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Background Controversy persists as to whether positive operative margins are an independent prognostic factor for resected pancreatic cancer. This study evaluated the impact of the resection margin status on the patterns of recurrence and prognosis after resection for pancreatic cancer. Methods A total of 208 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent resection with curative intent were studied retrospectively. All patients underwent pancreatectomy (164 pancreatoduodenectomies, 42 distal pancreatectomies, and 2 total pancreatectomies) intended to achieve R0 resection. They were divided into three groups on the basis of the following margin status: R>1 mm, R0–1 mm, and R0 mm. The postoperative survival and recurrence patterns were evaluated in relation to the margin status. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the factors influencing the overall survival. Results The resection margin was R>1 mm in 134 patients (65%), R0–1 mm in 40 (19%), and R0 mm in 34 patients (16%). The margin status correlated with the rate of local recurrence; 8% in R>1 mm, 20% in R0–1 mm, and 50% in R0 mm patients. In contrast, the incidence of recurrence at other sites, such as the lymph nodes, peritoneum, liver and other distant organs, were almost identical among the three groups. The median survival time was 26 months in R>1 mm, 30 months in R0–1 mm, and 23 months in R0 mm patients (P = not significant). The multivariate analyses revealed that lymph node metastases and poor differentiation were correlated with poor survival. Conclusion In the setting of pancreatectomy, when we evaluated the definitions of R0 resection, the margin status influenced the local recurrence rate but had no impact on the patients' survival.

Nano colloids in granitic groundwater obtained from a borehole located at the −300-m access/research gallery of the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory in Japan were studied in terms of their size distributions by flow-field flow fractionation (Fl-FFF). Colloids were enriched first by ultrafiltration, and then by in-situ enrichment using the focusing technique with a large injection loop and the slot flow technique because of the relatively low concentrations of colloids in the groundwater. The slot flow technique is a colloid enrichment technique inherent to Fl-FFF, where colloids are concentrated inside the channel of Fl-FFF by removing supernatant. Underestimation of colloid sizes by this technique was addressed and corrected, based on empirical linear relationship between the sizes of protein standards with and without the slot flow. The size distributions of organic constituents of colloids were measured by UV/vis and fluorescence detectors and those of inorganic constituents by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). By comparing the size distributions, possible association of trace elements with host colloidal phases consisting of major elements and organic materials was discussed. Trace elements, namely, Sr, lanthanides (La, Ce, Eu, Lu), actinides (U, Th) and heavy metals (Cu, Zn and W), exhibited distinct size distributions, reflecting their preferential association with certain host colloidal phases.

We present a rare case of metachronous splenic metastasis from gallbladder cancer. A 65-year-old female with gallbladder cancer underwent a partial hepatectomy with en-bloc resection of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile duct. Ten months later, she presented with isolated splenic metastasis and underwent splenectomy with distal pancreatectomy. The histological diagnosis confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma from gallbladder cancer. She had no signs of recurrence 4 years after the second surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of isolated splenic metastasis from gallbladder cancer.

There is increasing evidence that the presence of an ongoing systemic inflammatory response, especially a high preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), is associated with a poor outcome for a variety of common solid tumors. However, few studies have investigated the clinical value of the NLR in patients undergoing gastroenterostomy for advanced pancreatic cancer. A total of 83 patients who had symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction due to advanced pancreatic cancer and underwent gastroenterostomy were analyzed. The prognostic significance of the NLR was analyzed. The relationship between the NLR value and postoperative outcome was also evaluated. The median survival time was 9.4 months in patients with an NLR of

Background Mucin-producing cholangiocarcinoma (MPCC) is an uncommon tumour that is clinically characterized by mucin-hypersecretion. Because the initial symptoms of MPCC may be attributed to the viscus mucobilia, the primary tumour mass may potentially be unrecognizable. We report an interesting case of curatively resected occult MPCC in situ. Case presentation A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital with increased levels of biliary enzymes. Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) demonstrated a diffuse dilatation of the entire biliary system without evidence of tumour mass. Additionally, there were numerous variably sized cysts throughout the liver. The cyst of S4 was the largest, followed by that of S1, which connected with the right hepatic duct. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed intrabiliary mucus, predominantly in the left hepatic duct, but failed to show a communication of both cysts with the bile duct. We clinically suspected that minute MPCC was present within the S1 cyst and performed left hepatectomy, caudate lobectomy, and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct. Macroscopically, papillary adenocarcinoma in situ was present in the S1 cyst, and a final diagnosis of MPCC originating from the bile duct of the caudate lobe was made. Conclusions For MPCC, in practice, we should consider the possibility that this tumour can be occult. In this complicated setting, demonstrating the communication to the responsible dilated duct is a clue to the diagnosis. Multidirectional MDCT images succeeded in specifically demonstrating this communication, which is insensitive to the presence of excessive mucobilia.

Background Bismuth type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma has traditionally been categorized as unresectable disease. The aim of this study was to review experience with a resection-based strategy in patients who have type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Medical records of consecutive patients with a diagnosis of type IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2006 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcomes assessed were surgical results and long-term survival. Results Of the 332 patients with type IV tumour, 216 (65·1 per cent) underwent resection. Left hepatic trisectionectomy was the most common procedure (112 patients). Combined vascular resection was performed in 131 patients. Median duration of operation was 607 (range 356–1045) min, and blood loss was 1357 (209–10 349) ml. Complications of Clavien–Dindo grade III or more developed in 90 patients (41·7 per cent) and four (1·9 per cent) died from complications within 90 days. Survival rates were better for the 216 patients whose tumours were resected than for the 116 patients with unresected tumours (32·8 versus 1·5 per cent at 5 years; P < 0·001). Patients with pN0 M0 disease after resection had a favourable 5-year survival rate of 53 per cent. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, blood transfusion, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were identified as independent negative prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion Although resection for type IV tumour is technically demanding with high morbidity, it can be performed with low mortality and offers better survival probability in selected patients.

Background To avoid bile leakage from the stump of a cystic duct that is closed at edematous and/or involved areas, the decision regarding the location of the resection line during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign lesions extending into the cystic duct is important and requires technical ingenuity. For these situations, we used fluorescent cholangiography. Methods Our procedure for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy utilized the SILS-Port, and an additional pair of 5-mm forceps was inserted via an umbilical incision. As a fluorescence source, 1 mL of indocyanine green was intravenously injected after endotracheal intubation of patients in the operating room. A laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system developed by Karl Storz Endoskope was utilized for fluorescent cholangiography. Results Fluorescent cholangiography could be used to identify the border of the lesion in the cystic duct. According to the fluorescent cholangiography results, a location for the resection line of the cystic duct could be identified; therefore, the planned resection was successful and produced a histologically negative margin. Conclusions Application of fluorescent cholangiography in the determination of the location of the resection line location during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for benign lesions of the cystic duct should be widely accepted.

Background Curative hepatectomy with bile duct resection is the treatment for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. A locally advanced tumor necessitates hepatectomy with simultaneous vascular resection, and reconstruction remains an obstacle for surgeons. Studies have focused on the variations of hepatic arteries. Nevertheless, the anatomical alignment of the portal veins, bile ducts, and hepatic arteries are equally critical in surgical planning of curative resection for advanced tumors. We have reported promising outcomes of hepatectomy with simultaneous resection and reconstruction of the hepatic artery. With respect to the type of surgery, most patients undergo left hepatectomy with right hepatic artery resection and reconstruction in contrast to right hepatectomy with left hepatic artery resection and reconstruction. We present two patients who showed detoured left hepatic arteries that were invaded by the perihilar tumors. Case presentation A 78-year-old man who presented with epigastric pain and abnormal liver function was referred to our clinic for further examination. Serial examination resulted in the diagnosis of Bismuth type II hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The left hepatic artery ran a detoured course and was invaded by the tumor. The second patient was a 76-year-old woman who presented with jaundice and the Bismuth type II hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The left hepatic artery was along the right-lateral position of the left portal vein and was invaded by the tumor. The variant anatomical relationship of the vessel was identified preoperatively in both patients, and they underwent right hepatectomy with concomitant left hepatic artery resection and reconstruction without any major complications or recurrence. Conclusions The largely biased selection of patients is based on the following anatomical relationship: the left hepatic artery usually runs left lateral to the portal vein, which spares invasion by the perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. On the contrary, the right hepatic artery mostly runs behind the bile duct and is invaded by the tumor. This aforementioned anatomy is one of the reasons for the relatively rare left hepatic artery resections and reconstructions in right hepatectomies. By meticulous preoperative evaluation with images, we identify the anatomical variation and performed right hepatectomy with concomitant left hepatic artery resection and reconstruction without any major complications and mortalities.

Using structure based drug design, novel aminobenzisoxazoles as coagulation factor IXa inhibitors were designed and synthesized. Highly selective inhibition of FIXa over FXa was demonstrated. Anticoagulation profile of selected compounds was evaluated by aPTT and PT tests. In vitro ADMET and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were also evaluated.

The portal pedicles are wrapped in connective tissue known as the Walaeus sheath, which abut Laennec's capsule covering the liver parenchyma. Precise knowledge of this anatomic relationship allows for dissection of this interspace and early control of the segmental portal pedicle (Glissonean pedicle transection method [GPTM], Takasaki approach).The patient was a 60-year-old healthy woman with invasive lobular breast cancer, grade 2, which was estrogen receptor-positive (ER +), progesterone receptor-positive (PR +), human epidermal growth factor-negative (HER2-), Ki-67 80%, and cT2N0M1. A synchronous solitary liver metastasis between segments 6 and 7 was diagnosed. After treatment with letrozole and palbociclib for 1 year had achieved stable disease, the patient was considered for liver metastasectomy.Laparoscopic application of GPTM facilitates anatomically precise liver resection through early pedicle control. Negative counterstaining using ICG under near-infrared vision leads to visual enhancement of the anatomically precise borders. They typically do not follow straight lines and are therefore difficult to dissect precisely. Counterstaining with ICG shows patient-specific anatomic variations that would be a challenge to determine, especially laparoscopically.

Background The segmentation of the right anterior sector of the liver still is debatable due to the lack of an anatomic landmark of the boundary between Couinaud segments V and VIII (cranio-caudal segmentation). Some authors have proposed the concept of a ventro-dorsal segmentation. The aim of this study was to evaluate which concept of segmentation better reflects the anatomy. Methods Using 3-dimensional computed tomography software, the ramification pattern of the right anterior portal vein was examined in 100 patients. A thick, hepatic, venous branch that passes through Couinaud segment VIII was termed V8, and its course was investigated using a virtual hepatectomy. Results Regarding the anatomy of the portal vein in the right anterior sector, the cranio-caudal type was found in 53 patients, the ventro-dorsal type in 23 patients, and the trifurcation type in 13 patients. The remaining 11 patients had miscellaneous patterns of ramification. In the cranio-caudal type, the volume of the cranial segment was greater (P

Background & Aims For patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) undergoing major hepatectomy, extensive preoperative chemotherapy has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of extensive chemotherapy on total liver volume (TLV) change is unclear. The aims of the current study were twofold: (1) to determine the change of TLV following preoperative chemotherapy in patients undergoing resection for CLM and (2) to investigate the correlations among TLV change, postoperative hepatic insufficiency (PHI), and death from liver failure. Methods Clinicopathological features of patients with CLM who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and curative resection were reviewed (2008–2015). TLV change (degree of atrophy) was defined as the percentage difference of TLV (estimated by manual volumetry)/standardized liver volume (SLV) ratio: ([Pre-chemotherapy TLV]−[Post-chemotherapy TLV])×100÷SLV (%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to decide the accurate cut-off value of degree of atrophy to predict PHI. The Cox proportional hazard model was performed to identify the predictors of severe degree of atrophy and PHI. Results The study cohort consisted of 459 patients, of which 154 patients (34%) underwent extensive preoperative chemotherapy (≥7 cycles). ROC analysis identified the degree of atrophy ≥10% as an accurate cut-off to predict PHI, which was significantly correlated with ≥7 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy. Four factors independently predicted PHI: standardized future liver remnant ≤30% (odds ratio [OR] 4.03, p =0.019), high aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (OR 5.27, p =0.028), degree of atrophy ≥10% (OR 43.5, p p =0.005). Degree of atrophy ≥10% was associated with increased mortality from liver failure (0% [0/374] vs. 15% [13/85], p Conclusion Extensive preoperative chemotherapy induced significant atrophic change of TLV. Degree of atrophy ≥10% is an independent predictor of PHI and death in patients with CLM undergoing preoperative chemotherapy and resection. Lay summary Extensive preoperative chemotherapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) could induce hepatic atrophy. A higher degree of atrophy is an independent predictor of postoperative hepatic insufficiency and death in patients with CLM undergoing preoperative chemotherapy and resection.

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether carcinoma in situ (CIS) residue at the ductal stump affects the survival of patients undergoing resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Positive ductal margin with CIS has been treated as a tumor-free margin from a prognostic viewpoint because several studies have reported that residual CIS foci at the ductal stump do not affect survival after resection.Patients who underwent resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical margin status was histologically divided into negative (R0), positive with CIS (R1cis), and positive with invasive cancer (R1inv). The survival and incidence of local recurrence were compared among the groups.Of 684 consecutive resected patients, 172 patients with early-stage (pTis-2N0M0) cholangiocarcinoma (perihilar, n = 144; distal, n = 28) were analyzed. The cumulative incidence of local recurrence in R1cis patients was higher than R0 patients (32.8% vs 4.4% at 5 years, P0.001) and lower than R1inv patients (50.0% at 2 years, P = 0.012). The disease-specific survival for R1cis patients was worse than for R0 patients (35.1% vs 78.7% at 5 years, P = 0.005) and better than for R1inv patients (40.0% at 2 years, P = 0.002). The uni- and multivariate analyses identified the surgical margin status as an independent prognostic factor (R1cis vs R0, relative risk 2.39, P = 0.026; R1inv vs R0, RR 10.28, P0.001).R1cis increases the incidence of local recurrence and shortens postoperative survival in patients with early-stage cholangiocarcinoma, although this prognostic effect was less severe compared with R1inv. R1cis should be avoided as much as possible in surgery for early-stage cancer, although it may be allowed in advanced tumors.

Background Inflammation-based prognostic scores are useful prognostic indicators for several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the scores predict survival impact in unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio, and Prognostic Nutritional Index, were retrospectively assessed in 219 patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Results Of the four scores evaluated, mGPS and NLR demonstrated prognostic value, whereas the remaining two systems did not. The median survival time (MST) of patients with a mGPS of 0 and NLR of 0 or 1 were significantly better than that of patients with a mGPS of 1 or 2 and NLR of 2 (12.3 vs. 4.8 months, P

Background Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is an established biliary drainage method but is associated with a potential risk of seeding metastasis. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage really increases seeding metastasis and worsens the postoperative survival in patients with resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods Patients who underwent resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage or endoscopic biliary drainage were retrospectively reviewed. Seeding metastasis was defined as peritoneal/pleural dissemination and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage sinus tract recurrence. Univariate and multivariate analyses followed by propensity score matching were performed to adjust the data for the baseline characteristics of the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic biliary drainage patients. Results Of 320 resected patients, 168 underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and the remaining 152 received endoscopic biliary drainage before operation. The survival of the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage patients was significantly lower than that of the endoscopic biliary drainage patients (37.0% vs 44.3% at 5 years, P = .019). Multivariate analyses showed that percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was an independent predictor of poor survival ( P = .011) and a risk factor for seeding metastasis ( P = .005). After propensity score matching (71 patients in each group), the survival of the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage patients was significantly worse than that of the endoscopic biliary drainage patients ( P = .018). The estimated cumulative recurrence rate of seeding metastasis was significantly higher in the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage patients than in the endoscopic biliary drainage patients ( P = .005), while the recurrence rates at other sites were similar between the 2 groups ( P = .413). Conclusion Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage increases the incidence of seeding metastasis and shortens the postoperative survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic biliary drainage is recommended as the optimal method for preoperative biliary drainage.

Although surgical resection is the only way to cure biliary tract cancer (BTC), most BTCs are unresectable by the time they are diagnosed. Chemotherapy is usually used to treat unresectable BTC, but its impact on survival is small. Here, we report the case of a 70-year-old woman with a locally advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that was initially diagnosed as an unresectable liver metastasis from colon cancer that had invaded all of the major hepatic veins. However, the tumor was noticeably reduced after treatment with CAPOX plus bevacizumab, which is an uncommon therapy for BTC. The tumor was finally resected by inferior right hepatic vein-preserving left hepatic trisectionectomy combined with a resection of the right hepatic vein after a right hepatic vein embolization.

Fusion angiography using reconstructed multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) images, and cholangiography using reconstructed images from MDCT with a cholangiographic agent include an anatomical gap due to the different periods of MDCT scanning. To conquer such gaps, we attempted to develop a cholangiography procedure that automatically reconstructs a cholangiogram from portal-phase MDCT images. The automatically produced cholangiography procedure utilized an original software program that was developed by the Graduate School of Information Science, Nagoya University. This program structured 5 candidate biliary tracts, and automatically selected one as the candidate for cholangiography. The clinical value of the automatically produced cholangiography procedure was estimated based on a comparison with manually produced cholangiography. Automatically produced cholangiograms were reconstructed for 20 patients who underwent MDCT scanning before biliary drainage for distal biliary obstruction. The procedure showed the ability to extract the 5 main biliary branches and the 21 subsegmental biliary branches in 55 and 25 % of the cases, respectively. The extent of aberrant connections and aberrant extractions outside the biliary tract was acceptable. Among all of the cholangiograms, 5 were clinically applied with no correction, 8 were applied with modest improvements, and 3 produced a correct cholangiography before automatic selection. Although our procedure requires further improvement based on the analysis of additional patient data, it may represent an alternative to direct cholangiography in the future.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant gemcitabine monotherapy following resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with lymph node involvement. We performed a retrospective analysis of 180 patients undergoing resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with lymph node involvement between 2001 and 2012. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 67) or absence (n = 113) of adjuvant gemcitabine monotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed followed by a propensity score matching analysis to adjust for the differences in the baseline characteristics of the groups. The overall survival rates after surgery and the median survival times in patients who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly longer than those who were treated without adjuvant chemotherapy (32.9 vs. 15.0 % at 5 years, 37 vs. 20 months, P = 0.001). A multivariate analysis indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, a residual microscopic tumor, and pathological T stage were independent prognostic factors for survival. After two new cohorts of 32 patients were generated following 1:1 propensity score matching, the overall survival rate in the adjuvant chemotherapy group was found to be significantly longer than that in the surgery alone group (43.2 vs. 15.6 % at 5 years, P = 0.001). Adjuvant gemcitabine monotherapy may improve survival in node-positive perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients.

The stimulation of bacterial activities that convert hexavalent uranium, U(VI), to tetravalent uranium, U(IV), appears to be feasible for cost-effective remediation of contaminated aquifers. However, U(VI) reduction typically results in the precipitation of U(IV) particles less than 5 nanometers in diameter, except for environmental conditions enriched with iron. Because these tiny particles are mobile and susceptible to oxidative dissolution after the termination of nutrient injection, in situ bioremediation remains to be impractical. Here we show that U(IV) nanoparticles of coffinite (U(SiO4)1−x(OH)4x) formed in fracture-filling calcium carbonate in a granitic aquifer. In situ U-Pb isotope dating demonstrates that U(IV) nanoparticles have been sequestered in the calcium carbonate for at least 1 million years. As the microbiologically induced precipitation of calcium carbonate in aquifer systems worldwide is extremely common, we anticipate simultaneous stimulation of microbial activities for precipitation reactions of calcium carbonate and U(IV) nanoparticles, which leads to long-term sequestration of uranium and other radionuclides in contaminated aquifers and deep geological repositories.

Although surgical site infection (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy is a common complication, the risk factors remain unclear. A retrospective study of 408 consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy was conducted and the risk factors for SSI were assessed. The bacterial composition was also analyzed. Sixty-one patients developed incisional SSI, and 195 developed organ/space SSI. A multivariate analysis identified that length of operation >480 min (odds ratio [OR] 3.22), main pancreatic duct (MPD) ≤3 mm (OR 2.18), and abdominal wall thickness >10 mm (OR 2.16) were significant risk factors for incisional SSI. The development of pancreatic fistula (OR 7.56), use of semi-closed drainage system (OR 3.68), body mass index >23.5 kg/m2 (OR 3.04), MPD ≤3 mm (OR 2.21), and length of operation >480 min (OR 1.78) were significantly associated with organ/space SSI. Bacterial isolation at the SSI foci revealed that gut-derived micro-organisms were the predominant bacterial species. The presence of pancreatic fistula was the strongest risk factor for organ/space SSI. Efforts to reduce the development of pancreatic fistulas, to decrease length of operation, and to use a closed drainage system would decrease the incidence of SSI following pancreaticoduodenectomy. If SSI that requires antibacterial treatment occurs, then the treatment should target enterobacteria.

We report a case of hepatocellular adenoma, focusing on the findings of liver-specific contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). The patient was a 37-year-old woman, referred to us after contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a homogeneous, poorly enhanced liver tumor, 2.8 cm in diameter. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a liver mass with significant fatty change. The tumor increased in size to 3.3 cm over 9 months of follow-up. Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid-enhanced MRI revealed spotty enhancement in the hypointense tumor in the hepatobiliary phase. Subsequent FDG-PET showed increased uptake of FDG (maximum standardized uptake value 5.0), which suggested the possibility of malignancy. The patient underwent partial hepatectomy, and histological examination of the resected specimen revealed a tumor composed of hepatocyte-like cells with minimal cellular atypia and significant diffuse fatty change. Based on these findings, we diagnosed hepatocellular adenoma.

The total synthesis of (―)-corynantheidine has been achieved through Ni°-mediated carboxylative cyclization as the key reaction step with incorporation of CO 2 , and this cyclization was also successfully expanded to the catalytic reaction by using Et 2 Zn in the presence of an excess amount of DBU.

A slope 120 m wide and 100 m high collapsed including the roadbed of a national highway of Route 168 at Ohto, Nara, Japan on August 10, 2004. The precursory phenomena of abnormal features were found as cracks growing on the road-side slope 7 months before the catastrophe. The movements of the slope were monitored by extensometers. The data of the extensometers showed that creep mode turned from the secondary into the tertiary due to the heavy rainstorm of Typhoon Namtheun. The slide claimed no victims because the highway was closed 43 h before the catastrophe, anticipating a possible hazard when the creep velocity reached 4 mm/2 h. Comparison of rupture time predictions suggested that precision of the prediction using the reciprocal of creep velocity is higher than that by tertiary creep analysis, although leaving a problem that the prediction of the time zone of failure erred on the dangerous side. The slide generated ground vibration which was observed by seismometers deployed around the slide. Duration of the seismic signals corresponded well with the slide motion deciphered from video records. We found the fact that the seismic energy radiation from a landslide consisted of four stages. This had not been reported in any previous study, and may be important in understanding the dynamics of a rock-slide avalanche.

Although deep subterranean crystalline rocks are known to harbor microbial ecosystems, geochemical factors that constrain the biomass, diversity, and metabolic activities of microorganisms remain to be clearly defined. To better understand the geochemical and microbiological relationships, we characterized granitic groundwater collected from a 1,148- to 1,169-m-deep borehole interval at the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory site, Japan, in 2005 and 2008. Geochemical analyses of the groundwater samples indicated that major electron acceptors, such as NO(3)(-) and SO(4)(2-), were not abundant, while dissolved organic carbon (not including organic acids), CH(4) and H(2), was moderately rich in the groundwater sample collected in 2008. The total number of acridine orange-stained cells in groundwater samples collected in 2005 and 2008 were 1.1 x 10(4) and 5.2 x 10(4) cells/mL, respectively. In 2005 and 2008, the most common phylotypes determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis were both related to Thauera spp., the cultivated members of which can utilize minor electron donors, such as aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. After a 3-5-week incubation period with potential electron donors (organic acids or CH(4) + H(2)) and with/without electron acceptors (O(2) or NO(3)(-)), dominant microbial populations shifted to Brevundimonas spp. These geomicrobiological results suggest that deep granitic groundwater has been stably colonized by Thauera spp. probably owing to the limitation of O(2), NO(3)(-), and organic acids.

To enable high-performance computing (HPC) for applications with large datasets using a Sony® PLAYSTATION® 3 (PS3™) video game console, we configured a hybrid system consisting of a Windows® PC and a PS3™. To validate this system, we implemented the real-time multiplet identifier (RTMI) application, which identifies multiplets of microearthquakes in terms of the similarity of their waveforms. The cross-correlation computation, which is a core algorithm of the RTMI application, was optimised for the PS3™ platform, while the rest of the computation, including data input and output remained on the PC. With this configuration, the core part of the algorithm ran 69 times faster than the original program, accelerating total computation speed more than five times. As a result, the system processed up to 2100 total microseismic events, whereas the original implementation had a limit of 400 events. These results indicate that this system enables high-performance computing for large datasets using the PS3™, as long as data transfer time is negligible compared with computation time.

Generally, the Chang method depends on counts for the attenuation correction (AC) method in brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), because the head outlined for a uniform attenuation coefficient map is set to the sinogram of the projection data by the threshold (Sinogram Threshold Chang method). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine examination in our hospital. Patients who underwent N-isopropyl-p-[(123)I] iodoamphetamine ((123)I-IMP) SPECT are undergoing MRI. Therefore, we thought it help AC accuracy to set an accurate head outline by using the image. We jointly made "Software for an attenuation coefficient map using MRI" for trial purposes. This paper investigated whether the AC method using MRI promotes the accuracy of brain perfusion SPECT in some clinical samples. With AC methods using gamma ray transmission computed tomography (TCT) or X-ray CT (CT) also being taken into account, the AC method using MRI was compared with the Sinogram Threshold Chang method. As a result, count dependency was excluded by an accurate head outline setting that used MRI, and the AC method using MRI approached the effect of the AC method using TCT and CT more than the Sinogram Threshold Chang method. Therefore, it is suggested that the AC method using MRI is useful for the accuracy of brain perfusion SPECT.

The aim of this paper was to explore new factors that might be reasons for the occurrence of fluoride-rich groundwater in the area around a construction site. During the construction of two deep shafts of the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) in Mizunami city, central Japan, a large quantity of groundwater with high fluoride concentration was charged into the shafts. Chemical investigation carried out during the excavation revealed that fluoride concentrations in the area around the MIU site greatly exceeded those prescribed by Japanese standards. Therefore, the origin of fluoride ion was experimentally investigated. Samples were collected from the core of a deep borehole drilled in the study area. The weathering - and alteration levels of the collected granites varied greatly. Granitic powders were used to measure fluoride content in the granitic rock mass. The fluoride content ranged between 200 and 1300 mg/kg. The powders were reacted with purified water for 80 days. The results of water–rock interaction showed granitic rock to be one of the main sources of fluoride-rich groundwater in Mizunami area. Fluoride concentrations in these solutions that were shaken for 80 days varied between 2 and 7 mg/l. This change may have occurred as a result of the spatial distribution of fluoride ions in the granite mass as evidenced by mineralogical analysis of fluoride content in several specimens. X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the rock before- and after the water–rock interaction tests manifested that the presence of fluorite mineral was relatively small compared to other minerals. The degree of weathering and alteration might be an additional factor causing dissolution of fluoride-rich minerals. However, it was difficult to interpret the change in fluorite composition by X-ray diffraction analysis.

Tropical tree wood density is often related to other species-specific functional traits, e.g. size, growth rate and mortality. We would therefore expect significant associations within tropical forests between the spatial distributions of stand-level wood density and micro-environments when interspecific variation in wood density is larger than intraspecific variation and when habitat-based species assembly is important in the forest. In this study, we used wood cores collected from 515 trees of 72 species in a 15-ha plot in northern Thailand to analyse intra- and interspecific variation in wood density and the spatial association of stand-level wood density. Intraspecific variation was lower than interspecific variation (20% vs. 80% of the total variation), indicating that species-specific differences in wood density, rather than phenotypic plasticity, are the major source of variation in wood density at the study site. Wood density of individual species was significantly negatively related to maximum diameter, growth rate of sapling diameter and mortality of saplings. Stand-level mean wood density was significantly negatively related to elevation, slope convexity, sapling growth rate and sapling mortality, and positively related to slope inclination. East-facing slopes had significantly lower stand-level mean wood densities than west-facing slopes. We hypothesized that ridges and east-facing slopes in the study forest experience strong and frequent wind disturbance, and that this severe impact may lead to faster stand turnover, creating conditions that favour fast-growing species with low wood density.

Translocation of several fluorescently labeled arginine-rich peptides into intact plant cells was quantitatively examined in order to investigate the structural factors required for efficient cellular internalization, and thereby, to evaluate the potential of arginine-rich peptides as intracellular delivery vectors in plants. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) such as arginine-rich peptides permit the direct introduction of biologically active macromolecules into plant cytoplasm to manipulate various intracellular processes. While a significant level of adsorption of applied arginine-rich peptides was observed in the cell walls rich in negative charges, removal of adsorbed peptides by trypsin treatment allowed determination of the amount of internalized peptides in a quantitative manner using spectrofluorometric analysis. The internalization of arginine-rich peptides depended on the number of arginine residues, and the peptide containing eight arginine residues showed most effective internalization. Besides, the position of small cargoes attached to the arginine-rich peptides markedly affected the internalization efficiency. The results obtained in this study provide useful information for the development of efficient intracellular delivery tools in plant science.