveness of FF was assessed as a clinical outcome using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ), the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 1 and 5 years postoperatively. Computed tomography was performed for fusion confirmation. The revision surgery rate was also evaluated. The JOABPEQ category scores demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in 81.7% of patients at 1 year postoperatively and 81.4% of patients at 5 years postoperatively for low back pain; the corresponding proportions for walking ability were 93.8% and 86.6%, respectively. There were no significant differences in therapeutic effectiveness at 1 and 5 years postoperatively for any category, including the RMDQ and VAS scores. The fusion rate was 90.4% at the final follow-up. Four patients required revision surgery for adjacent segment disease 1-5 years after the first surgery (revision surgery rate, 3.5%). Good clinical outcomes were maintained 5 years after FF, and FF had an extremely low revision surgery rate.

The world in the text (the text itself) and world behind the text (the background history) of the Christian Scriptures in the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles contain many significant stories, experiences, lessons and reflections that arguably speak from the experience of migration itself or related issues such as displacement, marginalization, inclusion or exclusion, among others. Moreover, Luke-Acts is also a classical work that speaks to the experience of migration and its component dimensions. This Lucan saga is replete with stories of “migrants,” such as Jesus, Peter and Paul, who are constantly on the move, establishing the reign of God everywhere they go. Besides, Luke’s ultimate aim is most probably to argue that the Gentiles, long considered to be “outsiders” in the covenant between God and Israel, are now finally included and an integral part of God’s plan of salvation for the whole world. For these reasons and many others, Luke-Acts is one of the richest resources that the Church has in its treasury of classics which it can use to connect with, speak to and reflect on migrants and migration in today’s world.

Objective To determine the association between cervical polyps in early pregnancy and late abortion and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). We also aimed to explore the relationship between cervical polyps and cervical insufficiency in the second trimester. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2941 singleton pregnant women between January 2010 and December 2015. The frequency of late abortion and SPTB (before 28, 34, or 37 weeks of pregnancy) was compared between the two groups of 142 (4.8%) patients who had cervical polyps early in the pregnancy (P group) and 2799 who did not (non-P group). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for late abortion and SPTB. Results The incidence of late abortion and SPTB was significantly higher in the P group than in the non-P group. Cervical polyps in early pregnancy were selected as independent risk factors for late abortion and SPTB before 28, 34, or 37 weeks of pregnancy. The P group had a significantly higher rate of cases requiring therapeutic cervical cerclage than the non-P group. Conclusion Cervical polyps in early pregnancy are risk factors for late abortion and SPTB. They are also associated with the occurrence of cervical insufficiency.

Study Objective To show a procedure of ureterolysis and adhesiolysis for Obliterated Cul-de-sac as a result of endometriosis. Design Step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical procedure. Setting Urban general hospital. Da Vinci Xi, Cutting device is Maryland bipolar forceps and connected with a specific energy platform at macromode 60W. Patients or Participants N/A. Interventions We have the following Six-Step-Strategy. 1. Mobilize the uterus to the anterior side with the uterine manipulator and mobilize the rectum to the cranial side to make clear the dissecting line in the adhesion between the uterus and rectum. This step is performed by the patient-side surgeon or the robotic arm. 2. Dissect the median area of the adhesion with Maryland forceps 3. Confirm the point where the ureters cross over the common iliac artery and perform ureterolysis near the adhered area. With our Double-Bipolar method, Maryland forceps can make this procedure much easier because we can grasp tissue and dissect adhesion with both blunt and sharp dissection. 4. Dissect the pararectal space and confirm the contour of the rectum. 5. Perform adhesiolysis extending to the Cul-de-sac and open the rectovaginal space. 6. Confirm whether or not rectal injuries have occurred with the air leak test. Measurements and Main Results N/A. Conclusion With this Six-Step-Strategy and Double Bipolar method, adhesiolysis and ureterolysis an Obliterated Cul-de-sac as a result of endometriosis can be performed safely and precisely in a Robotic-Assisted surgery session.

Histopathological classification of gastric and colonic epithelial tumours is one of the routine pathological diagnosis tasks for pathologists. Computational pathology techniques based on Artificial intelligence (AI) would be of high benefit in easing the ever increasing workloads on pathologists, especially in regions that have shortages in access to pathological diagnosis services. In this study, we trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) on biopsy histopathology whole-slide images (WSIs) of stomach and colon. The models were trained to classify WSI into adenocarcinoma, adenoma, and non-neoplastic. We evaluated our models on three independent test sets each, achieving area under the curves (AUCs) up to 0.97 and 0.99 for gastric adenocarcinoma and adenoma, respectively, and 0.96 and 0.99 for colonic adenocarcinoma and adenoma respectively. The results demonstrate the generalisation ability of our models and the high promising potential of deployment in a practical histopathological diagnostic workflow system.

Background Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screws are popular for spinal fixation, but their ideal diameter has not been determined. Studies using postoperative computed tomography (CT) have revealed ample bone marrow space around 5.5-mm screws, which are commonly used. However, evidence indicates that a larger screw diameter provides a greater fixation strength. This study aimed to develop a generalizable formula for computing the diameter of CBT screws that could be inserted safely for fixation of the lower lumbar spine. Methods Records of 44 consecutive patients who had undergone posterior fusion with CBT screws for single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were retrospectively reviewed. We estimated the maximum diameter for conventional pedicle screws by the minimum diameter of the pedicle using preoperative CT (PSD). We measured the minimum endosteal diameter of the pedicle on the reconstructed plane of the postoperative CT which passed through the cannula used for the screw and estimated the maximum diameter for the CBT screws that could be inserted within the bone marrow space of the pedicle (CBTD). Results Among the 176 pedicles measured, there were 151 (85.8%) with a PSD of 8.5 mm and 13, 7.5 mm. Because of a slight pedicle wall breach, 13 screws were excluded from the sample. There were 64 (39.3%) screws with a CBTD of 8.5 mm; 45, 7.5 mm; and 40, 6.5 mm. Of 163 screws, 156 (95.7%) had PSD minus CBTD ≤2 mm for each pedicle. PSD minus the minimum outer cortical diameter was ≤1 mm for each pedicle in 155 (95.1%) screws. Conclusion Our results show that CBT screws with a diameter 1 mm smaller than the endosteal diameter of the pedicle were inserted safely. Study Design: Clinical study.

Free floating microstructures are obtained by optofluidic lithography on a photocurable hydrogel in a microchannel. Such hydrogel-based components are expected to work in water for the actuation of movable components in biomedical applications. This paper reports the underwater motion of a hydrogel microstructure patterned by optofluidic lithography, studied with a platform that anchors an object and controls the gap between the gel and the channel. First, the authors developed this platform composed of three layers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS); a thin PDMS membrane (~20µm thick) is sandwiched between the two outer layers and pneumatically actuated to decrease the thickness of the photocurable resin solution in a top microchannel, which leads to ~15µm gap. A shaft with a diameter of ~25µm on the membrane enables the fabricated object to be kept in the same place when the surrounding solution is changed. Second, the authors studied the effect of surfactant Triton X on the motion of the hydrogel object with the developed platform. A microgear (outer diameter ~100µm) composed of photocurable hydrogel containing Triton X was formed and moved in a deionized water stream. After the effect of Triton X was lost, the gear stopped its movement in water. Addition of Triton X solution restarted the motion of the gear. A rod hydrogel structure (total length ~150µm) formed without Triton X did not move in the deionized water. These results show that a surfactant is essential to move a hydrogel structure in water. Our findings are useful for the actuation of movable parts in water and in future biomedical applications. Display Omitted This platform achieved both of gap control and motion constraint.A hydrogel microstructure was created in the platform by optofluidic lithography.Non-ionic surfactant is critical for moving a hydrogel structure in water.

The disc angle at the fused segment is extended in operative prone position, but eventually returns to preoperative neutral position within 6 months to 1 year. This study aimed to assess pedicle screw (PS) shift without loosening to identify the mechanism of the change in disc angle after posterior fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent facet fusion for L4 single-level DLS were retrospectively reviewed using computed tomography (CT) immediately after surgery and 6 months postoperatively. Twenty-two patients (88 PSs) in whom the disc angle had decreased by more than 4° at 6-month postoperative radiographic follow-up were selected to more readily identify and quantify PS shift. Six patients with PS loosening and/or nonunion were excluded. We reconstructed a CT plane, vertical to the cranial endplate of the vertebrae and passing through the cannula used for percutaneous PSs. Angle α, which is formed by the cranial endplate and the cannula on this plane, was measured. A change in angle α of more than 2° between the immediate postoperative period and the 6-month follow-up was defined as a PS shift. Angle α did not change by more than 2° in any of the 44 PSs in the upper vertebrae of the fused segment. In the lower vertebrae, angle α changed by more than 2° in 22 of 44 PSs. The change in angle α in the lower vertebrae (average, 2.3°) was significantly greater than that in the upper vertebrae (average, 0.2°) (P

A procedure for estimation of Rayleigh wave phase velocities from microtremor observations, using an array with a reference station, is investigated in this study. Simultaneous observation of microtremors at a reference station and at a strong motion observation array in the Kanto Basin, Japan, was carried out. We first calculated cross correlations between records at the reference station and those at stations in the array using a seismic interferometric processing method on a 4300-h data series. After identifying dispersive Rayleigh waves from results of multiple filtering analysis of the cross correlations, semblance analysis of the cross correlations for different segments was carried out to estimate phase velocities for fundamental and higher-mode Rayleigh waves. The phase velocities from the proposed method are more appropriate than those from conventional methods at long periods as they avoid contamination by higher mode Rayleigh waves. The fundamental Rayleigh wave phase velocities were inverted to an S-wave velocity profile for deep sedimentary layers. We also examined the variations in the phase velocity with decreasing data duration. The phase velocities at periods less than 3 s from 6-h records are similar to those from 4300-h records, suggesting that our method is possibly applicable in microtremor exploration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause neuropathic pain (NeP), often reducing a patient's quality of life. We recently reported that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) could attenuate NeP in several SCI patients. However, the mechanism of action underlying G-CSF-mediated attenuation of SCI-NeP remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of action of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for SCI-induced NeP. T9 level contusive SCI was introduced to adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Three weeks after injury, rats received intraperitoneal recombinant human G-CSF (15.0 μg/kg) for 5 days. Mechanical allodynia was assessed using von Frey filaments. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed in spinal cord lumbar enlargement samples. Testing with von Frey filaments showed significant increase in the paw withdrawal threshold in the G-CSF group compared with the vehicle group 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks and 7 weeks after injury. Immunohistochemistry for CD11b (clone OX-42) revealed that the number of OX-42-positive activated microglia was significantly smaller in the G-CSF group than that in the vehicle rats. Western blot analysis indicated that phosphorylated-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and interleukin-1β expression in spinal cord lumbar enlargement were attenuated in the G-CSF-treated rats compared with that in the vehicle-treated rats. The present results demonstrate a therapeutic effect of G-CSF treatment for SCI-induced NeP, possibly through the inhibition of microglial activation and the suppression of p38MAPK phosphorylation and the upregulation of interleukin-1β.

Study Design. A retrospective clinical and radiographical study. Objective. To assess the clinical outcomes and fusion rate of facet fusion (FF) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS). Summary of Background Data. On the basis of the long-term clinical and radiological follow-up studies of posterolateral fusion (PLF)—that is, intertransverse process fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation—for DLS, we recognized that FF alone would be sufficient for spinal fusion. Methods. Eighty-eight patients who underwent FF for single-level DLS were retrospectively reviewed after at least 1 year of follow-up. The control group comprised 21 patients who underwent conventional PLF. The operative technique involved a 5-cm midline skin incision, bilateral laminar fenestration, and FF with autologous bone harvested from the spinous process. Percutaneous pedicle screws were then inserted through the fascia. The fusion rate of FF was evaluated using computed tomography, and the change in the range of motion at the fused level was assessed on flexion-extension lateral radiographs. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of FF. The results of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the visual analogue scales of low back pain, buttock and lower limb pain, and buttock and lower limb numbness were evaluated. Results. The fusion rate was 88.6% (78/88 cases). Among 10 patients with inadequate fusion, the average range of motion significantly decreased from 14.4° preoperatively to 4.3° postoperatively. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire category scores demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in 93.0% of the patients for walking ability and in 73.0% of the patients for low back pain. The average preoperative scores of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and the visual analogue scales of low back pain, buttock and lower limb pain, and buttock and lower limb numbness were significantly reduced postoperatively in the FF group. Conclusion. FF achieved good clinical outcomes that were superior to those of conventional PLF with a comparable fusion rate. It is useful for managing DLS and is a minimally invasive evolution of PLF. Conclusion. Level of Evidence: 3

We performed a phase I/IIa clinical trial and confirmed the safety and feasibility of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as neuroprotective therapy in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcome in SCI patients treated with G-CSF and compared these results to a historical cohort of SCI patients treated with high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). In the G-CSF group (n = 28), patients were treated from August 2009 to July 2012 within 48 h of the injury, and G-CSF (10 μg/kg/day) was administered intravenously for five consecutive days. In the MPSS group (n = 34), patients underwent high-dose MPSS therapy from August 2003 to July 2005 following the NASCIS II protocol. We evaluated the ASIA motor score and the AIS grade elevation between the time of treatment and 3-month follow-up and adverse events. The ΔASIA motor score was significantly higher in the G-CSF group than in the MPSS group (p

We have previously reported that the degree of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) distribution overlaps between a signal window and a noise window in multifocal VEP (mfVEP) responses, which is determined by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve termed SNR-AUC, can quantitatively detect glaucomatous visual functional damage. However, the effect of high myopia on this parameter is not yet known. SNR-AUC, total deviation, and retinal sensitivity on the Humphrey visual field (HVF) test were compared among 34 eyes >−6 diopters (control) and 21 eyes ≤−6 diopters (high myopia), both of which were ophthalmoscopically normal and had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20. The mfVEP and HVF parameters were obtained from stimulus areas that corresponded to both HVF 24-2 and 10-2 programs. Both the HVF 24-2 total deviation and the SNR-AUC obtained from 60 sectors in high-myopia patients were significantly lower compared with controls (P = 0.045 and P = 0.003, respectively). The SNR-AUC obtained from the central 36 sectors that corresponded to the HVF 10-2 area in high-myopia patients was also significantly lower than that of the controls (P = 0.01). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that age and refractive error were significantly associated with retinal sensitivity on the HVF 24-2 and SNR-AUC for the whole field and central field, respectively. High myopia reduces the SNR-AUC of mfVEP responses, even with refractive correction. A normative database should be separately established for high myopes to evaluate the mfVEP responses obtained from highly myopic glaucoma patients.

Study design An open-labeled multicenter prospective nonrandomized controlled clinical trial. Objective To confirm the feasibility of using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for treatment of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Summary of background data We previously reported that G-CSF promotes functional recovery after compression-induced SCI in mice. On the basis of these findings, we conducted a multicenter prospective controlled clinical trial to assess the feasibility of G-CSF therapy for patients with acute SCI. Methods The trial ran from August 2009 to March 2011, and included 41 patients with SCI treated within 48 hours of onset. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. After providing consent, patients were divided into 2 groups. In the G-CSF group (17 patients), G-CSF (10 μg/kg/d) was intravenously administered for 5 consecutive days, and in the control group (24 patients), patients were similarly treated except for the G-CSF administration. We evaluated motor and sensory functions using the American Spinal Cord Injury Association score and American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after onset. Results Only 2 patients did not experience American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale improvement in the G-CSF group. In contrast, 15 patients in the control group did not experience American Spinal Cord Injury Association impairment scale improvement. In the analysis of increased American Spinal Cord Injury Association motor score, a significant increase in G-CSF group was detected from 1 week after the administration compared with the control group. After that, some spontaneous increase of motor score was detected in control group, but the significant increase in G-CSF group was maintained until 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion Despite the limitation that patient selection was not randomized, the present results suggest the possibility that G-CSF administration has beneficial effects on neurological recovery in patients with acute SCI. Level of evidence 3.

The breast and ovarian cancer-specific tumor suppressor BRCA1, along with its heterodimer partner BRCA1-associated RING domain protein (BARD1), plays important roles in DNA repair, centrosome regulation, and transcription. To explore further functions of BRCA1/BARD1, we performed mass spectrometry analysis and identified Obg-like ATPase 1 (OLA1) as a protein that interacts with the carboxy-terminal region of BARD1. OLA1 directly bound to the amino-terminal region of BRCA1 and γ-tubulin. OLA1 localized to centrosomes in interphase and to the spindle pole in mitotic phase, and its knockdown resulted in centrosome amplification and the activation of microtubule aster formation. OLA1 with a mutation observed in breast cancer cell line, E168Q, failed to bind BRCA1 and rescue the OLA1 knockdown-induced centrosome amplification. BRCA1 variant I42V also abrogated the binding of BRCA1 to OLA1. These findings suggest that OLA1 plays an important role in centrosome regulation together with BRCA1.

Biological motors from living microorganisms might be applicable in microsystems while reducing the overall size of devices. We used directional fluid transport induced by coordinated ciliary motion in living Vorticella convallaria microorganisms for microfluidic applications. As an example of its application, fluid transport was applied to enhance the mixing of solutions containing microparticles in a microchannel that had been functionalized with V. convallaria . Particle transport by several cells of V. convallaria enhanced mixing. Changes in intensity profiles and mixing indexes were measured along the flow direction. Decreasing the flow speed enhanced the mixing performance. We developed a method to pattern V. convallaria in micropockets to extend the possibilities for device design. A three-layer device equipped with a pneumatic valve enables confinement of V. convallaria with removal of the suction pressure. Most trapped cells adhered in the pockets for 6 h. The pocket geometry controlled the V. convallaria posture. Application of the coordinated ciliate motion is expected for portable bioanalytical systems capable of analyzing less-diffusive materials.

Observation of magnetization structure by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) has been playing important roles in the development of magnetic materials and devices. MFM tips are prepared by coating magnetic materials on sharp non-magnetic tips like Si and SiN [1]. However, the magnetic materials are easily oxidized when kept under ambient atmosphere. Furthermore, MFM tips will be easily deformed upon contact with observation samples, since the magnetic materials are far softer than the base tip of Si or SiN. The high resolution property will deteriorate when oxidation or deformation takes place. In order to enhance the durability of high-resolution MFM tip, very thin protection layers are applied on MFM tips and the effects on oxidation and mechanical durability are investigated.

The ancient philosopher, Heraclitus, known for the notion that the element of change is central to the workings of the universe, said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.”1 Change can be evaluated both positively and negatively, but what can be said in its favor is that where there is change, there surely is life. Conversely, an entity that does not change can be said to be fossilized or, put more starkly, dead. Still in the same vein, the nineteenth-century English convert to Catholicism, John Henry Newman declared, “To live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.”2 He said this, no doubt, reflecting on his own personal life journey in which he changed from being vehemently anti-Catholic to being sympathetic to it and finally embracing the faith he once resisted fiercely.

In two books, entitled The End of Faith1 and Letter to a Christian Nation,2 which catapulted him to fame, vocal atheist Sam Harris advocates an “end” to religious faith. He is convinced that religion is an “obscenity”3 because it represents “a near-perfect barrier to honest inquiry”4 and “gives shelter to extremists of all faiths,”5 among other reasons. Where does that invalidation of religion leave the believer or, in my case, the critical believer–scholar involved in Religious Studies who, like Harris, seeks to maintain intellectual integrity yet, unlike him, continues to think that there is a great value to religion and faith?

Let us now discuss the three main conceptual frameworks that are used in this study: hybridity, diaspora, and interpretation. Let me also describe the particular situations which I shall employ to give shape to the particular kind of hybridity referred to here as well as the style of interpretation that arises from it, a style rooted ultimately in the identity of the hybrid interpreter. I begin then with hybridity, in particular, the one linked with the phenomenon called “diaspora,” which is generally the cause of it in the contemporary world.

In this chapter, the hybrid reader converses with the gospel that is arguably the most important and influential in most of Christianity’s history—the Gospel according to John.1 John, moreover, is not only the most influential gospel but also, it would not be an exaggeration to say, the most beloved gospel among many Christians because it speaks clearly about Jesus’s divine identity and assures and consoles those who believe in Jesus as the “Word became flesh” (1:14)2 that the object of their faith is himself “the way, the truth and the life” (14:16).

This chapter advances the need for humility and a kenotic approach in interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue entails the sharing of truth claims. Oftentimes, these are proclaimed with a certain epistemic confidence. Most of these claims are absolute in nature and are not empirically verifiable and so risk being dismissed altogether. The chapter investigates the nature of truth claims as commonly found in religious traditions. It does this in the context of a globalized and hybridized world characterized by a scientific and historical mentality. Its thesis is that the seed of epistemic confidence has to die in view of embracing a kenotic approach to religious truths and in the service of a more fruitful interfaith dialogue.

Back in Chap. 2, we began by reminding ourselves that at this point in history it is truistic to say that we live in a globalized world. In this last chapter, let’s add another truism: We live in a postmodern age. Postmodernity dislikes the so-called metanarratives that have strongly characterized the modern age such as the (by now commonly considered) “myth of unbridled and unlimited economic progress.” Rather, it focuses on the seemingly infinite number of diverse contexts and narratives that, as it were, jostle against each other in the space we call our contemporary world. To be honest, becoming acutely aware of that sometimes makes me (as well as quite a few of my friends who are engaged in Christian theology) alarmed at the prospect of a total breakdown of the heretofore nice and tidy metanarrative known as traditional Christianity. And by that I mean a tradition with a linear soteriological scheme that starts from creation, proceeds through the history of Israel, Jesus’s first coming, and his paschal mystery and ends up where we find ourselves now—the present dispensation in which (at least for my parent Catholic tradition) the Christian community is the sacrament (i.e., effective sign and symbol and also some kind of “broker”) of the salvation won by Christ—all this in preparation for the final eschaton when Jesus Christ, the glorious King, will come again, vindicate his ecclesiastical foothold on earth, and make everyone else (who could be included) a member of God’s true people (aka, the vindicated and triumphant Christian Church).