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Ectopic epipericardial fat necrosis: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2024; 10:54. [PMID: 38453823 PMCID: PMC10920577 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-024-01859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare disease in which local inflammation and necrosis occur in the adipose tissue surrounding the heart, particularly epicardial fat. Few cases of EFN in which surgical resection was performed have been reported. We report a case of EFN after surgical resection of a right extrapulmonary tumor, in which a malignant disease could not be excluded. CASE PRESENTATION A 75-year-old male patient presented with fever and chest pain. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a lesion, 53 × 48 mm in size, with mixed fatty density spanning the middle and lower lobes of the right lung. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass with mixed fat and soft tissue density in the same area; the lesion was contiguous with pericardial fatty tissue. The tumor was diagnosed as a liposarcoma or teratocarcinoma based on imaging results; however, the possibility of lung cancer could not be excluded. Finally, EFN was diagnosed based on the postoperative histopathological examination. The patient underwent surgical resection of the suspected right extrapulmonary tumor. The intraoperative findings revealed a mediastinal mass contiguous with pericardial fat located between the middle and lower lobes. Intraoperative pathological examination of the lesion was performed using a needle biopsy; however, no definitive diagnosis was made. The tumor may have invaded the middle lobe of the right lung, and partial resection of the right lower lobe was performed in addition to resection of the middle lobe of the right lung. The patient was followed up every 3 months without adjuvant therapy. No recurrence was reported at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION EFN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an extrapulmonary tumor when continuity with the pericardial space is observed on MRI or other imaging studies. Surgical resection is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of EFNs. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstructive imaging and MRI should be used to identify vascular structures and confirm the continuity of the lesion with the surrounding tissues to ensure safe and rapid tumor removal.
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CD47 blockade enhances the efficacy of intratumoral STING-targeting therapy by activating phagocytes. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212661. [PMID: 34559187 PMCID: PMC8480673 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of STING signaling plays an important role in anti-tumor immunity, and we previously reported the anti-tumor effects of STING through accumulation of M1-like macrophages in tumor tissue treated with a STING agonist. However, myeloid cells express SIRPα, an inhibitory receptor for phagocytosis, and its receptor, CD47, is overexpressed in various cancer types. Based on our findings that breast cancer patients with highly expressed CD47 have poor survival, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of combination therapy with the STING ligand cGAMP and an antagonistic anti-CD47 mAb using E0771 mouse breast cancer cells. Anti-CD47 mAb monotherapy did not suppress tumor growth in our setting, whereas cGAMP and anti-CD47 mAb combination therapy inhibited tumor growth. The combination therapy enhanced phagocytosis of tumor cells and induced systemic anti-tumor immune responses, which rely on STING and type I IFN signaling. Taken together, our findings indicate that coadministration of cGAMP and an antagonistic anti-CD47 mAb may be promising for effective cancer immunotherapy.
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Remote Mesoscopic Signatures of Induced Magnetic Texture in Graphene. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:086802. [PMID: 33709762 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.086802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mesoscopic conductance fluctuations are a ubiquitous signature of phase-coherent transport in small conductors, exhibiting universal character independent of system details. In this Letter, however, we demonstrate a pronounced breakdown of this universality, due to the interplay of local and remote phenomena in transport. Our experiments are performed in a graphene-based interaction-detection geometry, in which an artificial magnetic texture is induced in the graphene layer by covering a portion of it with a micromagnet. When probing conduction at some distance from this region, the strong influence of remote factors is manifested through the appearance of giant conductance fluctuations, with amplitude much larger than e^{2}/h. This violation of one of the fundamental tenets of mesoscopic physics dramatically demonstrates how local considerations can be overwhelmed by remote signatures in phase-coherent conductors.
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PD-L1-specific helper T-cells exhibit effective antitumor responses: new strategy of cancer immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Transl Med 2019; 17:207. [PMID: 31221178 PMCID: PMC6585001 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1957-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates from squamous epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract and is the most common malignancy in the head and neck region. Among HNSCCs, oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has a unique profile and is associated with human papillomavirus infection. Recently, anti-programmed cell death-1 monoclonal antibody has yielded good clinical responses in recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC patients. Therefore, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) may be a favorable target molecule for cancer immunotherapy. Although PD-L1-expressing malignant cells could be targeted by PD-L1-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, it remains unclear whether CD4+ helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) recognize and kill tumor cells in a PD-L1-specific manner. METHODS The expression levels of PD-L1 and HLA-DR were evaluated using immunohistochemical analyses. MHC class II-binding peptides for PD-L1 were designed based on computer algorithm analyses and added into in vitro culture of HTLs with antigen-presenting cells to evaluate their stimulatory activity. RESULTS We found that seven of 24 cases of OSCC showed positive for both PD-L1 and HLA-DR and that PD-L1241-265 peptide efficiently activates HTLs, which showed not only cytokine production but also cytotoxicity against tumor cells in a PD-L1-dependent manner. Also, an adoptive transfer of the PD-L1-specific HTLs significantly inhibited growth of PD-L1-expressing human tumor cell lines in an immunodeficient mouse model. Importantly, T cell responses specific for the PD-L1241-265 peptide were detected in the HNSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS The cancer immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 as a helper T-cell antigen would be a rational strategy for HNSCC patients.
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Symptoms improvement in a senile depression patient using ECT with ketamine anesthesia in the absence of effective convulsion pattern. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Routine Referral by Urologists Increase Opportunities for Corneal Donation. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:2986-2991. [PMID: 30577158 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The levels of corneal donation are insufficient to meet the demand for corneal transplantation in Japan. To overcome this problem, we started to routinely mention the possibility of corneal donation to the families of patients who died in our hospital's Urology Department in February 2008. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this approach. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who died in the Department of Urology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital, and analyzed the patients' characteristics and information about corneal donation. RESULTS In total, 211 patients died in our department between February 2008 and March 2017, and 155 patients were medically suitable corneal donors. We mentioned the possibility of corneal donation to 129 (83.2%) families, and 29 (18.7%) families agreed. Three families subsequently withdrew their consent. Finally, 26 (16.8%) of the families that were approached about corneal donation by urologists agreed to donate their relatives' corneas. Another 2 families voluntarily offered to donate their relatives' corneas. Thus, 28 (18.1%) of 155 medically suitable donors donated their corneas for transplantation. Twenty-six (92.8%) donors were 60 years or older and all donors were affected with malignant genitourinary tumors. Fifty-four (96.4%) corneas were successfully transplanted into recipients. CONCLUSIONS Even elderly patients who die of solid carcinoma can be an important source of corneal donors. In this study, we showed that routine referral by urologists increased corneal donation. If this approach were adopted by other departments, it might further increase the number of corneal donations.
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Targeting phosphorylated p53 to elicit tumor-reactive T helper responses against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1466771. [PMID: 30510853 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1466771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human T cell receptor is capable of distinguishing between normal and post-translationally modified peptides. Because aberrant phosphorylation of cellular proteins is a hallmark of malignant transformation, the expression of the phosphorylated epitope could be an ideal antigen to combat cancer without damaging normal tissues. p53 activates transcription factors to suppress tumors by upregulating growth arrest and apoptosis-related genes. In response to DNA damage, p53 is phosphorylated at multiple sites including Ser33 and Ser37. Here, we identified phosphorylated peptide epitopes from p53 that could elicit effective T helper responses. These epitope peptides, p5322-41/Phospho-S33 and p5322-41/Phospho-S37, induced T helper responses against tumor cells expressing the phosphorylated p53 protein. Moreover, chemotherapeutic agents augmented the responses of such CD4 T cells via upregulation of phosphorylated p53. The upregulation of phosphorylated p53 expression by chemotherapy was confirmed in in vitro and xenograft models. We evaluated phosphorylated p53 expression in the clinical samples of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and revealed that 13/24 cases (54%) were positive for phosphorylated p53. Importantly, the lymphocytes specific for the phosphorylated p53 peptide epitopes were observed in the head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients. These results reveal that a combination of phosphorylated p53 peptides and chemotherapy could be a novel immunologic approach to treat HNSCC patients.
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Intracellular Transport-Deficient Mutants Causing Hereditary Deficiencies of Factors Involved in Coagulation and Fibrinolysis. Thromb Haemost 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1651599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Sex-specific relevance of diabetes to occlusive vascular and other mortality: a collaborative meta-analysis of individual data from 980 793 adults from 68 prospective studies. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2018; 6:538-546. [PMID: 29752194 PMCID: PMC6008496 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30079-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that diabetes confers a higher relative risk of vascular mortality among women than among men, but whether this increased relative risk in women exists across age groups and within defined levels of other risk factors is uncertain. We aimed to determine whether differences in established risk factors, such as blood pressure, BMI, smoking, and cholesterol, explain the higher relative risks of vascular mortality among women than among men. METHODS In our meta-analysis, we obtained individual participant-level data from studies included in the Prospective Studies Collaboration and the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration that had obtained baseline information on age, sex, diabetes, total cholesterol, blood pressure, tobacco use, height, and weight. Data on causes of death were obtained from medical death certificates. We used Cox regression models to assess the relevance of diabetes (any type) to occlusive vascular mortality (ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, or other atherosclerotic deaths) by age, sex, and other major vascular risk factors, and to assess whether the associations of blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body-mass index (BMI) to occlusive vascular mortality are modified by diabetes. RESULTS Individual participant-level data were analysed from 980 793 adults. During 9·8 million person-years of follow-up, among participants aged between 35 and 89 years, 19 686 (25·6%) of 76 965 deaths were attributed to occlusive vascular disease. After controlling for major vascular risk factors, diabetes roughly doubled occlusive vascular mortality risk among men (death rate ratio [RR] 2·10, 95% CI 1·97-2·24) and tripled risk among women (3·00, 2·71-3·33; χ2 test for heterogeneity p<0·0001). For both sexes combined, the occlusive vascular death RRs were higher in younger individuals (aged 35-59 years: 2·60, 2·30-2·94) than in older individuals (aged 70-89 years: 2·01, 1·85-2·19; p=0·0001 for trend across age groups), and, across age groups, the death RRs were higher among women than among men. Therefore, women aged 35-59 years had the highest death RR across all age and sex groups (5·55, 4·15-7·44). However, since underlying confounder-adjusted occlusive vascular mortality rates at any age were higher in men than in women, the adjusted absolute excess occlusive vascular mortality associated with diabetes was similar for men and women. At ages 35-59 years, the excess absolute risk was 0·05% (95% CI 0·03-0·07) per year in women compared with 0·08% (0·05-0·10) per year in men; the corresponding excess at ages 70-89 years was 1·08% (0·84-1·32) per year in women and 0·91% (0·77-1·05) per year in men. Total cholesterol, blood pressure, and BMI each showed continuous log-linear associations with occlusive vascular mortality that were similar among individuals with and without diabetes across both sexes. INTERPRETATION Independent of other major vascular risk factors, diabetes substantially increased vascular risk in both men and women. Lifestyle changes to reduce smoking and obesity and use of cost-effective drugs that target major vascular risks (eg, statins and antihypertensive drugs) are important in both men and women with diabetes, but might not reduce the relative excess risk of occlusive vascular disease in women with diabetes, which remains unexplained. FUNDING UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, European Union BIOMED programme, and National Institute on Aging (US National Institutes of Health).
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Abstract
SummaryPartial purification of the human urinary procoagulant was achieved and some of its properties characterized. Purification was accomplished by adsorption of urine with BaSO4, citrate elution, isoelectric precipitation followed by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and chromatography on hydroxylapatite and Sephadex G-200. Sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation yielded two active components with different sedimentation rates. On electrophoresis the heavier component did not enter the polyacrylamide gel, and the smaller one gave no precipitin band with antihuman serum on immunodiffusion, indicating that the procoagulant does not originate from blood. The purified procoagulant required phospholipids or platelets to activate prothrombin in the presence of coagulation factors V, VII, X and Ca++, while the crude procoagulant preparations activated prothrombin to some extent without an addition of phospholipids or platelets. Thus, the purified urinary procoagulant does not act as a typical tissue thromboplastin whereas the crude preparation may contain it as a component or contaminant. Phosphorus-containing material which may be part of a moiety endowing crude procoagulant with tissue thromboplastin-like activity is largely removed by the purification procedure resulting in low levels in the purified procoagulant.The possible identity (relationship ? ) of urinary procoagulant with the protein component of tissue thromboplastin is discussed.
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The Procoagulant in Human Urine: Purification, Assay and Some Biochemical and Physiological Properties. Thromb Haemost 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1655647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
SummaryA powerful procoagulant is excreted with the human urine. The purification, assay with purified prothrombin, definition of unit, properties and animal studies are described. The material is relatively heat resistent, and it activates prothrombin in presence of Ac-globulin and platelet factor 3 or platelet substitute (brain lipid). Fresh male human urine contains 10 u/ml. One to 4 u/ml are required to normalize clotting of hemophilic plasma. Purified preparations exhibit a specific activity around 11,000 u/mg tyrosine. Intravenous injections or infusions of the procoagulant into dogs or rabbits induce for a few hours a phase of transitory hypercoagulability as indicated by shortening of recalcification time and enhancement of prothrombin consumption. This is followed in the rabbit by the appearance of a circulating “antithromboplastin”.
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Abstract
SummaryHuman serum plasminogen antiactivator was separated from serum antiplasmin by isoelectric precipitation and ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by Sephadex chromatography. With the use of human vascular activator it was demonstrated that the serum antiactivator is functionally distinct from serum antiplasmin. Both antiplasmin and antiactivator were irreversibly inactivated when incubated with synthetic fibrinolysis inducing compounds, this inactivation being independent from plasminogen activation. Minor structural modifications of the compounds which abolished the fibrinolytic activity also abolished their effects on serum antiactivator. It is suggested that the pathway of the compound-induced fibrinolysis is an unbalancing of the activator-antiactivator system by inactivating antiactivator, thus freeing the activator for plasminogen activation.
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Intratumoral injection of IFN-β induces chemokine production in melanoma and augments the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-L1 mAb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Programmed death-ligand 1 and its soluble form are highly expressed in nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: a potential rationale for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:877-890. [PMID: 28349165 PMCID: PMC11028583 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-1987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an aggressive neoplasm with poor therapeutic responses and prognosis. The programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway plays an important role in immune evasion of tumor cells through T-cell exhaustion. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 molecules in NNKTL. We detected the expression of PD-L1 in biopsy samples from all of the NNKTL patients studied. PD-L1 was found on both malignant cells and tumor-infiltrating macrophages, while PD-1-positive mononuclear cells infiltrated the tumor tissues in 36% of patients. Most significantly, soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) was present in sera of NNKTL patients at higher levels as compared to healthy individuals and the levels of serum sPD-L1 in patients positively correlated with the expression of PD-L1 in lymphoma cells of tumor tissues. In addition, the high-sPD-L1 group of patients showed significantly worse prognosis than the low-sPD-L1 group. Furthermore, we confirmed that membrane and soluble PD-L1 was expressed on the surface and in the culture supernatant, respectively, of NNKTL cell lines. The expression of PD-L1 was observed in tumor tissues and sera from a murine xenograft model inoculated with an NNKTL cell line. Our results suggest that sPD-L1 could be a prognostic predictor for NNKTL and open up the possibility of immunotherapy of this lymphoma using PD-1/PD-L1 axis inhibitors.
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Intratumoral administration of cGAMP transiently accumulates potent macrophages for anti-tumor immunity at a mouse tumor site. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:705-716. [PMID: 28243692 PMCID: PMC11028681 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-1975-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) spontaneously contributes to anti-tumor immunity by inducing type I interferons (IFNs) following sensing of tumor-derived genomic DNAs in the tumor-bearing host. Although direct injection of STING ligands such as cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) and cyclic [G(2',5')pA(3',5')p] (cGAMP) into the tumor microenvironment exerts anti-tumor effects through strong induction of type I IFNs and activation of innate and adaptive immunity, the precise events caused by STING in the tumor microenvironment remain to be elucidated. We describe here our finding that a CD45+ CD11bmid Ly6C+ cell subset transiently accumulated in mouse tumor microenvironment of 4T1 breast cancer, squamous cell carcinomas, CT26 colon cancer, or B16F10 melanoma tissue after intratumoral injection of cGAMP. The accumulated cells displayed a macrophage (M ) phenotype since the cells were positive for F4/80 and MHC class II and negative for Ly6G. Intratumoral cGAMP treatment did not induce Mφ accumulation in STING-deficient mice. Depletion of CD8+ T cell using anti-CD8 mAb impaired the anti-tumor effects of cGAMP treatment. Depletion of the Mφ using clodronate liposomes impaired the anti-tumor effects of cGAMP treatment. Functional analysis indicated that the STING-triggered tumor-migrating Mφ exhibited phagocytic activity, production of tumor necrosis factor alpha TNFα), and high expression levels of T cell-recruiting chemokines, Cxcl10 and Cxcl11, IFN-induced molecules, MX dynamin-like GTPase 1 (Mx1) and 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase-like 1 (Oasl1), nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), and interferon beta 1 (Ifnb1). These results indicate that the STING-triggered tumor-migrating Mφ participate in the anti-tumor effects of STING-activating compounds.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/prevention & control
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Colonic Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Female
- Immunotherapy
- Injections, Intralesional
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Melanoma, Experimental/prevention & control
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nucleotides, Cyclic/administration & dosage
- Nucleotides, Cyclic/pharmacology
- Phagocytosis
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Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder considered as neck metastatic cancer: a case report. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2017.02.811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Evaluation of clinical coding data to determine causes of critical bleeding in patients receiving massive transfusion: a bi-national, multicentre, cross-sectional study. Transfus Med 2016; 27:114-121. [PMID: 27966239 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the use of routinely collected data to determine the cause(s) of critical bleeding in patients who receive massive transfusion (MT). BACKGROUND Routinely collected data are increasingly being used to describe and evaluate transfusion practice. MATERIALS/METHODS Chart reviews were undertaken on 10 randomly selected MT patients at 48 hospitals across Australia and New Zealand to determine the cause(s) of critical bleeding. Diagnosis-related group (DRG) and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes were extracted separately and used to assign each patient a cause of critical bleeding. These were compared against chart review using percentage agreement and kappa statistics. RESULTS A total of 427 MT patients were included with complete ICD and DRG data for 427 (100%) and 396 (93%), respectively. Good overall agreement was found between chart review and ICD codes (78·3%; κ = 0·74, 95% CI 0·70-0·79) and only fair overall agreement with DRG (51%; κ = 0·45, 95% CI 0·40-0·50). Both ICD and DRG were sensitive and accurate for classifying obstetric haemorrhage patients (98% sensitivity and κ > 0·94). However, compared with the ICD algorithm, DRGs were less sensitive and accurate in classifying bleeding as a result of gastrointestinal haemorrhage (74% vs 8%; κ = 0·75 vs 0·1), trauma (92% vs 62%; κ = 0·78 vs 0·67), cardiac (80% vs 57%; κ = 0·79 vs 0·60) and vascular surgery (64% vs 56%; κ = 0·69 vs 0·65). CONCLUSION Algorithms using ICD codes can determine the cause of critical bleeding in patients requiring MT with good to excellent agreement with clinical history. DRG are less suitable to determine critical bleeding causes.
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Abstract
We demonstrate a novel form of thermally-assisted hysteresis in the transfer curves of monolayer MoS2 FETs, characterized by the appearance of a large gate-voltage window and distinct current levels that differ by a factor of ∼102. The hysteresis emerges for temperatures in excess of 400 K and, from studies in which the gate-voltage sweep parameters are varied, appears to be related to charge injection into the SiO2 gate dielectric. The thermally-assisted memory is strongly suppressed in equivalent measurements performed on bilayer transistors, suggesting that weak screening in the monolayer system plays a vital role in generating its strongly sensitive response to the charge-injection process. By exploiting the full features of the hysteretic transfer curves, programmable memory operation is demonstrated. The essential principles demonstrated here point the way to a new class of thermally assisted memories based on atomically thin two-dimensional semiconductors.
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Characteristics of meso-particles formed in coagulation process causing irreversible membrane fouling in the coagulation-microfiltration water treatment. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 101:127-136. [PMID: 27262117 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In coagulation-membrane filtration water treatment processes, it is still difficult to determine the optimal coagulation condition to minimize irreversible membrane fouling. In microfiltration (MF), meso-particles (i.e., 20 nm-0.5 μm) are thought to play an important role in irreversible membrane fouling, especially their characteristics of particle number (PN) and zeta potential (ZP). In this study, a new nanoparticle tracker combined a high-output violet laser with a microscope was developed to identify the physicochemical characteristics of these microscopic and widely dispersed meso-particles. The effects of pH and coagulant dose on ZP and PN of micro-particles (i.e., >0.5 μm) and meso-particles were investigated, and then coagulation-MF tests were conducted. As the result, irreversible membrane fouling was best controlled for both types of membranes, while meso-particle ZP approached zero at around pH 5.5 for both types of natural water. Since PN was greatest under these conditions, ZP is more important in determining the extent of irreversible membrane fouling than PN. However, the acidic condition to neutralize meso-particles is not suitable for actual operation, as considering residual aluminum concentration, pipe corrosion, and chlorination efficiency. It is therefore necessary to investigate coagulants or other methods for the appropriate modification of meso-particle characteristics.
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Infantile acute encephalopathy with combined symmetrical hypodensities in the thalami and the putamen on computed tomography. Neurol Res 2016; 14:252-4. [PMID: 1355279 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.1992.11740064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
An eight-month-old boy with clinical features of acute encephalopathy with symmetrical low-density areas in the thalami and the putamen on computed tomography is presented. These particular computed tomography features suggest potential aetiology common to acute encephalopathy with low-density areas in the thalami and infantile bilateral striatal necrosis with an acute onset. The therapeutic consideration of these conditions is also discussed.
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AB0347 The Retention Rates of The Second Biologic Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Inadequate Response To TNFα Inhibitors, Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study. Ann Rheum Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-eular.5157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Epigenetic modification augments the immunogenicity of human leukocyte antigen G serving as a tumor antigen for T cell-based immunotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1169356. [PMID: 27471649 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1169356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune escape has been a major problem for developing effective immunotherapy. The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule whose primary function is to protect the fetus from the mother's immune system. While HLA-G is hardly found in normal adult tissues, various tumor cells are known to express it, aiding their escape from the immune system. Thus, HLA-G is an attractive immunotherapy target. CD4(+) helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) play an important role in the immune reaction against tumors by assisting in the generation and persistence of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or by displaying direct antitumor effects. We report here that HLA-G expression in breast cancer significantly correlates with a poor prognosis. Also, we describe that the MHC class II-binding peptide HLA-G26-40 was effective in eliciting tumor-reactive CD4(+) T cell responses. Furthermore, treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine increased HLA-G expression in tumors and subsequently enhanced recognition by HLA-G26-40-specific HTLs. These findings predict that a combination immunotherapy targeting HLA-G together with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor could be useful against some cancers.
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Probing weak localization in chemical vapor deposition graphene wide constriction using scanning gate microscopy. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 27:075601. [PMID: 26762929 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/27/7/075601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Low-temperature scanning gate microscopy (LT-SGM) studies of graphene allow one to obtain important spatial information regarding coherent transport such as weak localization (WL) and universal conductance fluctuations. Although fascinating LT-SGM results on pristine graphene prepared by mechanical exfoliation have been reported in the literature, there appears to be a dearth of LT-SGM results on chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene whose large scale and flexible substrate transferability make it an ideal candidate for coherent electronic applications. To this end, we have performed LT-SGM studies on CVD-grown graphene wide constriction (0.8 μm), which can be readily prepared by cost-effective optical lithography fully compatible with those in wafer foundry, in the WL regime. We find that the movable local gate can sensitively modulate the total conductance of the CVD graphene constriction possibly due to the intrinsic grain boundaries and merged domains, a great advantage for applications in coherent electronics. Moreover, such a conductance modulation by LT-SGM provides an additional, approximately magnetic-field-independent probe for studying coherent transport such as WL in graphene and spatial conductance variation.
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Tuning surface grafting density of CeO2 nanocrystals with near- and supercritical solvent characteristics. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016; 18:1727-34. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cp07034a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work, the solvent effect on the synthesis of CeO2 nanocrystals prepared in near- and supercritical alcohols is discussed.
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Conduction Mechanisms in CVD-Grown Monolayer MoS2 Transistors: From Variable-Range Hopping to Velocity Saturation. NANO LETTERS 2015; 15:5052-8. [PMID: 26121164 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5b01159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We fabricate transistors from chemical vapor deposition-grown monolayer MoS2 crystals and demonstrate excellent current saturation at large drain voltages (Vd). The low-field characteristics of these devices indicate that the electron mobility is likely limited by scattering from charged impurities. The current-voltage characteristics exhibit variable range hopping at low Vd and evidence of velocity saturation at higher Vd. This work confirms the excellent potential of MoS2 as a possible channel-replacement material and highlights the role of multiple transport phenomena in governing its transistor action.
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Metal-insulator transition in the quasi-one-dimensional transport of fractional quantum Hall states. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2015; 27:202201. [PMID: 25920938 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/27/20/202201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigate edge state transmission in quantum point contacts (QPCs) in the fractional quantum-Hall regime, finding behavior reminiscent of a metal-insulator transition. The transition is suggested by an unusual behavior of the differential conductance in the fractional-quantum-Hall regime, and by the presence of a fixed point and universal scaling in the temperature dependence of the linear conductance. Noting that the 0.7 feature evolves continuously into a last fractional plateau at high magnetic fields, we suggest that this still unresolved feature may itself be viewed as a manifestation of a local, microscopic, metal-insulator transition.
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Assessment of the change in cetuximab-induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity of natural killer cells by steroid. Head Neck 2015; 38:410-6. [PMID: 25352398 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been widely accepted as a promising treatment for solid tumors. Steroid treatment is used to prevent adverse effect of anti-EGFR antibody; however, influence of steroids in the antitumor activity of targeted antibody remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrated the impact of steroids in induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of natural killer (NK) cells by cetuximab. METHODS Various numbers of NK cells from healthy donors were co-cultured with tumor and/or cetuximab with or without dexamethasone. After incubation, NK cells, ADCC activity, survival, and activation markers expression were determined. RESULTS Clinical concentration of dexamethasone treatment clearly inhibited cetuximab-induced ADCC activity of NK cells against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and colon cancer. Dexamethasone decreased the activation marker CD69 expression on NK cells. CONCLUSION This is the first report that shows the negative affect of steroids in cancer treatment using therapeutic antibody. Attention needs to be paid for using steroids in tumor treatment.
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Abstract
We administered AT III concentrates to 21 patients with DIC who failed to respond initially to heparin therapy. About 60% of these 21 patients were effectively treated with AT III concentrates by enhancing the effect of heparin and alleviating the burden of excessive plasma transfusions on the cardiovascular system.
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Statistics on underlying and causative diseases of DIC in Japan: a cooperative study. BIBLIOTHECA HAEMATOLOGICA 2015:15-22. [PMID: 6667243 DOI: 10.1159/000408443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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c-Met is a novel tumor associated antigen for T-cell based immunotherapy against NK/T cell lymphoma. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e976077. [PMID: 25949874 DOI: 10.4161/2162402x.2014.976077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The expression of c-Met and its ligand HGF plays a critical role in cell proliferation and is involved in numerous malignancies. Because c-Met expression and its role in NK/T-cell lymphoma remain unclear, we studied the expression and function of c-Met in NK/T-cell lymphoma cells. In addition, we investigated the possibility that c-Met could function as a tumor-associated antigen for helper T lymphocytes (HTLs). Methods: We evaluated whether HGF and c-Met were expressed in NK/T-cell lymphoma and the capacity of predicted c-Met HTL epitopes to induce antitumor responses in vitro. In addition, c-Met inhibitor was evaluated for the ability to inhibit TGF-β production in tumor and subsequently increase HTL recognition. Results: c-Met and HGF were expressed in NK/T-cell lymphoma cell lines, nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma specimens and patient serum samples. Moreover, HGF was shown to promote NK/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) proliferation in an autocrine manner. Furthermore, we have identified three novel c-Met HTL epitopes that were restricted by several HLA-DR molecules. Notably, peptide-induced HTL lines directly recognized and killed c-Met expressing NK/T-cell lymphomas and various epithelial solid tumors. The c-Met specific HTLs could also recognize dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with c-Met expressing tumor cell lysates. In addition, we observed that c-Met inhibition augmented HTL recognition by decreasing TGF-β production by tumor cells. Lastly, autophagy partly regulated the HTL responses against tumors. Conclusions: We identified novel c-Met HTL epitopes that can elicit effective antitumor responses against tumors expressing c-Met. Our results provide the rationale of combining c-Met targeting therapy and immunotherapy for NKTCLs and epithelial tumors.
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Key Words
- APCs, antigen presenting cells
- CD4+ helper T lymphocytes
- DC, dendritic cell
- EBV, Epstein-Barr virus
- HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- HPLC, high-performance liquid chromatography
- HSP, heat shock protein
- HTLs, helper CD4+ T cells
- L-cell, mouse fibroblast cell line
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- NK/T cell lymphoma
- NKTCL, natural killer/ T cell lymphoma
- PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell
- PBS, phosphate buffered saline
- TCR, T cell receptor
- TGF-β
- TKI, tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor
- autophagy
- c-Met
- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- immunotherapy
- major histocompatibility complex class II
- tumor antigens
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Systemic lupus erythematosus as the concomitant manifestation of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Mod Rheumatol 2014; 27:360-363. [PMID: 25401231 DOI: 10.3109/14397595.2014.974880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report a case of the simultaneous occurrence of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a 76-year-old woman. She presented with fever, night sweats, and general malaise. A laboratory examination revealed leukopenia, anemia, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, hypocomplementemia, positive results for anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-double strand DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, and mild proteinuria. A computed tomography scan of the abdominal cavity showed multiple swollen intra-abdominal and intra-pelvic lymph nodes. A biopsy specimen obtained from the peri-iliac lymph node confirmed the diagnosis of AITL, while renal biopsy results were consistent with lupus nephritis, International Society of Nephrology and Renal Pathology Society class V. These results indicated that our patient developed SLE concomitantly with AITL. These findings will lead to further understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of SLE.
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Effects of degree of dissociation of acid used on hydrolytic durability of ceramic primer. Dent Mater J 2014; 33:614-20. [PMID: 25273040 DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2013-319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, effects of the degree of dissociation of acids on the hydrolysis rate of methoxy group in γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) and the adsorption characteristics of γ-MPS on ceramic surfaces were studied using acetic, phosphoric, and hydrochloric acids. Hydrolytic stability of γ-MPS adsorption layer at the resin-ceramic interface was thus examined. (29)Si NMR observations of acidactivated γ-MPS and contact angle measurements following ceramic surface silanization were performed. Bond strengths of resin to the silanized ceramic surfaces were measured. Statistical analyses of shear bond strength and contact angle data were performed. Increase in the degree of dissociation of the acid used increased the hydrolysis rate of methoxy group in γ-MPS, but lowered the contact angle to the silanized ceramic surface. Decrease in the contact angle increased the hydrolytic stability of γ-MPS adsorption layer.
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Tumor-derived TGF-β and prostaglandin E2 attenuate anti-tumor immune responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with EGFR inhibitor. J Transl Med 2014; 12:265. [PMID: 25240937 PMCID: PMC4177691 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EGFR-targeted therapy is an attractive option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. We have recently reported the use of EGFR inhibitors as an adjunct treatment to enhance HLA-DR expression in tumor cells to improve cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, we observed that EGFR inhibitors resulted in decreased anti-tumor responses, regardless of upregulation of HLA-DR expression on the tumor cell. In this study, we specifically investigated the mechanisms by which EGFR inhibition modulated anti-tumor responses. METHODS An EGFR inhibitor erlotinib was used to assess the modulation of anti-tumor responses by tumor antigen-specific helper T cells. We then examined whether administration of the EGFR inhibitor altered tumor cytokine profiles and expression of immune-related molecules on tumor cells. RESULTS Despite the augmented HLA-DR expression on a gingival cancer cell line by EGFR inhibition, anti-tumor responses of EGFR reactive helper T cell clones against tumor cells were decreased. EGFR inhibition did not change the expression of CD80, CD86, or PD-L1 on the tumor cells. Conversely, production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and prostaglandin E2 was increased by EGFR inhibition, indicating that these immunosuppressive molecules were involved in diminishing tumor recognition by T cells. Significantly, attenuation of HTL responses against tumors after EGFR inhibition was reversed by the addition of anti-TGF-β antibody or COX2 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Targeting TGF-β and prostaglandin E2 may allow for improved outcomes for cancer patients treated with combination immunotherapy and EGFR inhibitors.
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Tumor-derived TGF-β and prostaglandin E2 attenuate anti-tumor immune responses in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with EGFR inhibitor. J Transl Med 2014. [PMID: 25240937 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0265-3.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EGFR-targeted therapy is an attractive option for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. We have recently reported the use of EGFR inhibitors as an adjunct treatment to enhance HLA-DR expression in tumor cells to improve cancer immunotherapy. Nevertheless, we observed that EGFR inhibitors resulted in decreased anti-tumor responses, regardless of upregulation of HLA-DR expression on the tumor cell. In this study, we specifically investigated the mechanisms by which EGFR inhibition modulated anti-tumor responses. METHODS An EGFR inhibitor erlotinib was used to assess the modulation of anti-tumor responses by tumor antigen-specific helper T cells. We then examined whether administration of the EGFR inhibitor altered tumor cytokine profiles and expression of immune-related molecules on tumor cells. RESULTS Despite the augmented HLA-DR expression on a gingival cancer cell line by EGFR inhibition, anti-tumor responses of EGFR reactive helper T cell clones against tumor cells were decreased. EGFR inhibition did not change the expression of CD80, CD86, or PD-L1 on the tumor cells. Conversely, production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and prostaglandin E2 was increased by EGFR inhibition, indicating that these immunosuppressive molecules were involved in diminishing tumor recognition by T cells. Significantly, attenuation of HTL responses against tumors after EGFR inhibition was reversed by the addition of anti-TGF-β antibody or COX2 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS Targeting TGF-β and prostaglandin E2 may allow for improved outcomes for cancer patients treated with combination immunotherapy and EGFR inhibitors.
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Scanning gate imaging of a disordered quantum point contact. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2014; 26:193202. [PMID: 24763258 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/19/193202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Scanning gate microscopy (SGM) is a novel technique that has been used to image characteristic features related to the coherent electron flow in mesoscopic structures. For instance, SGM has successfully been applied to study peculiar electron transport properties that arise due to small levels of disorder in a system. The particular case of an InGaAs quantum well layer in a heterostructure, which is dominated by a quasi-ballistic regime, was analyzed. A quantum point contact fabricated onto this material exhibits conduction fluctuations that are not expected in typical high-mobility heterostructures such as AlGaAs/GaAs. SGM revealed not only interference patterns corresponding to specific conductance fluctuations but also mode-dependent resistance peaks corresponding to the first and second quantum levels of conductance (2e(2)/h) at zero magnetic field. On the other hand, clear conductance plateaus originating from the integer quantum Hall effect were observed at high magnetic fields. The physical size of incompressible edge channels was estimated from cross-sectional analysis of these images.
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Induction of tumor-reactive T helper responses by a posttranslational modified epitope from tumor protein p53. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:469-78. [PMID: 24633296 PMCID: PMC11028558 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1533-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications regulate the function and stability of proteins, and the immune system is able to recognize some of these modifications. Therefore, the presence of posttranslational modifications increases the diversity of potential immune responses to a determinant antigen. The stimulation of tumor-specific CD4(+) helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) is considered important for the production of anti-tumor antibodies by B cells and for the generation and persistence of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and in some instances, HTLs can directly reduce tumor cell growth. Identification of MHC class II-restricted peptide epitopes from tumor-associated antigens including those generated from posttranslational protein modifications should enable the improvement of peptide-based cancer immunotherapy. We describe here an MHC class II binding peptide from the tumor protein p53, which possesses an acetylated lysine at position 120 (p53110-124/AcK120) that is effective in eliciting CD4(+) T cell responses specific for the acetylated peptide. Most importantly, the acetylated peptide-reactive CD4 HTLs recognized the corresponding naturally processed posttranslational modified epitope presented by either dendritic cells loaded with tumor cell lysates or directly on tumors expressing p53 and the restricting MHC class II molecules. Treatment of tumor cells with a histone deacetylase inhibitor augmented their recognition by the p53110-124/AcK120-reactive CD4(+) T cells. These findings prove that the epitope p53110-124/AcK120 is immunogenic for anti-tumor responses and is likely to be useful for cancer immunotherapy.
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Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema associated with dental laser treatment. Aust Dent J 2014; 58:424-7. [PMID: 24320897 DOI: 10.1111/adj.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication of dental procedures. Although most cases of emphysema occur incidentally with the use of a high-speed air turbine handpiece, there have been some reports over the past decade of cases caused by dental laser treatment. Emphysema as a complication caused by the air cooling spray of a dental laser is not well known, even though dental lasers utilize compressed air just as air turbines and syringes do. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed cases of emphysema attributed to dental laser treatment that appeared in the literature between January 2001 and September 2012, and we included three such cases referred to us. Among 13 cases identified in total, nine had cervicofacial subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema. Compared with past reviews, the incidence of mediastinal emphysema caused by dental laser treatment was higher than emphysema caused by dental procedure without dental laser use. Eight patients underwent CO2 laser treatment and two underwent Er:YAG laser treatment. Nine patients had emphysema following laser irradiation for soft tissue incision. Dentists and oral surgeons should be cognizant of the potential risk for iatrogenic emphysema caused by the air cooling spray during dental laser treatment and ensure proper usage of lasers.
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Population trends of the Kuril harbour seal Phoca vitulina stejnegeri from 1974 to 2010 in southeastern Hokkaido, Japan. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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On the zero-bias anomaly and Kondo physics in quantum point contacts near pinch-off. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2014; 26:125304. [PMID: 24599094 DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/26/12/125304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the linear and non-linear conductance of quantum point contacts (QPCs), in the region near pinch-off where Kondo physics has previously been connected to the appearance of the 0.7 feature. In studies of seven different QPCs, fabricated in the same high-mobility GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction, the linear conductance is widely found to show the presence of the 0.7 feature. The differential conductance, on the other hand, does not generally exhibit the zero-bias anomaly (ZBA) that has been proposed to indicate the Kondo effect. Indeed, even in the small subset of QPCs found to exhibit such an anomaly, the linear conductance does not always follow the universal temperature-dependent scaling behavior expected for the Kondo effect. Taken collectively, our observations demonstrate that, unlike the 0.7 feature, the ZBA is not a generic feature of low-temperature QPC conduction. We furthermore conclude that the mere observation of the ZBA alone is insufficient evidence for concluding that Kondo physics is active. While we do not rule out the possibility that the Kondo effect may occur in QPCs, our results appear to indicate that its observation requires a very strict set of conditions to be satisfied. This should be contrasted with the case of the 0.7 feature, which has been apparent since the earliest experimental investigations of QPC transport.
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Successful combination therapy with corticosteroids, biweekly intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide and cyclosporin A for acute interstitial pneumonia in patients with dermatomyositis : report of three cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 36:122-8. [PMID: 23629432 DOI: 10.2177/jsci.36.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We report three patients with dermatomyositis (DM) complicated with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). All of them complained of fever and acutely worsening dyspnea and were treated immediately by combination therapies with pulse therapy with methylprednisone (mPSL) followed by corticosteroids, biweekly intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide (IVCY) and cyclosporine A (CSA). They recovered rapidly soon after an initiation of this combination regimen. Early intervention with aggressive combination therapy is life-saving for the treatment of AIP in patients with DM.
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Tuning the Fano resonance with an intruder continuum. NANO LETTERS 2014; 14:788-793. [PMID: 24460187 DOI: 10.1021/nl404133d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Through a combination of experiment and theory we establish the possibility of achieving strong tuning of Fano resonances (FRs), by allowing their usual two-path geometry to interfere with an additional, "intruder", continuum. As the coupling strength to this intruder is varied, we predict strong modulations of the resonance line shape that, in principle at least, may exceed the amplitude of the original FR itself. For a proof-of-concept demonstration of this phenomenon, we construct a nanoscale interferometer from nonlocally coupled quantum point contacts and utilize the unique features of their density of states to realize the intruder. External control of the intruder coupling is enabled by means of an applied magnetic field, in the presence of which we demonstrate the predicted distortions of the FR. This general scheme for resonant control should be broadly applicable to a variety of wave-based systems, opening up the possibility of new applications in areas such as chemical and biological sensing and secure communications.
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RETRACTION of: Down-regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase gene expression in lactating mouse mammary gland. J Biochem 2013; 154:393. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvt083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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EGFR inhibitors augment antitumour helper T-cell responses of HER family-specific immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2013; 109:2155-66. [PMID: 24045666 PMCID: PMC3798972 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is an attractive strategy alternative to conventional cancer treatments for HNSCC, but its efficacy remains controversial. T-cell-based immunotherapy has been proposed as a novel therapeutic approach to improve the clinical outcome for HNSCC. In this study, we report human epidermal receptor (HER) family epitopes that induced CD4 T-cell responses to HNSCC. The results provide support for a novel strategy to treat HNSCC by combining EGFR-targeted therapy with T-cell-based immunotherapy. METHODS We evaluated the capacity of predicted CD4 T-cell peptide epitopes from EGFR to induce antitumour immune responses in vitro. In addition, EGFR inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to augment tumour MHC class II expression in HNSCC cell lines and subsequently increase T-cell recognition. RESULTS Among several predicted peptide epitopes, EGFR875-889 elicited CD4 T-cell responses that were restricted by HLA-DR4, DR15, or DR53 molecules, indicating that the peptide functions as a promiscuous T-cell epitope. The peptide-reactive T cells responded to autologous dendritic cells loaded with EGFR-expressing tumour cell lysates, indicating that these epitopes are naturally processed. In addition, the CD4 T cells were capable of directly recognising and killing HNSCC cells expressing EGFR and the appropriate HLA class II molecule. T cells reactive with the EGFR875-889 epitope could be detected in the blood of HNSCC patients. EGFR875-889-reactive CD4 T cells were also able to recognise several peptide analogues derived from homologous regions of EGFR family members, HER-2, HER-3 and c-MET. Finally, we examined the effects of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition or EGFR-blocking antibodies on CD4 T-cell tumour reactivity. Treatment of tumour cells with the EGFR inhibitors enhanced tumour recognition by EGFR875-889-reactive T cells presumably due to the upregulation of HLA-DR expression in the HNSCC cells. CONCLUSION We identified novel CD4 T-cell EGFR epitopes and amongst these, EGFR875-889 functions as a promiscuous helper T-cell epitope that can elicit effective antitumour T-cell responses against tumours expressing HER family members and c-MET. These observations should facilitate the translation of T-cell-based immunotherapy into the clinic for the treatment of HNSCC and provide a rational basis for EGFR inhibition, immune-targeted combination therapy.
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Fast energy relaxation of hot carriers near the Dirac point of graphene. NANO LETTERS 2013; 13:4305-4310. [PMID: 23965117 DOI: 10.1021/nl4020777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We investigate energy relaxation of hot carriers in monolayer and bilayer graphene devices, demonstrating that the relaxation rate increases significantly as the Dirac point is approached from either the conduction or valence band. This counterintuitive behavior appears consistent with ideas of charge puddling under disorder, suggesting that it becomes very difficult to excite carriers out of these localized regions. These results therefore demonstrate how the peculiar properties of graphene extend also to the behavior of its nonequilibrium carriers.
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AB0307 Overlooking severe infections during tocilizumab therapy for the rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-eular.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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THU0230 Bezafitrate for Methotorexate-Induced Acute Liver Injur\y. Ann Rheum Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-eular.758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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A naturally processed HLA-DR-bound peptide from the IL-9 receptor alpha of HTLV-1-transformed T cells serves as a T helper epitope. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:2215-25. [PMID: 22638550 PMCID: PMC11029050 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-012-1284-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) induced adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is usually a fatal lymphoproliferative malignant disease. Thus, the enhancement of T cell immunity to ATLL through the development of therapeutic vaccines using characterized T cell peptide epitopes could be of value. We isolated and characterized HLA-DR-bound peptides from HTLV-1-transformed T cells by fractionating on reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and Edman NH(2)-terminal sequencing and were able to identify five independent peptide sequences. One of the identified peptide sequences corresponded to a fragment of the human interleukin-9 receptor alpha (IL-9Rα), which is commonly expressed by HTLV-1-infected T cell lymphoma cells. Using a synthetic peptide corresponding to the identified IL-9Rα sequence, we generated antigen-specific CD4 helper T lymphocytes in vitro, which were restricted by HLA-DR15 or HLA-DR53 molecules and could recognize and kill HTLV-1+, IL-9Rα+ T cell lymphoma cells. These results indicate that IL-9Rα functions as T cell leukemia/lymphoma-associated antigen for CD4 T cells and that synthetic peptides such as the one described here could be used for T cell-based immunotherapy against IL-9Rα positive ATLL.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Viral/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/metabolism
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/immunology
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- HLA-DR Antigens/immunology
- HLA-DR Antigens/metabolism
- HLA-DR Serological Subtypes/immunology
- HLA-DR Serological Subtypes/metabolism
- HLA-DRB4 Chains/immunology
- HLA-DRB4 Chains/metabolism
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology
- Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/metabolism
- Humans
- Jurkat Cells
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Male
- Mice
- Receptors, Interleukin-9/immunology
- Receptors, Interleukin-9/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, Protein/methods
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/metabolism
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Immediate-type skin allergic reactions, such as passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction, are associated with circadian rhythm, but the role of circadian mechanisms on delayed-type skin allergic reactions, such as contact hypersensitivity (CHS), remains uncertain. In mice, CHS, a T-cell-mediated immune response, is a classic model of human allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether biological clock dysfunction affects CHS pathogenesis in CLOCK mutant mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. METHODS Mice were treated with 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB) on the abdominal skin on day 0 (sensitization) and then treated with TNCB on the ears on day 5 (challenge). RESULTS We found that biological clock dysfunction resulted in severe inflammation. Ear swelling, serum immunoglobulin E level and mast cell number were significantly increased in CLOCK mutant mice compared with WT mice. These results provide evidence that CLOCK mutation promotes the T-helper type 2 immune response and exacerbates CHS. Corticosterone has a protective effect on CHS. The serum corticosterone level lost rhythmicity and showed a decreased daily level in CLOCK mutant mice compared with WT mice, supporting the exacerbating effect of CLOCK mutation on CHS. Adrenalectomy markedly worsened TNCB-induced CHS in WT mice but not in CLOCK mutant mice. In addition, dramatic dexamethasone-induced protection of CHS was observed in CLOCK mutant mice compared with WT mice. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest that circadian rhythm might be an important factor in the regulation of CHS via corticosterone rhythmicity and/or level.
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Level of Preadipocyte Growth Factor in Rat Adipose Tissue which Specifically Permits the Proliferation of Preadipocytes Is Affected by Restricted Energy Intake. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 1:126-31. [PMID: 16350568 DOI: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1993.tb00601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported the presence of a protein growth factor in rat adipose tissue which specifically permits the proliferation of 3T3-L1 and Ob1771 preadipocytes [Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1990;171:905-912, ref. 1] and which is hereinafter referred to as PAGF (preadipocyte growth factor). In this study, the effects of long-term restricted energy intake on the PAGF activity in rat epididymal and perirenal adipose tissue toward 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were investigated. When rats were subjected to restricted energy intake for three weeks, PAGF activity increased with energy intake. The body weight, epididymal and perirenal fat depot weights and glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity also increased with the energy intake, whereas the lactate dehydrogenase activity remained almost constant in all energy intake groups. These results suggest that the PAGF in fat depots functions in response to energy intake and contributes to the de novo formation of adipocytes and the growth of adipose tissue. This factor may provide a useful tool for further elucidation of the relationship between energy storage in adipose tissue and adipose tissue development.
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50
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Direct imaging of electron states in open quantum dots. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2012; 108:136804. [PMID: 22540721 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.108.136804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We use scanning gate microscopy to probe the ballistic motion of electrons within an open GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dot. Conductance maps are recorded by scanning a biased tip over the open quantum dot while a magnetic field is applied. We show that, for specific magnetic fields, the measured conductance images resemble the classical transmitted and backscattered trajectories and their quantum mechanical analogue. In addition, we prove experimentally, with this direct measurement technique, the existence of pointer states. The demonstrated direct imaging technique is essential for the fundamental understanding of wave function scarring and quantum decoherence theory.
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