Si racetrack optical modulator based on the III-V/Si hybrid MOS capacitor

We have fabricated a Si racetrack optical modulator based on a III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS optical phase shifter was integrated to a Si racetrack resonator with a coupling length of 200 µm and a coupling gap of 700 nm. The fabricated Si racetrack resonator demonstrated a small VπL of 0.059 Vcm. For 10-dB optical intensity modulation, the Si racetrack resonator showed a 60% smaller driving voltage than a Mach-Zehnder interferometer modulator with the same phase shifter, leading to a better balance between high energy efficiency and large modulation bandwidth.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Epidemiology of massive hepatocellular carcinoma in dogs: A 4-year retrospective study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumour in dogs. However, the clinical features and risk factors of HCC have not been confirmed. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features and risk factors for canine HCC. Medical records of 44 dogs diagnosed with HCC at Hokkaido University Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. All dogs evaluated at the teaching hospital during the study period were used as the reference population for breed, age, sex predispositions or possible related factors for HCC, including concurrent disorders. Clinical characteristics of HCC were determined using propensity score matching analysis. The prevalence of HCC diagnosis was 0.96%. Multivariate analysis revealed that dogs diagnosed with HCC were significantly older (odds ratio [OR], 1.20; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.07-1.33) than the reference population. Welsh Corgis (OR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.56-8.67) and Beagles (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.58-11.90) were significantly predisposed to HCC. Twenty-seven of 44 dogs with HCC had at least one concurrent disorder. The most common concurrent disorder was hyperadrenocorticism (n = 10), and the adjusted odds of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs with HCC were 4.13 higher than those of the reference population (95% CI, 1.95-8.76). Propensity score matching analysis revealed that thrombocytosis (n = 30/43), increased alanine aminotransferase (n = 41/44), increased alkaline phosphatase (n = 42/44), and hypercalcemia (n = 13/32) were significantly associated with HCC diagnosis. The results of this study suggest that Welsh Corgis and Beagles are breeds with a predisposition for HCC and that hyperadrenocorticism might be a potential risk factor.

Ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch based on III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter

We have demonstrated an ultra-power-efficient 2 × 2 Si Mach-Zehnder interferometer optical switch with III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) phase shifters. The efficient low-loss phase modulation enables low-crosstalk and broadband switching in conjunction with multimode interference couplers consisting of tapered input and output ports. Owing to the negligible gate leakage current in the hybrid MOS capacitor, the power consumption required for switching is 0.18 nW, approximately 10⁷ times smaller than that of a Si thermo-optic phase shifter. We also demonstrated a switching time of less than 20 ns. The III-V/Si hybrid MOS phase shifter is promising for fabricating large-scale Si photonic integrated circuits that require efficient, low-loss, and high-speed optical phase control.

Synergistic anti-AML effects of the LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440 and the NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat via transdifferentiation and DNA rereplication

Lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1, KDM1A) specifically demethylates di- and monomethylated histones H3K4 and K9, resulting in context-dependent transcriptional repression or activation. We previously identified an irreversible LSD1 inhibitor T-3775440, which exerts antileukemic activities in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines by inducing cell transdifferentiation. The NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat (MLN4924, TAK-924) is an investigational drug with antiproliferative activities in AML, and is also reported to induce cell differentiation. We therefore tested the combination of these two agents in AML models. The combination treatment resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of AML cells, accompanied by enhanced transdifferentiation of an erythroid leukemia lineage into granulomonocytic-like lineage cells. In addition, pevonedistat-induced rereplication stress during the S phase was greatly augmented by concomitant treatment with T-3775440, as reflected by the increased induction of apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the combination treatment was markedly effective in subcutaneous tumor xenograft models as well as in a disseminated model of AML, leading to tumor eradication or prolonged survival in T-3775440/pevonedistat cotreated mice. Our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of the combination of LSD1 inhibitors and pevonedistat for the treatment of AML.

Relationship between plasma anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations during the rearing period and subsequent embryo productivity in Japanese black cattle

To use plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations as early-stage markers for donor cow selection, we investigated the relationship between plasma AMH concentrations in Japanese black heifers and subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment. Plasma AMH and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in 6 heifers were evaluated once per month from 3 mo before successful AI for primiparity to 3 mo postpartum. Following calving, embryo collection by superovulation treatment was performed at 3- to 4-mo intervals. There were no significant differences in plasma AMH concentrations between the time points throughout the study period. There were, however, significant inter-animal differences in plasma AMH concentrations (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that plasma AMH concentrations were stable over time and individually specific. There were significant positive correlations between plasma AMH concentrations before AI and embryo productivity variables, including the number of ova/embryos (number of transferable embryos, degenerated embryos, and unfertilized oocytes) and numbers/proportions of fertilized and transferable embryos. There was no significant correlation between plasma AMH and NEFA concentrations throughout the study period. These findings reveal that plasma AMH concentrations during the rearing period can be used to predict subsequent embryo productivity following superovulation treatment, suggesting that these concentrations are useful early-stage markers for selecting donor cows.

Impact of surgical margins on survival of 37 dogs with massive hepatocellular carcinoma

AIMS

To compare the survival of dogs with completely resected massive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with that of dogs in which HCC were incompletely excised.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Dogs that underwent surgical excision of massive HCC between November 2006 and April 2015 were included. Dogs that died in the perioperative period or were lost to follow-up within 2 months after surgery were excluded. Data were collected from the medical records and a single pathologist examined all available histology slides to confirm the diagnosis of HCC. Surgical margins were defined as complete if no neoplastic cells were seen at the edge of excised tissues, based on original histopathology reports. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between dogs with complete surgical margins (CM) and those with incomplete margins (IM) using a log-rank test.

RESULTS

Of the 37 dogs included in the study, 25 were allocated to the CM group and 12 to the IM group. Progressive local disease developed after surgery in three dogs in the CM group and seven dogs in the IM group. Three dogs in the CM group and five dogs in the IM group died due to tumour progression. Median PFS was longer for dogs in the CM group (1,000 (95% CI=562-1,438) days) compared to dogs in the IM group (521 (95% CI=243-799) days; p=0.007). OS was also longer for dogs in the CM group (>1,836 days) compared to those in the IM group (median 765 (95% CI=474-1,056) days; p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Compared with complete resection, incomplete resection decreased PFS and OS in dogs with massive HCC. Dogs with incompletely excised HCC should be closely monitored for local recurrence, although median OS was >2 years following incomplete excision. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Washout Ratio in the Hepatic Vein Measured by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography to Distinguish Between Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Hepatic Disorders in Dogs

Background

Perflubutane microbubbles, a second‐generation ultrasound contrast agent, are phagocytized by Kupffer cells. This characteristic may be useful to differentiate diffuse hepatic diseases in dogs.

Hypothesis/objectives

To determine whether the washout ratio in the hepatic vein (HV) measured by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) can distinguish between inflammatory and noninflammatory hepatic disorders in dogs.

Animals

Forty‐one client‐owned dogs with hepatic disorders including 14 with hepatitis, 7 with primary hypoplasia of the portal vein (PHPV), 9 with congenital portosystemic shunt (cPSS), and 11 with other hepatopathy were enrolled. Six dogs without hepatic disease also were evaluated as healthy controls.

Methods

Dogs with hepatic disorders were prospectively included. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography of the HV was performed for 2 minutes. Washout ratio was defined as the attenuation rate from peak intensity to the intensity at the end of the CEUS study.

Results

Washout ratio in the hepatitis group (median, 18.0%; range, 2.0–37.0%) was significantly lower than that of the PHPV (median, 52.2%; range, 11.5–86.3%), cPSS (median, 60.0%; range, 28.6–77.4%), other hepatopathy (median, 70.5%; range, 26.6–88.4%), and normal (median, 78.0%; range, 60.7–91.7%) groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for hepatitis was 0.960, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.853–0.990. Washout ratio ≤37.1% resulted in a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 78.5–100%) and specificity of 85.2% (95% CI, 67.5–94.1%) for the prediction of hepatitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Washout ratio can distinguish hepatitis from the other noninflammatory disorders with high accuracy. This result might reflect impaired Kupffer cell phagocytosis in dogs with hepatitis.

Processing and Properties of Strong and Non-rigid Calcium Phosphate Cement

A calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets to form hydroxyapatite and has been used in dental and craniofacial applications. However, when CPC was used in periodontal repair, tooth mobility resulted in the fracture and exfoliation of the brittle implants. The aim of this study was to develop CPC-chitosan lactate composites with higher strength and increased strain before failure. It was hypothesized that the incorporation of chitosan lactate would render CPC non-rigid with improved properties. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of chitosan lactate and powder:liquid ratio (p < 0.001) on flexural strength, strain-at-peak-load, work-of-fracture, and elastic modulus. At powder:liquid = 2, the strength (mean ± SD; n = 6) at 20% chitosan lactate was 15.7 ± 1.3 MPa, higher than 4.9 ± 1.4 MPa of CPC without chitosan lactate. At powder:liquid = 1, the strain-at-peak-load was 0.2% for CPC without chitosan lactate; it increased to 15.8% for CPC containing 15% chitosan lactate. The work-of-fracture was increased by more than ten times. The novel strong and non-rigid CPC may provide compliance for tooth mobility without fracturing the implant, and may also extend the use of CPC into the repair of larger defects in stress-bearing locations.

Photoinduced electron transfer in layer-by-layer thin solid films containing cobalt oxide nanosheets, porphyrin, and methyl viologen

The well-known layer-by-layer (LbL) method can be used to prepare solid thin films with a controlled electron transfer direction by appropriately stacking metal oxide nanosheets and functional organic ions. In this study, we prepared thin solid films consisting of cobalt oxide nanosheets (CoNSs) as the electron transfer medium, α,β,γ,δ-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) as the electron donor, and 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium or methyl viologen (MV) as the electron acceptor. We investigated the photoinduced electron transfer phenomenon in these films by irradiating them with 450 nm light. Irradiating the LbL thin solid films prepared with the CoNS/TMPyP/CoNS/MV/CoNS sequence under reduced pressure led to the production of a one-electron reduction compound of MV. Hence, photoinduced electron transfer from TMPyP to MV bound to CoNSs occurred in these LbL thin solid films. However, the conduction band of CoNSs, as determined by the photoabsorption spectral and photoelectrochemical measurements, was much higher than the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital level of TMPyP. Our findings indicate that the observed equipotential photoinduced electron transfer was caused by the metallic electron conductivity of CoNSs, which show a unique charge arrangement of Co³⁺ and Co⁴⁺. Moreover, it was also found that the observed photoinduced charge separation state has a longer life-time (>5 h) under the reduced conditions.

Image Quality Required for the Diagnosis of Skull Fractures Using Head CT: A Comparison of Conventional and Improved Reconstruction Kernels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although skull fractures are generally assessed on bone images obtained by using head CT, the combined multikernel technique that enables evaluation of both brain and bone through a change in the window settings of an image set has been reported. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the image quality required for the accurate assessment of skull fractures by using head CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A random sample of 50 patients (25 nonfracture and 25 simple nondisplaced skull fractures) was selected, and sets of conventional brain and bone images and improved combined multikernel images were reconstructed (4614 images). Three radiologists indicated their confidence levels regarding the presence of skull fractures by marking on a continuous scale for each image set. The mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for each kernel, and the statistical significance of differences was tested by using the Dorfman-Berbaum-Metz method.

RESULTS

Although a difference in the diagnostic performance of the 3 radiologists was suggested, the mean area under the curve value showed no significant differences among the 3 reconstruction kernels (P = .95 [bone versus combined]), P = .91 [bone versus brain]), and P = .88 [brain versus combined]). However, the quality of brain images was distinctly poorer than the quality of the other 2 images.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in the diagnostic performance of brain, bone, and combined multikernel images for skull fractures. Skull fracture diagnosis is made possible by brain image assessments. Combined multikernel images offer the advantage of high-quality brain and bone images.

Hydrogen release reactions of Al-based complex hydrides enhanced by vibrational dynamics and valences of metal cations

Hydrogen release from Al-based complex hydrides composed of metal cation(s) and [AlH₄]^- was investigated using inelastic neutron scattering viewed from vibrational dynamics. The hydrogen release followed the softening of translational and [AlH₄]^- librational modes, which was enhanced by vibrational dynamics and the valence(s) of the metal cation(s).

Serine Racemase in Inhibitory Neurons at Striatum and it Might be Involved in Schizophrenia's Pathophysiology with d1 and d2 Receptors

Introduction

There is substantial evidence that hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is a core pathophysiological mechanism underlying schizophrenia. d-serine and serine racemase (SR) (NMDAR co-agonist and it's producer) are thought to be involved in schizophrenia's pathophysiology as NMDAR function moderators. Our laboratory showed that excitatory neuron specific SR knock out (SRKO) mice still have just 50% reduction of SR whereas full SRKO mice had no SR. Furthermore d-serine and SR are found in inhibitory neurons not only in excitatory neurons with immunohistochemistry methods. Because NMDAR has excitatory functions, the existence of d-serine and SR in inhibitory neurons and their functions are of interest.

Aims

To elucidate the existence and roles of d-serine and SR in inhibitory neurons.

Methods

Inhibitory neuron marker, GAD65, specific conditional SRKO (GAD65 SRKO) mice were made by Cre-lox recombination method. The GAD65 SRKO mice were analyzed by HPLC for d-serine concentration, western blotting for SR expression, immunohistochemistry for SR positive cell's character identification and behavioral testing.

Results

GAD65 SRKO had about 50% reduction of SR in striatum but no reduction in hippocampus and frontal cortex. d-serine of GAD65 SRKO mice was not different from WT mice. Immunohistochemistry works revealed SR is in medium spiny neuron of striatum and has colocalization with DARRP-32, D1 receptor, and D2 receptor.

Conclusions

SR is expressed in inhibitory neurons at least in striatum. It might be involved in schizophrenia's pathophysiology because it colocalizes with D1 and D2 receptors.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Measurements of Elliptic and Triangular Flow in High-Multiplicity 3He+Au Collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We present the first measurement of elliptic (v(2)) and triangular (v(3)) flow in high-multiplicity (3)He+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200  GeV. Two-particle correlations, where the particles have a large separation in pseudorapidity, are compared in (3)He+Au and in p+p collisions and indicate that collective effects dominate the second and third Fourier components for the correlations observed in the (3)He+Au system. The collective behavior is quantified in terms of elliptic v(2) and triangular v(3) anisotropy coefficients measured with respect to their corresponding event planes. The v(2) values are comparable to those previously measured in d+Au collisions at the same nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy. Comparisons with various theoretical predictions are made, including to models where the hot spots created by the impact of the three (3)He nucleons on the Au nucleus expand hydrodynamically to generate the triangular flow. The agreement of these models with data may indicate the formation of low-viscosity quark-gluon plasma even in these small collision systems.

Comparison between Monte Carlo simulation and measurement with a 3D polymer gel dosimeter for dose distributions in biological samples

In this research, we used a 135 MeV/nucleon carbon-ion beam to irradiate a biological sample composed of fresh chicken meat and bones, which was placed in front of a PAGAT gel dosimeter, and compared the measured and simulated transverse-relaxation-rate (R2) distributions in the gel dosimeter. We experimentally measured the three-dimensional R2 distribution, which records the dose induced by particles penetrating the sample, by using magnetic resonance imaging. The obtained R2 distribution reflected the heterogeneity of the biological sample. We also conducted Monte Carlo simulations using the PHITS code by reconstructing the elemental composition of the biological sample from its computed tomography images while taking into account the dependence of the gel response on the linear energy transfer. The simulation reproduced the experimental distal edge structure of the R2 distribution with an accuracy under about 2 mm, which is approximately the same as the voxel size currently used in treatment planning.

Structure resembling effect of clay surface on photochemical properties of meso-phenyl or pyridyl-substituted monocationic antimony(v) porphyrin derivatives

The more hydrophobic antimony(v) porphyrin showed greater absorption transition probability increase and fluorescence quantum yield enhancement on the clay surface. These unique effects were discussed using the potential energy curves of porphyrin.

Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties in agricultural ponds

Effects of physical and morphometric factors on nutrient removal properties were studied in small agricultural ponds with different depths, volumes, and residence times in western Japan. Average residence time was estimated to be >15 days, and it tended to decrease from summer to winter because of the increase in water withdrawal for agricultural activity. Water temperature was clearly different between the surface and bottom layers; this indicates that thermal stratification occurred in summer. Chlorophyll-a was significantly high (>20 μg/L) in the surface layer (<0.5 m) and influenced by the thermal stratification. Removal ratios of dissolved total nitrogen (DTN) and dissolved total phosphorus in the ponds were estimated to be 53-98% and 39-98% in August and 10-92% and 36-57% in December, respectively. Residence time of the ponds was longer in August than in December, and DTN removal, in particular, was more significant in ponds with longer residence time. Our results suggest residence time is an important factor for nitrogen removal in small agricultural ponds as well as large lakes.

Relative incidences and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection following transplantation of unrelated cord blood, unrelated bone marrow, and related peripheral blood in adult patients: a single institute study

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile is a major cause of nosocomial diarrhea. The incidence and prognosis of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has not yet been assessed in adult patients after unrelated cord blood transplantation (uCBT).

METHODS

The medical records of 135 adult unrelated cord blood transplant recipients were reviewed retrospectively to investigate the clinical features of CDAD after uCBT. These data were compared to medical records of 39 unrelated bone marrow transplant recipients and 27 related peripheral blood stem cell transplant recipients as controls.

RESULTS

A total of 17 recipients developed CDAD, with onset occurring at a median of 22 days (range, 0-56 days) after transplantation. Among the unrelated cord blood transplant recipients, 11 (9%) developed CDAD. These results were comparable with those of CDAD after unrelated bone marrow transplantation (uBMT) (2/39, 6%) and related peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (rPBSCT) (4/27, 16%) (P=0.37). Fifteen of the infected recipients were successfully treated with oral metronidazole, vancomycin, or cessation of antibiotics. The remaining 2 recipients who developed CDAD after uCBT died of other causes. The development of CDAD did not negatively affect overall survival after uCBT.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the incidence and prognosis of CDAD after uCBT are comparable with those after uBMT and rPBSCT.

Reintroduction of oxaliplatin for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard chemotherapy regimens

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Background: Reintroduction of oxaliplatin seems to have clinical benefits for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory to standard chemotherapy regimens. A interim analysis of RE-OPEN study reported 38.9% of disease control rate (DCR) in ASCO GI 2013, but it is still unknown who will receive benefits from reintroduction of oxaliplatin. Methods: Among patients in whom oxaliplatin was reintroduced in the 7 participating hospitals, we retrospectively studied patients who had previously received oxaliplatin and irinotecan and patients who had a response of stable disease or better during initial treatment with oxaliplatin. Results: From June 2009 through January 2013, oxaliplatin was reintroduced in 53 patients (31 men and 22 women). The median age was 64 years, and the performance status was 0 in 24 patients and 1 in 29. The reasons for discontinuing initial treatment with oxaliplatin were progressive disease in 36 patients, adverse events in 14 and others in 3. The response rate (RR), DCR, the median progression-free survival (PFS), and the median overall survival were 3.8%, 47.2%, 105 days, and 313 days, respectively. As for adverse events, allergic reactions to oxaliplatin (grade 1 or higher) occurred in 26% of the patients. RR, DCR, and PFS in 44 patients with the oxaliplatin-free-interval (OFI) over 6 months were 4.6%, 54.6%, and 119 days, respectively, and were statistically better than those in 9 patients with OFI less than 6 months (0%, 11.1%, and 84 days). Reintroduction of oxaliplatin with bevacizumab showed better PFS than that without bevacizumab (114 days and 78 days, respectively). Conclusions: Reintroduction of oxaliplatin was suggested to be one option for the management of colorectal cancer that is resistant to standard therapy, especially in patients with OFI over 6 months. Bevacizumab may enhance the results of reintroduction treatment.

Comparative analysis of mRNA expression of surface antigens between histiocytic and nonhistiocytic sarcoma in dogs

Background

Definitive diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma (HS) in dogs is relatively difficult by conventional histopathological examination because objective features of HS are not well defined.

Hypothesis

Quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of selected cellular surface antigens (SAs) specific to HS in dogs can facilitate objective and rapid diagnosis.

Animals

Dogs with HS (n = 30) and dogs without HS (n = 36), including those with other forms of lymphoma (n = 4), inflammatory diseases (n = 6), and other malignant neoplasias (n = 26).

Methods

Retrospective clinical observational study. Specimens were collected by excisional biopsy, needle core biopsy, or fine needle aspiration. To determine HS detection efficacy, mRNA expression levels of selected SAs specific to HS in dogs, including MHC class IIα, CD11b, CD11c, and CD86, were quantitatively analyzed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Each SA mRNA expression level was significantly higher in HS dogs than in non‐HS dogs (P = .0082). Cutoff values for discriminating between HS and non‐HS dogs based on these expression levels were calculated on the basis of receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. Accuracy of the cutoff values, including MHC class IIα, CD11b, CD11c, and CD86, was 87.9, 86.4, 86.4, and 84.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our results suggest that quantitative analysis of mRNA expression of the selected SAs could be an adjunctive diagnostic technique with high diagnostic accuracy for HS in dogs. Substantial investigation is required for exclusion of diseases with similar cell types of origin to lymphoma.

Medium modification of jet fragmentation in Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV measured in direct photon-hadron correlations

The jet fragmentation function is measured with direct photon-hadron correlations in p+p and Au+Au collisions at √[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The p(T) of the photon is an excellent approximation to the initial p(T) of the jet and the ratio z(T)=p(T)(h)/p(T)(γ) is used as a proxy for the jet fragmentation function. A statistical subtraction is used to extract the direct photon-hadron yields in Au+Au collisions while a photon isolation cut is applied in p+p. I(AA), the ratio of hadron yield opposite the photon in Au+Au to that in p+p, indicates modification of the jet fragmentation function. Suppression, most likely due to energy loss in the medium, is seen at high z(T). The associated hadron yield at low z(T) is enhanced at large angles. Such a trend is expected from redistribution of the lost energy into increased production of low-momentum particles.

Measurement of direct photons in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV

We report the measurement of direct photons at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at √(s(NN))=200 GeV. The direct photon signal was extracted for the transverse momentum range of 4 GeV/c<p(T)<22 GeV/c, using a statistical method to subtract decay photons from the inclusive photon sample. The direct photon nuclear modification factor R(AA) was calculated as a function of p(T) for different Au+Au collision centralities using the measured p+p direct photon spectrum and compared to theoretical predictions. R(AA) was found to be consistent with unity for all centralities over the entire measured p(T) range. Theoretical models that account for modifications of initial direct photon production due to modified parton distribution functions in Au and the different isospin composition of the nuclei predict a modest change of R(AA) from unity. They are consistent with the data. Models with compensating effects of the quark-gluon plasma on high-energy photons, such as suppression of jet-fragmentation photons and induced-photon bremsstrahlung from partons traversing the medium, are also consistent with this measurement.

Phase II study of bolus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin combined with weekly paclitaxel as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin combined with weekly paclitaxel (FLTAX) in advanced gastric cancer (GC) patients.

METHODS

Patients with untreated stage IV GC received paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) as a 1-hour infusion, followed by 5-FU 600 mg/m(2) as a bolus infusion and L-leucovorin 250 mg/m(2) as a 2-hour infusion on days 1, 8 and 15. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days. The primary endpoint was response rate.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were enrolled. The median age was 62 years (range 34-75). Twenty-one patients (60%) had diffuse-type cancer and 11 had peritoneal metastasis. The confirmed response rate was 43% (95% CI 26-61) with 15 partial responses. Stable disease was observed in 16 (46%) patients. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.8 months (95% CI 5.8-7.4) and 16.2 months (95% CI 10.0-22.8), respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse events were: neutropenia (54%), febrile neutropenia (3%), diarrhea (6%) and sensory neuropathy (11%).

CONCLUSION

FLTAX showed a desirable safety profile, and the efficacy against advanced GC was encouraging. FLTAX may be a good option for GC patients with deteriorated general condition, and a randomized clinical trial in such patients is currently underway.

Study of spectral behaviour and optical properties of cis/trans-bis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)diphenyl porphyrin adsorbed on layered silicates

The spectral properties of two dicationic porphyrins, cis- and trans-bis(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)diphenyl porphyrins, upon adsorption on clay mineral templates were investigated. A series of reduced charge Nanocor montmorillonites was used as host templates. The main impact was given on the influence of the layer charge on the absorption and fluorescence spectra. Adsorption of the porphyrins led to significant changes in their spectra but preserved the photoactivity of the dyes. The changes can be attributed to two phenomena: structural changes (flattening) of the porphyrin molecules and molecular aggregation. Latter one was more influenced by the molecular structure of the dyes and influenced the properties of mainly trans-isomer. The formation of the assemblies was significantly influenced by the layer charge of montmorillonite template. This study presents the example how one is able to influence the spectral properties and possibly also the functionality of adsorbed photoactive molecules via a strategy of appropriate combination of a photoactive component with specific inorganic templates.

A multicenter phase II study of combined chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer (KDOG 0601)

PURPOSE

We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a triplet regimen of docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer.

METHODS

Docetaxel (40 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (70 or 60 mg/m(2)) were given on day 1 of a 28-day cycle. S-1 (40 mg/m(2)) was given twice daily on days 1-14. Treatment with this regimen was continued for a maximum of 6 cycles. Subsequently, patients with no disease progression received a combination of docetaxel and S-1.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled. The median number of administered cycles was 8 (range, 1-25). Because some patients had serious myelosuppression and renal dysfunction with 70 mg/m(2) of cisplatin, dose of cisplatin was reduced to 60 mg/m(2) after 19 patients had been treated. Common severe toxic effects of grade 3 or 4 were leukocytopenia (44%), neutropenia (72%), anemia (15%), and febrile neutropenia (14%). The overall response rate of this group was 81% (95% confidence interval (CI), 71-91%). The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 18.5 (95% CI, 15.6-21.5) and 8.7 (95% CI, 6.7-10.7) months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Triplet of docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 is a well-tolerated and highly active regimen for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. A 60 mg/m(2) of cisplatin is as effective as 70 mg/m(2) of cisplatin.

Capacitance-Voltage Characteristics of p-Si/SiGeC Mos Capacitors

The first measurements of Si/SiGeC valence band offsets have been performed using heterostructure p-type MOS capacitors. Single crystalline epitaxial layers of SiGeC and Si were grown by the rapid thermal CVD technique, limited reaction processing, using ethylene as the carbon source. Films with carbon contents of up to ∼1.2% were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the strain compensating effect of carbon in SiGeC. Substitutionality of carbon in SiGe was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. MOS capacitors were fabricated by thermal oxidation (750°C) of the epitaxial Si cap on top of the SiGeC layer. Quasi-static and high frequency capacitance-voltage measurements show wellbehaved characteristics for the samples with carbon contents up to approximately 1%. Onedimensional Poisson simulations of the C-V curves were used to extract the valence band offset between Si and SiGeC. For a fixed germanium fraction, the offset decreases with increasing carbon content. However, for a given lattice mismatch, the offset for Si/Si1−x−yGexCy is larger than the measured value for Si/Si1−zGez.

[Efficacy of chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer]

Bevacizumab (BV) is widely used for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We investigated the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy combined with BV for metastatic colorectal cancer. From July 2007 to October 2008, 59 patients were treated by chemotherapy with BV in our hospital. Of the 47 patients who received BV in first-line therapy, 3 cases (6%) with complete response (CR), 25 cases(53%) with partial response (PR), and 17 cases (36%) with stable disease (SD) were observed. The overall response rate and tumor control rate were 60% and 96%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11. 9 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 23. 6 months. There were 12 patients treated first with BV in second-line therapy. Of the 12 patients, 1 case (8%) with CR, 3 cases (25%) with PR, and 4 (33%) with SD were observed. The overall response rate and tumor control rate were 33% and 67%, respectively. The median PFS was 6.0 months and median OS was not reached. With regard to the grade 3 to 4 adverse events by NCI-CTCAE ver3.0, neutropenia was observed in more than half of the patients (56%), but a few of patients had gastrointestinal toxicities, peripheral neuropathy and infections in non-hematologic toxicities. BV-associated adverse events were hypertension, proteinuria, venous thrombosis, wound healing complication, gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding, each of which were few and not serious. Six of the patients experienced PD after first-line therapy treated with BV continuously in second-line therapy. Four of six were surviving without disease progression at the last follow-up, which suggests the effectiveness of continuation of BV. Our study showed the efficacy and safety of BV for metastatic colorectal cancer.

[Three cases of radiotherapy combined with S-1 and mitomycin C for anal canal squamous cell carcinomas]

We report three cases of anal canal squamous cell carcinoma treated with radiotherapy combined with S-1 and mitomycin C(MMC). During radiotherapy, MMC was administered as intravenous bolus injection at a dose of 10mg/m2 on day 1 and 29. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 80mg/m2 on days 1-14 and 29-43. Total radiation doses ranged 55. 8-60 Gy to pelvic lesions. The rates of grade 3 toxicity were: neutropenia, 100%; leucopenia, 100%; anemia, 33. 3%; anorexia, 66. 7%. These adverse events were tolerated. All of the three cases showed complete response without recurrences. These results suggested that this treatment schedule was safe and effective for anal canal carcinomas.

Molecular diagnosis of Myxobolus spirosulcatus associated with encephalomyelitis of cultured yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata Temminck & Schlegel

Mass mortality of cultured yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, has recently been reported from fish farms in western Japan. Previous studies revealed that diseased fish were characterized by encephalomyelitis and presporogonic stages of a myxosporean-like parasite in the spinal cord. However, the parasite has remained unidentified because of the lack of mature stages being present. Thus, in the present study, analysis of the small subunit ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) of the parasite as well as in situ hybridization (ISH) studies using histological sections of the infected tissue was conducted. The 18S rDNA of the myxosporean had higher sequence similarities with those of bile-duct-infecting myxosporeans rather than those infecting nervous tissues and was identified as Myxobolus spirosulcatus. The ISH using specific probes demonstrated that the DNA amplified was derived from the multinuclear organisms found in histological sections. A highly sensitive and specific PCR-based assay for M. spirosulcatus was developed, which revealed a high prevalence of infection in cultured yellowtail that exhibited the clinical signs of encephalomyelitis.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for characterization of focal splenic lesions in dogs

BACKGROUND

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with perflubutane microbubbles improves the diagnostic accuracy to differentiate benign and malignant focal liver lesions in dogs.

HYPOTHESIS

Perflubutane microbubbles-enhanced ultrasonography is useful for differentiation of benign from malignant focal splenic lesions in dogs.

ANIMALS

Twenty-nine clinical dogs with single or multiple focal splenic lesions detected by conventional ultrasonography.

METHODS

Prospective clinical observational study. Perflubutane microbubbles-enhanced ultrasonography was performed in 29 dogs with focal splenic lesions. Qualitative assessment of the enhancement pattern was performed in the early vascular, late vascular, and parenchymal phases.

RESULTS

In the early vascular phase, a hypoechoic pattern was significantly associated with malignancy (P=.02) with sensitivity of 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25-38%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 84-100%). In the late vascular phase, a hypoechoic pattern was significantly associated with malignancy (P=.001) with sensitivity of 81% (95% CI, 66-90%) and specificity of 85% (95% CI, 65-95%). There was no significant difference between malignant and benign lesions during the parenchymal phase.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Hypoechoic splenic nodules in the early and late vascular phases with perflubutane microbubbles-enhanced ultrasonography are strongly suggestive of malignancy in dogs.

Suppressive effects of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid administration on bone resorption

SUMMARY

The main component of the metabolic by-products of fermentation by Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET-3 is 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA), which has a naphthoquinone skeleton, as in vitamin K2. This study showed that DHNA improved bone mass reduction with osteoporosis model mice caused by FK506.

INTRODUCTION

Growth of the intestinal bacterium Lactobacillus bifidus is specifically facilitated by DHNA. The present study used osteoporosis model mice to investigate the effects of DHNA on bone remodeling.

METHODS

FK506, an immunosuppressant, was used to prepare osteoporosis model mice. Thirty mice were divided into three groups: FK group, FK+DHNA group, and control group. In the FK group, FK506 was administered to induce bone mass reduction. In the FK-DHNA group, FK506 and DHNA were administered concurrently to observe improvements in bone mass reduction. To ascertain systemic and local effects of DHNA, we investigated systemic pathological changes in colon, kidney function and cytokine dynamics, and morphological and organic changes in bone and osteoclast dynamics as assessed by culture experiments.

RESULTS

Compared to the FK group without DHNA, colon damage and kidney dysfunction were milder for FK+DHNA group, and production of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha) was more suppressed. Furthermore, compared to the group without DHNA, histological analyses and radiography showed that bone resorption was suppressed for the DHNA group. Culture experiments using osteoclasts from murine bone marrow showed osteoclast suppression for the DHNA group compared to the group without DHNA.

CONCLUSION

These results show that DHNA has some effects for improving bone mass reduction caused by FK506.

Enhanced production of direct photons in Au + Au collisions at square root(S(NN)) = 200 GeV and implications for the initial temperature

The production of e+ e- pairs for m(e+ e-)<0.3 GeV/c2 and 1<p(T)<5 GeV/c is measured in p+p and Au+Au collisions at square root(S(NN))=200 GeV. An enhanced yield above hadronic sources is observed. Treating the excess as photon internal conversions, the invariant yield of direct photons is deduced. In central Au+Au collisions, the excess of the direct photon yield over p+p is exponential in transverse momentum, with an inverse slope T=221+/-19(stat)+/-19(syst) MeV. Hydrodynamical models with initial temperatures ranging from T(init) approximately 300-600 MeV at times of approximately 0.6-0.15 fm/c after the collision are in qualitative agreement with the data. Lattice QCD predicts a phase transition to quark gluon plasma at approximately 170 MeV.