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Background: Pembrolizumab is active in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression associated with improved response. Methods: KEYNOTE-048 was a randomised, phase 3 study of participants with untreated locally incurable recurrent or metastatic HNSCC done at 200 sites in 37 countries. Participants were stratified by PD-L1 expression, p16 status, and performance status and randomly allocated (1:1:1) to pembrolizumab alone, pembrolizumab plus a platinum and 5-fluorouracil (pembrolizumab with chemotherapy), or cetuximab plus a platinum and 5-fluorouracil (cetuximab with chemotherapy). Investigators and participants were aware of treatment assignment. Investigators, participants, and representatives of the sponsor were masked to the PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) results; PD-L1 positivity was not required for study entry. The primary endpoints were overall survival (time from randomisation to death from any cause) and progression-free survival (time from randomisation to radiographically confirmed disease progression or death from any cause, whichever came first) in the intention-to-treat population (all participants randomly allocated to a treatment group). There were 14 primary hypotheses: superiority of pembrolizumab alone and of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy versus cetuximab with chemotherapy for overall survival and progression-free survival in the PD-L1 CPS of 20 or more, CPS of 1 or more, and total populations and non-inferiority (non-inferiority margin: 1·2) of pembrolizumab alone and pembrolizumab with chemotherapy versus cetuximab with chemotherapy for overall survival in the total population. The definitive findings for each hypothesis were obtained when statistical testing was completed for that hypothesis; this occurred at the second interim analysis for 11 hypotheses and at final analysis for three hypotheses. Safety was assessed in the as-treated population (all participants who received at least one dose of allocated treatment). This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02358031. Findings: Between April 20, 2015, and Jan 17, 2017, 882 participants were allocated to receive pembrolizumab alone (n=301), pembrolizumab with chemotherapy (n=281), or cetuximab with chemotherapy (n=300); of these, 754 (85%) had CPS of 1 or more and 381 (43%) had CPS of 20 or more. At the second interim analysis, pembrolizumab alone improved overall survival versus cetuximab with chemotherapy in the CPS of 20 or more population (median 14·9 months vs 10·7 months, hazard ratio [HR] 0·61 [95% CI 0·45–0·83], p=0·0007) and CPS of 1 or more population (12·3 vs 10·3, 0·78 [0·64–0·96], p=0·0086) and was non-inferior in the total population (11·6 vs 10·7, 0·85 [0·71–1·03]). Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy improved overall survival versus cetuximab with chemotherapy in the total population (13·0 months vs 10·7 months, HR 0·77 [95% CI 0·63–0·93], p=0·0034) at the second interim analysis and in the CPS of 20 or more population (14·7 vs 11·0, 0·60 [0·45–0·82], p=0·0004) and CPS of 1 or more population (13·6 vs 10·4, 0·65 [0·53–0·80], p

Background: This study aimed to determine whether combination S-1 plus cisplatin (CDDP) therapy, the most widely used therapy for Japanese patients with advanced gastric cancer, and the novel oral antiangiogenic agent TSU-68 could contribute to gastric cancer treatment. Methods: Ninety-three patients with chemotherapy-naïve unresectable or recurrent advanced gastric cancers were randomised into two groups: TSU-68 plus S-1/CDDP (group A) and S-1/CDDP (group B) groups. Both patient groups received identical S-1 and CDDP dosages. TSU-68 was orally administered for 35 consecutive days. Group B patients received S-1 orally twice daily for three consecutive weeks, followed by intravenous CDDP on day 8. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Median PFS periods were 208 and 213 days in groups A and B, respectively (P=0.427). Median survival periods for groups A and B were 497.0 and 463.5 days, respectively (P=0.219). No statistically significant differences were noted for PFS, survival or the adverse event (AE) incidence rate. All AEs were expected according to previous reports for TSU-68, TS-1, and CDDP. Conclusion: Combination therapy involving TSU-68, S-1, and CDDP was safe and well tolerated in patients with chemotherapy-naïve unresectable or recurrent advanced gastric cancers. However, factors related to therapeutic efficacy should be investigated further.

CuIn(S 1 − x ,Se x ) 2 (CISSe) films aimed at flexible solar cells were directly prepared on Ti foils from elemental In, Cu, S, and Se particle precursor using microwave irradiation. The formation of the CISSe phase was deduced from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The (112) peaks of CISSe were well defined and the lattice constants increased in direct proportion to the S/(S + Se) ratio almost satisfying Vegard's law. In particular, CuInSe 2 was formed in the desired chalcopyrite lattice as indicated by the presence of (101), (103) and (211) peaks in the XRD pattern. Porous surfaces and formation of by-products were avoided by employing an evaporated In and Cu films instead of In and Cu particles.

The factors determining temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength are investigated and discussed under monitoring CO(2)-gas absorption spectra. The diffusion rate of Joule heating at the active layer to the surrounding region is observed by monitoring the change in the junction voltage, which is a function of temperature and the wavelength (frequency) deviation under sinusoidal current modulation. Based on the experimental results, the time interval of monitoring the wavelength after changing the ambient temperature or injected current (scanning rate) has to be constant at least to eliminate the monitoring error induced by the deviation of lasing wavelength, though the temperature and current coefficients of lasing wavelength differ with the rate.

Seafloor seeping methane bubbles were successfully sampled on the summit area of the Kuroshima Knoll (depth of ca. 640 m) using the gas-tight sampler WHATS attached to the Shinkai 2000. To evaluate the origin of the bubbles and verify that the dissociation of methane hydrate was actually in progress, the chemical and isotopic composition of the samples were analyzed. The major component of the gas bubbles was methane (C1) with traces of CO2 (67 ± 16 ppmv) and helium (11 ± 1 ppmv; 4He/20Ne = 320) having a moderate 3He/4He ratio (0.44Ra). C1 was enriched relative to other hydrocarbons (C1/(C2+C3) > 3000). The δ13C values for C1 (-40.1‰VPDB), C2 (-28.3‰VPDB), and C5 (-28.0‰VPDB) were similar to those of hydrocarbons produced by thermal decomposition of organic matter. The contribution of the mantle-derived 3He-enriched component in coexisting helium also supports thermogenic generation. On the other hand, the other light hydrocarbons showed an unusual 13C-enrichment in C3 (-19.1‰VPDB), iso-C4 (-22.4‰VPDB), and n-C4 (-19.9‰VPDB). C3 and C4 had been fractionated both chemically and isotopically through subsequent microbial destruction during the long storage from Miocene in the gas reservoir. In addition, the anaerobic oxidation of CH4 within shallow sediments removed about 20% of CH4, until seepage into ocean water column. Regarding the contribution of gases originating from hydrate dissociation to the bubbles, observed helium amount in the bubbles suggests that methane hydrate is considered to be a minor contributor to the bubbles, at least at present. Direct leakage of gases from deep reservoirs is a more plausible for the source. Regarding the fate of the hydrocarbons in the bubbles in the water column, all rising bubbles at Kuroshima Knoll dissolved within 140 m of the seafloor. After the dissolution, the plume spreads horizontally along with the surface of equal density in the water column, while the concentrations decrease through dilution by eddy diffusion rather than by oxidation.

INTRODUCTION: A persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a rare vascular anomaly and is usually asymptomatic. However, the PPHA may cause multi-territorial infarction when complicated by internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. CASE REPORT: We describe a 73-year-old male who simultaneously developed cerebral infarction in both carotid and vertebrobasilar territories due to ICA stenosis associated with an ipsilateral PPHA. The PPHA mainly provided blood flow to the vertebrobasilar territory in this case, because the bilateral vertebral arteries were markedly hypoplastic. He underwent carotid endarterectomy under internal shunting. Intraoperative multi-modality monitoring including angiography, motor evoked potential, and near infrared spectroscopy was very useful to avoid ischemic complications during surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: It should be reminded that a persistent carotid-basilar anastomosis can cause multi-territorial cerebral infarction mimicking cardiogenic embolism and may be a candidate for aggressive prophylactic intervention, when occlusive lesions develop in the carotid artery. It is very important to monitor hemodynamic and/or electrophysiological status in both carotid and verebrobasilar territories in order to perform carotid endarterectomy safely in such cases.

This study investigated the effect of a specific adsorption ion, copper (II) ion, on the kinetics of the charge transfer reaction at a LiMn 2 O 4 thin film electrode/aqueous solution (1 mol dm −3 LiNO 3 ) interface. The zeta potential of LiMn 2 O 4 particles showed a negative value in 1 × 10 −2 mol dm −3 LiNO 3 aqueous solution, while it was measured as positive in the presence of 1 × 10 −2 mol dm −3 Cu(NO 3 ) 2 in the solution. The presence of copper (II) ions in the solution increased the charge transfer resistance, and CV measurement revealed that the lithium insertion/extraction reaction was retarded by the presence of small amount of copper (II) ions. The activation energy for the charge transfer reaction in the solution with Cu(NO 3 ) 2 was estimated to be 35 kJ mol −1 , which was ca. 10 kJ mol −1 larger than that observed in the solution without Cu(NO 3 ) 2 . These results suggest that the interaction between the lithium ion and electrode surface is a factor in the kinetics of charge transfer reaction.

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were used to elucidate primary carbon sources and trophic relationships of the fish and shrimp community in the Klong Ngao mangrove ecosystem, southern Thailand. There were no significant differences in isotopic compositions of biota between mangrove and offshore sites (Welch–Aspin test). The δ15N values of eight fish species and two shrimp species at both sites were also not significantly different by the test, meaning that at both sites they feed on the same diets due to the discharge of large quantities of mangrove sediments. The δ15N isotopic enrichment of consumers suggested that there are four trophic levels in the Klong Ngao food web, with at least two fish species capable of switching feeding strategies and thus altering their apparent trophic positions. Phytoplankton culture experiments indicated that mangrove-derived sediments could play an important role in stimulating phytoplankton growth for low turbidity offshore areas, thus providing an alternate food source. The isotopic associations among sources and consumers indicated that mangroves were the major carbon source supporting aquatic food webs in the Klong Ngao ecosystem.

Interfacial lithium-ion transfer at the LiMn 2 O 4 thin film electrode/aqueous solution was investigated. The cyclic voltammograms of the film electrode conducted in the aqueous solution was similar to an adsorption-type voltammogram of reversible system, suggesting that fast charge transfer reaction proceed in the aqueous solution system. We found that the activation energy for this interfacial lithium-ion transfer reaction obtains 23–25 kJ mol −1 , which is much smaller than that in the propylene carbonate solution (50 kJ mol −1 ). This small activation energy will be responsible for the fast interfacial lithium-ion transfer reaction in the aqueous solution. These results suggest that fast lithium insertion/extraction reaction can be realized by decreasing the activation energy for interfacial lithium-ion transfer reaction.

PRL-3 genomic copy number is increased in colorectal cancer (CRC), and PRL-3 expression is closely associated with lymph node and liver metastasis of CRC. However, the clinical significance of PRL-3 genomic gain for CRC remains obscure. Here, PRL-3 genomic status in 109 primary CRC tumors and in 44 CRC tumors that had metastasized to the liver, was quantified using real time PCR. Association of PRL-3 genomic status with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was assessed in detail. PRL-3 genomic gain was identified in 31 primary CRC (27.4 %) and was more frequently seen in stage III than in stage II (p = 0.025). Among the clinicopathological factors assessed, PRL-3 genomic gain was significantly associated with poorly differentiated histology (p = 0.0039). Moreover, CRC patients with PRL-3 genomic gain exhibited poorer prognosis than those with no gain in stage II-IV CRC (p = 0.017). PRL-3 genomic gain was identified in 18 (41 %) of the liver metastasis tumors, and this frequency of gain was significantly increased as compared to that of the corresponding primary CRCs (11 %) (p = 0.001). Our findings suggested that PRL-3 genomic gain may represent an aggressive phenotype of primary CRC, and may associate with liver metastasis.

In this paper, a compact model of nonquasi-static (NQS) carrier-transport effects in MOSFETs is reported, which takes into account the carrier-response delay to form the channel. The NQS model, as implemented in the surface-potential-based MOSFET Hiroshima University STARC IGFET model, is verified to predict the correct transient terminal currents and to achieve a stable circuit simulation. Simulation results show that the NQS model can even reduce the circuit simulation time in some cases due to the elimination of unphysical overshoot peaks normally calculated by a QS-model. An average additional computational cost of only 3% is demonstrated for common test circuits. Furthermore, harmonic distortion characteristics are investigated using the developed NQS model. While the distortion characteristics at low drain bias and low switching frequency are determined mainly by carrier mobility, distortion characteristics at high frequency are found to be strongly influenced by channel charging/discharging

We have developed a basic concept for a non-quasi-static (NQS) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) model for circuit simulation. The model is based on a carrier-response delay, and incorporates the time and position dependence of the carrier density along the channel. This is the exact origin of the NQS effect. By comparing model results with 2D device simulation results, solving the continuity equation explicitly, we found that the carrier-response delay consisted of a conductive delay and a charging delay. The developed model was successfully applied to test transient behavior of the drain current.

Mobility universality, confirmed for long-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), is demonstrated to be preserved for scaled MOSFET technologies down to 100 nm gate length, although phenomena such as quantum-mechanical and poly-silicon depletion effects play important roles. This result was obtained by applying a compact model based on the drift-diffusion approximation and relying only on Ids–Vgs measurements instead of using a conventional method with supplemental Cgate–Vgs measurements. It is confirmed that the carrier mobility is still governed by the electric field applied, and that the drift-diffusion approximation remains valid down to channel length of 100 nm. Consequently, the carrier behavior of such scaled small-size MOSFETs can be precisely described by simple analytical equations, which is important for the development of efficient circuit-simulation models.

A new threshold voltage (V/sub th/) model has been developed for the pocket-implant technology. The model extracts the threshold condition from the entire mobile charge concentration in the channel with only five additional parameters; the maximum doping concentration (N/sub subp/) of the pocket profile, the penetration length (L/sub p/) into the channel, and three enhanced short-channel parameters. The model reproduces the measured V/sub th/ versus. gate-length (L/sub gate/) characteristics with an average error of a few millivolts under any bias conditions.

We investigate the physics behind the `atomistic' dopant model widely used in drift-diffusion (DD) simulators for the study of statistical threshold voltage variations in ultra-small MOSFETs. It is found that the conventional dopant model, when extended to the extreme atomistic regime, becomes physically inconsistent with the concepts of electric potential presumed in DD device simulations. The split of the Coulomb potential between the long-range and short-range parts associated with discretized dopants is critical for the device simulations under the atomistic regime. A new dopant model to overcome such problems for 3-dimensional DD simulations is proposed by employing this idea.

A sharp luminescence peak from Sm doped ZnS at 650 nm which can be assigned as 4 G 5/2 - 6 H 9/2 transition of Sm 3+ ion was observed; however, no luminescence peak related to Eu 3+ , which can have luminescence in the similar spectral region, was observed from Eu doped ZnS. A defect level situated at about 0.36 eV above the valence band was detected only in Sm doped ZnS by infrared absorption spectroscopy. The cause of the difference in the luminescence properties between Sm doped ZnS and Eu doped ZnS was reasonably explained by the model of defect related energy transfer associated with the 0.36 eV level.

In recent years, the incidence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) that occur during chemotherapy for ovarian cancer has increased. While alkylating agents and topoisomerase II inhibitors are particularly mutagenic and have strong leukemogenic potential, paclitaxel and combination chemotherapy/radiation therapy also appear to induce t-MDS. The present authors report a case of t-MDS that developed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for ovarian cancer. The patient was a 75-year-old woman who received six courses of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/cisplatin (CAP) therapy after initial surgery for Stage IIIc grade ovarian cancer in 1995. Beginning in February 2005, the patient experienced multiple recurrences due to sternal metastasis. Chemotherapy, including paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC), was administered intermittently and was combined with radiation therapy to a sternal metastatic lesion. Pancytopenia was observed in December 2008, and she was diagnosed with t-MDS (WHO subtype, refractory cytopenias with multilineage dysplasia [RCMD]): the time from first chemotherapy to t-MDS onset was 106 months. Without evidence of blast crisis, the recurrent lesions continued to grow and caused multiple cerebral infarctions, from which she eventually died. The cumulative doses of paclitaxel and carboplatin administered to this patient were 1,968 mg and 6,480 mg, respectively.

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor of the brain is a rare embryonal tumor of infancy which has become more widely recognized due to specific immunostaining now more routinely available. These tumors still carry a poor prognosis and no standard therapy is currently available. However, the recent development of aggressive multimodality strategies seems to be associated with improved survival rates. In this chapter, we provide a review of our current knowledge on the demographics and epidemiology, pathology, and molecular characteristics. We review each individual therapeutic modality used (surgery, conventional chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, intrathecal chemotherapy, and radiation) and the contribution of each to outcome when available. We provide an overview of the most recent therapeutic trials published and discuss the future options in development.

The proposed threshold-voltage (V/sub th/) model for circuit simulation includes reverse-short-channel effects (RSCE) and short-channel effects (SCE) based on their respective physical origins. A linear vertical-impurity profile approximation for simplified RSCE-modeling already enables 8 mV average V/sub th/-accuracy (max

Zeolite-water heat-pump system is suitable for effective use of low temperature heat sources such as solar energy and waste heats from factories, that is,for energy saving. The heat exchange function of zeolite owes obviously to the nature of the zeolitic water, the state of which can be described in terms of the entropy value as an independent component of H2O. Most entropy values of zeolitic water have been given so far to be intermediate between those of liquid water (69.9 J mol-1 K-1 at 298 K) and ice (41.5 J mol-1 K-1 at 273 K).The present calorimetric measurements proved, however, that the entropy value for Mg-exchanged A-type zeolite is so small, even at the ambient temperature, as to be compared with the residual entropy of ice at 0 K.

Immunofluorescence microscopy using an antibody against xyloglucan (XG) revealed its dynamics during the cell cycle. In interphase tobacco BY-2 cells, punctate and scattered fluorescence was observed throughout the cytoplasm. Colocalization of such signals with cortical microtubules (MTs) was clearly observed on the membrane ghosts. They were also associated and accumulated on MT bundles of the preprophase band. Treatment of protoplasts with cytochalasin B prior to the preparation of the ghosts had no effect on the pattern of anti-XG staining, while treatment with propyzamide caused the disappearance of the staining. These results suggest an association of Golgi apparatus and/or Golgi-derived vesicles with MTs. In metaphase cells, the staining was dispersed in the cytoplasm, except in the area occupied by the metaphase spindle. During anaphase, a broad fluorescence band appeared between daughter chromosomes and gradually concentrated at the equatorial plane before formation of the phragmoplast. At telophase, a bright line of fluorescence appeared at the equatorial plane corresponding to the position of the cell plate. The length of the line increased as cytokinesis proceeded. Thus, we showed that immunofluorescence microscopy using anti-XG antibody can be considered as a powerful tool for the analysis of Golgi apparatus and Golgi-derived vesicles containing XG.

Persistent infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to liver cirrhosis (LC) and often to liver cancer. Little is known about host factors that determine the variable natural history. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important constituent of the innate immune system. In white patients there is an association between codon 52 mutation of the MBL gene and persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To determine whether MBL gene polymorphisms affect the course of HCV infection, we investigated the association between MBL gene polymorphisms and HCV infection in Japanese subjects.Fifty-two HCV-infected Japanese patients (8 with chronic inactive hepatitis (CIH), 31 with chronic active hepatitis (CAH), 13 with LC) and 50 normal controls were studied. MBL gene mutations were determined by means of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses.Codon 52 and codon 57 mutations were absent in all subjects. Homozygous mutation in codon 54 was present in one (0.9%) patient. Heterozygous codon 54 mutation was present in 17 (32%) of the 52 patients and in 21 (41%) of the controls. No significant difference in the frequency of codon 54 mutation was observed between patient and control groups. However, although no significant relationship was observed between MBL polymorphisms and the levels of HCV RNA, all patients with heterozygous or homozygous codon 54 mutations had CAH or LC. In contrast, 8 of the 34 patients without codon 54 mutation remained at CIH. (P = 0.0405).MBL may be one of the factors that influence the course of HCV infection.

Four limonoids were isolated from Melia toosendan together with two known limonoids, nimbolinin B and its 1-deacetyl derivative. Among the new limonoids included one skeletal spiro-, one ring- C-seco nimbolinin-type, and two trichilinin-type apo-euphol-triterpenoids derivatives. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.

High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LS/MSn) utilizing an ion trap mass spectrometer has been used for the analyses of representative cardiac steroids. In the case of bufotoxin having a polar residue (suberoylarginine), the positive-electrospray ionization (ESI) was 50 times more sensitive than the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and provided information concerning the molecular weight as well as the structures of both aglycone and suberoylarginine. The corresponding bufogenin showed 2 times better sensitivity in the positive-APCI than ESI. The mass spectrum of digoxin with the positive-APCI showed fragment ions not only derived from aglycone but also formed by losses of sugars. The cleavage of the dioxane ring has been observed on the cardiac glycoside having an unusual sugar linkage. Fast atom bombardment mass spectra of these compounds were examined and compared with the data obtained from LC/MSn.

We directly measured neutron-reaction-induced charges in the silicon surface region using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) test structures. Because the neutron beam used has an energy spectrum similar to that of sea-level atmospheric neutrons, our charge collection data correspond to those induced by cosmic ray neutrons. Measured charge collection spectra were dependent on the SOI thickness and agreed with simulated results. An application for the neutron-induced upset rate prediction was also discussed. Furthermore, the charge collection components were separated by our charge collection simulator.

In recent years, Shimane University Hospital has begun to see patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which has become severe and chronic after insufficient conservative treatment in primary or secondary medical care facilities. Serious chronic tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) is complicated by intraperitoneal inflammatory adhesions to surrounding organs, so that it is difficult to determine the original anatomical position of organs at surgery. Forcible synechotomy can result in damage to the adhering organs and insufficient drainage after surgery can cause recurrence of inflammation. In order to increase the chances for a successful surgical treatment, careful preparation, such as preoperative administration of antibiotics and ureteral stent insertion are necessary. In addition, the chances for recurrence of inflammation can be lessened by thorough intraperitoneal irrigation and insertion of a drainage tube.

The present report describes a rare case of a uterine perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) arising from a polypoid adenomyoma. The patient, a 44-year-old woman with tuberous sclerosis, was incidentally found to have a uterine mass with malignant-appearing features on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Pathological examination of the hysterectomy specimen demonstrated that the tumor was composed of pale, spindle-shaped, epithelioid tumor cells which were positive for SMA and HMB-45. These findings were consistent with a PEComa arising from a polypoid adenomyoma.

Three new ring C-seco-limonoids, nimbolidins C-E, were isolated from the root bark of Melia toosendan along with two known seco-limonoids, nimbolidin B and salannin. These compounds have properties as insect feeding inhibitors. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means.

Co/Au(001) superlattices were prepared using an ultra-high-vacuum deposition technique. When the Co layer thickness is above 7 AA or when the Au layer thickness is below 12 AA, a drastic increase is found in the interface roughness parameter, indicating the change from a coherent to an incoherent structure of the interface. From magnetization measurements at 5 K, the magnetic moment for the Co layers in the Co/Au(100) superlattices is found to be 1.7 mu B per atom. The easy magnetization direction lies in the film plane for all the samples. A strong in-plane magnetic anisotropy is observed for the samples with small Co layer thickness and highly ordered interface structure.

To investigate the relaxation process of excited carriers under resonant conditions, time-resolved photoluminescence of the A free exciton has been examined in CuInS 2 at a low temperature. At the resonant excitation with the B free exciton energy, the values of the decay-time constant of the fast component decreases to 26 ps compared with that of the non-resonant constant of 53 ps, whereas the slow component does not change.

Review on MAP2K4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4), with data on DNA, on the protein encoded, and where the gene is implicated.

Background: This phase I first-in-human study was conducted in Japanese patients to investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral TAK-285, a novel dual erbB protein kinase inhibitor that specifically targets human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER2. Methods: The TAK-285 dose was escalated until MTD was determined. A second patient cohort received TAK-285 at the MTD for at least 4 weeks. Results: In all, 26 patients received TAK-285 at doses ranging from 50 to 400 mg once daily (q.d.) or twice daily (b.i.d.); 20 patients made up the dose escalation cohort and the remaining 6 patients were the repeated administration cohort. TAK-285 was well tolerated. Dose-limiting toxicities noted in two patients who received 400 mg b.i.d. were grade 3 increases in aminotransferases and grade 3 decreased appetite. Consequently, the MTD was determined to be 300 mg b.i.d. Absorption of TAK-285 was rapid after oral dosing, and plasma exposure at steady-state increased in a dose-proportional fashion for doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg b.i.d. A partial response was observed for one patient with parotid cancer who received 300 mg b.i.d. Conclusion: The toxicity profile and PK properties of oral TAK-285 warrant further evaluation.

The screen printed CdS/CdTe hetero-junctions formed on the (0001), (1120), (1010) surfaces of CdS single crystals have been studied by an X-ray double crystal spectrometer, electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and EBIC. For CdS/CdTe formed on the CdS (0001) structure, the epitaxiality of the CdTe layer formed on (0001) of CdS was better than that formed on the other surfaces. The diffusion length of minority carriers formed on the single crystal CdS was found to be larger than that of sintered CdS/CdTe junction prepared by the screen printing method especially for the junctions grown on the (0001) plane of CdS.

Experimental data showing highly cooperative α-relaxation behavior at temperatures below the glass transition temperature, T g are presented for styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. The highly cooperative α-relaxation kinetics, being otherwise latent at temperatures below T g , is probably activated to reveal itself in the state of steady plastic flow in the copolymer with the aid of high shear stress.

An improved method for extracting the vertical channel-impurity profile [Nsub(x)] of metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) from measured threshold–voltage dependence on bulk–source voltage is proposed. Previous restriction to slowly varying Nsub(x) is overcome by approximating Nsub(x) as a simple analytic function. Application to advanced MOSFETs with steep pileup or retrograded channel profiles and channel length down to 100 nm becomes possible. Extracted analytic profiles are additionally useful for modeling of Nsub(x)-dependent MOSFET phenomena, e.g., the reverse-short-channel effect.

Review on GADD45GIP1 (growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible, gamma interacting protein 1), with data on DNA, on the protein encoded, and where the gene is implicated.

To compare microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) using a new curved applicator with conventional surgical procedures in 26 patients with menorrhagia.Ten patients received MEA and 16 patients received conventional surgical procedures. Using a visual analog scale (VAS). MEA patients rated their menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and feelings of satisfaction from the procedure. The patients' intraoperative blood loss, operating time, and length of hospital stay were compared.Following MEA, the VAS scores were significantly decreased in the MEA patients for menorrhagia (p0.0001) and dysmenorrhea (p = 0.0002). The average VAS score regarding feelings of satisfaction for MEA was 8.9 (full score = 10). Mean blood loss, operating time, and mean length of hospital stay were significantly decreased in the MEA group compared to the conventional surgical procedure group (p0.0001).MEA successfully controlled menorrhagia and achieved a high rate of satisfaction among patients.