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Supplementary Tables 1-5 from Association of Genetic Variation in the Transforming Growth Factor β-1 Gene with Serum Levels and Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia

In the normal intestinal epithelium transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) acts as a growth inhibitor, but in malignant cells it may act as a tumor promoter. However, only limited information is available on genetic variation in the TGFB1 gene and its relationship to circulating levels and risk of colorectal cancer. To characterize associations of genetic variation [tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNP) and haplotypes with frequency >0.05] at the TGFB1 locus with circulating TGFβ-1 and risk of colorectal neoplasia, we conducted two case-control studies (including 271 colorectal adenoma cases and 544 controls, and 535 colorectal adenocarcinoma cases and 656 controls) among Japanese Americans, Caucasians, and Native Hawaiians in Hawaii. Serum TGFβ-1 was measured by sandwich ELISA among the subjects of the first study. The variant A allele for tagSNP rs6957 was associated with higher serum TGFβ-1 [means (in ng/mL) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for AA or AG, 32.6 (30.6–34.7); GG, 29.0 (25.1–32.9); Pdifference = 0.05] after adjusting for age and other factors. Homozygous carriers of the variant G allele for tagSNP rs11466345 had a statistically significantly lower risk of adenocarcinoma [AG versus AA: odds ratio (OR), 0.9 (95% CI, 0.7–1.2); GG versus AA: OR, 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2–0.7); Ptrend = 0.01]. The haplotype carrying both variants was also statistically significantly associated with a reduced risk of adenocarcinoma (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.8). Although not statistically significant, the direction and magnitude of the corresponding ORs were similar for adenoma. These results suggest that a haplotype containing SNP rs11466345 at the 3′ end of TGFB1 is associated with genetic susceptibility to colorectal neoplasia. [Cancer Res 2008;68(4):1236–44]

Objectives For early-stage endometrial cancer, laparoscopic surgery is well established in many countries. In Japan, the procedure is covered by insurance from 2014. Since then, laparoscopic surgeries for gynecological cancers have been performed by not only gynecolo-oncologists but also laparoscopic qualified gynecologists. To review the safety of our cases, this IRB-approved study was performed. Methods Operative cases of endometrial cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Results Out of 94 stage I endometrial cancer cases who underwent laparoscopic surgery, total laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy + laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed for 22 patients. Median operative duration was 238 minutes, and median blood loss was 100mL. We experienced two cases of obturator nerve complete transection. Both of the surgeons were laparoscopic board certificated. In both cases, right obturator nerve was cut near to the branch of internal iliac vein. Surgical video can be revisited for one patient. The nerve covered with lymphatic tissue was dragged out medially under the internal iliac branch, and cut misinterpreted as a lymphatic trunk. For both, although nerve correction was done during surgery by suturing, rehabilitation was necessary. For open surgery, we have never experienced obturator nerve injury during the pelvic lymphadenectomy in the same period. Conclusions Obturator nerve injury during pelvic surgery is possibly frequent in laparoscopic surgery.

To evaluate the radiopacity of luting cements submitted to different aging procedures.Twenty discs (1 × 4 mm) of each of the following cements were prepared: zinc phosphate, RelyX Luting 2, Variolink 2, AllCem, RelyX U200, Multilink, Panavia F2.0, and RelyX ARC. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10/group), according to the aging procedure: thermal cycling group and water storage group. Before and after aging procedures, specimens were x-rayed with an aluminum step-wedge (11 steps, 1 mm thick each) and three dental slices (1 mm thick). The radiopacity was evaluated by means of optical density, which was measured using ImageJ software. The values were converted into millimeters of aluminum with a logistic regression calibration curve. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test (α = 0.05).In the thermal cycling group, RelyX Luting 2, RelyX U200, and Panavia F2.0 showed a statistically significant reduction in radiopacity (p0.05). In the water storage group, all cements showed a significant reduction in radiopacity (p0.05), and RelyX Luting 2 and Panavia F2.0 performed below the desired ISO 4049 standard.The radiopacity of luting cements can decrease after aging, especially after 1-year water storage.

A large-acceptance spectrometer, Neutral Kaon Spectrometer 2 (NKS2), was newly constructed to explore various photoproduction reactions in the gigaelectronvolt region at the Laboratory of Nuclear Science (LNS, currently ELPH), Tohoku University. The spectrometer consisted of a dipole magnet, drift chambers, and plastic scintillation counters. NKS2 was designed to separate pions and protons in a momentum range of less than 1 GeV/$c$, and was placed in a tagged photon beamline. A cryogenic H$_{2}$/D$_{2}$ target fitted to the spectrometer were designed. The design and performance of the detectors are described. The results of the NKS2 experiment on analyzing strangeness photoproduction data using a 0.8--1.1 GeV tagged photon beam are also presented., Comment: 62 pages, 29 figues. Submitted to Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A

We developed a timing counter with a monolithic array of multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs) coupled to a $10 \times 12.6 \times 24~\hbox{mm}^3$ plastic scintillator. A signal of the MPPC was processed and its fast components were amplified by a developed readout circuit to improve the timing. The performances of the counter were evaluated by electrons with energies of 855 MeV. A set of the MPPC based scintillation counter and a PMT based reference counter achieved the TOF resolution less than 80 ps ( $\sigma $ ). The gain was almost constant up to the count rate of 170 kHz.

The strangeness photoproduction processes near the threshold have been intensively studied by measuring K + in reactions such as γ + p → K + + Λ ( Σ 0 ) . There has been no reliable data on the neutron and as a consequence theoretical investigation suffered seriously from the lack of the data. We have an effort to measure the γ + d → K 0 ( Λ ) + X reaction in the π + π − ( p π − ) decay channel of K S 0 (Λ) using a liquid D2 target and internally-tagged photon beams ( E γ = 0.80 – 1.08 GeV ) at Research Center for Electron Photon Science (ELPH), Tohoku University. We have renewed the spectrometer (NKS2) and took data with a liquid D2 target in 2005–2007. More recently, we took data in 2010 after a detector upgrade in the vertex region to substantially increase the acceptance. The results of Λ single measurements on a deuterium target were obtained for differential cross-section as a function of momentum, as a function of angle, and integrated cross-section as a function of beam energy. The results are compared with recent theoretical studies: Isobar models (Kaon-MAID and Saclay-Lyon A) and a Regge-plus-Resonance model.

Photoproduction of the neutral kaon on the deuteron has been investigated at the Research Center for Electron Photon Science, Tohoku University. We constructed the Neutral Kaon Spectrometer-2 for the detection of charged particles from the decay of the neutral kaon and the hyperon. We obtained a momentum distribution of K 0 with the inclusive measurement. It was consistent with the previous measurement. The total cross section of γ + d → K 0 + Λ + p was estimated from the measured integral cross section of γ + d → Λ + X. The total cross section with respect to the photon energy was compared with the theoretical calculations. It favored the Saclay-Lyon A model calculation with the ratio of the neutral to charged coupling constants of the axial-vector meson, K 1, as ~ −1.5. The energy dependence and the magnitude of the total cross section were similar to the total cross section of γ + p → K + Λ.

Double charged pion photoproductions from the deuteron have been studied at Research Center for Electron Photon Science (ELPH), Tohoku University. Tagged photon beams in an energy range of 0.67 ≤ E γ ≤ 1.08 GeV were impinged on the liquid deuteron target. Produced charged particles were observed with the Neutral Kaon Spectrometer2 (NKS2). The γ d → π + π − d process was clearly separated among the three charged tracks. We obtained the photon energy dependence of the normalized yields of this process.

Background Although dermokine-β, a glycoprotein expressed in epithelial cells, does not have significant homology to other proteins, its carboxyl-terminal domain shares a high pI value with many cytokines, suggesting similar functions. Objective To better understand the biology of dermokine, we here determined its localization under pathological conditions and examined factors that regulate its expression. Methods We generated an anti-human dermokine-β/γ monoclonal antibody cross-reacting with the mouse protein. Using this antibody, immunohistological staining and Western blotting of dermokine-β/γ were performed with various tissue samples. Results Although human dermokine-β/γ was expressed in almost all granular layers, upper spinous layers of the skin were also stained with anti-dermokine-β/γ antibody in inflammatory skin disorders. Dermokine-β/γ was expressed in keratoacanthoma and a part of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, dermokine-β/γ was not detected in poorly differentiated SCC or tumours derived from non-keratinocytes. In mice, dermokine-β/γ-expressed keratinocytes were increased in models of contact hypersensitivity, ultraviolet-irradiated skin injury and wound healing. Consistent with expanded distribution in inflammatory skin diseases, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-12, and tumour necrosis factor-α augmented dermokine-β/γ expression in cultured human keratinocytes. In contrast, growth factors including epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I, keratinocyte growth factor and transforming growth factor-α significantly reduced dermokine expression. Conclusion These results provide novel insights into the physiological and pathological significance of dermokine in the epidermis.

Summary Sparing of marine resources in aquafeeds can be environmentally and economically advantageous; however, fish meal (FM) replacement can affect the production performance and physiological competence. Phospholipids are increasingly understood to be involved in maintaining growth and vigour in fish and may be deficient in reduced FM formulations. Accordingly, we evaluated the growth and stress tolerance of juvenile cobia fed typical (50% FM) or reduced FM feeds (12% FM) with or without phospholipid amendment [1% marine lecithin (12% FM + Marine PL) or soy lecithin (12% FM + Soy PL)] for 6 weeks in triplicate tanks (N = 3) in a recirculation aquaculture system. The 50% FM feed yielded significantly superior growth and growth efficiency in comparison with the 12% FM and 12% FM+ Soy PL feeds, but the 12% FM+ Marine PL feed yielded comparable results to 50% FM feed. A low-water stress challenge induced elevated plasma glucose, cortisol and lactate levels in all treatments. However, a significant interaction (diet × stress) effect suggested a lesser cortisol response among fish fed the 12% FM+ Marine PL and 50% FM diets. These findings demonstrate that growth performance and, perhaps, resilience of cobia raised on reduced FM feeds may be improved by the addition of marine-origin phospholipid to the diet.

Aim Donor specific antibodies (DSA) lead to increased risk of antibody mediated rejection (AMR), but not all mismatched HLA induce an antibody response. Using full length genomic DNA next generation sequencing (NGS) for actual recipient and donor pairs, and sera known to contain DSA by single antigen beads (SAB), we developed a novel computer algorithm to define the exact regions being recognized, unbiased with respect to locus or position in the transcribed sequence including the leader sequence. Methods We analyzed 241 kidney and cardiac transplant pairs for DSA using SAB (One Lambda) and 17th IHIWS standardized procedures for Luminex® IgG and Bio-C1q. Donor and recipient were high resolution typed at all loci using TruSight HLA v2 Sequencing Panel and analyzed by Assign 2.1 (Illumina). We compared triplet amino-acids (AA) between donor and recipient starting at the first AA in exon 1 and stepping down the entire transcribed sequence of every allele one AA at a time, identifying every triplet present in the donor but not the recipient, irrespective of locus. We developed an in–house “triplet scanning program” to perform these analyses instantaneously. We grouped pairs by DSA, starting with those with one or a limited set of DSA(s), e.g., A2 by IgG (N = 6) or C1q (N = 5), and mapped the residues on 3-D images using iCn3D Structure Viewer. Results Two A2 DSA triplet clusters were common to IgG and C1q, 2 more were observed only for C1q, and one more was observed more often for IgG. For DQ2, 5 common DQA1∗05:01 clusters and, separately, 5 common DQB1∗02:01 clusters were found by IgG (N = 12) and/or C1q (N = 8). Failure to see an expected triplet in the cluster was explained by a shared recipient triplet at another locus. Conclusions SAB and NGS provide comprehensive data to map serologically reactive epitopes. Using an unbiased computer algorithm, we have found clear serologic epitopes shared by multiple disparate donor/recipient pairs increasing confidence in the definition. Differences between IgG + and C1q + epitopes provide an opportunity to assess clinical relevance of the two. Clear and unbiased epitope definition will allow the creation of a robust database and an opportunity to develop a standardized nomenclature.

To identify the genetic basis of circulating concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), we conducted genome-wide association analyses for MCP-1 in 3 independent cohorts (n = 9598). The strongest association was for serum MCP-1 with a nonsynonymous polymorphism, rs12075 (Asp42Gly) in DARC, the gene for Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines, a known vascular reservoir of proinflammatory cytokines (minor allele frequency, 45.6%; P < 1.0 * 10−323). This association was supported by family-based genetic linkage at a locus encompassing the DARC gene (genome-wide P = 8.0 * 10−13). Asp42Gly accounted for approximately 20% of the variability in serum MCP-1 concentrations and also was associated with serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and RANTES. While exploring a lack of association between this polymorphism and EDTA plasma MCP-1 concentrations (P = .82), we determined that both clotting and exogenous heparan sulfate (unfractionated heparin) released substantial amounts of MCP-1 from Darc. Quantitative immunoflow cytometry failed to identify meaningful Asp42Gly-associated differences in Darc expression, suggesting that a functional change is responsible for the differential cytokine binding. We conclude that Asp42Gly is a major regulator of erythrocyte Darc-mediated cytokine binding and thereby the circulating concentrations of several proinflammatory cytokines. We have also identified for the first time 2 mechanisms for the release of reservoir chemokines with possible clinical implications.

Background— Environmental and genetic correlates of inflammatory marker variability are incompletely understood. In the family-based Framingham Heart Study, we investigated heritability and candidate gene associations of systemic inflammatory biomarkers. Methods and Results— In offspring participants (n=3710), we examined 11 inflammatory biomarkers (CD40 ligand, C-reactive protein, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-6, urinary isoprostanes, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase, P-selectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor II, fibrinogen). Heritability and bivariate genetic and environmental correlations were assessed by Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis routines in 1012 family members. We examined 1943 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 233 inflammatory pathway genes with ≥5 minor allele carriers using a general genetic linear model. Clinical correlates explained 2.4% (CD40 ligand) to 28.5% (C-reactive protein) of the variability in inflammatory biomarkers. Estimated heritability ranged from 10.9% (isoprostanes) to 44.8% (P-selectin). Most correlations between biomarkers were weak although statistically significant. A total of 45 single-nucleotide polymorphism-biomarker associations met the q -value threshold of 0.25. Novel top single-nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in ICAM1 gene in relation to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 concentrations (rs1799969, P =1.32�10 −8 ) and MPO in relation to myeloperoxidase (rs28730837, P =1.9�10 −5 ). Lowest P values for trans -acting single-nucleotide polymorphisms were observed for APCS with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations (rs1374486, P =1.01�10 −7 ) and confirmed for IL6R with interleukin-6 concentrations (rs8192284, P =3.36�10 −5 ). Novel potential candidates ( APCS, MPO ) need to be replicated. Conclusions— Our community-based data support the relevance of clinical and genetic factors for explaining variation in inflammatory biomarker traits.

The influence of polysaccharide concentration, final pH (2.0–4.0) and heat treatment temperature (70 or 90 °C/30 min) on the rheological properties, water-holding capacity (WHC), turbidity and microstructure of gellan gels formed by acidification with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) was evaluated. In addition the gelation kinetics was monitored by oscillatory rheological measurements. Heating the solutions, raising the polymer concentration and lowering the final pH decreased the time taken to reach gel point. Failure stress increased at lower pH values, higher polysaccharide concentration and with the application of heating before acidification. However, gels heated after acidification showed decreased failure stress. All the gels were transparent and the WHC improved at higher concentrations and pH values or at lower pH values and gellan concentrations. The microstructure and turbidity showed good correlation with the mechanical properties, which could explain the influence of the process conditions on the gel properties.

Ti-diffused planer waveguides have been fabricated on pure and Mg-doped near stoichiometric lithium niobate (SLN). Secondary ion mass spectroscopy method was applied to study the Ti diffusion in 1 mol% Mg-doped Z-cut SLN crystal. 100 nm Ti film has been deposited on LN substrate by e-beam evaporation at room temperature. Diffusion constant value for Mg-doped SLN is lower (1.84×10 −13 cm −2 /s) than that of pure SLN. Mg-doped CLN also possesses low diffusion constant value of 1.27×10 −13 cm −2 /s due to higher doping concentration of Mg (5 mol%). AFM topographic observation reveals that Mg-doped SLN shows lower surface roughness than Mg-doped CLN. The roughness (peak to valley) of the Ti-diffused Mg:SLN is 20 nm compared to 62 nm for the congruent LN waveguide. These features make Mg:SLN highly attractive for the fabrication of efficient waveguides.

In this paper, a novel zero-chirp Z-cut LiNbO/sub 3/ optical modulator using ferroelectric polarization reversal and a branch electrode is proposed. The optical modulator with a Ti-diffused optical waveguide had a very small chirp parameter, which was less than 0.02. The performance showed a preferable 10-Gb/s eye opening and bias stability.

Este estudo teve como objetivos conhecer a flora de árvores e arbustos em um fragmento da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua Montana e verificar se há diferença entre as formações Montana e Submontana no estado de São Paulo. Durante 15 meses foram feitas coletas semanais de flores e/ou frutos de espécies de arbustos, arvoretas, árvores e palmeiras, através de caminhadas nos fragmentos na Fazenda Bela Vista (4º52' W e 22º47' S, 750 a 850 m de altitude). Foram identificadas 151 espécies de 106 gêneros e 47 famílias de angiospermas, sendo os táxons mais ricos em espécies Leguminosae, Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, Rubiaceae, Meliaceae, Piperaceae e Solanaceae, Ocotea, Piper, Machaerium, Miconia, Eugenia e Solanum. Foram comparados levantamentos das formações Montana e Submontana da Floresta Estacional Semidecídua no estado de São Paulo. Os táxons de maior constância relativa e maior riqueza de espécies arbustivas e arbóreas em ambas as formações foram: Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Lauraceae, Machaerium, Eugenia, Solanum e Croton. A aplicação do teste G indicou que Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Melastomataceae, Aspidosperma, Trichilia e Casearia apresentaram riqueza específica e constância relativa significativamente maiores na formação Montana que na Submontana. Por outro lado, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Moraceae, Ocotea, Miconia, Myrcia e Ficus apresentaram riqueza e constância significativamente maiores na formação Submontana. Portanto, na Floresta Estacional Semidecídua no estado de São Paulo, há distinção florística entre as formações Montana e Submontana tanto em nível de espécies quanto de gênero e família. The aims of this study were to know the species of trees and shrubs in a fragment of Semideciduous Montane Forest and investigate the floristic difference between Montane and Submontane forests in São Paulo State. To survey tree and shrub species, weekly collectings were done during 15 months in the Fazenda Bela Vista (46º52' W and 22º47' S, 750-850 m). A total of 151 species of 106 genera and 47 angiosperm families was collected. Leguminosae, Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, Rubiaceae, Meliaceae, Piperaceae, Solanaceae, Ocotea, Piper, Machaerium, Miconia, Eugenia and Solanum were the richest taxa. Samples performed by other authors of the Montane and Submontane formations of the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest were compared. Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Lauraceae, Machaerium, Eugenia, Solanum and Croton had higher relative constancy and richness of tree and shrub species in both formations. The G test indicated that Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Melastomataceae, Aspidosperma, Trichilia and Casearia had significantly higher species richness and relative constancy in the Montane formation. On the other hand, Meliaceae, Rutaceae, Moraceae, Ocotea, Miconia, Myrcia and Ficus had significantly higher richness and constancy in the Submontane formation. Therefore, each formation has distinct floristic composition at the species as well as at genera and family levels.

My first reaction to Duc Ta is recognition. I see the faces of my own clients and recall their life histories. Whatever violent or serious crime for which they are being charged, whatever has driven them into the police stations, juvenile halls, county jails, courts, and to lawyers like me, they invariably share one life experience - violence- especially family violence, along with other forms of abuse and neglect in their most innocent and formative years.

Airway management during awake craniotomy is a crucial part of the anaesthetic technique, but it remains the subject of debate. We report two cases of anaesthesia for awake craniotomy using non-invasive positive pressure ventilation; biphasic positive airway pressure or proportional assist ventilation was employed. Both ventilatory techniques provided adequate lung ventilation, smooth transition between anaesthesia and arousal, and patient comfort.

Many cables containing 1.3-/spl mu/m zero-dispersion single-mode (SM) optical fibers are installed in trunk and access networks. Recently, there have been a number of studies on wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) systems designed to increase transmission capacity and flexibility. If we can construct WDM systems using SM optical-fiber cable networks designed to transmit using wavelengths in the 1.3-/spl mu/m window (O-band), this will prove very effective in reducing construction costs. It is therefore important to examine the wavelength dependence of the transmission characteristics of SM optical-fiber cables and networks that have already been installed and in which several optical fibers are joined. In this paper, we describe the measured optical characteristics of SM optical-fiber cables and installed optical-fiber cable networks at various wavelengths. The optical characteristics were stable in the 1.46 to 1.625-/spl mu/m wavelength range and we confirmed that the installed SM optical-fiber cable networks could be used for WDM system applications.

The Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC), the Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo and the Laboratoire de Geologie, Ecole Normale Superieure at Paris carried out in collaboration a 120-channel reflection seismic survey using an airgun array with total 4200 cubic inch capacity around the eastern Nankai trough in 1996. Data obtained by R/V Hakuho, University of Tokyo were primarily processed by JAMSTEC and were shared by the above three main bodies of this program to complete geoscientific interpretation. The fault configuration around the eastern Nankai trough is very complicated due to the collision of the Izu Peninsula against central Japan. The major remarkable faults around the eastern Nankai area are the Zenisu, the Kodaiba and the Tokai thrusts. The main objective of this paper is to clarify these fault configurations. The Zenisu thrust dips gently northward from the southern slope of the Zenisu ridge, and reaches the oceanic Moho. The location of the Tokai thrust may jump at the Tenryu canyon, and appears to reach the top of the subducting oceanic plate. The Kodaiba fault penetrates a 5.5–5.6-km/s layer, which is the crust of the central Japan forearc. A large fault in the trough axis cuts the entire oceanic crust and has a flower structure, which indicates that it has strike-slip component. Its strike is NW–SE, parallel to the plate motion and perpendicular to the strike of the Zenisu ridge. The top of the subducting oceanic crust of the Philippine Sea plate was defined beneath the continental slope of the central Japan forearc. The angle of subduction becomes abruptly steeper 50 km north of the deformation front. We also observed at the southern roof of the Zenis thrust a drape fold structure which is proof of subduction. We suggest a subduction on the southern side of the Zenisu ridge, strongly deformed oceanic crust at the trough axis and some major faults in the forearc region reaching subducting oceanic crust.

Aim A young pediatric small bowel recipient was transplanted with a donor who was typed only at low resolution by an outside center. For 6 years, the patient received multiple blood transfusions and was monitored by IgG and C1q using LabScreen SAB (One Lambda). High MFI DSA to DQ2 was treated by IVIG desensitization; however, based on the low resolution typing, DQ2 DSA remained. To determine whether this was real DSA or whether the donor had a different DQ2 heterodimer, a fresh frozen biopsy sample was obtained to try to identify the donor HLA alleles by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Methods Full length genomic DNA from the patient and biopsy was sequenced for 11 loci (A,B,C,DRB1/3/4/5,DQA1/B1,DPA1/B1) using TruSight HLA v2 Sequencing Panel (Illumina), and analyzed by Assign v.2.1 (Illumina). Two to 3 field resolution was obtained. Results At each locus on the biopsy DNA, the sequence showed discontinuous alignments and much higher numbers of mismatched nucleotide positions than usual due to the mixture of both patient and donor. Individual sequenced reads containing mismatched nucleotides compared with the two predominant alleles were applied to BLAST using both the NCBI and IMGT websites. Once multiple alleles of the first field were obtained, polymorphic positions among exons were compared with other mismatched positions of the sequenced reads to determine the second and third allelic fields. Among all loci, more than two alleles were observed. By eliminating the recipient HLA alleles from the output, the donor’s HLA typing became clear. Typing of the donor by NGS from a biopsy sample revealed that the donor did not have the target heterodimer that had been giving high MFI values by both IgG and C1q. The DQ2 that had been followed was, in fact, not a DSA. Since a prior weak DR53 DSA had already resolved, continued treatment for AMR (Antibody-Medicated Rejection) was not indicated and augmented immunosuppression was discontinued. Conclusions This case decisively demonstrates the power of NGS technology to identify 2–3 field allele level HLA typing from a chimeric specimen using a frozen biopsy specimen. It also highlights the power of the technology to inform clinical decision making.

Masashi Kaneta1, Brian Beckford1, Petr Bydžovský2, Takeshi Fujibayashi1, Takao Fujii1, Yu Fujii1, Kenta Futatsukawa1, Toshiyuki Gogami1, Yuncheng Han3, Osamu Hashimoto1 ∗, Kentaro Hirose4, Kenji Hosomi1, Ryotarou Honda1, Aran Iguchi1, Takatsugu Ishikawa4, Hiroki Kanda1, Yusuke Kaneko1, Yuma Kasai1, Taito Kawasaki1, Chigusa Kimura1, Shogo Kiyokawa1, Takeshi Koike1, Kazushige Maeda1, Nayuta Maruyama1, Masao Matsubara1, Koji Miwa1, Yohei Miyagi1, Sho Nagao1, Satoshi N. Nakamura1, Takashi Nishizawa1, Akira Okuyama1, Miloslav Sotona2,∗, Tadaaki Tamae4, Hirokazu Tamura1, Kyo Tsukada1, Nobu Terada1, Tieshan Wang3, Fumiya Yamamoto1, Takeshi O. Yamamoto1, and Hirohito Yamazaki4 (the NKS2 collaboration)

BL35XU of SPring-8 is dedicated to the investigation of sample dynamics on ∼meV energy scales using inelastic X-ray scattering and nuclear resonant scattering of synchrotron radiation. The beamline saw first light in February 2000. We briefly describe the beamline design and status. We include results from the early commissioning period, and from our program of instrumentation development, including backscattering monochromators and analyzer crystals.

The circumoval precipitin test (COPT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the immunoblotting anti-adult worm antigen (AWA) and soluble egg antigen (SEA) tests were applied to 17 chronically schistosome-infected patients for the detection of anti-Schistosoma mansoni antibodies before and on four occasions after oxamniquine administration over a period of six months. Compared to a control group, schistosomiasis patients showed high levels of IgG antibodies in AWA and SEA-ELISA. A decrease in IgG levels was observed six months after treatment, although negative reactions were not obtained. Significant decreases in IgG1, IgG3 and, mainly, IgG4, but not anti-SEA IgG2 levels were observed six months after treatment, again without negativity. Analysis of anti-AWA IgG antibodies by immunoblotting before treatment showed a 31 kDa strand in 14 patients (82%) which disappeared in three cases up to six months after treatment; furthermore, anti-SEA IgG antibodies showed the same band in nine patients (53%) before treatment, which disappeared in only four cases up to six months after treatment.

Overall, as well as individual, bubble behavior of a plane bubble plume which is confined by two parallel plates is investigated by means of several qualitative and quantitative flow visualization methods. These include observation, measurement of time-averaged void distribution, surface tufts and particle imaging velocimetry. Several kinds of unstable motion of the bubble convection, which depend on the free surface initial height and on the gas flow rate, are observed. The bubble motion along the bubble plume is precisely measured by an image-processing method which also delivers velocity vectors, number density and size of the bubbles.

We describe a stable lightwave synthesized frequency sweeper (LSFS) using a Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity composed of two Faraday rotator mirrors (FRMs). In the former half of this paper, we numerically simulate the behavior of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise accumulations, and show that angular deviations of the FRMs can cause instability in the frequency sweep span. We also show that the span is stabilized by placing a polarizer in one of the FRMs because the FP cavity then works as a single-polarization cavity with a small transmittance fluctuation. Experimental results confirming the stability of this LSFS are provided in the latter half of this paper.

YAG-alumina composites with Al2O3-rich and YAG-rich compositions were prepared by annealing the hot-pressed composites at the eutectic temperature (1820°C) for 1 h followed by cooling down at 10 or 100°C/min in argon atmosphere. Microstructural observations of the solidified composites identified that metastable phase δ-Al2O3 precipitated in the Al2O3-rich specimens cooled down at both the cooling rates. For the solidified YAG-rich specimens, however, equilibrium phase α-Al2O3 could not be reprecipitated, moreover, metastable YAlO3 phase was formed at cooling rate of 100°C/min. Formation of the metastable phases in the solidified composites was attributed to the decreased melting temperature caused by the divorced eutectic precipitation and the metastable decomposition of YAG component in YAG-alumina eutectic melt during rapid solidification.

This article is a summary of The Second International Workshop on PIV'97-Fukui, which was held from 8 July to 11 July, 1997, in Fukui, Japan, and describes interesting topics presented there. The first and second workshops originated in Fukui, Japan, sponsored by the Japan Society of Visualization and the Center for Cooperative Research in Science and Technology, Fukui University. The participants exchanged new information and deepened their friendship among them. A lot of important and new directions in PIV development were discussed in the workshop. Some of them are summarized in the last part of this article. The Third Workshop chaired by Prof. Adrian will be held in Santa Barbara, USA, and the forth will be held in Europe.