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The purpose of this analysis was to report subset analysis as to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of particle-beam radiation therapy for operable early-stage lung cancer. Patients of early-stage lung cancer (T1-T2aN0) who were eligible for radical surgery but did not wish to undergo surgery were treated by proton-ion (PT) or carbon-ion (CT) radiation therapy and enrolled in Japanese prospective registry. In this analysis, PFS and OS by clinical stage, tumor location, pathological confirmation and particle-ion type were evaluated. A total of 274 patients were enrolled and included in efficacy and safety analyses. Most tumors were adenocarcinoma (44%), and 105 (38%) were not histologically confirmed and diagnosed clinically. 250 (91%) of 274 patients had tumors that were peripherally situated. 138 (50%) and 136 (50%) patients were treated by PT and CT, respectively. The median follow-up time for all censored patients was 42.8 months (IQR 36.7 – 49.0). No grade 3 or severe treatment-related toxicity was observed. 3-year PFS was 81% (95% CI;76–86) and OS was 93% (95% CI;89–96), respectively. As to particle-ion type, 3-year PFS were 79.0% and 81.9% in PT and CT (p = 0.19), and 3-year OS were 93.9% and 91.1% in PT and CT (P = 0.72), respectively. For PFS, pathological confirmation, clinical stage was significant factors but there were no significant differences by tumor location or particle-ion type; for OS, clinical stage was significant factor but there was no significant difference on pathological confirmation, tumor location or particle-ion type (Table1). Table 1. 3-year PFS and OS Particle therapy for operable early-stage lung cancer resulted in excellent 3-year OS and PFS on each subset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study investigated the occurrence of Escherichia coli pathotypes in sanitary wastewater and drinking water in a Bangladeshi urban slum and the potential associations between these sources. We examined 621 E. coli isolates from sanitary wastewater and stored drinking water by multiplex PCR and dual‐index sequencing, classifying them into eight pathotypes based on 14 virulence genes and additionally evaluating the possession of the human‐specific E. coli genetic biomarker H8. The proportions of pathogenic E. coli were significantly different (P < 0·001) between wastewater (18·6%) and drinking water (1·7%). StIb‐positive enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were predominant in wastewater, indicating that people in the site carried ETEC. In contrast, no ETEC was present in drinking water and the proportion of H8‐positive isolates was significantly smaller (7·8%) than that in wastewater (16·3%) (P = 0·001). Our findings indicate that sanitary wastewater from the slum was heavily contaminated with pathogenic E. coli, posing a great health risk. Furthermore, E. coli contamination of drinking water could be derived from not only human but also other sources. Significance and Impact of the Study: Sanitary wastewater from an urban slum was heavily contaminated with pathogenic Escherichia coli. It is worth noting a great health risk of accidental exposure to pathogenically contaminated wastewater improperly discharged in and around urban slums. The distinct difference in pathotypes between wastewater and drinking water and the significantly smaller positive proportion of the human‐specific E. coli genetic biomarker (H8) in drinking water indicate that drinking water contamination could be derived from not only human but also other sources. This highlights that pathotyping in association with the H8 marker provides an indication of pathogen contamination sources of environmental transmission media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance electronics require long carrier lifetimes within their silicon crystals. This paper reports the effects of thermal donors on the lifetimes of carriers in as-grown n-type silicon crystals grown by the Czochralski method. We grew silicon crystals with two different concentrations of thermal donors using the following two cooling processes: one was cooled with a 4-h halt after detaching the crystal from the melt, and the other was cooled continuously. The crystal grown with the cooling halt contained higher concentrations of thermal donors of the order of 1 × 10 13  cm −3 , while the crystal without the halt had no thermal donors. The measured bulk lifetimes were in the range of 15–18 ms. We concluded that thermal donors in Czochralski-grown silicon crystals do not act to reduce their lifetimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In J-PARC heavy-ion project, we aim at studies of QCD phase structures and hadron properties in high baryon density close to the neutron star core. We have developed a heavy-ion acceleration scheme with a new linac and a new booster with existing two synchrotrons with the goal beam rate of about 10 11 Hz. We have also designed a large acceptance spectrometer based on a toroidal magnet. We have evaluated the spectrometer performance, and demonstrated reconstructing dielectron and dimuon spectra with full detector simulations. Finally, we designed a hypernuclear spectrometer which can utilize the full intensity ion beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • It is the first time for in situ measurement of CO in a Czochralski furnace. • The CO concentration increased when the pressure of Ar gas increased. • The CO concentration increased when the flow rate of Ar gas decreased. Abstract Power devices with high-performance require long carrier lifetimes within their silicon crystals. This paper reports the in-situ measurement of carbon monoxide in a Czochralski growth furnace of silicon single crystals. Moreover, this paper reports analytical investigation on contamination to silicon melt as functions of pressure in the furnace, argon gas flow velocity and gap width between the melt and a thermal shield. The experimental results show the carbon contamination to the melt increases when the pressure increases and the flow rate decreases. Increase of the gap width increases the contamination of carbon. We could explain the results qualitatively using a simple transport model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics of waste and wastewater management can affect material flows. Our research investigates the management of waste and wastewater in urban areas of developing countries and its effects on phosphorus flow based on a case study in Hue Citadel, Hue, Vietnam. One hundred households were interviewed to gain insight into domestic waste and wastewater management together with secondary data collection. Next, a phosphorus flow model was developed to quantify the phosphorus input and output in the area. The results showed that almost all wastewater generated in Hue Citadel was eventually discharged into water bodies and to the ground/ groundwater. This led to most of the phosphorus output flowing into water bodies (41.2 kg P/(ha year)) and ground/groundwater (25.3 kg P/(ha year)). Sewage from the sewer system was the largest source of phosphorus loading into water bodies, while effluent from on-site sanitation systems was responsible for a major portion of phosphorus into the ground/groundwater. This elevated phosphorus loading is a serious issue in considering surface water and groundwater protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate patient characteristics and radiotherapy treatments and outcomes in bone metastasis in Japan. Patients for whom radiotherapy for bone metastasis was planned at 26 institutions in Japan between December 2020 and March 2021 were consecutively registered in this prospective, observational study. The number of registrations per facility was limited to 10. Study measures included patient characteristics, pain relief, skeletal-related events (SREs), overall survival, and incidence of radiation-related adverse events. Pain was evaluated by using a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. Two hundred thirty-two patients were registered; 224 patients and 302 lesions were fully analyzed. Primary sites were lung (36% of patients), breast (15%), and other (49%). ECOG-performance status (PS) was 0 in 23%, 1 in 38%, 2 in 22%, 3 in 13%, and 4 in 4%; 59% of patients had spinal metastases and 84% had painful lesions (at least NRS 2). The biologically effective dose (BED) assuming α/β=10 was <20 Gy (in 27%), 20 to <30 Gy (24%), 30 to <40 Gy (36%), and ≥40 Gy (13%); 9% of patients were treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). For ECOG-PS 3 or 4, 61% of patients were treated with a low BED (<30 Gy); 41% of those with ECOG-PS 0 or 1 were treated with a low BED (<30 Gy). Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 4% and no grade 4 or 5 toxicity was reported. Pain relief was achieved in 52% at 2 months and 58% at 6 months. Use of systemic chemotherapy or hormonal therapy was significantly related to good pain response at 2 months (P = 0.006), but no other factor was associated with pain response. Cumulative incidence of SREs was 6.5% (95% CI 3.1–9.9) at 6 months; no factor was significantly associated with SREs. Among 132 patients with spinal lesions, 10% were classified as Bilsky grade 3; 18% of patients were not ambulatory at baseline; 50% of evaluable patients in this group were able to walk at 2 months. The 6-month overall survival rate was 70.2% (95% CI 64.2–76.9). Good ECOG-PS, ambulatory status at baseline, no other bone metastases, high BED, and SBRT use were significantly related to better overall survival. We report real-world details of radiotherapy in bone metastasis. BED is not related to pain relief or SRE incidence, but high BED or SBRT were selected for long survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid socio-economic development in suburban areas of developing countries has induced changes in agricultural waste and nutrient management, resulting in water pollution. The study aimed at estimating agricultural nutrient cycles and their contribution to the water environment. A material flow model of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was developed focusing on agricultural activities from 1980 to 2010 in Trai hamlet, an agricultural watershed in Nhue-Day River basin, Vietnam. The model focused on the change in household management of human excreta and livestock excreta, and chemical fertilizer consumption. The results showed that the proportion of nutrients from compost/ manure applied to paddy fields decreased from 85 to 41% for both N and P between 1980 and 2010. The nutrient inputs derived from chemical fertilizer decreased 6% between 1980 and 2000 for both N and P. Then, these nutrients increased 1.4 times for N and 1.2 times for P from 2000 to 2010. As of 2010, the total inputs to paddy fields have amounted to 435 kg-N/ha/year and 90 kg-P/ha/year. Of these nutrient inputs, 40% of N and 65% of P were derived from chemical fertilizer. Thirty per cent (30%) of total N input was discharged to the water bodies through agricultural runoff and 47% of total P input accumulated in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of systematic effects on the areal density derived from a neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) is investigated by measurements at the time-of-flight facility GELINA. The experiments were carried out at a 25 m station using metallic natural Cu discs with different thicknesses. To derive the areal density from a fitting to the experimental transmission, the resonance shape analysis code REFIT was used. Large bias effects were observed using recommended resonance parameters. Therefore, neutron resonance parameters, in particular resonance energies and neutron widths, were derived from the transmission data obtained with a 0.25 mm thick Cu metallic sample. These parameters were used to study the impact of the resonance strength and sample thickness on the accuracy of the areal density derived by NRTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed-assisted growth of mono crystalline-like Silicon (mono-like Si) ingots of 50 cm square has been performed. By controlling the shape of the liquid-solid interface, a mono-like crystal was grown from a small seed of 20 cm diameter. Several developments to reduce the carbon incorporation have been realized as can be seen from the shiny ingot surfaces. The dislocation density is reduced to the order of 104 cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neutron resonance densitometry (NRD) has been proposed to quantify nuclear materials in melted fuel (MF) that will be removed from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The problem is complex due to the expected presence of strong neutron absorbing impurities such as 10B and high radiation field that is mainly caused by 137Cs. To identify the impurities under the high radiation field, NRD is based on a combination of neutron resonance transmission analysis (NRTA) and neutron resonance capture analysis (NRCA). We investigated with Geant4 the performance of a gamma-ray detector for NRCA in NRD. The gamma-ray detector has a well shape, consisting of cylindrical and tube type LaBr3 scintillators. We show how it measures 478keV gamma rays derived from 10B(n, ) reaction in MF under a high 137Cs-radiation environment. It was found that the gamma-ray detector was able to well suppress the Compton edge of 662-keV gamma rays of 137Cs and had a high peak-to-Compton continuum ratio, by using the tube type scintillator as a back-catcher detector. Then, we demonstrate that with this ability, detection of 478-keV gamma rays from 10B is accomplished in realistic measuring time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A gated photomultiplier tube (PMT) assembled with an LaBr3(Ce) detector was applied toward the prompt measurement of fast neutron capture reactions. Time-of-flight measurements of the neutron capture reactions of Cl and Al were performed using the 46-MeV electron linear accelerator at the Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute (KURRI) as a pulsed neutron source. The photomultiplier gating technique effectively suppressed the saturation of the PMT output and extended the energy region of the TOF measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have developed a bandwidth and a center frequency tuning method for use in high-temperature superconducting microstrip filters. A pair of waveguide is placed between the resonators, and the bandwidth is adjusted by changing the switch states of the waveguides. Additional electrical pads are placed open ends of the resonators for tuning the center frequency. Pads are also placed around the input/output coupled-line elements to enable the external quality factors to be adjusted, thereby reducing the insertion loss caused by tuning. A prototype three-pole tunable bandpass filter was fabricated by depositing YBa2Cu3O7 thin film on an MgO substrate and has a measured center frequency of 4.83GHz and bandwidth of 121MHz. Use of the waveguides to adjust the coupling coefficients, the electrical pads to adjust the effective lengths of the resonators and the pads to adjust the external quality factors resulted in 120-MHz bandwidth tuning and 400-MHz center frequency tuning without increased insertion loss. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Successful kidney transplantation (KT) can theoretically reconstitute body composition of a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the practical changes have not been well documented. We evaluated changes in body composition among candidates before and 1 year after KT. Methods: We enrolled 37 male and 18 female kidney recipients eligible for comparison of their body mass index (BMI), body composition, and lipid metabolism before and 1 year after KT. Twenty-one patients had been induced with a calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mofetil, steroid, and basiliximab, and 34 others underwent steroid withdrawal on postoperative day 3. The body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance. We also analyzed changes in BMI and lipid profiles. Results: There was no significant change in BMI (21.4 ± 3.1 vs 21.7 ± 3.5 kg/m2). Regarding body composition, the water level decreased significantly (61.2 ± 4.9% vs 58.3 ± 5.3%; P < .05). In contrast, fat significantly increased (16.4 ± 6.7% vs 20.3 ± 7.1%; P < .05). More interestingly, successful KT significantly decreased the muscle and bone mass at 1 year after KT (37.3 ± 5.1% vs 34.8 ± 4.7%; 16.3 ± 2.1% vs 15.2 ± 2.1%; respectively; P < .05). Serum lipid profiles of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride worsened after KT. Comparing the 2 protocols, there was no difference in any item. Conclusions: Care must be taken even after successful KT to avoid dyslipidemia, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Well programmed dietary and/or exercise protocols to prevent muscle atrophy and fat gain should be considered even after successful KT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We have developed a bandwidth and a center frequency tuning method for use in high-temperature superconducting microstrip filters. Several π-shaped waveguides are placed between the resonators, and the bandwidth is adjusted by changing the switch states of the waveguides. Additional electrical pads are placed open ends of the resonators for tuning the center frequency. Pads are also placed around the input/output coupled-line elements to enable the coupling strength between the coupled-line and resonator to be adjusted, thereby reducing the insertion loss caused by tuning. A prototype three-pole tunable bandpass filter was designed and analyzed using an electromagnetic simulator based on the moment method. The filter was designed at a center frequency of 5.00GHz and a bandwidth of 150MHz. The simulated bandwidth and center frequency of the filter were tuned from 150 to 300MHz and 4.5–5GHz without degradation of the insertion loss, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 40: 460-466 Background: Nuclear localization of [beta]-catenin is known in a wide variety of human neoplasms; however, there are few reports in basal cell adenoma of the salivary gland. Our objective was to confirm the nuclear localization of [beta]-catenin in basal cell adenoma and to examine whether nuclear [beta]-catenin expression could be a useful marker in the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. Methods: To evaluate the nuclear localization of [beta]-catenin in basal cell adenomas, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and mutation analysis of CTNNB1 were performed in 22 and 21 cases, respectively. Mutation analysis of CTNNB1 in exon 3 was performed by DNA direct sequencing. In a comparative study, IHC for [beta]-catenin was also performed in 157 other salivary gland tumors. Results: Nuclear [beta]-catenin expression was examined in 22 basal cell adenomas; scores were 2+ in 18 cases (81.8%), 1+ in three cases (13.6%), and 0 in one case (4.5%). Expression was localized in the basaloid myoepithelial cells. CTNNB1 mutation analysis was performed in 21 basal cell adenomas; mutations, including I35T and T41P, were detected in 11/21 (52%) cases. In comparison with other salivary gland tumors, one of three basal cell adenocarcinomas showed nuclear [beta]-catenin expression, whereas there was no nuclear [beta]-catenin expression in 154 other salivary gland tumors. Conclusions: We demonstrated nuclear [beta]-catenin expression and activation of the CTNNB1 gene in basal cell adenoma. Although nuclear [beta]-catenin expression may be unable to distinguish basal cell adenoma from basal cell adenocarcinoma, it should be a helpful marker in the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban sanitation issues should be tackled strategically, and may be addressed effectively when sewerage development is pursued in conjunction with complementary sanitation measures. Five sanitation improvement scenarios employing sewerage, night-soil collection-and-treatment (NSCT) system, and/or septic-tank improvement by annual desludging were analyzed from the perspective of COD loads, total nitrogen loads, and cost under the conditions found in Hanoi, Vietnam. Compared to the development of sewerage alone, the scenario of developing NSCT systems in a complementary manner with sewerage development was estimated to be the most effective for a rapid decrease of both COD and total nitrogen loads. However, it may be difficult in some cases to replace ordinary water-flush toilets by the micro-flush toilets that are used in NSCT systems. In this case, the scenario employing septic-tank improvement in conjunction with sewerage development may be effective for a rapid decrease of COD in locations where septic tanks are widely used under poor maintenance conditions and nitrogen pollution is not serious compared to COD. It was calculated that the two scenarios above would respectively require cost increases of 16 and 22% over the sewerage development scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We have developed a method for tuning the bandwidth of a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) microstrip filter. Several π-shaped waveguides are placed between the resonators, and the bandwidth is tuned in discrete steps by changing the switch states of the waveguides, which changes the coupling coefficient between the resonators. The filter contains 3-pole half-wavelength straight-line resonators and two π-shaped waveguides for bandwidth tuning. It also has several electrical pads distributed around the feed lines for trimming after tuning. The filter was fabricated by depositing YBa2Cu3O7 thin film on an MgO substrate and has a measured center frequency of 5.17GHz and bandwidth of 220MHz. Use of the π-shaped waveguides to adjust the coupling coefficients and the electrical pads to adjust the external quality factors resulted in 80-MHz bandwidth tuning without increased insertion loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) testing was conducted on single-crystal nickel-base superalloys. Distinct cracking behaviors were found to occur under different cycling conditions. A crack generally initiates from the specimen surface. For the TMF cycling without a compressive hold time, the crack initially grows perpendicular to the stress axis and then propagates along a twin plate. For the TMF cycling with a compressive hold time, the main crack propagates directly along a twin plate until final failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to control large-scale accelerators efficiently, a control system with a virtual accelerator model was constructed. The virtual accelerator (VA) is an on-line beam simulator provided with a beam monitor scheme. The VA is based upon the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) and is configured under the EPICS input/output controller (IOC) in parallel with a real accelerator (RA). Thus, the machine operator can access the parameters of the RA through the channel access client and then feed them to the VA, and vice versa. Such a control scheme facilitates developments of the commissioning tools, feasibility study of the proposed accelerator parameters and examination of the measured accelerator data. This paper describes the beam commissioning results and activities by using the VA at the J-PARC 3-GeV rapid-cycling synchrotron (RCS). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The phase-field method is used to develop a new technique to simulate γ′ precipitation in multicomponent Ni-base superalloys. This technique generates the Gibbs free energy for both the γ and γ′ phases from the single function formalism of both phases in the CALPHAD method without using conventional CALPHAD software. The Gibbs free energy surfaces for eight-element multicomponent systems are used to confirm that there is an accurate coupling with the CALPHAD method, because they compare favorably with calculated results from Thermo-Calc. In addition, γ′ precipitation in a third-generation Ni-base superalloy containing eight components is simulated in one dimension with anti-phase effects of the γ′ phase on the precipitate interactions. The simulation results reveal late-stage enrichments of Re and W in the γ phase during coalescence of the γ′ precipitates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) has been reported to promote tumour radioresistance; therefore, it is recognised as an excellent target during radiation therapy. However, the inhibition of HIF-1 in unsuitable timing can suppress rather than enhance the effect of radiation therapy because its anti-angiogenic effect increases the radioresistant hypoxic fraction. In this study, we imaged changes of HIF-1 activity after treatment with radiation and/or an HIF-1 inhibitor, YC-1, and optimised their combination. Hypoxic tumour cells were reoxygenated 6 h postirradiation, leading to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-dependent proteolysis of HIF-1alpha and a resultant decrease in HIF-1 activity. The activity then increased as HIF-1alpha accumulated in the reoxygenated regions 24 h postirradiation. Meanwhile, YC-1 temporarily but significantly suppressed HIF-1 activity, leading to a decrease in microvessel density and an increase in tumour hypoxia. On treatment with YC-1 and then radiation, the YC-1-mediated increase in tumour hypoxia suppressed the effect of radiation therapy, whereas on treatment in the reverse order, YC-1 suppressed the postirradiation upregulation of HIF-1 activity and consequently delayed tumour growth. These results indicate that treatment regimen determines whether an HIF-1 inhibitor enhances or inhibits the therapeutic effect of radiation, and the suppression of the postirradiation upregulation of HIF-1 activity is important for the best therapeutic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many cities have planed to develop sewerages in developing countries, sewerage establishment still requires huge investment and engineering efforts. Improvement of existing sanitation facilities may contribute the betterment of urban sanitation before sewerage establishment. The purpose of this study is to propose a measure to improve urban sanitation in areas where a sewerage development plan is proposed but has not been yet established, based on a case study in Hanoi, Vietnam. We found that 90.5% of human excreta flowed into septic tanks. However, 89.6% of septic tanks have never been desludged in the past and their performance was observed to be at a low level. The study also showed that if they introduce regular desludging with a frequency of once a year, they can eliminate 72.8% of COD loads from septic tanks. It was indicated that the performance can be dramatically recovered by regular desludging, which could contribute urban sanitation improvement in Hanoi. In conclusion, the performance recovery of septic tanks by regular desludging was proposed as a provisional-and-urgent measure for urban sanitation improvement, together with the septage treatment in sewage sludge treatment facilities, which should be established earlier than other facilities of sewage treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) in a 〈001〉 oriented nickel base single crystal TMS-82 superalloy was studied in an effort to clarify the mechanisms of stress relaxation and failure. Detailed observations of the microstructural evolution from the interior and outer surfaces of the specimens after TMF tests were made using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The stress relaxation took place during a hold time in compression at 900°C, and the associated mechanisms varied with the following cycles. During TMF cycling, three stages of stress relaxations were identified: (1) primary stress relaxation; (2) steady stress relaxation; and (3) tertiary stress relaxation; each stage exhibits a distinct microstructural evolution. The first stage is related to the filling of dislocations in the γ channels; the second stage involves dislocation annihilation; and the final stage is associated with the de-twinning of deformation twins. The main crack was found to originate from the intersection of deformation twin plates with the specimen surface, and oxidation then assists the growth of the crack. The stress concentration at the crack tip results in a high density of deformation twins, and the propagation of the crack along the twin boundaries can lead to TMF failure of the specimen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human solid tumors contain hypoxic regions that have considerably lower oxygen tension than the normal tissues. Hypoxia offers resistance to radiotherapy and anticancer chemotherapy, as well as predispose to increased tumor metastases. Furthermore, hypoxia induces hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), which in turn increases tumor angiogenesis. Thus, eradication of HIF-1-active/hypoxic tumor cells is very important for cancer therapy. We have previously reported that procaspase-3 fused with a von Hippel–Lindau (VHL)-mediated protein destruction motif of alpha subunit of HIF-1 (HIF-1α) containing Pro564, named TAT-ODD-procaspase-3 (TOP3), specifically induced cell death to hypoxic cells in vivo as well as in vitro. We now report that TOP3 also eradicates the radiation-induced HIF-1-active tumor cells. HIF-1 activity in the xenografts of human tumor cells, which express luciferase under the transcriptional control of HIF-1, were monitored and quantified daily with an in vivo bioluminescence photon-counting device. HIF-1 activity in tumors was more rapidly increased by ionizing radiation (IR) compared to untreated tumors. TOP3 efficiently decreased the HIF-1-activity in irradiated tumors as well as unirradiated ones, indicating TOP3 eradicated tumor cells with HIF-1-activity induced by IR as well as hypoxia. Eradication of HIF-1-active/hypoxic cells in the xenografts during irradiation exhibited significant suppression in angiogenesis and strong enhancement in a long-term growth suppression of tumor xenografts. These results further strengthen the argument that HIF-1-active/hypoxic cells play crucial roles in angiogenesis and radioresistance.Oncogene (2007) 26, 7508–7516; doi:10.1038/sj.onc.1210556; published online 11 June 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tooth development matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are under the control of several regulatory mechanisms including the upregulation of expression by inducers and downregulation by inhibitors. The aim of the present study was to monitor the occurrence and distribution pattern of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), the metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MT1-MMP and caveolin-1 during the cap and bell stage of rat molar tooth germs by means of immunocytochemistry. Strong EMMPRIN immunoreactivity was detected on the cell membranes of ameloblasts and cells of the stratum intermedium in the bell stage of the enamel organ. Differentiating odontoblasts exhibited intense EMMPRIN immunoreactivity, especially at their distal ends. Caveolin-1 immunoreactivity was evident in cells of the internal enamel epithelium and in ameloblasts. Double immunofluorescence studies revealed a focal co-localization between caveolin-1 and EMMPRIN in ameloblastic cells. Finally, western blotting experiments demonstrated the expression of EMMPRIN and caveolin-1 in dental epithelial cells (HAT-7 cells). A substantial part of EMMPRIN was detected in the detergent-insoluble caveolin-1-containing low-density raft membrane fraction of HAT-7 cells suggesting a partial localization within lipid rafts. The differentiation-dependent co-expression of MMPs with EMMPRIN in the enamel organ and in odontoblasts indicates that EMMPRIN takes part in the induction of proteolytic enzymes in the rat tooth germ. The localization of EMMPRIN in membrane rafts provides a basis for further investigations on the role of caveolin-1 in EMMPRIN-mediated signal transduction cascades in ameloblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is closely associated with the radioresistance of tumours; therefore, targeting hypoxic areas is very important for cancer therapy. The aim of this study is to establish such a targeting strategy by applying a bacterial cytosine deaminase (BCD)/5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) gene therapy system and to examine whether the strategy enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy in a tumour xenograft. The hypoxia-responsive promoter 5HREp, in which five copies of the hypoxia-response element (HRE) enhance transcription from a cytomegalovirus minimal promoter, was employed to induce the expression of BCD under hypoxic conditions. The adenoviral vector Ad/5HREp-BCD, encoding the gene 5HREp-BCD, robustly induced BCD expression under hypoxic conditions and this led to significant cytotoxicity in combination with 5-FC in vitro. Intratumoral Ad/5HREp-BCD administration resulted in the expression of BCD at the border between normoxic and necrotic regions. The BCD/5-FC gene therapy enhanced the therapeutic effects of both single (12.5 Gy) and fractionated (3 Gy x 5 days) radiotherapy with few side effects and significantly increased tumour growth doubling time by up to 2.4-fold (P<0.01) and 2.5-fold (P<0.05), respectively. All of these results suggest that the present BCD/5-FC gene therapy has the ability to specifically target hypoxic tumour cells and significantly improves the control of tumour growth after radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: No-tillage (NT) cropping systems develop distinct soil ecosystems characterized by a diverse soil fauna and slow fungal decomposition. However, nematode community analyses sometimes fail to detect these characteristics because the treatment before study or the sampling period is too short or the studies are not comprehensive. Different nematode taxa may occur depending on the geographic region and soil type, thereby affecting the usefulness of nematode analyses for soil biological assessment. However, studies in Asia are scarce. Thus, in this 2-year study, we compared nematode populations, community structures, and soil physicochemical properties between long-term NT and conventional tillage (CT) treatments combined with chemical (CF), organic (OF), or no (NF) fertilizer treatments in a Japanese soybean field. We then examined whether nematode diversity and community indices could detect differences among the treatments in the Japanese andosols. Although the effects of tillage on nematode densities were significant, the overall trend in NT–CT differences was not clear, except for omnivores and Meloidogyne. The effects of tillage on nematode diversity and community indices were apparent: diversity indices, maturity index (MI) and related indices, structure index, and channel index were higher, whereas enrichment index (EI) was lower in NT because of higher densities of K-strategy taxa, fungal and facultative root feeders, and lower densities of r-strategy bacterial feeders. Fertilizer treatments also affected nematode densities: most feeding groups were less abundant in NF and predatory nematodes were more abundant in OF than in other treatments. OF increased nematode diversity via an increase in microbivorous and predaceous nematodes. However, the effects of fertilizer on most community indices were not apparent. Interactions between tillage and fertilizer effects were significant for Pratylenchus and total nematode densities, MI, and EI. Among the soil properties differing among treatments, Ca and Mg content, cation exchange capacity, and percent total nitrogen affected nematode community structure. In conclusion, nematode community analyses using index calculations are useful for assessing soil biological properties under different tillage treatments in Japanese andosols, as well as in soil types in other countries. However, index calculations were less sensitive at detecting fertilizer treatment effects, probably because of simultaneous increases in r- and K-strategy nematodes and OF compost that was too decomposed. Other community analyses such as indicator species analysis or diversity evaluations should be used to detect fertilizer effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new kind of Ni–Co-base superalloys with a γ/γ′ two-phase structure has been proposed recently for turbine disk applications. Some of these Ni–Co-base superalloys are assessed by tensile tests. The results show that the Ni–Co-base alloys can be processed by cheap cast and wrought route and show superior tensile strength at temperatures up to 750°C and higher creep resistances up to 725°C than those of the UDIMET 720 LI alloy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thermo-mechanical fatigue of the [001]-oriented single crystal nickel base superalloy PWA-1480 was microstructurally investigated. Its superior fatigue property was evaluated in comparison with a single crystal nickel-base TMS-82 superalloy. During fatigue testing, a rafted γ/γ′ structure formed parallel to the [001] stress axis in PWA-1480. The deposited dislocations in the γ/γ′ interfaces lead to the appearance of misorientation (2–3°) locally between the γ and γ′ phases, resulting in a higher resistance for dislocation slip in the alloy. The rafted γ/γ′ structure can also effectively obstruct the propagation of a crack. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interest in phosphorus recovery from urine diverted from faeces has been growing recently. Phosphorus in urine can be precipitated out as struvite (MgNH4PO4⋅6H20) with addition of magnesium salt under alkaline conditions. Struvite formation, however, should be more well understood for its practical application. We predicted the struvite formation with a development of a new equilibrium model. The model considered the formation of eight different kinds of precipitates, including struvite, with effects of ionic strength and temperature. In addition, experiments on struvite formation in urine were conducted for the model validation. The model prediction of struvite formation had good agreement with the experimental results, The optimum pH to form struvite was predicted to be 9.4-9.7. In order to precipitate 99% of phosphate in urine with 1.5 fold Mg concentration to PO4-P, the pH value was necessary to be more than 8.1 based on the model prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AML1/RUNX1 mutations have been reported frequently in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients, especially those diagnosed with refractory anemia with excess blast (RAEB), RAEB in transformation (RAEBt), or AML following MDS (these categories are defined as MDS/AML). Although AML1 mutations are suspected to play a pivotal role in the development of MDS/AML, acquisition of additional genetic alterations is also necessary. We analyzed gene alterations in MDS/AML patients with AML1 mutations, comparing them to alterations in those without an AML1 mutation. AML1 mutations were significantly associated with −7/7q-, whereas MDS/AML patients without AML1 mutations showed a high frequency of −5/5q- and a complex karyotype. Patients with AML1 mutations showed more mutations of their FLT3, N-RAS, PTPN11, and NF1 genes, resulting in a significantly higher mutation frequency for receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)–RAS signaling pathways in AML1-mutated MDS/AML patients compared to AML1-wild-type MDS/AML patients (38% versus 6.3%, P<0.0001). Conversely, p53 mutations were detected only in patients without AML1 mutations. Furthermore, blast cells of the AML1-mutated patients expressing surface c-KIT, and SHP-2 mutants contributed to prolonged and enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation following stem cell factor stimulation. Our results suggest that MDS/AML arising from AML1/RUNX1 mutations has a significant association with −7/7q- alteration, and frequently involves RTK–RAS signaling pathway activation.Leukemia (2006) 20, 635–644. doi:10.1038/sj.leu.2404136; published online 9 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The response function of a high-resolution high-energy photon spectrometer (HHS), consisting of a twin Ge detector and BGO (Bi3Ge4O12) anti-coincidence shields, has been measured for 10.763MeV monochromatic γ-rays generated in a resonant reaction 27Al(p,γ)28Si. The experimental response functions measured with and without the anti-coincidence were compared with results by Monte Carlo simulations, in which a pulse-height degradation effect associated with a surface channel of the twin Ge detector has been included. Excellent agreement was obtained between the experimental response functions and the simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A baseline distortion effect due to gamma-flash at neutron time-of-flight measurement using a pulse neutron source has been investigated. Pulses from C6D6 detectors accumulated by flash-ADC were processed with both standard analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and flash-ADC operational modes. A correction factor of gamma-ray yields, due to baseline shift, was quantitatively obtained by comparing the pulse height spectra of the two data-taking modes. The magnitude of the correction factor depends on the time after gamma-flash and has complex time dependence with a changing sign. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The out-of-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue (OP TMF) of two Ni-based single-crystal (SC) superalloys, TMS-75 and TMS-82+, has been investigated. Their different compositions specifically influence TMF properties. TMS-75 showed a longer rupture life than TMS-82+ at t * (hold time)=0, while TMS-82+ showed a longer life than TMS-75 at different hold times. The different TMF behaviors were analyzed and were attributed, in TMS-82+, to the higher tensile strength at 400°C and higher stress relaxation resistance at 900°C. Some differences were observed between the two alloys in slip band and the γ/γ′ structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies on the dislocations and stacking faults (SFs) confirmed the previous TEM results concerning the generation mechanisms of dislocations and SFs. The current work indicates that TMS-82+ is appropriate for use in gas turbine engines under specific conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Midkine (MK) is expressed during tooth development and, since ameloblastoma is thought to be arisen from the epithelium of the odontogenic apparatus or its remnant tissues, the effect of MK in ameloblastoma cell growth should be examined. The expression and function of MK were examined using 37 ameloblastoma tissues and AM-1 cells, an HPV-16DNA transfected ameloblastoma cell line. We found that MK was immunohistochemically expressed in 70% of ameloblastoma cases and AM-1 cells. By stimulation with 100 ng/ml MK, the growth of AM-1 cells was accelerated two fold by the 9th day. MK could induce phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK (Thr202/Tyr204) and Akt (Ser473 and Thr308), and by pretreatment of PD98059, MEK1 inhibitor, or LY294002, PI3K inhibitor, MK-stimulated-phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt and MK-stimulated growth of AM-1 cells were inhibited. These results suggested that MK induced growth of ameloblastoma is through the MAPK and Akt pathways. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The phase constitution of Ir–Nb–Zr alloys with a composition below 25 at% (Nb+Zr) was investigated by microstructure observation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), composition analysis using electron probe microscopy analysis (EPMA), and phase identification using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Partial isothermal sections of the Ir–Nb–Zr ternary system were determined at 1773, 2073, and 2373 K. It was found that the f.c.c. and L12 two-phase regions, which are shown in the Ir–Nb and Ir–Zr binary systems, were connected from the Ir–Nb side to the Ir–Zr side in the Ir–Nb–Zr ternary system. The potential of Ir–Nb–Zr alloys as high-temperature materials is discussed in terms of the microstructure and the lattice misfit between the f.c.c. and L12 phases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The compression strength of an Ir-15at%Nb alloy at 1473 and 2073 K was investigated. A coherent two-phase fcc L12 structure was found in the Ir-15Nb alloy. The L12 precipitate morphology depended on the heat treatment. Cuboidal L12 precipitates with a size of 100 nm and a plate-like fcc phase inside (type A) were found after heat treatment at 1773 K. The plate-like fcc phase disappeared after heat treatment at 2073 K for 24 h, and only a cuboidal L12 phase remained (type B). Coarse rectangular L12 precipitates with a length of 400 nm (type C) were found after heat treatment at 2073 K for 168 h. The influence of L12 precipitate morphology on the high-temperature strength and dislocation structure was investigated after the compression test. A bypass mechanism in which dislocations spread in the narrow fcc phase was dominant in the type A and B structures during deformation at 1473 K. In the type C structure, bypassing of precipitates was found to be dominant. At 2073 K, deformation by a shearing mechanism was dominant in the type A and B structures, while deformation by a bypassing mechanism was dominant in the type C structure. When the precipitate size was large and the fcc channel width was wide in the type B structure, a bypassing mechanism was dominant. The deformation mechanisms are discussed in terms of the precipitate morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) behaviour of two third generation single crystal superalloys, TMS-75 and TMS-113, has been investigated. The two alloys had similar chemical composition with a γ ′ volume fraction of 60% (TMS-75) and 70% (TMS-113). It was shown that the lifetime of TMF for specimens with a hold period in the compression phase decreased severely by an order of magnitude compared with those without a hold period. Compared with TMS-75, TMS-113 superalloy showed superior creep behaviour at 1173 K, but inferior TMF behaviour between 673 Kand 1173 Kunder out of phase conditions. Microstructural studies by electron microscopy were performed to reveal the deformation mechanisms. Microstructures developed during TMF differed for the two superalloys, probably due to the difference in γ ′ volume fraction. Compressive stress relaxation behaviours also differed, which playeda keyrole in the different maximum stresses and rupture lives. Results indicate that a balance between creep and TMF properties must be made by changing the volume fraction of γ′ phase when designing new superalloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, nitrate poisoning in ruminants caused by the accumulation of nitrate in forage crops is a serious concern. In this study, 3 cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection for nitrate concentration on a dry matter basis were conducted for Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Nioudachi) to develop a breeding method using a seedling test. The seedling test involved the nitrate analysis of a shoot from a plant grown for 6 or 8 weeks in the presence of 50 mM KNO3. The selection intensity was approximately 0.07 for each cycle. The realized heritability of the third generation was calculated to be 0.21 for seedlings and 0.57 for adult plants. In a pot experiment, the nitrate concentration of the adult plants of the third generation was found to be 60% of the value for the original population at an early heading stage. The reduction is related to the increase in dry matter (DM) content as well as the decrease in nitrate concentration on a fresh matter basis. The original and selected populations did not differ in the heading date. The concentrations of K, N and P in the third generation decreased with the increase of DM content, whereas Ca and Mg concentrations remained constant. Variation in the nitrate concentration was found among varieties on the market. In conclusion, the ability to accumulate nitrate is a quantitative genetic trait of Italian ryegrass and large-scale selection for the breeding of low nitrate populations is possible using a seedling test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a field survey that was conducted on four slum, squatter and pavement dweller communities of Mumbai City, India with a total sample size of 1,070 households. How the study revealed extremely low water consumption pattern averaging merely 30 l/c.d, no sewerage and safe excreta disposal facilities manifested by high occurrence of water-borne diseases.

When characterizing the 5' flanking region of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) gene at 4q21-22, where frequent allelic losses and loss of expression had been detected in patients with brain tumors and hepatocellular carcinomas, we discovered that the Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1) gene was located only 633bp upstream from JNK3 in a head-to-head orientation. A short G/C-rich region between the cap sites of the two genes suggested that they might share a bidirectional promoter region that appeared to contain multiple cis elements, including Spl, AP-1, AP-2, GATA-1, a GC box, and a CCAAT box. The FAP-1 gene, consisting of 48 exons, initiates transcription within exon 2 and terminates in exon 48. Exons 2-5, 21-23, 25-28, 29-30, 33-34, and 34-36 encode six Gly-Leu-Gly-Phe repeat domains, and exons 12-17 and 44-88 encode the membrane-binding and catalytic domains, respectively. Seven polymorphisms were identified within functional domains or the putative promoter region, including two with amino acid substitutions, Leul419Pro and Ile1522Met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen doping reduces secondary defects in CZ silicon. It is necessary to establish the infrared measurement method of nitrogen (N) and nitrogen–oxygen (N–O) point defect (N–V) complex concentrations. In this study, we examine the vibration of N–O and N–V complexes by the molecular orbital calculation. First, we analyze the NNO and NNOO in as-grown crystal. The structures used for calculation are Si40N2O(and O2)H54. Vibration mode and induced dipole moment by localized vibration are obtained by vibrational calculation. We have shown that the sum of absorption of N and N–O peaks is closely related to the total N concentration measured by SIMS. It is to be noted that oscillator strength is proportional to square of induced-dipole. Weighted sum of absorption coefficient inversely proportional to oscillator strength is used in determining the conversion coefficient to N concentration. Next, we calculate the frequency and dipole moment of normal vibration modes of NNV and NNVV which are thought to be formed and affect the defect formation at high temperature. The structures used to calculate are Si34N2H36 and Si42N2H42. H2O-type and BF3-type asymmetric stretch vibrations are obtained. The frequency of NNV is 940 cm−1 in H2O-type and 867 cm−1 in BF3-type. In NNVV 909 and 920 cm−1 are obtained corresponding to H2O-type and the BF3-type vibrations, respectively. We are trying to find these peaks experimentally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A cuboidal L1[sub 2] phase forms in the fcc matrix of an Ir-Nb alloy. Under some conditions, a rod- or plate-like fcc structure can be observed in this phase. This is similar to the 'splitting pattern' observed in some Ni-based alloys. To understand the formation mechanism of this structure, samples were heated under different conditions. Microstructure evolution during ageing was observed by transmission electron microscopy. We observed a splitting pattern only when the L1[sub 2] precipitates were already formed in the as-cast condition after additional heat treatment at the ageing temperature. In this case, the composition of the L1[sub 2] phase was not equilibrated. We conclude that the splitting pattern appears owing to a kinetic phenomenon when the L1[sub 2] phase changes to the equilibrium composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse for examining the effect of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) additions to soils on the nutrient concentration in plants as well as in rhizosphere of soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.). The plants were grown for 8 weeks on two soils, one amended with farmyard manure and the other with chemical fertilizers, both for a period of 12 years. Before planting, the two soils were further treated with B, Zn, B + Zn, and control (no B or Zn), all with a basal application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The dry matter yield of the crops did not respond to B or Zn addition to soil, however, the concentration of B and Zn in plant tissues greatly increased, which is desirable for dairy cattle feed. The extractable B, Zn, N and manganese (Mn) concentrations in the rhizosphere increased, the copper (Cu) concentration decreased, and the iron (Fe) concentration was unchanged. The increased concentration of B and Zn in the rhizosphere was related to decrease in soil pH. The concentration of a nutrient was generally higher in the manure treated soil than in the fertilized soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]