Mechanisms of Non-Fresh Groundwater Presence at Water Tables in Highly Permeable Coastal Aquifers

Coastal aquifers with high hydraulic conductivities on the order of 10-2  m s-1 have unconventional salinity distributions with the presence of non-fresh groundwater at the water table over a wide swath near the coast. This study aims to unravel the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon via numerical simulations for variably saturated, density-driven flow and solute transport in porous media. The simulation results indicate that the existence of non-fresh groundwater at the water table is attributed to the upward mass flux in the saturated zone near the coast, which transports solute from deeper groundwater toward the water table. With high hydraulic conductivity, the upward mass flux becomes prominent at shallower elevations because of the high Darcy flux and the shallow saline groundwater. The upward mass flux has two main drivers, upward advection by the upward flow component and transverse dispersion by the seaward flow component. The advective mass flux dominates over the transverse dispersion in the deep part of the saturated zone where only groundwater with sea water salinity exists. In contrast, the transverse dispersion becomes more pronounced than the upward advection in the shallow saturated zone just beneath the water table and in the unsaturated zone immediately above the water table. Our findings help interpret the unconventional salinity distributions observed and elucidate the unique dynamics of groundwater flow and solute transport in highly permeable coastal aquifers.

Impacts of Subsurface Dam Construction on Downstream Groundwater Levels and Salinity in Coastal Aquifers

Subsurface dam is a promising engineering technology for groundwater resources development. However, the possible impacts of these dams on the groundwater environment have been a major concern. Here, we used a three-dimensional (3D), variable-density, unsaturated-saturated groundwater flow model to explore how a groundwater-storage-type subsurface dam, built in the freshwater domain of an unconfined coastal aquifer, affected groundwater levels and salinity in the downstream area. Model results suggested that, after subsurface dam construction, groundwater levels in the downstream area showed intensified fluctuations in terms of phase advances, greater amplitudes, and higher frequencies following heavy rainfall events. Numerical simulations with variable subsurface dam scenarios indicated that the groundwater level fluctuations were further intensified with a higher crest elevation or a shorter distance from the coast. Moreover, during the recharging period of the subsurface reservoir, sea water in the downstream area intruded landward from its initial location, which can at least temporarily threaten water quality near the coast. A higher dam crest elevation prolonged the duration of sea water intrusion, while a dam positioned closer to the coast induced sea water intrusion with a greater horizontal extent. General implications are discussed with respect to improving assessment methodologies and engineering designs of subsurface dams.

Enrichment of halotolerant hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria and production of high-value-added chemical hydroxyectoine using a hybrid biological-inorganic system

Hybrid biological-inorganic (HBI) systems show great promise as CO2 conversion platforms combining CO2 fixation by hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) with water splitting. Herein, halotolerant HOB were enriched using an HBI system with a high-ionic-strength medium containing 180 mM phosphate buffer to identify new biocatalysts. The reactors were inoculated with samples from saline environments and applied with a voltage of 2.0 V. Once an increase in biomass was observed with CO2 consumption, an aliquot of the medium was transferred to a new reactor. After two successive subcultures, Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain H1_3_1 and Mycolicibacterium mageritense strain H4_3_1 were isolated from the reactor media. Genome sequencing indicated the presence of genes for aerobic hydrogen-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophy and synthesis of the compatible solute hydroxyectoine in both strains. Furthermore, both strains produced hydroxyectoine in the reactors under the high-ionic-strength condition, suggesting the potential for new HBI systems using halotolerant HOB to produce high-value-added chemicals.

AB0065 HGF/C-MET SIGNALING PROMOTE ANGIOGENESIS THROUGH CXCL16 IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binds to the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met and is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes processes such as cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration and angiogenesis [1]. We previously reported that HGF is produced by inflammation in the RA synovium, and activates monocyte migration to the synovium and promotes bone destruction through its own chemotactic effect and enhanced chemokine production in the synovium [2].

Objectives:

Therefore, we next aimed to determine the role of HGF in RA angiogenesis.

Methods:

The expression of HGF / c-Met in the serum and synovial tissues (STs) of RA patients and controls and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated by ELISA and immunostaining. The effect of HGF/c-Met signaling on the promotion of CXCL16 production from HUVECs and RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) was determined by ELISA. To examine the role of HGF in angiogenesis, we performed in vitro Matrigel assays using HUVECs treated with HGF.

Results:

HGF in serum in treatment-naive RA patients was significantly higher than that in controls and HGF in serum in treatment-resistant RA showed a significant positive correlation with CXCL16. c-Met were expressed on vascular endothelial cells of RA STs and HUVECs. Stimulation of HUVECs with HGF dose-dependently increased CXCL16 production. c-Met signal inhibition by SU11274 suppressed TNF-α stimulation-enhanced CXCL16 production by RA FLSs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HGF induced HUVEC tube formation by 1.8-fold.

Conclusion:

HGF is produced by inflammation in the RA synovium, and activates angiogenesis through its own potent angiogenic effect and enhanced production of CXCL16 in the synovium. These results indicate that a strategy targeting c-Met signalling may be important for resolving treatment-resistant RA.

References:

[1]Nakamura T, Nishizawa T, Hagiya M, et al. Molecular cloning and expression of human hepatocyte growth factor. Nature. 1989 Nov 23;342(6248):440-3.

[2]Hosonuma M, Sakai N, Furuya H, et al. Inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met signalling abrogates joint destruction by suppressing monocyte migration in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021 Jan 5;60(1):408-419.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0429 INTERLEUKIN-4 ACTIVATES EOSINOPHILS AND CCR3-POSITIVE T HELPER CELLS MIGRATION TO FASCIA AND PROMOTES FIBROSIS IN EOSINOPHILIC FASCIITIS

Background:

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis mainly in the fascia of the extremities with eosinophilia. It has been reported that the hypertrophied fascia in EF shows inflammatory cell infiltration by the lymphocytes and eosinophils and increased expression of fibrosis-related cytokines genes in fibroblast [1]. However, its pathophysiology in the fascia remains unresolved.

Objectives:

Therefore, we focused on fascial fibroblasts and aimed to determine the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in eosinophil and helper T cell infiltration and fibrosis in fascial fibroblast in EF.

Methods:

Fascial fibroblasts were obtained from fascia biopsy of a patient with EF, and were stimulated with pre- and post-treatment serum of a patient with EF and healthy control, followed by microarray to analyze gene expression. Fascial fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-4 10 ng/mL, and gene expression of IL-4 receptor and CCR3 ligands, CCL7 and CCL11 were measured by qPCR. Transforming growth factor (TGF) -β and periostin in the pre- and post-treatment serum of a patient with EF and conditioned medium of fascial fibroblasts stimulated with IL-4 were measured by ELISA. To examine the role of IL-4 in proliferation, we performed in proliferation assays using fascial fibroblasts treated with IL-4. CCR3-positive T cells in the fascial tissue of EF, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis patients were evaluated by immunostaining.

Results:

By microarray analysis, CCL7 and CCL11 expression of fascial fibroblasts stimulated with pre-treatment EF serum was higher than that in post-treatment EF serum and control serum. CCL7 and CCL11 mRNA in IL-4 stimulated facial fibroblasts were increased by 5.1-fold and 7.3-fold, respectively. TGF-β and periostin in IL-4 stimulated facial fibroblast conditioned medium were also increased. In addition, TGF-β and periostin in EF serum were gradually decreased by treatment for 4 and 10 weeks, compared to before treatment. Finally, fascial fibroblast proliferation was significantly increased by stimulation with IL-4. Furthermore, infiltration of CCR3-positive T cells was specific to the fascial tissue of EF.

Conclusion:

In EF, IL-4 enhances the production of CCR3 ligands, TGF-β, and periostin from fascial fibroblasts. As a result, it promotes the migration of eosinophils and CCR3-positive T helper cells to the fascia and fibrosis. These results suggest that inhibition of IL-4 pathway could be a novel strategy for eosinophilic fasciitis.

References:

[1]Igarashi A, Nashiro K, Kikuchi K, et al. Connective tissue growth factor gene expression in tissue sections from localized scleroderma, keloid, and other fibrotic skin disorders. J Invest Dermatol. 1996 Apr;106(4):729-33.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Poroelastic Modeling of a Heterogeneous Geologic Medium: A Case Study from Kanto Basin in Japan

Vertical geological heterogeneity, such as clay content and grain size variation, may affect land subsidence caused by groundwater extraction. In order to test this hypothesis, one-dimensional pore-water mass balance and force balance equations of a water-saturated poroelastic medium were solved under different heterogeneous geological conditions. Results showed that clay content and grain size variation in sandstone could affect subsidence rates by up to an order of magnitude due to the changes in stiffness and permeability of the medium, indicating the importance of small-scale heterogeneity in subsidence simulation studies. Predicted values of subsidence were in good agreement with field measurements for two sites in the Kanto groundwater basin in Japan, showing the applicability of the model to other groundwater basins with clay-rich aquifers.

SAT0005 INHIBITION OF HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR/C-MET SIGNALING ABROGATES JOINT DESTRUCTION BY SUPPRESSING MIGRATION OF MONOCYTES TO SYNOVIUM IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), originally discovered as a mitogen of hepatocytes, binds to receptor-tyrosine kinase c-Met and has been shown to be a multi-functional cytokine that promotes processes such as cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration, and angiogenesis1. Since HGF/c-Met signaling also leads to tumorigenesis and cancer invasion, that has recently attracted attention as a target for anticancer agents2. However, in reports of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), though anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic mechanisms related to HGF/c-Met signal inhibition have been reported, the role of HGF in RA bone destruction through monocyte migration remains unclear3.

Objectives:

To determine the expression of HGF in RA biological fluids, the role it plays in monocyte migration and the therapeutic effect of a savolitinib, a specific c-Met inhibitor, in arthritis model mice.

Methods:

HGF/c-Met expression in serum, synovial fluid (SF), and synovial tissues (STs) obtained from RA patients and control subjects, as well as RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) was evaluated by ELISA and immunostaining. To determine the function of HGF in RA SFs, we preincubated RA SFs with a neutralizing anti-HGF antibody and measured the ability of these SFs to induce the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) chemotaxis. Additionally, examinations of SKG mice treated with savolitinib (2.5 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks were conducted.

Results:

HGF level in serum from RA patients was significantly higher as compared to the controls (930 ± 97 vs. 476 ± 97 pg/mL, p <0.01) and decreased by drug treatment for 24 weeks (1147 ± 284 vs. 539 ± 160 pg/mL, p <0.05). Additionally, HGF level in SF from RA patients was higher as compared to SF from osteoarthritis patients (1632 ± 366 vs. 566 ± 140 pg/mL, p <0.05). HGF and c-Met expressions were also noted in RA STs. Stimulation of RA-FLS with TNF-α increased HGF/c-Met expression in a concentration-dependent manner, and c-Met signal inhibition by SU11274 suppressed production of fractalkine/CX3CL1, CXCL16, and MIP-1α/CCL3 (mean 50%, 56%, 90%, respectively). When HGF was removed by immunoprecipitation, migration of THP-1 in RA-SF was suppressed (mean 23%). In SKG mice, savolitinib significantly suppressed ankle bone damage on µCT, with an associated reduction in number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts.

Conclusion:

HGF is produced by inflammation in synovium associated with RA, and then activates monocyte migration to synovium tissue and promotes bone destruction through its own chemotactic effect as well as enhanced chemokine production. These results indicate that a strategy that targets c-Met signaling may be important for resolving bone destruction in RA.

References:

[1] Nakamura T, Nishizawa T, Hagiya M, Seki T, Shimonishi M, Sugimura A, Tashiro K, Shimizu S. Molecular cloning and expression of human hepatocyte growth factor. Nature. 1989 Nov 23;342(6248):440-3

[2] Lee D, Sung ES, Ahn JH, An S, Huh J, You WK. Development of antibody-based c-Met inhibitors for targeted cancer therapy. Immunotargets Ther. 2015 Feb 9;4:35-44.

[3] Koch AE, Halloran MM, Hosaka S, Shah MR, Haskell CJ, Baker SK, Panos RJ, Haines GK, Bennett GL, Pope RM, Ferrara N. Hepatocyte growth factor. A cytokine mediating endothelial migration in inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 1996 Sep;39(9):1566-75

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Tumour necrosis factor α augments the inhibitory effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human monocytes via induction of CD80 expression

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-immunoglobulin (CTLA-4-Ig) exerts anti-rheumatic action via negative regulation of the co-stimulation process between antigen-presenting cells and T cells. CTLA-4-Ig also binds to CD80/CD86 on monocytes of osteoclast precursors. However, little is known about the effect of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we evaluated the effects of CTLA-4-Ig on osteoclast generation from human blood monocytes (PBM) and rheumatoid synovial fluid monocytes (RSFM). Highly purified monocytes were cultured with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the presence of CTLA-4-Ig. CTLA-4-Ig inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast generation in PBM and RSFM, as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone resorption assay using osteo assay surface plates. In addition, CTLA-4-Ig reduced the gene and protein expressions of nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and cathepsin K during osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, CTLA-4-Ig significantly inhibited cell proliferation during osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, the gene expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1, an inducer of apoptosis, was enhanced by CTLA-4-Ig. We next examined the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a major inflammatory cytokine in rheumatoid synovium, on the expression of CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometric analysis. TNF-α potently induced the surface expression of CD80, which is known to have much higher affinity to CTLA-4-Ig than CD86, and this induction was observed at mRNA levels. Interestingly, freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial monocytes also expressed CD80 as much as TNF-α-treated PBM. Furthermore, TNF-α enhanced CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and cell proliferation. Taken together, the TNF-α-induced CD80 may augment CTLA-4-Ig-induced inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, suggesting that CTLA-4-Ig potently inhibits osteoclast differentiation and protects bone destruction in rheumatoid inflamed joints.

183 Generation of porcine embryonic stem cell lines derived from nuclear transfer embryos reconstructed with induced pluripotent stem cells

To establish a porcine embryonic stem (ES) cell line that not only maintains self-renewing capacity but also exhibits pluripotency [Haraguchi et al. 2012 J. Reprod. Dev. 58, 707-716], 6 synthetic porcine RNAs (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, Nanog, and Lin28) were chemically transfected into outgrowth cultured cells derived from the inner cell mass of in vitro-produced porcine embryos. Subsequently, cells grew as compact, dome-shaped colonies displaying alkaline phosphatase activity and were cultured for more than 20 passages. Although 13 candidate cell lines were generated (13/43, 30%), none formed teratomas after injection of the cells into SCID (sever combined immunodeficiency) mice. We also observed that when transfection of the exogeneous RNAs was discontinued, the cells no longer maintained a stem cell morphology and began to differentiate (13/13, 100%). This suggests that continuous expression of exogenous reprogramming factors is necessary to maintain induced pluripotency in the pig. Next, we used cloned embryos reconstructed with porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSC), which were created using a recombinant lentivirus expression vector carrying 6 mouse reprogramming factor genes (the same as above) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) (Fukuda et al. 2017 J. Cell Biochem. 118, 537-553]. The piPSC were dispersed to a single cell suspension and electrically fused to cytoplasts prepared following enucleation of in vitro-matured zona-free metaphase II-arrested oocytes. A second cytoplast was then fused to the first reconstruct (double cytoplast nuclear transfer). Reconstructs were electrically activated and cultured in microwells with porcine zygote medium-3 (PZM3). After 5 days, reconstructed embryos developed to GFP-positive blastocysts (10/93, 11%) and 4- to 8-cell stages (25/93, 27%). The blastocysts (10) and 4- to 8-cell-stage embryos (25) were transferred onto mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cells for outgrowth culture in FCS-based ES cell medium supplemented with 2% polyvinylpyrrolidone. After 24h, the medium was changed to piPSC medium containing CHIR99021, PD0325901, thiazovivin, and GF-109203x. Embryos attached to the feeder cells began to outgrow (8/10 of blastocysts and 6/25 of 4- to 8-cell-stage embryos). To date, 3 ES-like cell lines have been established from blastomeres of embryos (3/25, 12%) but not from blastocysts (0/10, 0%). They show GFP fluorescence and have been maintained continuously in culture for more than 20 passages without any overt changes in morphology. These results suggest that the constant expression of reprogramming factors and the use of combinations of specific small molecule inhibitors largely contribute to the establishment of pluripotent cells in the pig. Further characterisation of the cells is ongoing, including methylation status of the X chromosome and the capacity for in vivo differentiation.

Development and analysis of patient-derived xenograft mouse models in intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a distinct disease entity with the peculiar characteristic that tumor cells proliferate within vessels. Despite recent advances in understanding the disease from clinical aspects, the underlying pathogenesis remains unknown. Here we demonstrate analyses of IVLBCL biology using four xenograft mouse models established from primary IVLBCL samples. In all four models, the main characteristic of IVLBCL tumor cell proliferation within vessels was retained. Time-lapse engraftment analyses revealed that the tumor cells initially engrafted and proliferated in the sinusoids and vessels in the liver and then engrafted and proliferated in multiple organs. Intriguingly, serial passage of tumor cells from the adrenal gland of a transplanted mouse developed from primary patient bone marrow cells into a second mouse showed that the tumor cells mainly distributed into the adrenal gland in the second mouse, implying the existence of clonal selection and/or evolution at engraftment of a specific organ. Gene expression profiling analyses demonstrated that the gene set associated with cell migration was enriched for normal peripheral blood B cells, indicating that inhibition of cell migration might be involved in IVLBCL pathogenesis. In conclusion, the mouse xenograft models described here are essential tools for uncovering IVLBCL biology.

Novel scoring system and algorithm for classifying chronic rhinosinusitis: the JESREC Study

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) can be classified into CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays more intense eosinophilic infiltration and the presence of Th2 cytokines. Mucosal eosinophilia is associated with more severe symptoms and often requires multiple surgeries because of recurrence; however, even in eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), clinical course is variable. In this study, we wanted to set objective clinical criteria for the diagnosis of refractory CRS.

Methods

This was a retrospective study conducted by 15 institutions participating in the Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis (JESREC). We evaluated patients with CRS treated with endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), and risk of recurrence was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Multiple logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to create the diagnostic criterion for ECRS.

Results

We analyzed 1716 patients treated with ESS. To diagnose ECRS, the JESREC scoring system assessed unilateral or bilateral disease, the presence of nasal polyps, blood eosinophilia, and dominant shadow of ethmoid sinuses in computed tomography (CT) scans. The cutoff value of the score was 11 points (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 66%). Blood eosinophilia (>5%), ethmoid sinus disease detected by CT scan, bronchial asthma, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs intolerance were associated significantly with recurrence.

Conclusion

We subdivided CRSwNP in non‐ECRS, mild, moderate, and severe ECRS according to our algorithm. This classification was significantly correlated with prognosis. It is notable that this algorithm may give useful information to clinicians in the refractoriness of CRS before ESS or biopsy.

Sensing the earth crustal deformation with nano-strain resolution fiber-optic sensors

Crustal deformation measurement with a high resolution on the order of nano-strains in static to low frequency region is required for geophysical research. Optical fiber sensors are very attractive in this research field due to their unique advantages including high resolution, small size and easy deployment. In this paper, a fiber optic strain sensor with nano-strain-resolution and large measurement range for sensing the earth crustal deformation is reported. With this sensor the tide induced crustal deformation and the seismic wave were successfully recorded in field experiments.

299 A FEATURE OF SELF-RENEWAL PORCINE EMBRYONIC STEM CELL-LIKE CELL LINES ESTABLISHED BY INHIBITORS

Despite meticulous attempts for more than two decades, establishment of authentic porcine embryonic stem cell (ESC) from pig has never been successful. Although putative porcine ESC-like cells have been reported, such cell lines easily lose the ability of self-renewal, becoming extinct or differentiating after only a limited number of passages in culture. Porcine ESC-like cells exhibiting the property of self-renewal rather than pluripotency are considered a valuable resource in applications such as drug screening and toxicology testing in humans and livestock, and in veterinary medicine. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor CHIR99021 and Erk signalling inhibitor PD184352 for use in establishing ESC-like cell lines derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of porcine blastocysts produced in vitro. These ICM-derived cell lines were initially cultured and passaged in conventional human ES medium. They displayed so-called ESC-like morphology; for example, the isolated colonies began to grow as a monolayer with coarse cell–cell boundaries, in which the cells exhibited polygonal boundaries, high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios, abundant lipid-like inclusions, alkaline phosphatase activity, and expression of markers of undifferentiated cells such as OCT4 and NANOG. After transfer to culture in ES medium containing the inhibitors, the morphology of the colony was dramatically changed, displaying a closely packed and smooth-edged colony with tight cell–cell boundaries. Remarkably, growth of the established cell lines is leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-dependent. The inclusion of inhibitors supports self-renewal, thus enabling continuous culture for over 100 passages while maintaining an undifferentiated state. High-passage-number cells continued to express undifferentiated marker genes and showed alkaline phosphatase activity and telomerase activity with an X chromosome status of XaXi. We further investigated the potential for differentiation of the established cell lines. The cells could easily form embryoid body-like spheres in suspension culture. When either the spheres or ESC-like cells were inoculated under the kidney or testis capsules of nude mice, classical teratoma formation was not observed after 2 to 3 months. However, histological analyses revealed apparent invasive proliferation derived from porcine cells. Although further analyses are required to characterise the property of the porcine ESC-like cells, we have recently succeeded in establishment of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing stable cells lines, which will be useful for further investigation.

Temperature distributions of electron beam-irradiated samples by scanning electron microscopy

An electron beam (EB) generated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to irradiate two samples having different thermal conductivities, and the resulting temperatures of the EB-irradiated areas as well as the temperature distributions within the samples were then measured using a thermal camera. These measurements showed overall increases in sample temperatures, as well as revealed temperature rises at the EB-irradiated areas that had little difference with one of the theoretical predictions. Differences between the actual and the predicted temperature measurements were analysed in terms of the accuracy with which parameters could be estimated. The temperature distributions of the samples were measured and, On the basis of the results, it was hypothesized that the temperature differential over an irradiated sample will be inversely correlated with its thermal conductivity.

Production of monozygotic twins following the transfer of bisected embryos in the goats

Embryos at the morula, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stage were obtained from superovulated and naturally ovulated Japanese native goats. They were bisected into halves with a glass needle, and transferred immediately or after culture (for morula) to recipients. None of five does which received bisected morula became pregnant. Three of nine goats became pregnant after transfer of bisected hatched blastocysts, six of eleven recipients became pregnant. Four of them produced monozygotic twins and the remaining two produced singles. The present study demonstrated that the hatched blastocyst is suitable for bisection in the goat.

Sub-nano resolution fiber-optic static strain sensor using a sideband interrogation technique

We propose a novel sideband interrogation technique with multiplex radio frequency intensity and phase modulation to measure the resonance frequency difference between two optical resonators. Based on this new technique, an ultrahighly sensitive fiber-optic static strain sensor system consisting of a pair of identical fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers is built by incorporating a cross-correlation data processing algorithm. A static strain resolution down to 0.8 nε is demonstrated experimentally, which makes the sensor system a useful tool for geophysical research applications.

Direct growth of horizontally aligned carbon nanotubes between electrodes and its application to field-effect transistors

This paper presents direct growth of horizontally-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) between two predefined various inter-spacing up to tens of microns of electrodes (pads) and its use as CNT field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs). Using the conventional photolithography technique followed by thin film evaporation and lift off, the catalytic electrodes (pads) were prepared, consisting of Pt, Al and Fe triple layers on SiO2/Si substrate. The grown CNTs were horizontally-aligned across the catalytic electrodes on the modified gold image furnace hot stage (thermal CVD) at 800 degrees C by using an alcohol vapor as the carbon source. Scanning and transmission electron microcopies (SEM/TEM) were used to observe the structure, growth direction and density of CNTs, while Raman spectrum analysis was used to indicate the degree of amorphous impurity and diameter of CNTs. Both single- and multi-wall CNTs with diameters of 1.1-2.2 nm were obtained and the CNT density was controlled by thickness of Fe catalytic layer. Following horizontally-aligned growth of CNTs, the electrical properties of back-gate CNT-FETs were measured and showd p-type conduction behaviors of FET.

Ultra-high-resolution large-dynamic-range optical fiber static strain sensor using Pound-Drever-Hall technique

We report the realization of a fiber-optic static strain sensor with ultrahigh resolution and large dynamic range for the applications of geophysical research. The sensor consists of a pair of fiber-Bragg-grating-based Fabry-Perot interferometers as sensor heads for strain sensing and reference, respectively. The Pound-Drever-Hall technique is employed to interrogate the sensor heads, and a cross-correlation algorithm is used to figure out the strain information with high precision. Static strain resolution down to 5.8 nanostrains is demonstrated. The dynamic range can be extended up to hundreds of microstrains, and the measuring period is a few tens of seconds.

Realization of nano static strain sensing with fiber Bragg gratings interrogated by narrow linewidth tunable lasers

Aiming at realizing a static strain sensor of nano-strain resolution, which is required in most geophysical applications, this paper presents a thorough analysis on the strain resolution of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) static strain sensor interrogated with a narrow linewidth tunable laser. The main noise sources of the sensor are discussed, and the strain resolution is deduced with a cross-correlation algorithm. The theoretical prediction agrees well with our experimental result, and the analysis is further validated by numerical simulations. Based on the analysis, the paper provides the guidelines for optimizing this type of sensor to realize ultra-high resolution. It is shown that with properly designed FBGs and interrogation systems, nano static strain resolution can be realized, as we recently demonstrated in experiment.

Characterization of oxide scales thermally formed on single-crystal silicon carbide

Microstructures of oxide scales thermally formed on single-crystal silicon carbide were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. The oxide scales were formed on the Si-face of 6H-SiC at 1273-1473 K in dry oxygen. Spherical patterns were observed on the surfaces of the oxidized samples by an optical microscope in some regions. In these regions, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations show that the oxide scale was divided into two layers; the upper layer (surface side) was composed of crystalline silica, and the lower layer on the silicon carbide substrate was amorphous silica, while the oxide scales in the surroundings of the patterns were composed of only amorphous silica. The oxidation activation energy in the amorphous silica layer of the Si-face of 6H-SiC was found to be 408 kJ/mol by the evolution of thickness directly measured from the cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and TEM images.

[Complete resection of Pancoast tumor following induction chemoradiotherapy improves survival]

OBJECTIVE

Pancoast tumors are some of the most challenging thoracic malignant diseases to treat because of their proximity to vital structures at the thoracic inlet. We retrospectively analyzed 23 patients with pT3-4, N0-3 Pancoast tumors who underwent combined chest wall resection including the 1st rib, and discuss the anatomical considerations, assessment of induction therapy, and surgical approaches for these cancers.

METHODS

Between 1983 and 2006, 23 patients with Pancoast tumors underwent combined resection of the 1st rib at our institute. Of those, 21 were male and 2 were female, with an average age of 58 years. There were 10 each of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, 2 large cell carcinoma, and 1 adenosquamous carcinoma. Over the past decade, induction chemoradiotherapy (>40Gy) was employed before surgery.

RESULTS

A posterior approach was employed in 14 patients, an anterior approach in 7, and a combined anterior and posterior approach in 2. Sixteen patients underwent complete resection. One of 7 patients undergoing incomplete resection (4.3%) died on the 45th postoperative day. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 50 and 22%, respectively, for patients with complete resection. No case survived for more than 8 months out of the 7 patients with incomplete resection. Fourteen patients with pN0 showed significantly better survival than those with pN1-3 (p = 0.0053).

CONCLUSION

Recent literature and our results suggest that patients with pN0 and/or a pathological complete response (pCR) after induction chemoradiotherapy could achieve long-term survival after complete resection.

Effects of human activities and urbanization on groundwater environments: an example from the aquifer system of Tokyo and the surrounding area

The Kanto plain that is the largest depositional plain in Japan has the largest urbanized area called Tokyo Metropolitan Area. This plain has experienced extensive groundwater withdrawals for water resources and human induced disasters such as land subsidence in the process of urbanization. Japanese national government and local governments have monitored groundwater levels and settlement of ground surface for about half a century. These data are useful not only for the prevention of these disasters but for the evaluation of the change of groundwater flow beneath the urbanized area. However, few hydrological and hydrogeological studies about the change of groundwater flow in this plain have been conducted until now except for several studies which were limited in areal extent. In this paper, changes of the distribution of hydraulic heads in the central part of this plain are discussed using the long-term groundwater level observation data to evaluate the change of groundwater flow. The temporal changes in the distribution of hydraulic heads in a major confined aquifer (the second aquifer) and the areal extent of the urbanized area for approximately 50 years can be summarized as follows. In the latter half of the 1950s, urban area was limited in the southern region of the study area and hydraulic head gradually declined from the northwest to the southeast in the study area. After the 1960s, urban area extended toward the north and groundwater in the northern part was largely abstracted until the 1980s. As a result, hydraulic heads in this area markedly declined. On the other hand, hydraulic heads in the southern part began to rise because of the restriction of groundwater withdrawals. In recent years, low hydraulic head area has been formed from the northern region to the central region. These results suggest that the groundwater flow which was affected by urbanization (groundwater withdrawals) has continued to change over several decades, even after the regulation of withdrawals, and hence, the continued monitoring of the groundwater environment is important for the sustainable use of groundwater resources.

Spread of malignant cells in the surgical margin with stapled excision of lung cancer: comparison of aggressive clump and less traumatic jaw closure type staplers

BACKGROUND

During stapled excision of lung cancer tissue, malignant cells can spread in the surgical margin. Stapling methods can be classified as aggressive clumping (AC) and less traumatic jaw closing (LTJC) types, thus the ratio of malignant margins may differ between stapler types.

METHODS

The malignant status of the stapled margin was retrospectively investigated in 112 cases using a cytology technique. Stapler type, maximum tumor diameter, distance from surgical margin, thoracotomy type, and tumor location were used as variables. In addition, clinical results of excision cases were assessed.

RESULTS

The ratio of malignant margins was 22/54 (41 %) in the AC group and 11/58 (19 %) in the LTJC group ( P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the stapling method and tumor location were an independently significant factor. Surgical margin recurrence occurred only in 4 (57 %) of 7 cases with malignant margin.

CONCLUSIONS

The AC type method showed a greater potential to spread malignant cells, thus there seems to be a higher possibility of regional relapse with that technique.

Influence of tilt and decentration of scleral-sutured intraocular lens on ocular higher-order wavefront aberration

AIM

To investigate the influence of tilt and decentration of scleral-sutured intraocular lenses (IOLs) on ocular higher-order wavefront aberrations.

METHODS

In 45 eyes of 36 patients who had undergone scleral suture fixation of posterior chamber IOL, tilt and decentration of IOLs were determined by Scheimpflug videophotography, and higher-order aberration for a 4-mm pupil was measured using the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. In another 100 eyes of 100 patients after standard cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL implantation, ocular higher-order aberration was measured.

RESULTS

In eyes with scleral-sutured IOL, the mean (SD) tilt angle and decentration were 4.43 degrees (3.02 degrees ) and 0.279 (0.162) mm, respectively. Ocular coma-like aberration in the sutured IOL group was 0.324 (0.170) microm, which was significantly greater than that of the standard cataract surgery group (0.169 (0.061) microm, p<0.001, Student's t test). No significant difference was found in ocular spherical-like aberration between the sutured IOL group (0.142 (0.065) microm) and standard surgery group (0.126 (0.033) microm; p = 0.254). In the sutured IOL group, IOL tilt significantly correlated with ocular coma-like aberration (Pearson's correlation coefficient r = 0.628, p<0.001), but no significant correlation was found between IOL tilt and ocular spherical-like aberration (r = 0.222, p = 0.175). The IOL tilt did not correlate with corneal coma-like (r = 0.289, p = 0.171) and spherical-like (r = 0.150, p = 0.356) aberrations. The IOL decentration did not correlate with any higher-order aberrations.

CONCLUSION

In eyes with scleral-sutured posterior chamber IOL, tilting of the lens induces considerable amount of ocular coma-like aberrations.

Efficient dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene in soil slurry by combined use of an anaerobic Desulfitobacterium sp. strain Y-51 and zero-valent iron

A laboratory test was conducted to examine the combined effect of bioaugmentation of an anaerobic bacterial Desulfitobacterium sp. strain Y-51 and addition of zero-valent iron (Fe0) on the reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in a non-sterile soil slurry. Introduction of a strain Y-51 culture in soil (3 mg vss (volatile suspended solids)/kg soil) containing PCE (at 60 micromol/kg soil) led to complete conversion of PCE to cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE) within 40 d. Treatments of the same soil slurry with Fe0 (0.1-1.0%) resulted in extended PCE dechlorination to ethylene (ETH) and ethane (ETA). The combined use of a strain Y-51 culture and Fe0 showed effective dechlorination of PCE than did the individual use. The cis-DCE produced from biological PCE dechlorination by strain Y-51 was totally converted to non-chlorinated end products by the following chemical reduction by Fe0. Furthermore, anaerobic corrosion of Fe0 was found to stimulate the biological reductive dechlorination of PCE by keeping proper levels of pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and by producing cathodic hydrogen, which might be used as an electron donor for respiratory PCE dechlorination. These findings suggest that the combined use of bacterial strain Y-51 and Fe0 is effective for practical treatment of PCE and other chlorinated ethylenes in contaminated sites.