Selective amplitude-level regeneration based on blue-chirp spectral slicing using QD-SOAs.

We present a novel optical amplitude regenerator based on blue-chirp spectral slicing using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The combination of blue-chirp spectral slicing and gain competition in the SOA has a unique input/output (I/O) power-transfer function, which is controlled by the power of an input data signal injected into the SOA. The I/O power-transfer function provides selective amplitude-level regeneration of either the mark or space level of the input data signal. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the transfer function and the regeneration effect using a quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifier. The results show that the regenerator has unique regeneration effect, specialized for either the mark or space level of a 10-Gbit/s on-off keying signal.

Warm water vapour in the sooty outflow from a luminous carbon star.

The detection of circumstellar water vapour around the ageing carbon star IRC +10216 challenged the current understanding of chemistry in old stars, because water was predicted to be almost absent in carbon-rich stars. Several explanations for the water were postulated, including the vaporization of icy bodies (comets or dwarf planets) in orbit around the star, grain surface reactions, and photochemistry in the outer circumstellar envelope. With a single water line detected so far from this one carbon-rich evolved star, it is difficult to discriminate between the different mechanisms proposed. Here we report the detection of dozens of water vapour lines in the far-infrared and sub-millimetre spectrum of IRC +10216 using the Herschel satellite. This includes some high-excitation lines with energies corresponding to approximately 1,000 K, which can be explained only if water is present in the warm inner sooty region of the envelope. A plausible explanation for the warm water appears to be the penetration of ultraviolet photons deep into a clumpy circumstellar envelope. This mechanism also triggers the formation of other molecules, such as ammonia, whose observed abundances are much higher than hitherto predicted.

Detailed features of palisade vessels as a marker of the esophageal mucosa revealed by magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging.

The palisade vessels present at the distal end of the esophagus are considered to be a landmark of the esophagogastric junction and indispensable for diagnosis of columnar-lined esophagus on the basis of the Japanese criteria. Here we clarified the features of normal palisade vessels at the esophagogastric junction using magnifying endoscopy. We prospectively studied palisade vessels in 15 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using a GIF-H260Z instrument (Olympus Medical Systems Co., Tokyo, Japan). All views of the palisade vessels were obtained at the maximum magnification power in the narrow band imaging mode. We divided the area in which palisade vessels were present into three sections: the area from the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) to about 1 cm orad within the esophagus (Section 1); the area between sections 1 and 3 (Section 2); and the area from the upper limit of the palisade vessels to about 1 cm distal within the esophagus (Section 3). In each section, we analyzed the vessel density, caliber of the palisade vessels, and their branching pattern. The vessel density in Sections 1, 2, and 3 was 9.1 ± 2.1, 8.0 ± 2.6, and 3.3 ± 1.3 per high-power field (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), respectively, and the differences were significant between Sections 1 and 2 (P= 0.0086) and between Sections 2 and 3 (P < 0.0001). The palisade vessel caliber in Sections 1, 2, and 3 was 127.6 ± 52.4 µm, 149.6 ± 58.6 µm, and 199.5 ± 75.1 µm (mean ± SD), respectively, and the differences between Sections 1 and 2, and between Sections 2 and 3, were significant (P < 0.0001). With regard to branching form, the frequency of branching was highest in Section 1, and the 'normal Y' shape was observed more frequently than in Sections 2 and 3. Toward the oral side, the frequency of branching diminished, and the frequency of the 'upside down Y' shape increased. The differences in branching form were significant among the three sections (P < 0.0001). These results indicate that the density of palisade vessels is highest near the SCJ, and that towards their upper limit they gradually become more confluent and show an increase of thickness. Within a limited area near the SCJ, observations of branching form suggest that palisade vessels merge abruptly on the distal side. We have demonstrated that palisade vessels are a useful marker for endoscopic recognition of the lower esophagus.

The challenge of acute rejection in intestinal transplantation.

Early diagnosis and treatment of acute cellular rejection (ACR) after intestinal transplantation (ITx) is challenging. We report the outcome of three patients: two presented mild ACR improved with steroids. One presented steroid-resistant severe rejection, improved after rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG), but unfortunately died for encephalitis caused by opportunistic infections.

[Five cases of contralateral pneumothorax after lung resection].

Contralateral pneumothorax is one of severe complications after lung resection. We present our experiences with surgical treatment of 5 cases [case 4 is under the percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) assistance] of contralateral pneumothorax after lung resection. All cases were men and not able to stop smoking, the disease caused by lung resection was lung cancer 3 and tuberculosis 2. Operative procedure was lobectomy 4 and pneumonectomy 1. Tracheal intubation was done before radiological confirmation of pneumothorax in 4 cases. Immediately after diagnosis all patients underwent chest drainage. Because the contralateral pneumothorax after lung resection is severe complication, we thought that surgical treatment is necessary. Though the thoracoscopic surgery under the PCPS assistance is also possible, it seems that a small thoracotomy with adjusting ventilation by anesthetist are more favorable. Accurate diagnosis and treatment is the key for success of treatment. The patient who receives lung resection due to lung cancer often has emphysema, and the risk of contralateral pneumothorax after the operation should also be explained.

[Thoracoscopically removed thoracolithiasis].

Thoracolithiasis is a rare condition with only 16 cases of surgically removed nodules reported in the literature in Japan. We report an additional thoracoscopically removed case. A 62-year-old man was pointed out an abnormal shadow behind the left diaphragmatic dome on a routine health examination. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a round mass lesion with calcification, about 11 mm in diameter, in the left thorax. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed and a white 11 mm completely free nodule in the left pleural cavity was removed. Pathological findings revealed necrotic fat tissue in the center surrounded by hyalinized fibrous tissue, being consistent with thoracolithiasis.

The effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on experimental inflammatory bowel disease.

Immunoproteasome up-regulation enhances the processing of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and degradation of IkappaBalpha, which correlates with increased amounts of NF-kappaB in the various cells. Aberrant activation of NF-kappaB is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on experimental IBD. We investigated the effects of MG132 on intestinal inflammation and epithelial regeneration in both interleukin-10-deficient (IL-10(-/-)) mice and mice with dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Body weight, histological findings and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA expression, epithelial cell proliferation and NF-kappaB p65 activity in colonic tissues were examined. The effects of MG132 on cell proliferation, migration and multiple drug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene expression were determined in vitro. MG132 ameliorated intestinal inflammation of IL-10(-/-) mice by decreasing TNF-alpha mRNA expression in the colonic tissues, which was associated with suppression of NF-kappaB activation, and reduced significantly the number of Ki-67-positive intestinal epithelial cells. On the other hand, MG132 did not reduce intestinal inflammation in mice with DSS-induced colitis, and delayed significantly the recovery of body weight and epithelial regeneration. MG132 also suppressed significantly epithelial cell proliferation, cell migration and MDR1 gene expression in vitro. Proteasome inhibition reduces T cell-mediated intestinal inflammation, but may interrupt both epithelial regeneration and barrier function of colonic mucosa. Optimal use of proteasome inhibitor should be kept in mind when we consider its clinical application for patients with IBD.

A high-resolution radiation hybrid map of the human genome draft sequence.

We have constructed a physical map of the human genome by using a panel of 90 whole-genome radiation hybrids (the TNG panel) in conjunction with 40,322 sequence-tagged sites (STSs) derived from random genomic sequences as well as expressed sequences. Of 36,678 STSs on the TNG radiation hybrid map, only 3604 (9.8%) were absent from the unassembled draft sequence of the human genome. Of 20,030 STSs ordered on the TNG map as well as the assembled human genome draft sequence and the Celera assembled human genome sequence, 36% of the STSs had a discrepant order between the working draft sequence and the Celera sequence. The TNG map order was identical to one of the two sequence orders in 60% of these discrepant cases.

Chemotherapy (CT) with radiotherapy versus CT alone for FIGO Stage IIIc endometrial cancer.

To determine optimal treatment for women with Stage IIIc endometrial carcinoma, extended-field radiotherapy (RT) plus chemotherapy (CT) was compared versus CT alone as adjuvant therapy. Twenty-nine patients with FIGO Stage IIIc endometrial cancer who underwent adjuvant treatment with 4.4 courses of CT (CAP or TC/DC) or 4.5 courses of CT (CAP or TC/DC) plus external pelvic RT (50 Gy) with paraaortic boost after surgery between 1992 and 2004 were retrospectively assessed. Fifteen patients underwent CT alone and 14 received combined treatment with CT/RT. Following treatment, the recurrence rate was 46.6% and 28.5% in the two treatment arms, respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in the pelvic recurrence rate (33.3% and 7.1%, respectively). Combined treatment with RT/CT was associated with a better survival rate than CT alone (78% versus 62%, respectively). In Stage IIIc endometrial cancer, combined treatment with RT and CT reduces pelvic recurrence and improves progression-free survival and overall survival compared with CT alone.

A muCT analysis of the femoral bone stock in osteonecrosis of the femoral head compared to osteoarthrosis.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term results of resurfacing in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) are lacking and migration of the femoral component, necrosis of the femoral head and fracture of the femoral neck or head have been depicted. The aim of this study was to analyse the bone quality and 3-dimensional microarchitecture of the femoral head and neck in patients with ONFH compared to a group of patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: muCT was used to compare the microarchitecture of the femoral head and neck in patients with ONFH (n = 10) and a control group of patients with primary OA (n = 10). RESULTS: No statistical significant differences were found for bone volume and the bone volume fraction, the connectivity density and the structure model index in patients with ONFH and those with OA (P > 0.05). Patients with ONFH and those with OA had a similar trabecular number, thickness and separation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we might conclude that hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a possible therapeutic option in the treatment of ONFH of the young and active patient and that an insufficient bone stock in ONFH seems not to be the deciding factor for failure. However, we just focussed on one of probably various factors. Further studies are needed to support these findings.

[A novel selected segmental inflation technique for anatomical segmentectomy].

Radical segmentectomy is being performed for small-sized lung cancer. However, it is not always easy to identify the intersegmental border. In this report, we present a new method to recognize it easier by using the nozzle of fibrin sealant spray kit. The diseased segment can be inflated through a pin hole which is placed distal to the ligation at segmental bronchus. In our 20 cases, successful inflation of diseased segment was easily done through thoracoscopic procedure.

FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE FUSION OF PHITS SIMULATIONS AND THE DLNN ALGORITHM FOR A NEW QUANTITATIVE METHOD OF IN-SITU MULTIPLE-CHANNEL DEPTH DISTRIBUTION SPECTROMETRY.

We have recently have developed an in-situ multiple-channel depth distribution spectrometer (DDS) that can easily acquire on-site measurements of the depth distribution of specific radioactivities of Cs-134 and Cs-137 underground. Despite considerable improvements in the hardware developed for this device, the quantitative method for determining of radioactivities with this DDS device cannot yet achieve satisfactory performance for practical use. For example, this method cannot discriminate each γ-ray spectra of Cs-134 and Cs-137 acquired by the 20 thallium-doped caesium iodine CsI(Tl) scintillation crystal detectors of the DDS device from corresponding depth levels of underground soil. Therefore, we have applied deep learning neural network (DLNN) as a novel radiation measurement technique to discriminate the spectra and to determine the specific radioactivities of Cs-134 and Cs-137. We have developed model soil layers on a virtual space in Monte-Carlo based PHITS simulations and transported γ-ray radiation generated from a particular single soil layer or multiple layers as radiation sources; next, we performed PHITS calculations of those specific radioactivity measurements for each soil layer using DDS device based on machine learning via the DLNN algorithm. In this study, we obtained informative results regarding the feasibility of the proposal innovative radiation measurement method for further practical use in on-site applications.

Measurement of trabecular bone microstructure does not improve prediction of mechanical failure loads at the distal radius compared with bone mass alone.

Bone mass predicts a high proportion of variability in bone failure strength but is known to overlap among subjects with and without fractures. Here, we tested the hypothesis that trabecular bone microstructure, determined with micro-computed tomography (microCT), can improve the prediction of experimental failure loads in the distal forearm compared with bone mass alone. The right forearm and left distal radius of 130 human specimens were examined. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The specimens were mechanically tested to failure in a fall configuration, with the hand, elbow, ligaments, and tendons intact. Cylindrical bone samples from the metaphysis of the contralateral distal radius were obtained adjacent to the subchondral bone plate and scanned with microCT. When analyzing the total sample, BMD of the distal radius displayed a correlation of r = 0.82 with mechanical failure loads. After excluding 21 specimens with no obvious radiological sign of fracture after the test, the correlation increased to r = 0.85. When only including 79 specimens with loco typico fractures, the correlation was r = 0.82. The microstructural parameters showed correlation coefficients with the failure loads of < or =0.55 and did not add significant information to DXA in predicting failure loads in multiple regression models. These findings suggest that, under experimental conditions of mechanically testing entire bones, measurement of bone microstructure does not improve the prediction of distal radius bone strength. Determination of bone microstructure may thus be less promising in improving the prediction of fractures than commonly assumed.

Modified arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN3/Biobran) enhances intracellular killing of microbes by human phagocytic cells in vitro.

Phagocytic cells, comprised of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, play a key role in the innate immune response to infection. Our earlier study demonstrated that arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) activates murine peritoneal macrophage and macrophage cell lines. In this study, we investigated whether MGN-3 can upregulate the phagocytic activity of human phagocytes in peripheral blood to phagocytize Escherichia coli (E. coli), trigger the oxidative burst and produce cytokines. Phagocytic cells were pre-labeled with dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye and were incubated with phycoerythrin-labeled E. coli in the presence or absence of MGN-3. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were assessed by flow cytometry. Results showed that treatment with MGN-3 enhanced the phagocytosis of E. coli by neutrophils and monocytes. This was associated with an increased oxidative burst. In addition, it caused a significant induction of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10); the effect was detected at 1 microg/ml and increased in a dose-dependent manner (P

Micro-CT and micro-FE analysis of pedicle screw fixation under different loading conditions.

Anchorage of pedicle screw instrumentation in the elderly spine with poor bone quality remains challenging. In this study, micro finite element (µFE) models were used to assess the specific influence of screw design and the relative contribution of local bone density to fixation mechanics. These were created from micro computer tomography (µCT) scans of vertebras implanted with two types of pedicle screws, including a full region-or-interest of 10 mm radius around each screw, as well as submodels for the pedicle and inner trabecular bone of the vertebral body. The local bone volume fraction (BV/TV) calculated from the µCT scans around different regions of the screw (pedicle, inner trabecular region of the vertebral body) were then related to the predicted stiffness in simulated pull-out tests as well as to the experimental pull-out and torsional fixation properties mechanically measured on the corresponding specimens. Results show that predicted stiffness correlated excellently with experimental pull-out strength (R2 > 0.92, p < .043), better than regional BV/TV alone (R2 = 0.79, p = .003). They also show that correlations between fixation properties and BV/TV were increased when accounting only for the pedicle zone (R2 = 0.66-0.94, p ≤  .032), but with weaker correlations for torsional loads (R2 < 0.10). Our analyses highlight the role of local density in the pedicle zone on the fixation stiffness and strength of pedicle screws when pull-out loads are involved, but that local apparent bone density alone may not be sufficient to explain resistance in torsion.

Neural responses to human voice and hemisphere dominance for lexical-semantic processing--an fMRI study.

OBJECTIVES: In our previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we determined that there was distinct left hemispheric dominance for lexical-semantic processing without the influence of human voice perception in right-handed healthy subjects. However, the degree of right-handedness in the right-handed subjects ranged from 52 to 100 according to the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) score. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the correlation between the degree of right-handedness and language dominance in the fronto-temporo-parietal cortices by examining cerebral activation for lexical-semantic processing. METHODS: Twenty-seven normal right-handed healthy subjects were scanned by fMRI while listening to sentences (SEN), reverse sentences (rSEN), and identifiable non-vocal sounds (SND). Fronto-temporo-parietal activation was observed in the left hemisphere under the SEN - rSEN contrast, which included lexical-semantic processing without the influence of human voice perception. Laterality Index was calculated as LI = (L - R)/(L + R) x 100, L: left, R: right. RESULTS: Laterality Index in the fronto-temporo-parietal cortices did not correlate with the degree of right-handedness in EHI score. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated that the degree of right-handedness from 52 to 100 in EHI score had no effect on the degree of left hemispheric dominance for lexical-semantic processing in right-handed healthy subjects.

Suggestion of the updated IVIS cut-off values for identifying non-ocular irritants in the bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay.

The bovine corneal opacity and permeability (BCOP) assay is an alternative to the Draize test in rabbits. Although it can be used to evaluate ocular non-irritants and severe irritants, it is not used for the assessment of mild-irritating substances. In this assay, a chemical with an in vitro irritancy score (IVIS)≤3 is defined as a "non-irritant" while one with an IVIS>55 is defined as a "corrosive" or "severe irritant." We attempted to evaluate mild eye irritants by assessing the recovery of corneal lesions histopathologically. Our results indicated that chemicals with IVIS≤6 may be defined as "non-irritants," because the rapid recovery of lesions limited to the squamous layer was predicted by the histopathology. In cases where lesions extended to the wing and basal cell layers, when some intact basal cells remained, the lesions were also predicted to be reversible. Thus, chemicals which induce lesions in which basal cells remain intact can be considered to be mild irritants.

Effects of Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis in Renal Transplantation Recipients With Concomitant Cytomegalovirus Infection.

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMAA) is widely used as a treatment for active ulcerative colitis (UC) in Japan. Much attention has been paid to the possibility of GMAA for the treatment and control of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in patients with refractory UC and concomitant CMV infection. In this study, the effects of the combination of GMAA and antiviral therapy were examined in renal transplant recipients with concomitant CMV infection. METHODS: Combination therapy of GMAA and antiviral drugs was performed 9 times in 7 renal transplant recipients with concomitant CMV infection. Four of the cases were positive for CMV-IgG, and 3 were negative. The clinical presentation of CMV infection was viremia in 6 cases and disease (CMV retinitis) in 1 case. CMV infection was diagnosed by using an antigenemia assay (C7-HRP). GMAA session was performed once, and the duration of the session was 120 min. Immediately after the GMAA session, ganciclovir was administered at 5 mg/kg/body weight. CMV infection was monitored based on C7-HRP and CMV-DNA in the peripheral blood samples. RESULTS: All cases became negative for C7-HRP and CMV-DNA within 21 days (median, 14 days; range, 3-21 days) and 17 days (median, 6 days; range, 3-17 days), respectively, after starting the combination therapy. No side effects of GMAA were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This case series found that GMAA in combination with antiviral drugs may shorten the duration of treatment against CMV infection in renal transplant recipients. Further studies in a larger number of patients are required to confirm these results.

Vonoprazan prevents bleeding from endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced gastric ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, is expected to improve the healing of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced gastric ulcers compared with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). AIM: To compare the healing status of ESD-induced gastric ulcers and the incidence of post-ESD bleeding between subjects treated with vonoprazan for 5 weeks and those treated with PPIs for 8 weeks. METHODS: Patients in the vonoprazan group (n = 75) were prospectively enrolled, whereas patients in the PPI group (n = 150) were selected for a 2:1 matched historical control cohort according to baseline characteristics including gastric ulcer size immediately following ESD, age, sex and status of Helicobacter pylori infection. Two controls per case of vonoprazan-treated group were matched with a margin of 20% in terms of ulcer size and a margin of 5 years in terms of their age. RESULTS: Although a higher number of completely healed ulcers was observed in the PPI group (95/150, 63.3%) than that in the vonoprazan group (14/75, 18.7%; P < 0.001), the ulcer size reduction rates, which were 96.0 ± 6.7% in the vonoprazan group and 94.7 ± 11.6% in the PPI group, were not significantly different (P = 0.373). The post-ESD bleeding incidence in the vonoprazan group (1/75, 1.3%) was less than that in the PPI group (15/150, 10.0%; P = 0.01). The factors affecting post-ESD bleeding incidence were the type of acid secretion inhibitor (P = 0.016) and use of an anti-thrombotic agent (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Vonoprazan significantly reduced post-endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding compared with PPIs.

Lipopolysaccharide tolerance in murine peritoneal macrophages induces downregulation of the lipopolysaccharide signal transduction pathway through mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB cascades, but not lipopolysaccharide-incorporation steps.

Endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance, a hyporesponsive state to endotoxin or LPS stimulation, was induced in murine peritoneal macrophages by previous exposure of macrophages to LPS. Expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA in response to LPS stimulation was suppressed in LPS-tolerant macrophages. Tyrosine phosphorylations in response to LPS of 40-45-kDa proteins in non-tolerant macrophages were also suppressed in LPS-tolerant macrophages. These proteins corresponded to two members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, ERK and p38. In addition to these proteins, another MAPK family protein, JNK, was also suppressed in LPS-tolerant macrophages. Activation of Raf-1, located in the upstream portion of ERK cascades, was also suppressed by LPS-tolerance induction. These suppressions in LPS-tolerant macrophages were exhibited against stimulation by an LPS agonist like taxol, but not towards stimulation by an unrelated activator like phorbol ester (PMA). Activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, which is supposed to be one of the components of another important pathway for transduction of LPS-stimulated cytokine producing signals, was strongly suppressed and degradation of IkappaB, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, was also severely diminished in LPS-tolerant macrophages. Although a monosaccharide lipid A analog, GLA-58, was able to stimulate macrophages to activate ERK proteins without cytokine production, pretreatment of macrophages with this compound suppressed both LPS-stimulated activation of ERK and cytokine production. Furthermore, downregulation of LPS-uptake in LPS-tolerant macrophages was not observed. Based on all these findings, LPS tolerance might be caused by the previous activation of some components on LPS-signaling pathways. This may then induce a refractory state in key LPS-signal transducer molecules located downstream of the cell membrane LPS receptor and upstream of the branching point in intracellular cascades for activation of MAPK and NF-kappaB, probably in some initial steps of intracellular signaling.