Aerosol Loading and Radiation Budget Perturbations in Densely Populated and Highly Polluted Indo-Gangetic Plain by COVID-19: Influences on Cloud Properties and Air Temperature

Aerosols emitted in densely populated and industrialized Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the most polluted regions in the world, modulate regional climate, monsoon, and Himalayan glacier retreat. Thus, this region is important for understanding aerosol perturbations and their resulting impacts on atmospheric changes during COVID-19 lockdown period, a natural experimental condition created by the pandemic. By analyzing 5 years (2016-2020) data of aerosols and performing a radiative transfer calculation, we found that columnar and near-surface aerosol loadings decreased, leading to reductions in radiative cooling at the surface and top of the atmosphere and atmospheric warming during lockdown period. Further, satellite data analyses showed increases in cloud optical thickness and cloud-particle effective radius and decrease in lower tropospheric air temperature during lockdown period. These results indicate critical influences of COVID-19 lockdown on regional climate and water cycle over Indo-Gangetic Plain, emphasizing need for further studies from modeling perspectives.

Sarcopenia-derived exosomal micro-RNA 16-5p exerts the cardio-repair disturbance via pro-apoptotic mechanism in myocardial infarction of mice

Background

Sarcopenia is a pathophysiological malfunction induced by skeletal muscle atrophy, and several studies reported an association between sarcopenia-induced cardiac cachexia and poor prognosis in heart disease. Since only a few established animal models are recently available, the underlying mechanism of disturbed cardiac repair accompanied with sarcopenia remains poorly understood.

Purpose

We hypothesized that specific microRNAs in sarcopenia-derived exosomes play crucial roles in disturbed cardiac repair with sarcopenia, and these microRNAs directly exacerbate cardiomyocyte injury following cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.

Methods

We developed a novel sarcopenia-induced cardiac repair disturbance mouse model that is induced by tail suspension (TS) 7 days after a 45-min coronary occlusion of cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). The reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after I/R was compared in mice with TS [I/R-TS(+), n=14] and without [I/R-TS(−), n=12] by echocardiography. To investigate the exosomal mechanism of cardiac repair disturbance, a comprehensive analysis of extracted exosomal microRNAs from mice serum was performed in the 2 groups at day 8. Then, we investigated the impact of the identified candidate microRNA in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRVMs). After 4 days in primary culture, candidate microRNA was transfected into NRVMs under hypoxic culture conditions. TUNEL analysis and quantitative PCR analysis of apoptosis-related genes were performed on the NRVMs.

Results

At day 8 after I/R, the LVEF of I/R-TS(+) was not significantly ameliorated compared to that of I/R-TS(−) (ΔLVEF; 1.59±6.92 vs. 8.04±7.71% p=0.034). Four candidate microRNAs obtained from I/R mice serum were identified in the microRNA array analysis. The re-analysis of these candidate micro-RNAs using all I/R mice demonstrated that the level of mir-16-5p in I/R-TS(+) was raised by approximately nine-fold than that in I/R-TS(−) (9.67±13.35 vs. 0.99±1.41, p<0.05). Next, an in vitro experimental model using a microRNA mimic revealed that apoptosis in NRVMs was greatly enhanced by the transfection of a mir-16-5p mimic in hypoxic culture conditions (mir-16-5p vs. control = 5.77±2.84 vs. 1.72±0.55%, p<0.01). Furthermore, by qRT-PCR analysis, the expression of CASP3 and TRP53 were upregulated in NRVMs treated with a mir-16-5p mimic than in control NRVMs.

Conclusion

Myocardial I/R injury in sarcopenia ended in cardiac repair disturbance accompanying with the enhanced expression of exosomal-mir-16-5p. A pro-apoptotic effect of mir-16-5p may exacerbate myocardial I/R injury and thus can be a novel therapeutic target for cardiac repair disturbance in sarcopenia.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

P4144Pericyte-specific deletion of ninjurin1 induces abnormal vasa vasorum formation and persistent inflammation and enhances intimal hyperplasia of injured vasculature

Introduction

Atherosclerosis is fundamental pathological condition inducing severe ischemic diseases such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. New concept has been proposed that adventitial abnormalities including enhanced malformation of adventitial microvessel, vasa vasorum are associated with development and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaque. However, the role of vasa vasorum malformation in vascular remodelling has not been fully clarified. We recently reported that Ninjurin1 (Ninj1) is critical adhesion molecule to associate pericytes (PCs) with endothelial (EC) tubes to form stabilized mature neovessels. The purpose of this study is to examine if formation of adventitial microvessels affects the vascular remodelling of injured vessels using PCs-specific Ninj1 deletion mouse model.

Methods and results

Deletion of Ninj1 gene in NG2-positive PCs was induced by tamoxifen (Tam)-treated NG2-CreER/Ninj1loxp mice (Ninj1KO, n=9). Tam-treated-NG2-CreER (n=4) or Tam-nontreated NG2-CreER/Ninj1loxp (n=5) mice were used as Control (Ct1 and Ct2 respectively). Femoral arteries were injured by insertion of coiled wire. After 4 weeks of surgery, blood vessels were stained by venous injection of FITC-lectin. Isolated femoral arteries were fixed with paraformaldehyde and decolorized with CUBIC reagent. Wire-mediated vessel injury induced intimal hyperplasia, as assessed by intima/media (I/M) ratio and accordingly grew microvessels in adventitia. Intimal hyperplasia in Ninj1KO were significantly enhanced compared to Controls. Although there was no significant difference in total length of adventitial microvessels among three groups, extravasation of FITC-lectin from adventitial microvessels were significantly enhanced in Ninj1KO. The number of infiltrated macrophages in adventitia were increased in Ninj1KO.

Conclusion

Deletion of Ninj1 in PCs contributes to formation of immature microvessels in adventitia of injured vasculature and to adventitial microbleeding, and subsequently enhances intimal hyperplasia. Ninj1 is an attractive target to normalize microvessels for anti-atherosclerotic therapy.

Development of Algorithm for Discriminating Hydrometeor Particle Types with a Synergistic Use of CloudSat and CALIPSO

We developed a method for classifying hydrometeor particle types, including cloud and precipitation phase and ice crystal habit, by a synergistic use of CloudSat/Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO)/Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). We investigated how the cloud phase and ice crystal habit characterized by CALIOP globally relate with radar reflectivity and temperature. The global relationship thus identified was employed to develop an algorithm for hydrometeor type classification with CPR alone. The CPR-based type classification was then combined with CALIPSO-based type characterization to give CPR-CALIOP synergy classification. A unique aspect of this algorithm is to exploit and combine the lidar's sensitivity to thin ice clouds and the radar's ability to penetrate light precipitation to offer more complete picture of vertically resolved hydrometeor type classification than has been provided by previous studies. Given the complementary nature of radar and lidar detections of hydrometeors, our algorithm delivers thirteen hydrometeor types: warm water, supercooled water, randomly-oriented ice crystal (3D-ice), horizontally-oriented plate (2D-plate), 3D-ice+2D-plate, liquid drizzle, mixed-phase drizzle, rain, snow, mixed-phase cloud, water+liquid drizzle, water+rain and unknown. The global statistics of three-dimensional occurrence frequency of each hydrometeor type revealed that 3D-ice contributes the most to the total cloud occurrence frequency (53.8%), followed by supercooled water (14.3%), 2D-plate (9.2%), rain (5.9%), warm water (5.7%), snow (4.8%), mixed-phase drizzle (2.3%), and the remaining types (4.0%). This hydrometeor type classification provides useful observation-based information for climate model diagnostics in representation of cloud phase and their microphysical characteristics.

Imaging mass spectrometry revealed the production of lyso-phosphatidylcholine in the injured ischemic rat brain

To develop an effective neuroprotective strategy against ischemic injury, it is important to identify the key molecules involved in the progression of injury. Direct molecular analysis of tissue using mass spectrometry (MS) is a subject of much interest in the field of metabolomics. Most notably, imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) allows visualization of molecular distributions on the tissue surface. To understand lipid dynamics during ischemic injury, we performed IMS analysis on rat brain tissue sections with focal cerebral ischemia. Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed at 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion, and brain sections were prepared. IMS analyses were conducted using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) in positive ion mode. To determine the molecular structures, the detected ions were subjected to tandem MS. The intensity counts of the ion signals of m/z 798.5 and m/z 760.5 that are revealed to be a phosphatidylcholine, PC (16:0/18:1) are reduced in the area of focal cerebral ischemia as compared to the normal cerebral area. In contrast, the signal of m/z 496.3, identified as a lyso-phosphatidylcholine, LPC (16:0), was clearly increased in the area of focal cerebral ischemia. In IMS analyses, changes of PC (16:0/18:1) and LPC (16:0) are observed beyond the border of the injured area. Together with previous reports--that PCs are hydrolyzed by phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and produce LPCs,--our present results suggest that LPC (16:0) is generated during the injury process after cerebral ischemia, presumably via PLA(2) activation, and that PC (16:0/18:1) is one of its precursor molecules.

The role of silicon in preventing appressorial penetration by the rice blast fungus

To test the hypothesis that silicon (Si) confers resistance against appressorial penetration of the rice blast fungus, the proportion of appressorial penetration into the leaf epidermis to total appressoria formed was compared among rice plants amended with various rates of silica gel to those plants nonamended. The amounts of Si in the youngest leaves were consistent with the amounts of silica gel applied to the rice plants. Relative Si levels on the adaxial surface of leaves as detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis also increased with the amounts of silica gel applied. Based on light microscopic observation of the adaxial surface of rice leaves, the proportion of appressorial penetration was reduced by increasing amounts of silica gel applied and increased with the length of period after spray inoculation. Consequently, these results strongly support the hypothesis and suggest that Si in the leaf epidermis may confer resistance against appressorial penetration. Meanwhile, the number of lesions per leaf also decreased with the amount of Si applied, while only a certain part of penetrated appressoria could become sporulating susceptible lesions. This suggests that Si also confers physiological resistance against blast infection after the penetration.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma with a functioning stroma

A case of a 70-year-old woman with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the ovary with functioning stroma is presented. The symptom was postmenopausal bleeding. The preoperative level of serum estradiol was as high as 162.4 pg/mL, and serum gonadotropin levels were suppressed. The endometrial tissue showed hyperplastic changes. The surgical specimens consisted of a multilocular cystic ovarian tumor of 95 mm in diameter and an enlarged uterus. Histologically, the tumor was composed of proliferating, atypical, columnar cancer cells resembling early secretory endometrial cells, and condensation of plumed stromal cells resembling theca lutein cells. The diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma of the ovary with functioning stroma was made. After surgery, the serum levels of estradiol decreased and of follicle-stimulating hormone increased. Almost all types of ovarian tumor have been reported to be associated with endocrine abnormalities. Mucinous epithelial ovarian tumors most commonly present with estrogenic stroma, although the frequency of endometrioid adenocarcinoma with functioning stroma is very low. Here, a rare case with the patient's clinical course and histopathologic findings is reported.

Complete remission of ovarian small cell carcinoma treated with irinotecan and cisplatin: a case report

BACKGROUND

Small cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare type of ovarian carcinoma with a very poor prognosis.

CASE REPORT

We report here a case of a 55-year-old woman with small cell carcinoma of the left ovary. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery with residual tumors of 6 cm at the cul-de-sac and was found to have stage IIIc disease. After six courses of irinotecan (CPT-11) and cisplatin (CDDP) combination therapy, secondary cytoreductive surgery was performed. The patient showed no evidence of residual tumors. After an additional three courses of chemotherapy, the patient is still alive and well without evidence of disease.

CONCLUSION

CPT-11 and CDDP combination chemotherapy may be effective and safe for patients with small cell carcinoma of the ovary.

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase increases efficacy of cisplatin in in vivo ovarian cancer models

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt cascade has an important role in the resistance of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin in vitro; however, there have been no reports about whether blocking the PI3K/Akt cascade enhances the sensitivity to cisplatin in vivo. We investigated whether inhibition of PI3K increased the efficacy of cisplatin in an in vivo ovarian cancer model. Blocking the PI3K/Akt cascade with a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) increased the efficacy of cisplatin-induced inhibition of intraabdominal dissemination and production of ascites in athymic nude mice inoculated ip with the Caov-3 human ovarian cancer cell line. In addition, wortmannin increased the efficacy of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in tumors cells. There were no detectable side effects in mice treated with wortmannin. Moreover, the antitumor effect of cisplatin detected in mice inoculated with Caov-3 cells stably transfected with empty vector was significantly attenuated, compared with mice inoculated with Caov-3 cells stably transfected with a dominant-negative Akt, K179M-Akt. We confirmed that wortmannin blocked Akt phosphorylation and the downstream targets of the PI3K/Akt cascade, such as BAD (Bcl-2-associated death protein) and nuclear factor-kappaB in vivo by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. In accordance with the previously reported in vitro results, these in vivo results support the idea that combination therapy with cisplatin and a PI3K inhibitor would increase the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Characteristic features of ovarian borderline tumors with invasive implant

OBJECTIVE

Since ovarian borderline tumor with invasive implant behaves as carcinoma, it should be managed like carcinoma. Since its characteristic features have not been reported, its preoperative diagnosis was thought to be impossible. We evaluated the features of MRI and macroscopic appearance in two cases of ovarian borderline tumor with invasive implant.

METHODS

Borderline tumor with invasive implant was evaluated in two patients by MRI and macroscopic examination.

RESULTS

In these patients, MRI revealed profuse papillary projections. Although the lesion showed high signal intensity on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images compared with that on T1-weighted ones, most of the signal intensity on T2-weighted images was high, suggesting that the lesion is an assembly of vesicles and an obvious solid part is absent. The macroscopic appearance of the tumor showed profuse papillary projections consisting of many vesicles perforating and extending far beyond the ovarian capsule, without a solid part. The histological findings indicated serous borderline tumors with invasive implant.

CONCLUSION

In these two cases, we found the characteristic features of serous borderline tumor with invasive implant by MRI and macroscopic examination. Our findings may be of clinical value since the preoperative information about the possibility of invasive implant may be quite important for the management of borderline tumor with invasive implant, especially for young patients wishing to bear children.

Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the vagina: Possibility of differentiating from metastatic adenocarcinomas

Primary vaginal adenocarcinomas are rare neoplasms. Herein is reported a case of primary vaginal mucinous adenocarcinoma with an interesting mucin profile, presumably arising from a lesion of adenosis in a patient without in utero exposure to diethylstilbesterol (DES). The patient, a 44-year-old woman, had undergone vaginal total hysterectomy 10 years previously for myoma uteri corporis. The histological features of the vaginal intramural tumor found in this patient resembled those of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the endocervical type. Therefore, it was necessary to determine whether or not the tumor was metastatic from an occult cervical adenocarcinoma. However, the adenocarcinoma cells of the present case did not contain sulfomucin at all, being different from most mucinous adenocarcinoma cells of the endocervical type. Moreover, there were foci of adenosis adjacent to the adenocarcinoma foci, which also did not contain sulfomucin. These findings indicate that the mucinous adenocarcinoma arose from vaginal adenosis. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether lack of sulfomucin expression is a characteristic feature of vaginal adenosis.

Inhibition of inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB phosphorylation increases the efficacy of paclitaxel in in vitro and in vivo ovarian cancer models

We investigated whether inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB (NFkappaB) increases the efficacy of paclitaxel in in vitro and in vivo ovarian cancer models. Treatment of paclitaxel-sensitive Caov-3 cells with paclitaxel transiently activated the phosphorylation of Akt, the phosphorylation of IkappaB kinase (IKK), and the phosphorylation of inhibitor of NFkappaB (IkappaBalpha). Paclitaxel also caused a transient increase in NFkappaB activity, followed by a decrease in NFkappaB activity. We show an association between Akt and IKK and show that the phosphorylation of IKK induced by paclitaxel is blocked by treatment with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (wortmannin or LY294002). Furthermore, interference of the Akt signaling cascade inhibits the transient induction of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and NFkappaB activity by paclitaxel. Inhibition of NFkappaB activity by treatment with an IkappaBalpha phosphorylation inhibitor (BAY 11-7085) attenuated both basal and transient induction of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation by paclitaxel. Treatment with BAY 11-7085 also enhanced the inhibition of NFkappaB activity by paclitaxel for up to 24 hours. In addition, treatment with BAY 11-7085 decreased the viability of cells treated with paclitaxel. Moreover, treatment with BAY 11-7085 increased the efficacy of paclitaxel-induced inhibition of intraabdominal dissemination and production of ascites in athymic nude mice inoculated intraperitoneally with Caov-3 cells. These results suggest that paclitaxel transiently induces NFkappaB activity via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt cascade and that combination therapy with paclitaxel and an NFkappaB inhibitor would increase the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel.

Development of a wearable computer system with a hands-free operation interface for the use of home health caregiver

We previously developed a network-based medical care support system called the Hyper Hospital, a computer network with an interface that is dedicated to patient care. In this study, we developed a wearable information system that is designed so that a caregiver can obtain information and control various support devices within the home-care environment. In our system, the wearable computer itself consists of a computer network built into a jacket. Each required function is implemented by a dedicated small computer connected to the in-jacket network. A new function may easily be added to the system by connecting additional computers. A network comprising such a set of single-function computers becomes a highly efficient information system when applied to health care support.

Intravenous Leiomyomatosis with Cardiac Extension

Intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension is an extremely rare uterine tumor. We report here a case of a patient with a uterine leiomyoma which extended into the right atrium through the left ovarian vein, progressing into the left renal vein along the inferior vena cava. Complete one-stage removal of the tumor was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass, and the patient has shown a favorable outcome. Successful therapy for intravenous leiomyomatosis is dependent on total surgical excision of the tumor, cessation of ovarian function and avoidance of postoperative estrogen replacement therapy.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinomas of the Uterine Cervix: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Genetic Study

Small cell carcinomas of the uterine cervix are rare tumors with an aggressive behavior. Although these tumors can exhibit neuroendocrine differentiation, the criteria for neuroendocrine differentiation are subjective and not well defined. In this study, the authors tentatively defined small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) as a tumor composed of small cells with at least two of the following: argyrophilic cytoplasm, chromogranin A immunoreactivity, and synaptophysin immunoreactivity. We found 10 cases fulfilling these requirements. Five of the 10 tumors were composed mainly of small ("oat") cells and 5 of mainly larger "intermediate" cells. The majority of both subtypes showed an insular pattern. Three of the 10 SCNECs were pure, whereas the other seven were mixed with adenocarcinoma and/or squamous cell carcinoma or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In addition to the definitional markers noted earlier, the tumors were immunoreactive for serotonin (6 cases), somatostatin, gastrin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide. No tumors were immunoreactive for cytokeratin 20. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-18 was detected in all of the pure tumors and both the SCNEC and adenocarcinomatous components in four of the mixed tumors. No other types of HPV were detected. The tumors showed a relatively low frequency of loss of heterozygosity for representative tumor suppressor gene sites; p53 mutations were found in only one case.

Inhibition of NFkappaB increases the efficacy of cisplatin in in vitro and in vivo ovarian cancer models

Whether or not inhibition of NFkappaB increases the efficacy of cisplatin in in vitro and in vivo ovarian cancer models was investigated. We compared the basal levels of phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and activity of NFkappaB between cisplatin-sensitive A2780 cells and cisplatin-resistant Caov-3 cells. The basal levels of phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and activity of NFkappaB in Caov-3 cells were significantly higher than those in A2780 cells. Cisplatin caused a more marked decrease in the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and activity of NFkappaB in A2780 cells than in Caov-3 cells. Thus, high basal levels of phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and activation of NFkappaB and less marked inhibition of the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and activation of NFkappaB by cisplatin seem to reduce the sensitivity of cells to cisplatin. Inhibition of NFkappaB activity either by treatment with the IkappaBalpha phosphorylation inhibitor (BAY 11-7085) or a specific NFkappaB nuclear translocation inhibitor (SN-50) or by transfection of p50DeltaNLS (which lacks the nuclear localization signal domain) increased the efficacy of both the cisplatin-induced attenuation of IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and NFkappaB activity and the cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In addition, treatment with BAY 11-7085 increased the efficacy of the cisplatin-induced attenuation of both the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and cell invasion through Matrigel. Moreover, treatment with BAY 11-7085 increased the efficacy of the cisplatin-induced inhibition of the intra-abdominal dissemination and production of ascites using athymic nude mice inoculated intraperitoneally with Caov-3 cells. These results suggest that combination therapy of cisplatin with the NFkappaB inhibitor should increase the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin.

Mucin Expression in Nonneoplastic and Neoplastic Glandular Epithelia of the Uterine Cervix

Although it is well known that the uterine cervix contains mucin-producing glandular epithelium, only a few studies have described the changes in mucin that accompany malignant transformation. In this study the authors evaluated the characteristics of mucin expression in the normal endocervical epithelium and mucinous and endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the uterine cervix. The normal endocervical epithelium was characterized by predominant sulfomucin and MUC1 expression in all sites and MUC5AC expression in the surface epithelium, while MUC2 was not detected at all and pyloric gland type mucin (using antibody HIK1083) was detected in less than 1% of cases. Cervical adenocarcinomas, especially mucinous adenocarcinomas, showed marked variability in mucin expression that included mucins of pyloric gland and intestinal type.

Ovarian carcinoid exhibiting double function

A case of a 58-year-old woman with ovarian carcinoid exhibiting double function is reported. She had suffered from constipation and hirsutism before surgery. Pathological examination revealed that many carcinoid tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for peptide YY, which inhibits intestinal motility and many peripheral steroid cells. After surgery the patient recovered from constipation immediately. Although the serum level of testosterone also immediately decreased, hirsutism remained for about 2 years. These clinical manifestations are considered to be due to peptide hormone-producing tumor parenchymal cells and testosterone-producing functioning stromal cells. This is the first report of clinically manifested double-functioning ovarian carcinoid; one function is due to tumor cells themselves and another function is due to stromal cells.

Upper bound of the expected training error of neural network regression for a Gaussian noise sequence

In neural network regression problems, often referred to as additive noise models, NIC (Network Information Criterion) has been proposed as a general model selection criterion to determine the optimal network size with high generalization performance. Although NIC has been derived using asymptotic expansion, it has been pointed out that this technique cannot be applied under the assumption that a target function is in a family of assumed networks and the family is not minimal for representing the target true function, i.e. the overrealizable case, in which NIC reduces to the well-known AIC (Akaike Information Criterion) and others depending on a loss function. Because NIC is the unbiased estimator of generalization error based on training error, it is required to derive the expectations of errors for neural networks for such cases. This paper gives upper bounds of the expectations of training errors with respect to the distribution of training data, which we call the expected training error, for some types of networks under the squared error loss. In the overrealizable case, because the errors are determined by fitting properties of networks to noise components, including in data, the target set of data is taken to be a Gaussian noise sequence. For radial basis function networks and 3-layered neural networks with bell shaped activation function in the hidden layer, the expected training error is bounded above by sigma2* - 2nsigma2*logT/T, where sigma2* is the variance of noise, n is the number of basis functions or the number of hidden units and T is the number of data. Furthermore, for 3-layered neural networks with sigmoidal activation function in the hidden layer, we obtained the upper bound of sigma2* - O(log T/T) when n > 2. If the number of data is large enough, these bounds of the expected training error are smaller than sigma2* - N(n)sigma2*/T as evaluated in NIC, where N(n) is the number of all network parameters.

Ranitidine clearance during hemodialysis with high-flux membrane: comparison of polysulfone and cellulose acetate hemodialyzers

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of hemodialysis using two different types of dialyzer membranes, polysulfone (PS), a high-flux membrane, and cuprophane (CP), a conventional membrane, on blood ranitidine concentration.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in hemodialyzer membranes have improved the removal of small and middle size uremic toxins, while little is known about the change of drug removal by new membranes.

METHODS

Eight patients with chronic renal failure who received ranitidine (150 mg/day) on a chronic basis were included. During the dialysis, blood samples were obtained from both the arterial and venous sides (before and after, respectively) of the dialyzer.

RESULTS

Serum concentration of ranitidine decreased more on PS [54 +/- 3% (+/- SEM) reduction after 3 h] than on CP (35 +/- 4%). The dialyzer clearance of ranitidine on PS membrane (67.2 +/- 4.4 ml/min/m2) was significantly higher than that on CP (43.1 +/- 3.8 ml/min/m2, P < 0.001). Elimination fraction (EF) of the drug during the dialysis with PS was also significantly higher than that with CP (72 +/- 2% versus 44 +/- 3%). Apparent half-life of ranitidine during dialysis with PS (2.9 +/- 0.4 h) was shorter than that with CP (5.1 +/- 0.7 h). However, the amount of ranitidine removed by a single dialysis with PS membrane was less than 20 mg.

CONCLUSION

Ranitidine clearance by hemodialysis is significantly higher with PS than with CP. Although additional dose adjustment may not be needed for ranitidine, the type of dialyzer membrane can affect drug elimination and should be taken into account for consideration of drug removal by hemodialysis.

Optical properties and size distribution of aerosols derived from simultaneous measurements with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter

A new method is proposed to derive the optical properties and size distribution of aerosol in an air column from simultaneous measurements of the backscattering coefficient, the optical thickness, and the solar aureole intensity with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter. Inasmuch as the backscattering properties and the optical thickness depend on both the complex refractive index and the size distribution, whereas the forward-scattering properties depend mainly on the size distribution, real and imaginary indices of refraction and size distributions of aerosol are retrieved from these measurements. The real and the imaginary parts of the complex refractive index of an aerosol at a wavelength of 500 nm during the period from November 1991 to March 1992 obtained in Tsukuba, Japan, were estimated to be 1.46-1.48 and 0.005-0.014, respectively. It is inferred from the size distribution and an optical thickness fraction of stratospheric aerosols in the total columnar aerosols that these results reflect the influences of stratospheric aerosols that originated from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Stratification and Size Distribution of Aerosols Retrieved from Simultaneous Measurements with Lidar, a SunPhotometer, and an Aureolemeter

Vertical profiles of backscattering coefficients, optical thicknesses, and columnar size distributions of aerosols were obtained by simultaneous measurements with lidar, a sunphotometer, and an aureolemeter in Tsukuba, Japan, from November 1991 to December 1992. Several conspicuous characteristics were found in the relationship between aerosol size distribution and stratification. In summer an accumulation mode is dominant, and aerosols were heavily loaded in the planetary boundary layer. Turbid atmospheres with an abundance of large particles are observed in the middle troposphere in the spring. In autumn and winter the troposphere is clear so that columnar aerosol size distributions reflect stratospheric aerosols. During the observation period, volcanic aerosols that are due to the Mt. Pinatubo eruption were being loaded in the stratosphere. The mode radius in the volume size distribution of the stratospheric aerosol was observed to increase from 0.45 mum in November 1991 to 0.6 mum in October 1992, and decreased after October 1992. Total aerosol loading in the stratosphere was estimated to be maximum in the spring of 1992, minimum in the autumn of 1992, and increased again after the autumn of 1992.

Simultaneous determination of the aerosol complex index of refraction and size distribution from scattering measurements of polarized light

In this study we attempt to determine the aerosol complex index of refraction and size distribution from scattering measurements of polarized light. We illustrate that the scattering matrix elements M(2)(100 degrees ) and D(21) (150 degrees ) can be selected as an optimum set of matrix elements for determination of the complex index of refraction. We also illustrate that errors increase if we include insensitive scattering matrix elements in the determination of the complex index of refraction. A method is developed for the simultaneous determination of the complex index of refraction and the size distribution. In our method, we selected two sets of matrix elements, M (2) (100 degrees ) and D (21) (150 degrees ), for the determination of the complex index of refraction and others, which are much less sensitive to the complex index of refraction than M(2) (100 degrees ) and D(21) (150 degrees ), for the determination of the size distribution, based on their sensitivity analyses. A modified inversion library algorithm is adopted to solve the coupled system. Numerical experiments show that both the complex index of refraction and the size distribution can be determined with reasonable accuracy when we apply our method to scattering measurements of polarized light.

[MR venography using 3D-fast STIR sequence for lower extremities]

Venography of the lower extremities performed by injecting iodinated contrast material requires a complicated technique. Veins of lower-flow-speed such as varices are scarcely outlined by using the time-of-flight MR angiography technique. On the other hand, the 2D fast SE technique has proven itself unsuccessful when used with medium magnetic field MRI equipment in which a very long TR is unavailable. We obtained images of lower extremity veins by using the 3D fast STIR technique and medium magnetic field MRI equipment of 0.5 Tesla. The results were crisp angiographic images of lower-flow-speed veins including varices.

Tropospheric aerosol optical properties derived from lidar, sun photometer, and optical particle counter measurements

Tropospheric aerosols have been observed for the period from November 1990 to April 1992 with a lidar, a sun photometer, and an optical particle counter. Variations of aerosol optical thickness derived from the lidar and the sun photometer data and measurements are presented. The simultaneous measurements of these instruments also allowed us to estimate the extinction-to-backscatter ratio (S(1)), which ranged from 20 to 70. Comparison of optical thicknesses derived from both instruments clearly shows the effect of Mt. Pinatubo's eruption and the temporal variation of optical thickness in the stratosphere over 12 km. The possible range of the complex refractive index for the columnar mean aerosols can be deduced from the probable range of S(1) derived by the use of an S(1) diagram as a function of complex refractive index (m). The imaginary part of m can be estimated provided that the real part of m is known.

Serum interleukin-2 receptor and interferon-alpha levels in a patient with allergic granulomatous angiitis (Churg-Strauss)

A patient with allergic granulomatous angiitis accompanied by increases in serum interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) levels is reported. Laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis with eosinophilia and increased serum IgE and IgG. The serum IL-2R and IFN-alpha were increased. The serum immune complex, interferon-beta, -gamma and complements remained at normal levels. The serum IgE, IgG, IL-2R and IFN-alpha correlated with disease activity. Immunofluorescent studies using frozen sections obtained from the dermal lesion showed no immunoglobulin or complement deposits on vascular walls. Measurements of serum IL-2R and IFN-alpha might be considered reliable serologic indicators of disease activity.

[A carcinoma of the cecum arising from the orifice of the appendix: a case report]

Reported is the case of a 50-year-old man who was admitted to hospital because of an abdominal pain. A barium enema revealed the shade of a distended, unfilled appendix that had reversed itself on the cecum and the ascending colon, the latter showing compression from the exterior. Further, a colonoscopic examination uncovered a flat, nodular tumor of the cecum that had elevated at the orifice of the vermiform appendix, and 67Ga scintigraphy indicated the uptake at the lower right abdomen. A resected specimen of the tumor showed proliferation in the cecal mucosa at the orifice of the appendix, causing an appendiceal abscess, and the histopathological findings revealed an adenocarcinoma of the cecal mucosa but no malignant transformation of the appendiceal mucosa.

[Diffuse abdominal uptake of 67Ga-citrate; report of three cases]

Three cases, two peritoneal lymphomatosis and one tuberculous peritonitis, which showed diffuse abdominal uptake of 67Ga-citrate, were reported. 67Ga scan should be indicated for patients suspected of malignancy or inflammation with a lack of localized symptoms and signs in the abdomen. 67Ga-citrate scan also can give notable information on the evaluation of therapeutic response in those patients.

[Malignant lymphoma of the ileum]

A 53-year-old man with malignant lymphoma of the ileum is reported. He was admitted to our hospital because of lower abdominal discomfort. 67Ga citrate radionuclide imaging revealed an abnormal round uptake in his lower abdomen. CT scans showed an abnormal soft tissue density mass and a remarkably dilated small intestine in the pelvis. X-ray studies of the small intestine revealed a giant diverticulum-like lesion. Angiograms showed a hypovascular tumor with irregularity of the small vessels. A resected specimen revealed non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma, diffuse large-cell type. 67Ga citrate radionuclide imaging was useful in screening for neoplastic lesions in the small intestine because of its easiness and safety.

[A case report of early rectal carcinoma, IIa + IIc type, with no invasion of the submucosa]

A 66-year-old woman was admitted to the Hakodate Chuo Hospital because of abdominal discomfort. A barium enema study revealed a deformity of the middle Houston's valve of the rectum and granular lesions at the Rb region of the rectum. A colonoscopic examination showed the IIa + IIc type of early rectal carcinoma. A resected specimen also revealed IIa + IIc type early rectal carcinoma, 8 X 13 mm in diameter, and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with no invasion of the submucosa. Infiltration into the lymphatic vessels and regional lymph node metastasis were not encountered. The deformity of the rectal Houston's valve was checked by a barium enema study. It should be emphasized that early detection of colorectal carcinoma with no invasion of the submucosa, requires careful barium enema studies and colonoscopic examination.