An assessment of radioactivity levels of 210Pb and 40K in tobacco and radiation exposure from smoking

No research has been conducted on the radiation influence of tobacco on the alimentary system, although there have been some previous works on the respiratory system. In this study, the radioactive concentrations of 210Pb and 40K in a cigarette sample were first measured. The transfer factors of the nuclides from tobacco into smoke and solution (saliva and/or alcohol) were then examined. Moreover, the radiation doses from smoke inhalation were also evaluated. The radioactive concentrations of 210Pb and 40K in the cigarette tobacco were 0.01 and 0.3 Bq/cigarette. Since this 210Pb activity and the 210Po activity previously reported for the same sample were comparable, it can be concluded that there was a radioactive equilibrium between the 2 nuclides. The observed transfer factor of 210Pb (12%) into smoke was almost the same as that of 40K (15%), whereas the reported value for 210Po (60%) was significantly higher. The radiation doses due to inhalation of cigarette smoke varied from organ to organ, depending on the organotropic properties of the nuclide. For example, the kidneys, respiratory tract, and spleen showed relatively high doses from 210Pb and 210Po. The leaching rates indicated an inconsistent tendency related to solution types. This result could suggest that alcohol drinking, which is common in smokers, does not especially enhance the leaching characteristics.

Observation of the intrinsic pinning of a magnetic domain wall in a ferromagnetic nanowire

The spin transfer torque is essential for electrical magnetization switching. When a magnetic domain wall is driven by an electric current through an adiabatic spin torque, the theory predicts a threshold current even for a perfect wire without any extrinsic pinning. The experimental confirmation of this 'intrinsic pinning', however, has long been missing. Here, we give evidence that this intrinsic pinning determines the threshold, and thus that the adiabatic spin torque dominates the domain wall motion in a perpendicularly magnetized Co/Ni nanowire. The intrinsic nature manifests itself both in the field-independent threshold current and in the presence of its minimum on tuning the wire width. The demonstrated domain wall motion purely due to the adiabatic spin torque will serve to achieve robust operation and low energy consumption in spintronic devices.

Terrace retro-reflector array for poloidal polarimeter on ITER

A new concept of a terrace retro-reflector array (TERRA) as part of the poloidal polarimeter for ITER is proposed in this paper. TERRA reflects a laser light even from a high incident angle in the direction of the incident-light path, while a conventional retro-reflector array cannot. Besides, TERRA can be installed in a smaller space than a corner-cube retro-reflector. In an optical sense, TERRA is equivalent to a Littrow grating, the blaze angle of which varies, depending on the incident angle. The reflected light generates a bright and dark fringe, and the bright fringe is required to travel along the incident-light path to achieve the objects of laser-aided diagnostics. In order to investigate the propagation properties of laser light reflected by TERRA, we have developed a new diffraction formula. Conditions for the propagation of the bright fringe in the direction of the incident light have been obtained using the Littrow grating model and have been confirmed in a simulation applying the new diffraction formula. Finally, we have designed laser transmission optics using TERRA for the ITER poloidal polarimeter and have calculated the light propagation of the system. The optical design obtains a high transmission efficiency, with 88.6% of the incident power returned. These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying TERRA to the ITER poloidal polarimeter.

286 PRODUCTION OF NORMAL MICE USING LONG-TERM PRESERVED MOUSE SPERMATOZOA WITHOUT FREEZING

Mammalian spermatozoa preservation now plays an important role in fertility treatments, generating hybrid animals and protecting endangered and extinct species. To date, the most common method of sperm preservation is freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN2). However, this method requires constant supplementation of LN2 and also presents some safety issues involved in transporting LN2. Here we describe a new sperm preservation method that does not involve freezing. Mouse spermatozoa were cultured in four basic media (HEPES–Chatot-Ziomele-Barister’s medium (HCZB), KSOM, K+-rich nuclear isolation medium (NIM), and PBS) with or without 10% BSA or 15% Ficoll as a cryoprotectant, and preserved in a refrigerator for up to 6 months. These preserved sperm were then injected into fresh oocytes and cultured to the blastocyst stage in vitro or transferred into recipient females to demonstrate their genetic integrity. Oocytes injected with 1-month-preserved spermatozoa in NIM and PBS showed significantly higher blastocyst rates (22.8% and 18.9%) than those in HEPES-CZB and KSOM (1-way ANOVA, P < 0.05). In embryos with 3-month-preserved spermatozoa in NIM or PBS with BSA or Ficoll, 5.3–24.0%; P < 0.05 of embryos, (n = 1056) developed to the blastocyst stage, and the developmental ratio was not decreased even for 6-month preservation (13.6–18.2%; P > 0.05). Surprisingly, 18 pups were obtained using spermatozoa stored in those mediums for 6 months. Moreover, this new method allowed easy production of healthy offspring even after transporting spermatozoa between two countries by aircraft at room temperature without any protection. In conclusion, this method allows for easy long-term preservation of mouse spermatozoa in a simple, modified medium at refrigerator temperature with very low cost and wide application.

Low serum bilirubin concentration in haemodialysis patients with Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Previous studies have implicated reduced serum bilirubin concentrations in the development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine whether bilirubin may explain the high incidence of vascular complications in haemodialysis patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We compared serum bilirubin concentrations, as well as other known aetiological risk factors for cardiovascular disease, in 206 Type 2 diabetes patients on haemodialysis with those in 741 Type 2 diabetes patients not receiving haemodialysis, and evaluated the association between serum bilirubin concentration and cardiovascular disease incidence.

RESULTS

Incidences of cardiovascular disease and systolic blood pressure were higher; however, BMI and serum total cholesterol were lower in haemodialysis patients compared with those in patients without haemodialysis. Serum total (0.30 ± 0.10 vs. 0.74 ± 0.26 mg/dl, 0.005 ± 0.002 vs. 0.013 ± 0.004 mmol/l, P < 0.0001) and indirect (0.17 ± 0.08 vs. 0.70 ± 0.23 mg/dl, 0.003 ± 0.001 vs. 0.012 ± 0.004 mmol/l, P < 0.0001) bilirubin were lower in haemodialysis patients compared with those in patients without haemodialysis. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that age (β = 0.109, F = 5.959, P < 0.05), duration of diabetes (β = -0.112, F = 6.048, P < 0.05), sex (β = -0.123, F = 8.623, P < 0.05), cardiovascular disease events (β = -0.099, F = 5.131, P < 0.05) and presence of haemodialysis (β = -0.626, F = 201.727, P < 0.01) were independent factors for serum total bilirubin. Logistic regression demonstrated that age (OR 1.089, 95% CI 1.044-1.136; P < 0.0001), duration of diabetes (OR 1.029, 95% CI 1.001-1.059; P = 0.0423), body mass index (OR 1.115, 95% CI 1.001-1.242; P = 0.0487), habit of smoking (OR 2.445, 95% CI 1.046-5.716; P = 0.0391) and serum total bilirubin (OR 0.192, 95% CI 0.037-0.989; P = 0.0484) were independent factors for cardiovascular disease events.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum bilirubin concentration could be one of the important factors for the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in Type 2 diabetes patients receiving haemodialysis.

Targeting KRAS mutation-bearing lung cancer in vivo by pulmonary surfactant-adenovirus-mediated gene transfer

Pulmonary surfactant has been used as a carrier to deliver a therapeutic virus to dysfunctional lung cells that reside within an intricate lung structure. To investigate whether pulmonary surfactant enhances the efficacy of intratracheal instillation of a therapeutic virus to target KRAS mutation-bearing lung cancer in vivo, we developed a recombinant adenovirus that induces cell death only in lung cancer cells and injected the adenovirus into a mouse model of KRAS mutation-positive lung cancer intratracheally with and without surfactant. A therapeutic adenovirus that induces cell death only in lung cancer cells was constructed by combining a cancer-specific human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter fused to CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (CEBPα) with a modified lung-specific Clara cell-specific 10-kDa protein (CC10) promoter fused to cytotoxic adenovirus type 5 early region 1A (E1A). CEBPα is induced only in cancer cells and activates the CC10 promoter, which in turn induces cytotoxic E1A, and causes cell death only in lung cancer cells in vitro. This adenovirus was intratracheally administered to the model mice (CCSP-rtTA/Tet-op-K-Ras4bG12D bitransgenic mice) in the presence and absence of pulmonary surfactant. Intratracheally administered therapeutic adenovirus with pulmonary surfactant spread to airways, as well as to the alveolar region of the lung, and caused a reduction of lung tumors developed. The therapeutic adenovirus without pulmonary surfactant spread only to airways and was ten-fold less effective in tumor reduction. Here, we demonstrate that pulmonary surfactant is an efficient tool to intratracheally deliver a therapeutic virus to treat KRAS mutation-positive lung cancer in vivo.

A novel mutation in the C-terminal region of RUNX2/CBFA1 distal to the DNA-binding runt domain in a Japanese patient with cleidocranial dysplasia

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant inherited skeletal disease with high penetrance and variable expressivity. Although many mutations in RUNX2/CBFA1, an osteoblast-specific transcription factor, have been identified as causes of CCD, it is unclear whether these mutation genotypes relate to various symptoms. Heterogeneous mutations of RUNX2/CBFA1 result in disease characterized by abnormal skeletal genesis and dental disorders. There are few reports describing the relation between detailed orofacial pathology and the RUNX2/CBFA1 genotype. The case of a Japanese patient with severe orofacial dysplasia who was clinically thought to have CCD is described here. The authors performed mutation analysis on the RUNX2/CBFA1 gene and identified a novel frameshift mutation (722delT), which produces a mutant RUNX2/CBFA1 with a truncating C-terminus distal to the runt domain.

Transfer Function Analysis of Cerebral Autoregulation Dynamics during Jaw Movements

Mastication as a mild but life-long exercise has been examined as a possibility for maintaining brain function in the elderly. Little is known, however, about the cerebral circulatory response during masticatory movement. The aim of this study was to develop a monitoring system for circulation dynamics during masticatory movement and to apply this system to the study of cerebral autoregulation. Cerebral blood flow, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were simultaneously recorded, and changes in these circulatory systems were quantitatively evaluated in 38 young healthy volunteers. Transfer function analysis was also performed on blood pressure and cerebral blood flow for investigation of cerebral autoregulation during gum chewing. Although increases in cerebral blood flow, mean blood pressure, and heart rate suggested the activation of cerebral and systemic circulation during gum chewing, increased cerebral circulation was independent of systemic circulation. Our results suggest that cerebral autoregulation is well maintained during jaw movements.

Development of an RPD CAD system with finite element stress analysis

The structural design of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is critical for preventing distortion of the prosthesis, protecting abutment teeth and residual ridges as well as for high masticatory performance. The aim of this study was to clarify the feasibility and utility of a computer-aided designing (CAD) system with finite element analysis (FEA) for molar teeth arrangement in unilateral distal extension base RPDs. The shapes of artificial teeth and residual ridge were measured and converted into point group data. Solid models were created from surface-modelled point group data in a 3D surface CAD format. An occlusal rim was created on the residual ridge mucosa and the occlusal rim - residual ridge mucosa model with FEA function was created. Stress distribution on the residual ridge mucosa was compared by changing the loading point. The artificial teeth were then arranged in locations with the lowest amount of stress. After building an artificial teeth - saddle - residual ridge mucosa model, stress distribution in the residual ridge mucosa was re-evaluated by simulating occlusal force. On the occlusal rim - residual ridge mucosa model, stress was reduced when the loading point was located around the buccal shelf where functional cusps of artificial teeth were charted. It was confirmed that stress distribution in the residual ridge mucosa was equalized on the artificial teeth - saddle - residual ridge mucosa model. This system might be clinically useful tool for designing RPDs if FEA-guided designing of retainers and connectors can be added.

Age-related Changes in Tongue Pressure during Swallowing

Although swallowing movement is known to change with aging, age-related differences in the tongue pressure for propelling a bolus from the oral cavity into the pharynx have yet to be investigated in a physiological condition. We hypothesized that tongue pressure during swallowing changed with aging and, using a 0.1-mm-thick sensor sheet with 5 measuring points, measured it while a 15-mL quantity of water was swallowed by young and elderly dentate individuals. Both groups showed a similar order of tongue pressure production at each point. However, the elderly group showed longer duration at each point, lower maximal magnitude in the anterio-median part of the hard palate, and higher magnitude in the circumferential parts of the hard palate than the young group. These results provide the first quantitative evidence of the age-related changes in tongue movement during natural swallowing, which could be attributed to muscle weakening and morphological changes in the oropharynx.

Neural correlates to seen gaze-direction and head orientation in the macaque monkey amygdala

Human neuropsychological studies suggest that the amygdala is implicated in social cognition, in which cognition of seen gaze-direction, especially the direct gaze, is essential, and that the perception of gaze direction is modulated by the head orientation of the facial stimuli. However, neural correlates to these issues remain unknown. In the present study, neuronal activity was recorded from the macaque monkey amygdala during performance of a sequential delayed non-matching-to-sample task based on gaze direction. The facial stimuli consisted of two head orientations (frontal; straight to the monkey, profile; 30 degrees rightwards from the front) with different gaze directions (directed toward and averted to the left or right of the monkey). Of the 1091 neurons recorded, 61 responded to more than one facial stimulus. Of these face-responsive neurons, 44 displayed responses selective to the facial stimuli (face neurons). Most amygdalar face neurons discriminated both gaze direction and head orientation, and exhibited a significant interaction between the two types about information. Furthermore, factor analysis on the response magnitudes of the face neurons to the facial stimuli revealed that two factors derived from these facial stimuli were correlated with two head orientations. The overall responses of the face neurons to direct gazes in the profile and frontal faces were significantly larger than that to averted gazes. The results suggest that information of both gaze and head direction is integrated in the amygdala, and that the amygdala is implicated in detection of direct gaze.

Molecular nature of mutations induced by irradiation with repeated low doses of X‐rays in spleen, liver, brain and testis oflacZ‐transgenic mice

PURPOSE

To investigate the molecular characteristics of mutations induced by repeated low doses of X-rays in spleen, liver, brain and testis of mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Muta mice, which harbour the lacZ gene contained in the lambda genome, were irradiated with 0.15 Gy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 6 months starting at 10 weeks of age for a total of 78 times. Four months after the last irradiation, DNAs were isolated from the four different tissues and the mutant frequencies of lacZ were determined. Next, the nucleotide sequences of the mutant lacZ genes were determined and compared with that of the wild-type to identify the molecular changes in the mutants. The frequencies of different types of mutations were compared with those found in age-matched non-irradiated mice. They were also compared with those found in mice irradiated with a single high dose.

RESULTS

The repeated low-dose irradiation resulted in slight increases in the mutant frequency in the four kinds of tissues. The spleen, liver and brain in repeatedly irradiated mice showed higher frequencies of deletion type mutations than those of non-irradiated mice. In testis, however, the level of the increase was modest and not statistically significant. Complex type mutations were observed only in irradiated tissues. The characteristics observed in somatic tissues were similar to those induced by a single high dose of irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the mechanism of mutation induction in vivo is similar between low- and high-dose irradiation in spleen, liver and brain. The low induction of deletion mutations in testis with low-dose irradiation suggests that spermatogonial cells have a unique DNA repair system against low-dose radiation-induced damage.

Cascade of magnetic-field-induced quantum phase transitions in a spin-1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet

We report magnetocaloric and magnetic-torque evidence that in Cs2CuBr4--a geometrically frustrated Heisenberg S=1/2 triangular-lattice antiferromagnet--quantum fluctuations stabilize a series of spin states at simple increasing fractions of the saturation magnetization Ms. Only the first of these states--at M=1/3Ms--has been theoretically predicted. We discuss how the higher fraction quantum states might arise and propose model spin arrangements. We argue that the first-order nature of the transitions into those states is due to strong lowering of the energies by quantum fluctuations, with implications for the general character of quantum phase transitions in geometrically frustrated systems.

Factors influencing 3D-MRI diagnosis in preoperative breast cancer patients

620

Background: We presented 3D-MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients. (ASCO 2008).To do breast conserving surgery, careful management was needed in cases with widely ductal spreading and multifocal lesion. This study was to evaluate factors influencing false negative diagnosis and multifocal types of 3D-MRI, retrospectively. Methods: From July 2000, pre-operative 3D-MRI was underwent 488 cases and images were obtained 479 cases (98%). These patients could be divided into three groups according to 3D-MRI images: pattern 1) localized type (273 cases), 2) widely enhanced type (106 cases) and 3) multi-focal type (100 cases). From April 2005, resected specimen was serially step cut and total specimens were microscopically evaluated. Tumor size in 3D-MRI was 1cm over smaller than resected specimens were defined false negative cases. Investigated factors influencing 3D-MRI were age, patterns of 3D-MRI images, presence of pre-operative chemotherapy, histological type, histological grade, microscopical invasive tumor size (mm) and presence of ductal spreading. Results: The rate of histological confirmed intraductal spread were seen in 58% (158/273cases), 89% (94/106 cases) of patients with 3D-MRI pattern 1) and 2), respectively. Tumor size was correlated between MRI and specimens, significantly (n = 162, r = 06706, p < 0.001). Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (p < 0.05), presence of ductal spreading (p < 0.001) and patterns of 3D-MRI images (p < 0.05). In the cases with multi-focal 3D- images, there were only 11(11/41, 26%) cases with true multifocal lesions by total specimens examination. Selection for breast conserving surgery and margin width were based by 3D-MRI images. The proportion of breast-conserved surgery were obtained 90% (437/488 cases) and local failure seen only 6 cases (local failure rate 1.4%) in 3D-MRI guided surgery. (median follow up 52 months). Conclusions: These results suggest that MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool, but caution will be needed in cases with pre-operative systemic therapy, cases expected intraductal spread by imaging tools and cases with multi-focal 3D- images.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Rat hippocampal theta rhythm during sensory mismatch

It has been suggested that sensory mismatch induces motion sickness, but its neural mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this issue, theta waves in the hippocampal formation (HF) were studied during sensory mismatch by backward translocation in awake rats. A monopolar electrode was implanted into the dentate gyrus in the HF, from which local field potentials were recorded. The rats were placed on a treadmill affixed to a motion stage translocated along a figure 8-shaped track. The rats were trained to run forward on the treadmill at the same speed as that of forward translocation of the motion stage (a forward condition) before the experimental (recording) sessions. In the experimental sessions, the rats were initially tested in the forward condition, and then tested in a backward (mismatch) condition, in which the motion stage was turned around by 180 degrees before translocation. That is, the rats were moved backward by translocation of the stage although the rats ran forward on the treadmill. The theta (6-9 Hz) power was significantly increased in the backward condition compared with the forward condition. However, the theta power gradually decreased by repeated testing in the backward condition. Furthermore, backward translocation of the stage without locomotion did not increase theta power. These results suggest that the HF might function as a comparator to detect sensory mismatch, and that alteration in HF theta activity might induce motion sickness.

CMC-544 (inotuzumab ozogamicin), an anti-CD22 immuno-conjugate of calicheamicin, alters the levels of target molecules of malignant B-cells

We studied the effect of CMC-544, the calicheamicin-conjugated anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody, used alone and in combination with rituximab, analyzing the quantitative alteration of target molecules, that is, CD20, CD22, CD55 and CD59, in Daudi and Raji cells as well as in cells obtained from patients with B-cell malignancies (BCM). Antibody inducing direct antiproliferative and apoptotic effect, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) were tested separately. In Daudi and Raji cells, the CDC effect of rituximab significantly increased within 12 h following incubation with CMC-544. The levels of CD22 and CD55 were significantly reduced (P<0.001 in both cells) after incubation with CMC-544, but CD20 level remained constant or increased for 12 h. Similar results were obtained in cells from 12 patients with BCM. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of CMC-544 were greater than that of rituximab. The ADCC of rituximab was not enhanced by CMC-544. Thus, the combination of CMC-544 and rituximab increased the in vitro cytotoxic effect in BCM cells, and sequential administration for 12 h proceeded by CMC-544 was more effective. The reduction of CD55 and the preservation of CD20 after incubation with CMC-544 support the rationale for the combined use of CMC-544 and rituximab.

Identification of CCDC62-2 as a novel cancer/testis antigen and its immunogenicity

Cancer/testis (CT) antigens are expressed in normal germ line tissues and various cancers. They are considered promising target molecules for immunotherapy for patients with various cancers. To identify CT antigens, we performed serological identification of antigens by recombinant expression cloning. The humoral immune response of cancer patients against a newly defined antigen was analyzed. A testicular cDNA library was immunoscreened with serum obtained from a gastric adenocarcinoma patient whose primary cancer had regressed once and most liver metastases had disappeared transiently. We isolated 55 positive cDNA clones comprising 23 different genes. They included 4 genes with testis-specific expression profiles in the Unigene database, including coiled-coil domain containing 62 (CCDC62). RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of 2 splice variants of CCDC62 was restricted to the testis in normal adult tissues. In malignant tissues, CCDC62 variant 2 (CCDC62-2) was aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, including stomach cancer. A serological survey of 191 cancer patients with a range of different cancers by ELISA revealed antibodies to CCDC62-2 in 13 patients, including stomach cancer. None of the 41 healthy donor serum samples were reactive in the same test. The serum reaction against CCDC62-2 was confirmed by western blot. CCDC62-2 is a CT antigen that is immunogenic in cancer patients.

Ferromagnetism and electronic structures of nonstoichiometric Heusler-alloy Fe3-xMnxSi Epilayers grown on Ge(111)

For the study of ferromagnetic materials which are compatible with group-IV semiconductor spintronics, we demonstrate control of the ferromagnetic properties of Heusler-alloy Fe3-xMnxSi epitaxially grown on Ge(111) by tuning the Mn composition x. Interestingly, we obtain L2(1)-ordered structures even for nonstoichiometric atomic compositions. The Curie temperature of the epilayers with x approximately 0.6 exceeds 300 K. Theoretical calculations indicate that the electronic structures of the nonstoichiometric Fe3-xMnxSi alloys become half-metallic for 0.75 < or = x < or = 1.5. We discuss the possibility of room-temperature ferromagnetic Fe(3-x)Mn(x)Si/Ge epilayers with high spin polarization.

Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI in pre-operative breast cancer patients

Abstract #4005

Introduction: We presented 3D-MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients (ASCO 2008). But, false negative cases were very important in breast conserving surgery and careful management was needed in 3D-MRI guided surgery. This study was to review imaging diagnosis using 3D-MRI and to evaluate factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI, retrospectively. Material and methods: From July 2000, pre-operative 3D-MRI was underwent 433 cases of breast cancer patients. Images were obtained 426 cases (98%). Tumor size between 3D-MRI and resected specimens were evaluated retrospectively. Cases with tumor size difference between 3D-MRI and resected specimens less than 1cm were defined related cases and cases with tumor size in 3D-MRI was 1cm more smaller than resected specimens were defined false negative cases. Investigated factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were age, patterns of 3D-MRI images, presence of pre-operative chemotherapy, histological type, histological grade, microscopical invasive tumor size (mm) and presence of ductal spreading. From April 2005, the entire specimen was serially step cut and evaluated. Results: Tumor diameter from nipple side to lateral margin were measured by MRI and specimens, tumor size was correlated between MRI and specimens, significantly (n=118, r=07186, P &lt; 0.001). On Multivariate analysis revealed that factors influencing 3D-MRI diagnosis were presence of ductal spreading (p=0.0002), patterns of 3D-MRI images (p=0.06) and presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (P=0.04). Factors influencing false negative diagnosis of 3D-MRI were presence of pre-operative chemotherapy (P&lt;0.05), presence of ductal spreading (P&lt;0.01) and infiltration of lymphocyte in the edge of ductal spreading (P&lt;0.05). Selection for breast conserving surgery and margin width were based by 3D-MRI images. The proportion of breast-conserved surgery were obtained 89% (380/426 cases) and local failure seen only 6 cases (local failure rate 1.4%) in 3D-MRI guided surgery. (6-94 months, median follow up 51 months).&#x2028; Conclusion: These results suggest that MRI will be the useful breast imaging tool in diagnosing intraductal spread and tumor size in breast cancer patients. But, caution will be needed in cases with pre-operative systemic therapy and cases expected ductal spreading by other imaging tools.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4005.

Effect of Diglucosamine on the Entrapment of Protein into Liposomes

Liposomes, which had entrapped bovine serum albumin (BSA), were modified with diglucosamine by two methods. The liposome was prepared by a freeze-thawing method in the presence of the disaccharide, or the disaccharide was added to the liposome prepared in advance without it. To examine the effects of diglucosamine, the morphology, mean particle size, and zeta potential of both liposomes were compared with those of BSA-entrapping liposome prepared without the disaccharide. Diglucosamine caused no remarkable change in shape and no aggregation of the liposome. The presence of the disaccharide was confirmed on the surfaces of modified liposomes, and the entrapment of BSA into the liposomes was increased by the disaccharide. The entrapment behavior was affected by the way the disaccharide was added, and the difference in the way the BSA was entrapped was also indicated.

Identification of a CD4 T-cell epitope in tumor rejection antigen RLakt on BALB/c radiation-leukemia RL male 1

We have previously shown that the RLakt antigen was predominantly recognized by CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in RL male 1-bearing or -rejected syngeneic BALB/c mice. CD8 CTL were directed to the octamer pRL1a peptide IPGLPLSL of which recognition was H-2L(d)-restricted. In this study, we identified a CD4 T-cell epitope peptide in the tumor rejection antigen RLakt on BALB/c radiation-leukemia RL male 1. Analyses of the recognition of a bulk CD4 T-cell line using several recombinant RLakt proteins suggested the presence of multiple CD4 T-cell epitopes in the molecule. However, cloning from a bulk CD4 T-cell line resulted in only two clones from 200 wells seeded at three cells per well, and those two CD4 T-cell clones recognized the same epitope peptide in RLakt. The epitope peptide was 14-mer p12-25, AYREETLSIIPGLP, and its recognition was H-2IA(d)-restricted. This sequence overlapped with the CD8 T-cell epitope pRL1a in its N-terminal 5 amino acid residues. The relationship of the epitope to the pRL1a peptide predominantly recognized by CD8 CTL suggests that the 14-mer epitope is predominantly recognized by CD4 T-cells.

The localization of phytate in tofu curd formation and effects of phytate on tofu texture

The localization of phytate on tofu making and its effects on tofu texture were investigated. Thirty-eight percent and 3% of phytate in soymilk were bound to soluble protein and particulate protein, respectively, and the others were in free form. In the early stage of curd formation, phytate bound to particulate proteins and then a large part of phytate was taken into the tofu curd. Increase of phytate contents in soymilk resulted in the increase of coagulant requirement to make firm tofu. Optimal coagulant concentration (OCC) for making tofu was influenced by phytate contents. The increase of phytate in tofu caused decrease of hardness at OCC and resulted in the increase of brittleness and viscosity of tofu. We concluded that the phytate content is one important factor that contributes to tofu texture.

47 SUCCESSFULLY PRODUCING CLONED MICE FROM SOMATIC CELLS OF AGED MICE VIA ESTABLISHED ntES CELL LINES

Recent nuclear transfer techniques have enabled us to produce cloned animals from somatic cell nuclei in a variety of animal species and are to date the only way to obtain offspring from infertile animals. Despite very aged mice often showing an infertile phenotype, the decreasing rate of cloning success with increased age makes it almost impossible to produce cloned mice or offspring from these animals. Other studies, however, have demonstrated that ES cell lines have been established from cloned blastocysts through somatic cell nuclear transfer (ntES cells), irrespective of sex, strains, or organs. These cells are subsequently capable of differentiating into all three germ layers in vitro, or even into spermatozoa and oocytes in chimeric mice. Thus, ntES cells have received considerable attention recently in regenerative medicine. Importantly, the success rate of establishing ntES cell lines from cloned blastocysts is ten times higher than that of producing cloned mice, which may allow us to establish ntES cell lines even from such 'unclonable' aged mice. ntES cells also have the potential to be a good donor source for nuclear transfer as they have the same DNA as their donor somatic cells and can indefinitely proliferate in their undifferentiated states. In this study, we attempted to establish ntES cell lines from aged mice and analyze their normality. We then tried to produce cloned mice via nuclear transfer using established ntES cell lines. We obtained donor cells from tail-tip fibroblast cells of BDF1 and BCF1 male and female mice that were over two years old. Following nuclear transfer, we transferred a proportion of the cleaved cloned embryos to pseudopregnant ICR female mice. The remaining embryos were cultured for 72 h, and cloned embryos that developed into morulae or blastocysts were plated on feeder cells. We then examined all established ntES cell lines for normality by Oct4 and Nanog expression using immunofluorescence staining and pluripotency by chimeric mice formation, for which ntES cells were injected into fertilized ICR embryos. Finally, we attempted to produce cloned mice from the nuclei of these ntES cell lines. In each experiment, 25, 37, 73, 63, and 75 cloned embryos from aged mice tail-tip cells were used in attempts to produce cloned mice, and 20, 20, 27, 35, and 40 cloned embryos were used to derive ntES cell lines, respectively. No cloned mice were obtained by direct nuclear transfer of the aged mice tail-tip cells; however, we were successful in establishing ntES cell lines from all experiments, with an establishment rate between 10 and 25%. All established ntES cell lines expressed Oct4 and Nanog and contributed to somatic cells in chimeric mice. Some chimeric mice produced offspring derived from ntES cells after mating. We were also able to produce cloned mice even from a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old BCF1 male mouse by nuclear transfer using ntES cells as donor nuclei. These results clearly show that normal ntES cell lines can be established from infertile, aged mice and this technique can now be used to produce offspring, irrespective of donor conditions.

Total knee replacement for osteoarthritis of the knee with congenital dislocation of the patella

We carried out three total knee replacements with proximal realignment in two patients with severe osteoarthritis of the knee and congenital dislocation of the patella. During the operation, the femur and the tibia were cut according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the implant. The femoral component was placed in external rotation and the centre of the tibial component aligned in relation to the tibial tuberosity with regard to rotation and translation. After making the bone cuts, the iliotibial tract was detached from Gerdy’s tubercle, the popliteus tendon divided, and the biceps femoris tendon elongated by Z-plasty. After the trial implants were positioned, a proximal re-alignment procedure was performed. One knee had deep infection. There was one dislocated patella which was repositioned, and walking ability was improved in all knees. We believe that the rotational alignment of a prosthesis is as important as the soft-tissue surgery.

An improved QT interval measurement based on singular value decomposition

This paper proposes an improved method of automatic ECG QT interval measurement based on the singular value decomposition (SVD) of multiple lead ECG signals. SVD separates multiple lead ECG record into orthogonal signals. Major orthogonal signals associated with high singular values are selected first for subsequent analysis. Instantaneous norm of the major three orthogonal signals are used for estimating Q wave initiating time tQ. Two dimensional trajectory of the major orthogonal signals are utilized for T wave end time tTE estimation. The T wave trajectory stagnates at tTE. For the accurate tTE estimation, this stagnation of the trajectory is proposed to be detected by its change in tangential angle. The proposed method was applied to 17 ECG data from normal subjects, patients of long QT syndrome (LQTS) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) to demonstrate its effectiveness. Good consistent agreement, mean relative error of 5.01%, between estimated QT intervals and those of manual measurement by an experienced cardiologist was achieved.

Migration and Proliferation of Primordial Germ Cells in the Early Chicken Embryo

In avian species, primordial germ cells (PGC) use the vascular system as a vehicle to transport them to the future gonadal region. The aim of this study was to elucidate the details of migration system and size of the PGC population in the early chicken embryo. We analyzed whole chicken embryos during stages X and 2 to 17 by immunohistochemical staining using specific antibody raised against chicken vasa homolog. At stage X, PGC were dense in the central zone of the area pellucida. Following the formation of the primitive streak, PGC moved anteriorly to the edge of the extraembryonic region. The size of the PGC population increased gradually during stages X (130.4 +/- 31.9) to 10 (439.3 +/- 93.6). At stage 10, PGC began to accumulate in the region anterior to the head, and then we could observe that PGC invaded into the vascular system in this region. At stage 11, the number of PGC decreased in the region anterior to the head (129.8 +/- 42.5 to 46.7 +/- 4.2) and increased in the blood vessels (194.0 +/- 41.6 to 285.0 +/- 7.5). No PGC could be recognized in the intermediate mesoderm, the future gonadal region, until stage 14, but they first appeared there at stage 15. The number of PGC recognized in the intermediate mesoderm increased from stage 15 to 17. Interestingly, the number of PGC between the left and right sides of this region was consistently and significantly different (P < 0.05) in females and males. The present study mainly clarified that chicken PGC continue to proliferate throughout early development, many PGC invaded into the vascular system from the region anterior to the head in stage 11, and PGC actively left the blood vessels and migrated to the intermediate mesoderm from stage 15.

Discrete modes of a ferromagnetic stripe dipolarly coupled to a ferromagnetic film: a Brillouin light scattering study

Spin wave excitations in a magnetic structure consisting of a series of long permalloy stripes of a rectangular cross section magnetized along the stripe length and situated above a continuous permalloy film are studied both experimentally and theoretically. Stripes and continuous film are coupled by dipole-dipole interaction across 10 nm thick Cu spacers. Experimental measurements made using the Brillouin light scattering technique (with the light wavevector oriented along the stripe width) provide evidence for one dispersive spin wave mode associated with the continuous film and several discrete non-dispersive modes resonating within the finite width of the stripes.To interpret the experimental spectra, an analytic theory based on the spin wave formalism for finite-width magnetic stripes has been developed, achieving a good qualitative and partly quantitative description of the experimentally observed spin wave spectrum of the system. In particular, it is explained why the presence of a continuous magnetic film near the magnetic stripe leads to a substantial decrease of the frequencies of the discrete dipolar spin wave modes localized within the stripes. A more quantitative description of the measured frequencies and of the spatial profiles of the spin wave eigenmodes has been obtained by numerical calculations performed using a finite element method.

Fertilization and Blastoderm Development of Quail Oocytes After Intracytoplasmic Injection of Chicken Sperm Bearing the W Chromosome

Our previous study demonstrated that elongated spermatids and sperm carrying the female-specific W-chromosome of the sex-reversed domestic fowl can activate the mouse oocyte, but whether they can fertilize the avian oocyte and lead to a developing zygote remains undetermined. A single sperm isolated from the semen and testis of normal rooster and from a testis of sex-reversed hen was microinjected into a quail oocyte and cultured for 20 to 24 h. Blastoderms were fixed, cleaved, nuclei stained by 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylin-dole, and developmental stages were assessed. In the normal rooster group, ejaculated and testicular sperm induced blastodermal development in 22.6 and 20% of the quail oocytes, respectively. The developmental stages ranged from IV to VII. In the sex-reversal group, 20% of injected testicular sperm induced blastodermal development. The blastodermal stages varied from stage III to VI. Blastoderms after 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining were assayed by PCR to identify the W chromosome of either chicken sperm or quail oocyte. The PCR assay results showed that 2 out of 9 developed blastoderms microinjected with sperm of sex-reversed hen were identified containing the female-specific W chromosome derived from sex-reversed hen. From these results, it is concluded that chicken sperm bearing the W chromosome possess fertilizing ability and can function to stimulate blastoderm development similar to that of normal chicken sperm carrying the Z chromosome.