Search

Cancer cachexia is associated with deficient response to chemotherapy. On the other hand, the tumors of cachectic patients remarkably express more chemokines and have higher immune infiltration. For immunogenicity, a strong induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR) is necessary. UPR followed by cell surface exposure of calreticulin on the dying tumor cell is essential for its engulfment by macrophages and dendritic cells. However, some tumor cells upon endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can release factors that induce ER stress to other cells, in the so-called transmissible ER stress (TERS). The cells that received TERS produce more interleukin 6 (IL-6) and chemokines and acquire resistance to subsequent ER stress, nutrient deprivation, and genotoxic stress. Since ER stress enhances the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), we suggest they can mediate TERS. It was found that ER stressed cachexia-inducing tumor cells transmit factors that trigger ER stress in other cells. Therefore, considering the role of EVs in cancer cachexia, the release of exosomes can possibly play a role in the process of blunting the immunogenicity of the cachexia-associated tumors. We propose that TERS can cause an inflammatory and immunosuppressive phenotype in cachexia-inducing tumors.

According to the "selfish brain" theory, the brain regulates its own energy supply influencing the peripheral metabolism and food intake according to its needs. The immune system has been likewise "selfish" due to independent energy consumption; and it may compete with the brain (another high energy-consumer) for glucose. In mood disorders, stress in mood episodes or physiological stress activate homeostasis mechanisms from the brain and the immune system to solve the imbalance. The interaction between the selfish brain and the selfish immune system may explain various conditions of medical impairment in mood disorders, such as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and immune dysregulation. The objective of this study is to comprehensively review the literature regarding the competition between the brain and the immune system for energy substrate. Targeting the energetic regulation of the brain and the immune system and their cross-talk open alternative treatments and a different approach in the study of general medical comorbidities in mood disorders, although more investigation is needed.

Preliminary evidence suggests that premature immunosenescence is involved in bipolar disorder (BD) pathophysiology. The cellular marker CD69 is expressed in T lymphocyte surface during their activation and its expression is negatively correlated with age. The objective of this study was to assess the moderating effects of obesity on the reduction of expression of CD69, a marker of immunosenescence. Forty euthymic patients with BD type I, aged 18–65 years, were included in this study. The healthy comparison group consisted of 39 volunteers who had no current or lifetime history of mental disorders, no use of psychotropic medications, and no known family history of mood disorders or psychosis. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BD patients and healthy controls were collected and isolated. The cells were allowed to grow in culture and stimulated for 3 days. CD69 was marked and read in flow cytometry. We found that the lower expression of CD69 in BD patients was moderated by body mass index (BMI) in both CD4+ (RR = 0.977, 95% CI 0.960–0.995, p = 0.013) and CD8+ cells (RR = 0.972, 95% CI 0.954–0.990, p = 0.003). Our findings indicate that BMI could potentially influence the process of premature aging in BD.

A convergent body of evidence suggests an overlap between neural, molecular, and functional findings in patients with severe mental illnesses and normative ageing. Patients in late stages of mood disorders and psychosis present brain changes and cognitive decline consistent with a pattern of accelerated ageing. In addition, replicated but heterogeneous findings support the notion that individuals with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia have shorter telomeres compared to age-matched healthy controls. The recognition that severe mental illnesses are associated with premature or accelerated ageing offers new avenues of investigation for really novel therapeutic approaches. The hope is that these interventions will not only treat symptoms but be able to modify the course of these psychiatric conditions.

Immuno-inflammatory dysfunction has become a well-consolidated contributor to mental illness pathophysiology. A consistent body of evidence supports the involvement of the immune system in symptomatic expression during acute episodes of severe mental illnesses, but also suggests that this system is involved in longitudinal trajectories of disease. Several explanations have been proposed as possible causes of immune-inflammatory abnormalities in severe mental illnesses, including genetic factors, environmental factors, and complex phenomena such as the premature ageing of the immune system (immunosenescence). Considering the heterogeneity in illness trajectories and the remarkable interindividual variation of immune parameters in individuals with mental illness, it is possible that, for each individual, a unique set of factors operates in a complex interaction of causative and moderator agents. A personalized approach to the role of inflammation in neuroprogression is probably the future for prevention and development of disease-modifying interventions.

Background Immuno-inflammatory imbalances have been documented in schizophrenia, but very little is known about the immunological changes prior to the onset of disease. Objective This work aimed to compare serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in young subjects at ultra-high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods A total of 12 UHR and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) subjects were enrolled in this study. Clinical profile was assessed using the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), Semi-Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I (SCID-I) or Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 were measured by flow cytometry using the Th1/Th2/Th17 cytometric bead array. Results Compared with the healthy control group, patients in UHR showed increased IL-6 levels (Z = − 2.370, p = 0.018) and decreased IL-17 levels in serum (Z = − 1.959, p = 0.050). Levels of IL-17 positively correlated to the values in GAF symptoms (rho = 0.632, p = 0.028). Conclusion Our results suggest that immunological imbalances could be present in the early stages of psychosis, including in at-risk stages. Future studies should replicate and expand these results.

IntroductionOxidative stress has been documented in chronic schizophrenia and in the first episode of psychosis, but there are very little data on oxidative stress prior to the disease onset.ObjectiveThis work aimed to compare serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in young individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis with a comparison healthy control group (HC).MethodsThirteen UHR subjects and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Clinical assessment included the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS), the Semi-Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I (SCID-I) or the Kiddie-SADS-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Activities of SOD and GPx were measured in serum by the spectrophotometric method using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.ResultsAfter adjusting for age and years of education, there was a significant lower activity of SOD and lower GPX activity in the UHR group compared to the healthy control group (rate ratio [RR]=0.330, 95% CI 0.187; 0.584, pConclusionOur results suggest that oxidative imbalances could be present prior to the onset of full-blown psychosis, including in at-risk stages. Future studies should replicate and expand these results.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the current methods of improving outcomes when cataract surgery and endothelial keratoplasty are performed together. RECENT FINDINGS The refractive shift after endothelial keratoplasty is well known and can negatively affect achieving emmetropia after concomitant cataract surgery. Recent articles have described ways of achieving better refractive outcomes, including the use of nomograms and mathematical models. Specific operative techniques are recommended to minimize graft failure and dislocation when cataract surgery is also performed. There have been few recent reports on the use of 'premium' intraocular lenses in the setting of endothelial keratoplasty with variable results. SUMMARY Surgeons are achieving better refractive outcomes without compromising graft clarity in combined endothelial keratoplasty and cataract surgery.

Introduction: Impaired wound healing has been widely reported in diabetes. Linoleic acid (LA) accelerates the skin wound healing process in non-diabetic rats. However, LA has not been tested in diabetic animals. Objectives: We investigated whether oral administration of pure LA improves wound healing in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Methods: Dorsal wounds were induced in streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetic rats treated or not with LA (0.22 g/kg b.w.) for 10 days. Wound closure was daily assessed for two weeks. Wound tissues were collected at specific time-points and used to measure fatty acid composition, and contents of cytokines, growth factors and eicosanoids. Histological and qPCR analyses were employed to examine the dynamics of cell migration during the healing process. Results: LA reduced the wound area 14 days after wound induction. LA also increased the concentrations of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotaxis (CINC-2αβ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and reduced the expression of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MIP-1). These results together with the histological analysis, which showed accumulation of leukocytes in the wound early in the healing process, indicate that LA brought forward the inflammatory phase and improved wound healing in diabetic rats. Angiogenesis was induced by LA through elevation in tissue content of key mediators of this process: vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT-2). Fil: Rodrigues, Hosana G.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Vinolo, Marco A. R.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil Fil: Sato, Fabio T.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil Fil: Magdalon, Juliana. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Kuhl, Carolina M. C.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasil Fil: Yamagata, Ana S.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Pessoa, Ana Flávia M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Malheiros, Gabriella. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Dos Santos, Marinilce F.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Lima, Camila. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Farsky, Sandra H.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Camara, Niels O. S.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Williner, María Rosa. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina Fil: Bernal, Claudio Adrian. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Calder, Philip C.. University of Southampton; Reino Unido Fil: Curi, Rui. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil

A higher number of infused CD34 + cells has a positive impact on the clinical outcome after related PBSC transplantation

Helicobacter heilmannii (Hh) has been clinically reported to have some relation to gastric low grade MALT lymphoma. Recently, we have formed the gastric MALT lymphoma in C57BL/6 mice. C57BL/6 mice infected with Hh from cynomolgus monkey for more than 6 months were used. The macroscopic, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic observation was performed. MALT lymphoma was formed in almost 100 % of the infected mice. Increased VEGF-A and Flt-3 immunoreactivity was recognized. Hh was shown to be related to the formation of MALT lymphoma and VEGF is suggested to play a role in this lymphoma.

High-average-power, high-repetition-rates picosecond-pulsed regenerative ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) laser amplifiers were developed. The architecture used in the amplifiers, which are named as thin-rod, has a unique cooling scheme like slab lasers and also has a unique pumping scheme like photonic crystal fiber lasers, is suitable for high-average power Ytterbium lasers. This architecture also has high gain characteristics which is appropriate for the regenerative spectral and pulse shaping on high-repetition-rate, ultrashort-pulse amplifications.

High-efficiency cavity-dumped ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) laser was developed. Although the high quantum efficiency of ytterbium-doped laser materials is appropriate for high-efficiency laser oscillation, the efficiency is decreased by their quasi-three/four laser natures. High gain operation by high intensity pumping is suitable for high efficiency oscillation on the quasi-three/four lasers without extremely low temperature cooling. In our group, highest efficiency oscillations for continuous wave, nanosecond to picosecond pulse lasers were achieved at room temperature by the high gain operation in which pump intensities were beyond 100 kW/cm2.

Objective : Non-target, deviant stimuli generate an earlier latency, front-central novelty P3, whereas correctly detected task-relevant stimuli generate a parietal maximal target P3. We examined whether the P3 component to novel stimuli is affected by dementing processes, and is therefore useful for distinguishing Alzheimer's type dementia (AD) from vascular dementia (VD). Methods : We recorded ERPs to task-relevant stimuli (target P3) and novel task-irrelevant stimuli (novelty P3) in an auditory oddball task in AD ( n =16), VD ( n =16), and age-matched controls ( n =18). The amplitude, latency, and scalp topography of target and novelty P3 were compared among 3 groups using ANOVA. The relationship between P3 measures and intelligence scores were evaluated by correlation analysis. Results : The amplitude, latency and scalp topography of the target P3 were comparably affected by both AD and VD. However, the amplitude of the novelty P3 was markedly reduced in VD, but not in AD, and the scalp topographics were different in the 3 groups. The amplitude was maximal at frontal sites in controls, at central sites in AD, and at parietal sites in VD. The target P3 latency was prolonged in both AD and VD, whereas the novelty P3 latency was only prolonged in VD. AD was discriminated satisfactorily from VD by using the novelty amplitude at Cz and the ratio of the amplitudes at Fz and Pz as independent variables. Conclusions : These results suggest that the response to novel stimuli is differentially affected by dementia with degenerative and vascular etiology.

We previously reported that the dynamic photo-elastic method was a very effective measuring technique for the stress distribution of vibrating quartz crystal resonators. The existence of a twisted asymmetrical vibration mode has been verified experimentally when the NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonator was vibrating in the main resonant frequency (MRF). A MRF and a sub-resonant frequency (SRF) of the NS-GT cut quartz resonator were defined as follows. If a mechanical standing wave was in the x' or y' direction of the resonator, the former was MRF vibration and the latter was SRF vibration, respectively. In this paper, stress distributions of two samples of the NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonator, one of which had a thickness of 80 /spl mu/m and the other 150 /spl mu/m, were measured by the dynamic photo-elastic method when the resonators were vibrating in each SRF. Thereafter, vibration modes of those resonators were estimated by the experimental data of stress distributions. We find that the vibration mode of the 80-/spl mu/m resonator had a simple mechanical standing wave on the y' direction and the vibration mode of the 150-/spl mu/m resonator was combined with a shearing mode in the SRF vibration. From the experiment, we decided that vibration modes of the NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonator were composed of the longitudinal stress T/sub 3/' belonging to the z' direction of the plate and of the shearing stress T/sub 5/' when the plate thickness was thickened and the resonator was oscillating in the SRF.

NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonators are widely used as a frequency standard element in consumer products and communication equipment. The vibration mode of the resonators was analyzed by the finite element method (FEM) because they have a complicated shape. As a result, an asymmetrical vibration mode at the main resonant frequency has been obtained by the FEM simulation. But, it is necessary to confirm the asymmetrical vibration mode experimentally because it is just a simulation. In this paper, stress distributions of the NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonators are measured experimentally by using a dynamic photo-elastic method when the resonators are vibrating in the resonant frequency; thereafter, vibration modes of the NS-GT cut resonators are estimated with the experimental data of the stress distributions. This experiment for the NS-GT cut quartz crystal resonators exposes the existence of a twisted asymmetrical vibration mode at the main resonant frequency, with the magnitude of the twisted vibration in proportion to thickness of the resonators.

A 68-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of persisting diarrhea and change in taste sensation. Radiologic and endoscopic examination revealed multiple polypoid lesions in the stomach and colon. Histologic examination of colonic polyps revealed dilated glands in variable sizes containing mucin-producing goblet cells covered by a single layer of columnar epithelial cells and a diagnosis of Cronkhite-Canada (CC) syndrome was made. Also, during a clinical course of CC syndrome, the patient developed idiopathic multicentric osteolysis with acro-osteolysis. CC polyps are generally considered to be inflammatory or nonneoplastic. However, in our patient, 2 CC polyps showed adenomatous changes. By purifying the DNA from adenomatous component of these polyps, we examined the K-ras codon 12 mutation. Both lesions with adenoma showed the K-ras codon 12 mutation, while 1 CC polyp without adenoma did not show any mutation. Although malignant transformation of CC polyps has been considered to be extremely rare, our results indicated the possibility that CC polyps may undergo adenomatous or malignant transformation by alteration of various genes related to colorectal carcinogenesis. Therefore, careful attention should be paid for treating colonic polyps in CC patients.

Exclusive production of $\rho^0$ mesons was studied at the COMPASS experiment by scattering 160 GeV/$c$ muons off transversely polarised protons. Five single-spin and three double-spin azimuthal asymmetries were measured as a function of $Q^2$, $x_{Bj}$, or $p_{T}^{2}$. The $\sin \phi_S$ asymmetry is found to be $-0.019 \pm 0.008(stat.) \pm 0.003(syst.)$. All other asymmetries are also found to be of small magnitude and consistent with zero within experimental uncertainties. Very recent calculations using a GPD-based model agree well with the present results. The data is interpreted as evidence for the existence of chiral-odd, transverse generalized parton distributions., Comment: 14 pages, two tables, 5 figures, bibliography updated

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.

Substrate gel electrophoresis is of use for detecting minute amounts of hyaluronidase (HAase). In substrate gel electrophoresis, hyaluronan (HA) is impregnated in a gel. To determine the presence of degradation enzymes for other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), the sizes of whose molecules are much smaller than that of HA, we have developed a technique by which chondroitin sulfate (CS) is chemically modified by introducing an allyl group at the reducing end for its immobilization in the gel. Enzymes with CS-degrading activity were detected on a CS-copolymerized gel in the presence or absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The smallest amount of chondroitinase ABC and HAase was found to be 8 microU and 0.35 mU, respectively. By zymography using HA-impregnated and modified CS-copolymerized gels human serum HAase has been shown to consist of at least two isoforms each with its own substrate specificity. Using this method, uterine tumor tissue has been shown to secrete a novel HAase which degrades HA at neutral pH, but not CS at any pH. This method was also confirmed applicable to other GAGs for determining individual GAG-degrading enzymes. In future research, it will be used to examine the regulation of each GAG species in tissue.

A back surface illuminated 130/spl times/130 pixel PtSi Schottky-barrier (SB) IR-CCD image sensor has been developed by using new wiring technology, referred to as CLOSE Wiring, CLOSE Wiring, designed to effectively utilize the space over the SB photodiodes, brings about flexibility in clock line designing, high fill factor, and large charge handling capability in a vertical CCD (VCCD). This image sensor uses a progressive scanned interline-scheme, and has a 64.4% fill factor in a 30 /spl mu/m/spl times/30 /spl mu/m pixel, a 3.9 mm/spl times/3.9 mm image area, and a 5.5 mm/spl times/5.5 mm chip size. The charge handling capability for the 3.3 /spl mu/m wide VCCD achieves 9.8/spl times/10/sup 5/ electrons, The noise equivalent temperature difference obtained was 0.099 K for operation at 120 frames/sec with a 50 mm f/1.3 lens. >

Highly Cr-doped II–VI diluted magnetic semiconductor (DMS) Zn1−xCrxTe films with a ferromagnetic long-range order have been grown. A phase diagram of Zn1−xCrxTe in relation to the growth temperature and Cr concentration was determined. Magnetic circular dichroism measurements revealed that a magnetically single phase of DMS Zn1−xCrxTe is obtained in the films with Cr concentration up to x=0.20. Spontaneous magnetization of the film with x=0.20 disappears around 300 K, indicating that the Zn1−xCrxTe is a DMS with room-temperature ferromagnetism.

Several receptors for the extracellular matrix protein collagen have been described which belong to the superfamily of receptors collectively known as integrins. Although several integrins have been shown to interact with extracellular matrix molecules via a common recognition site, arginine-glycine-aspartic Acid (RGD), within the beta 1 integrin subfamily, only the fibronectin receptor (alpha 5 beta 1) has been convincingly shown to interact with RGD. In the present study, we tested whether a collagen receptor could interact with RGD. Adhesion of an osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63, to immobilized collagen I was inhibited by the cyclic RGD-containing peptide, C*GRGDSPC* (where C* indicates that Cys participates in disulfide), and not by the linear GRGDSP or the non-RGD-containing cyclic peptide, C*GKGESPC*. Similarly, using collagen-Sepharose affinity chromatography, a heterodimeric protein could be specifically eluted from the column by the cyclic RGD peptide. Immunoprecipitations of the eluted material with monoclonal antibodies showed reactivity with the collagen receptor alpha 2 beta 1 and not alpha 3 beta 1. Our data demonstrate that RGD peptides can interact with the collagen receptor, and the differences seen with the linear and cyclic peptide suggest that the cyclic C*GRGDSPC* has a higher avidity for the receptor than the more flexible linear GRGDSP. In this paper, we provide supportive evidence that one possible mode of collagen interaction with alpha 2 beta 1 is via the RGD recognition sequence.

Profiles of gelatinases released during 4 h incubation of explants from human carcinoma tissues (15 gastric and 15 colorectal carcinomas) in serum-free RPMI 1640 medium were compared with those of corresponding normal tissue specimens obtained 2 and 10 cm apart from tumor periphery. All the culture supernatants of both tumor and normal tissues contained gelatinase species of 200, 130, 92 and 72 kDa as detected by zymography with gelatin as a substrate. Besides these gelatinase species, all carcinoma tissue culture supernatants had an additional 66-kDa gelatinase, an active from of the 72-kDa gelatinase. This gelatinase was not detectable in the normal tissues 10 cm apart from the tumor mass, with an exceptional case of gastric carcinoma of Borrmann type 4. These results suggest that the presence of active form of gelatinase might be one of the characteristic properties of these malignant human tumors.

Photodecomposition of silane from silanized TiO2 powders in contact with water was determined from the change in wettability of surfaces, i.e. hydrophobic to hydrophilic conversion. The decomposition rate of silane, estimated from the amount of powder converted to hydrophilic, was found to correlate with their photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of ethanol. Anodic and cathodic processes in the Photo-sinking phenomenon were explained from the qualitative effects, for example, addition of anions and cations on photo-sinking phenomenon respectively indicated that the photo-excited holes decomposed the bonded silane and the adsorbed oxygen trapped the electrons. The Photo-sinking phenomenon was applied for the estimation of photocatalytic activities of TiO2 powders and the separation of the photoactive powder from a mixture.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis, the rate of stenosis and characteristics of plaque should be assessed to diagnose vulnerable plaques that increase the risk for cerebral infarction. We performed carotid black-blood (BB) MR imaging to diagnose plaque components and assess plaque hardness based on MR signals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three images of BB-MR imaging per plaque were obtained from 70 consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to generate T1- and T2-weighted images. To evaluate the relative signal intensity (rSI) of plaque components and the relationship between histologic findings and symptoms, we prepared sections at 2-mm intervals from 34 intact plaques. We then calculated the relative overall signal intensity (roSI) of 70 plaques to assess the relationship between MR signal intensity and plaque hardness and symptoms. RESULTS: The characteristics of rSI values on T1- and T2-weighted images of fibrous cap (FC), fibrosis, calcification, myxomatous tissue, lipid core (LC) with intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and LC without IPH differed. Symptomatic plaques were associated with FC disruption (P < .001) and LC with IPH (P < .05). The roSI on T1-weighted images was significantly higher for soft than nonsoft plaques. When the roSI cutoff value was set at 1.25 (mean of the roSI), soft plaques were diagnosed with 79.4% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. The roSI was also significantly higher for symptomatic than for asymptomatic plaques. Soft and nonsoft plaques as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques did not significantly differ on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSION: BB-MR imaging can diagnose plaque components and predict plaque hardness. This procedure provides useful information for planning therapeutic strategies of carotid atherosclerosis.

Transport and magnetic properties have been studied on La 2-x M x CuO 4 crystals. The jump of the magnetization ΔM, observed at the spin structure change induced by the magnetic field perpendicular to the CuO 2 plane was found to decrease below T=T 1∼ K in certain x region, suggesting the development of a new low temperature magnetic phase. Significant increase in the conductance at the spin structure change was observed even for the doped crystals with conductivity much larger than the La 2 CuO 4 crystals studied previously, which suggests that it is an intrinsic behavior of the whole system of the doped holes. The Hall coefficient measured as a function of H up to about 7 tesla shows that the conductivity change is mainly due to the increase of the carrier mobility.

Doping effect on the transition temperature T c of Nd 1.85 Ce 0.15 CuO 4 and BiSr(Ca,Y)CuO systems has been studied. The rates of T c -suppression by Zn doping to electron carrier and hole carrier systems are found to be similar to those by Ni doping to hole carrier and electron carrier systems, respectively. This kind of electron-hole symmetry suggests the similarity of the natures of the holes and the electrons. For the samples with nominal formula of Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1−y Y y (Cu 1−x Ni x ) 2 O 8 , the value of dT c /dx is independent of y or the nominal carrier concentration. This result and other existing data indicate the possible phase separation in this system.

A standard TV-compatible PtSi Schottky-barrier infrared imager is described. The imager is a 324*487 element area array and has an electronic shutter function. Although the pixel is 42*21 mu m, a large fill factor of 42% is obtained, using a 1.5- mu m minimum design rule and a two-level polysilicon layer, and two-level aluminum layer structure. Using face-down bonding technology, it was possible to reduce the package size to 60% of the conventional ceramic package size. Due to optimization of the Schottky-barrier diode process and the diode structure, the noise equivalent temperature difference is as small as 0.1 K at f/1. >

Transplatin (TDDP), a trans-isomer of cisplatin (CDDP), is well known to have faint cytotoxicity because its geometric structure allows less adduct formation with DNA than does CDDP. However, TDDP might have the potential to enhance the anticancer effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as well as CDDP. In this study, five gastric cancer cell lines were used. Cells were treated with 5-FU, TDDP, TDDP+5-FU, CDDP, and CDDP+5-FU, for 72 hrs. Synergistic effects between TDDP and 5-FU were observed in OCUM-2MD3, OCUM-2M, and OCUM-11, though they were not observed in MKN-45 or MKN-28. The cell lines in which synergistic effects were observed between TDDP and 5-FU were the same ones in which synergistic effects are shown between CDDP and 5-FU. The cell lines without synergism between 5-FU +TDDP/CDDP had lower thymidylate synthase (TS) activities than those with synergism, suggesting TS might be attributable to the synergistic mechanism. TDDP alone, compared to CDDP alone, gave rather low cytotoxicity for these cell lines. In conclusion, TDDP might be a clinically useful modulator of 5-FU.

A non-blocking wavelength channel switch (non-blocking tunable filter) using the thermo-optic (TO) effect of a double series coupled polymer microring resonator is demonstrated. This device can switch a wavelength channel without blocking other wavelength channels. An extinction ratio of more than 10 dB was realised.

We have performed 5 thoracoscopic pericardial resections for malignant pericardial effusions. An initial trocar was placed in the seventh or eighth intercostal space posterior to the midaxillary line. Two additional trocars were placed, usually in the sixth intercostals spaces in the anterior axillary and posterior axillary lines. Using an endoscopic grasping instrument and scissors through the working ports, a pericardial resection was performed. All patients were successfully managed by thoracoscopic pericardial resections. Two of the 5 patients had associated malignant pleural effusions that were able to be managed at the same time by thoracoscopy. The average chest tube duration was 1.8 days. There has been no reaccumulation of pericardial effusions in all patients at an average follow-up of 5 months. The thoracoscopic approach could be minimally invasive and the procedure of choice in performing pericardial resections in selected patients with malignant pericardial effusions who are expected to have a reasonable life expectancy.

In this paper, ferromagnetic diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) have exchange interaction between sp-carriers and localized d-spins (sp-d exchange interaction). The sp-d exchange interaction can be detected directly only by the magneto-optical measurements such as a magnetic circular dichorism (MCD) spectroscopy. Recently, we confirmed the sp-d exchange interaction in a ferromagnetic Zn/sub 1-x/Cr/sub x/Te (x=0.20) film of which Curie temperature T/sub c/ was 300K.

The injury of the lung occurred during thoracoscopic operation, especially, of the fragile, severely emphysematous lung is often difficult to treat. A fibrin glue spraying device in which an air compressor was connected to an intravenous catheter was constructed, and connected to a Dupuloject syringe. Fibrin glue was administered by spraying on the target lesion under a thoracoscopic vision. The procedure was done while the tip of the intravenous catheter was held and manipulated with forceps through a thoracoport. And then, the polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh that had been cut into small pieces was put on the target lesion with forceps. Fibrin glue was sprayed on the lesion again in the above-mentioned manner. When necessary, the procedure was repeated. Our technique during thoracoscopic operation may be easy to manipulate and be able to apply the target lesion uniformly within a short time with a successful repair.