Study of Quasielastic Barrier Distributions as a Step towards the Synthesis of Superheavy Elements with Hot Fusion Reactions.

The excitation functions for quasielastic scattering of ^{22}Ne+^{248}Cm, ^{26}Mg+^{248}Cm, and ^{48}Ca+^{238}U are measured using a gas-filled recoil ion separator. The quasielastic barrier distributions are extracted for these systems and are compared with coupled-channel calculations. The results indicate that the barrier distribution is affected dominantly by deformation of the actinide target nuclei, but also by vibrational or rotational excitations of the projectile nuclei, as well as neutron transfer processes before capture. From a comparison between the experimental barrier distributions and the evaporation residue cross sections for Sg (Z=106), Hs (108), Cn (112), and Lv (116), it is suggested that the hot fusion reactions take advantage of a compact collision, where the projectile approaches along the short axis of a prolately deformed nucleus. A new method is proposed to estimate the optimum incident energy to synthesize unknown superheavy nuclei using the barrier distribution.

Properties of

Mass-separated ^{187}Ta_{114} in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multinucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas-stopping cell and laser ionization. Internal γ rays revealed a T_{1/2}=7.3±0.9 s isomer at 1778±1 keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer-decay reduced E2 hindrance factor f_{ν}=27±1 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved.

First Direct Mass Measurements of Nuclides around Z=100 with a Multireflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrograph.

The masses of ^{246}Es, ^{251}Fm, and the transfermium nuclei ^{249-252}Md and ^{254}No, produced by hot- and cold-fusion reactions, in the vicinity of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure, have been directly measured using a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. The masses of ^{246}Es and ^{249,250,252}Md were measured for the first time. Using the masses of ^{249,250}Md as anchor points for α decay chains, the masses of heavier nuclei, up to ^{261}Bh and ^{266}Mt, were determined. These new masses were compared with theoretical global mass models and demonstrated to be in good agreement with macroscopic-microscopic models in this region. The empirical shell gap parameter δ_{2n} derived from three isotopic masses was updated with the new masses and corroborates the existence of the deformed N=152 neutron shell closure for Md and Lr.

High photosensitivity few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect phototransistors.

In this paper, we report on the fabrication and optoelectronic properties of high sensitive phototransistors based on few-layered MoSe2 back-gated field-effect transistors, with a mobility of 19.7 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ at room temperature. We obtained an ultrahigh photoresponsivity of 97.1 AW⁻¹ and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22 666% using 532 nm laser excitation at room temperature. The photoresponsivity was improved near the threshold gate voltage; however, the selection of the silicon dioxide as a gate oxide represents a limiting factor in the ultimate performance. Thanks to their high photoresponsivity and external quantum efficiency, the few-layered MoSe2-based devices are promising for photoelectronic applications.

Serum interleukin-5 levels correlate with disease activity of Churg-Strauss syndrome in a patient treated with a leucotriene receptor antagonist, pranlukast, and inhaled corticosteroid.

This case report demonstrates that interleukin (IL)-5 levels and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) correlated well with disease activity of Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) in a patient receiving treatment with leucotriene receptor antagonist and inhaled corticosteroid. In addition, ECP was localized in the inflamed tissue. IL-5 levels may thus provide a clue to therapeutic efficacy in patients with CSS using leucotriene receptor antagonists and inhaled corticosteroid.

High frequency of pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults with secondary leukemia with 11q23 abnormalities.

To evaluate the frequency and cytogenetic and immunophenotypic features of therapy-related, precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 152 cases of immature B-cell ALL were reviewed. These were compared to the frequency of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) during the same time period. Eight ALL cases with a prior diagnosis of malignancy were identified, including six (4.0%) with prior therapy considered to be therapy-related ALL (t-ALL). The t-ALL cases followed treatment for breast carcinoma (two cases), lung carcinoma (two cases), lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease and follicular lymphoma with a latency period of 13 months to 8 years. All t-ALL cases had a pro-B (CD10-negative) immunophenotype with significantly higher expression of CD15 and CD65, compared to the de novo CD10-positive ALL cases. All six t-ALL cases had MLL abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and four showed t(4;11)(q21;q23). These represented half of all 11q23-positive adult ALL cases. During the same time period, 4.9% of all AML cases were considered t-AML. There was a 16.7% frequency of 11q23 abnormalities in the t-AML group. Despite the similar frequency in therapy-related disease among ALL and AML cases, there were differences in the frequency of the diseases and t-ALL represented 12% of all therapy-related leukemias. However, t-ALL represented 46% of all 11q23-positive therapy-related leukemias. The immunogenetic features of t-ALL appear distinct and may aid in identifying more cases of this disease type in the future.

Tumor regression by inductive hyperthermia combined with hepatic embolization using dextran magnetite-incorporated microspheres in rats.

We formulated a novel preparation of microspheres incorporating dextran magnetite complex (DM-MS), which enable magnetic field-induced heating for the induction of hyperthermia. Using a 500 kHz magnetic field combined with arteriolar embolization of DM-MS, inductive hyperthermia was performed for the treatment of liver tumors in rats. Three days after treatment, the percentage increase of tumor volume in the embolo-hyperthermia, embolization alone, and control groups were 28%, 124%, and 385%, respectively, with the embolo-hyperthermia group differing significantly from the remaining groups. This study demonstrated the feasibility of combining embolization of DM-MS with hyperthermia as an antitumor therapy.

Erythrocyte aging changes evaluated by the deoxyuridine suppression test.

Many hematologic studies have shown that the erythrocyte count decreases while the size of the individual cell increases in the aged. This study was performed in order to (1) evaluate changes in the blood erythrocyte level and mean erythrocyte size in the elderly and (2) evaluate use of the deoxyuridine (dU) supression test to determine whether deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate plays any role in age-related changes of hematopoiesis. Selected for study were 102 healthy men whose ages ranged from 20 to 79 years. The erythrocyte count and hemoglobin level decreased significantly, whereas the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased after 70 years of age. Fresh bone-marrow cells were obtained from 10 young (20-38 yr) and 10 aged (70-82 yr) men. Wickramasinghe's dU suppression test was modified by application of an automatic cell harvester. The results were normal in both groups. Thus, the route of dU to dTMP in a DNA synthetic pathway appeared intact, and there was no evidence of B12 or folate deficiency in the aged to explain the observed macrocytosis. However, 3H-thymidine uptake by nucleated bone-marrow cells was significantly decreased, and the ratio of 3H-uridine to 3H-thymidine uptake was greater in the old group than in the young group. These results could be explained by altered nucleic acid metabolism (unbalanced cell growth) or by a change in the proportion of the different fractions of nucleated cells.

Relation of H-2 expression on murine RCT(+) sarcoma cells to lung colonization and sensitivity to NK cells.

Murine RCT(+) sarcoma cells were sorted using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter with regard to the expression of H-2 antigens and then an increased H-2-expressing subclone was established, and named RCT(+)H-2+. The experimental metastasis of RCT(+) cells was compared with that of RCT(+)H-2+ cells by counting pulmonary colonies on the 21st day after i.v. inoculation of tumor cells (5-10 x 10(4)/mouse). When mice were inoculated with RCT(+) cells, mean numbers of pulmonary colonies were 2.1(range 0-6), 2.8(range 0-7) using 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) cells, respectively. On the other hand, in the mice inoculated with RCT(+)H-2+ cells, figures obtained were 7.0(range 4-16), 31.9(range 13-79), using 5 x 10(4) and 1 x 10(5) cells, respectively. The survival rate of RCT(+)H-2+ cells was higher than that of RCT(+) cells, when this was assayed in the early stage after i.v. injection of 51Cr-labeled cells (1 x 10(5) cells/mouse). In addition, RCT(+)H-2+ cells were more resistant than RCT(+) cells to lysis mediated by natural killer cells. These data suggest that an increase in metastatic ability was paralleled by an increase in the H-2 antigen expression and a decrease in sensitivity to the natural killer cells.

Dihydropteridine reductase deficiency: diagnosis by leukocyte enzyme assay.

An assay procedure for dihydropteridine reductase in peripheral leukocytes is described. The assay utilizes the tetrahydropterin-dependent reduction of ferri-cytochrome C in the presence of NADH and requires a smaller number of cells than assays described for cultured skin fibroblasts. Dihydropteridine reductase activity was not detectable in the peripheral leukocytes nor in the cultured skin fibroblasts from two adolescent patients with malignant hyperphenylalaninemia. The parents of the patients showed approximately 50% of normal dihydropteridine reductase activity in their peripheral leukocytes. Immunochemical experiments using antibodies against bovine liver dihydropteridine reductase suggest that normal leukocytes and skin fibroblasts contain dihydropteridine reductase which is immunologically similar to that of human liver. The present studies indicate that the determination of dihydropteridine reductase activity in peripheral leukocytes can be used to diagnose hyperphenylalaninemia due to a defect in dihydropteridine reductase.

[Character of a human cholangiocarcinoma CHGS, serially transplanted to nude mice].

With the progress in surgical technique, remarkable improvement has been noted in the treatment of bile duct carcinoma. However, in the cholangiocarcinoma at porta hepatis or in the progressive carcinoma, many cases have been reported, for which radical surgery is not achievable. In recent years, discussion has been concentrated on the necessity of multidisciplinary treatment for the bile duct carcinoma, but fundamental research has not been done enough. In the present paper, the process for obtaining CHGS strain implantable to the nude mouse derived from a human cholangiocarcinoma as achieved in our department was discussed, and its biological characteristics-above all, the sensitivity to carcinostatic agents and to radiation-were evaluated. The doubling time of CHGS strain is 6.2 days, and nude mice showed stable proliferation with 100% viability. Histologically, it was tubular adenocarcinoma similar to the primary tumor. It has high mucin producing ability, and necrosis hardly occurs. The search for DNA ploidy by flow cytometry revealed the presence of two types of cells: The cells of diploid pattern and aneuploid pattern. In the tests to determine the sensitivity of CHGS strains to carcinostatic in MMC, ADR, 5-FU and CDDP groups, and to radiation according to the Battele Columbus Laboratories Protocol, the regression of tumor was observed in MMC, ADR, CDDP groups. Particularly, in MMC group, some of the tumors had disappeared. Recurrence was also noted in this case, but the survival, was still recognized nearly four years after the operation through the postoperative auxiliary therapy. This was regarded as the case, where the sensitivity test using the nude mouse implantable tumor strain was reflected well in clinical application.

[Systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma initially presented with visual disturbance due to intrasellar lymphoma--a case report].

A case with systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the sella turcica and kidney is reported. A 69-year-old man presented with a progressive two month history of visual disturbance and headache. Neurological examination revealed bilateral visual disturbance and right optic atrophy. MRI showed a contrast-enhancing mass in the sella turcica. The tumor extended to the right optic nerve. Without extensive studies for systemic disease, the patient immediately underwent transsphenoidal surgery. The slightly firm, fibrous and vascular-rich tumor was subtotally removed. The histopathological examination revealed a malignant lymphoma, diffuse-large-cell type with B-cell phenotype. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient's symptoms subsided gradually. The patient received radiation therapy and the tumor disappeared. Postoperative CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large mass at the upper portion of the left kidney. Ga-scan also suggested the mass to be consistent with the abdominal CT. However, the patient suddenly died of acute heart failure with unknown cause just before starting chemotherapy for systemic lymphoma. Patients presenting primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) may have systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To exclude systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma, systemic investigation is essential for the initial management of patients presenting PCNSL.

[A case of small cell carcinoma of the stomach with multiple liver metastases].

We report a very rare case of small cell carcinoma of the stomach. A 69-year-old man, complaining of epigastric discomfort, was admitted to our hospital. Gastric endoscopy showed a Borrmann type 3 tumor at the lesser curvature of the cardia. Multiple liver metastases were observed in CT-scan, and total gastrectomy and cannulation to the hepatic artery were carried out. Macroscopically it was gastric cancer with P0H3N1T3M0, Stage IV b, histologically small cell carcinoma, intermed, INF gamma, ss, ly1, v3, n1(+), ow(-), aw(-). Immunochemotherapy was carried out, but liver metastases developed. The prognosis of this disease is very poor, resulting from rapidly developing metastases and invasion, in spite of treatments such as gastrectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. More effective treatments are needed.

[Inhibition of pulmonary metastases in mice by beta-cyclodextrin-benzaldehyde].

The effect of beta-cyclodextrin-benzaldehyde (CDBA) on the pulmonary metastasis in C3H/He mice was examined. When mice were treated daily with CDBA, 3 weeks later the number of lung nodules developed after i.v. inoculation of 1 X 10(6) RCT (+) cells was significantly decreased. The mean numbers of the lung nodules were 69.9 and 73.4 in the water-and cyclodextrin (CD)-treated mice, respectively. However, these were 17.8, 9.8 and 2.9 in 0.5, 5 and 25 mg/mouse per day CDBA-treated mice, respectively. And also, daily treatment of CDBA prolonged the survival time of the tumor bearing mice in both experimental and spontaneous metastasis studies. Two or three weeks after subcutaneous inoculation of RCT (+) cells (1 X 10(6) cells) to the foot pad, left hindlimbs were amputated and then mice were daily treated or untreated with CDBA. Five weeks after tumor inoculation, the number of lung nodules was counted. Twenty eight point six and 100% of untreated mice had lung metastases when amputation was carried out 2 (earlier operation group) and 3 (latero peration group) weeks after tumor inoculation. However, in CDBA-treated mice, these values were noticeably decreased, that is, 6.7% and 60% in earlier and later operation groups, respectively. Furthermore, in the later operation group, mean number of the lung nodules in CDBA-treated mice was only 2.7 while this was 12.9 in untreated mice. These data suggest that CDBA improve the survival time of tumor bearing mice through the inhibition of the lung metastasis.

Mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long-term oral intake of geniposide, an ingredient of herbal medicine.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare disease, characterised by thickening of the wall of the right hemicolon with calcification of mesenteric veins. However, the aetiology remains unknown. AIM: To investigate the possible association of herbal medicines with IMP. METHOD: The clinical data of four of our own patients were collected. Furthermore, we searched for previous reports about similar patients with detailed descriptions of herbal prescriptions that they had taken. We compared herbal ingredients to identify the toxic agent as a possible aetiological factor. RESULTS: Clinical data on a total of 25 patients were summarised. Mean age was 61.8 years and there was female predominance (6 men and 19 women). The used Kampo prescription, the number of cases, and the mean duration of use were as follows: kamisyoyosan in 12 cases for 12.8 years, inshin-iseihaito in 5 cases for 13.4 years, orengedokuto in 4 cases for 14.3 years, inchinkoto in 1 case for 20 years, kamikihitou in 1 case for 19 years, seijobofuto in 1 case for 10 years and gorinsan in 1 case for an unknown duration. Only one ingredient, sansisi, was common to the herbal medicines of all 25 patients. This crude drug called geniposide in English is a major constituent of the Gardenia fruits. CONCLUSION: The long-term use of geniposide in herbal medicines appears to be associated with mesenteric phlebosclerosis.