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The FIREX-1 project, the goal of which is to demonstrate fuel heating up to 5 keV by fast ignition scheme, has been carried out since 2003 including construction and tuning of LFEX laser and integrated experiments. Implosion and heating experiment of Fast Ignition targets have been performed since 2009 with Gekko-XII and LFEX lasers. A deuterated polystyrene shell target was imploded with the 0.53- μm Gekko-XII, and the 1.053- μm beam of the LFEX laser was injected through a gold cone attached to the shell to generate hot electrons to heat the imploded fuel plasma. Pulse contrast ratio of the LFEX beam was significantly improved. Also a variety of plasma diagnostic instruments were developed to be compatible with harsh environment of intense hard x-rays (γ rays) and electromagnetic pulses due to the intense LFEX beam on the target. Large background signals around the DD neutron signal in time-of-flight record of neutron detector were found to consist of neutrons via (γ,n) reactions and scattered gamma rays. Enhanced neutron yield was confirmed by carefully eliminating such backgrounds. Neutron enhancement up to 3.5 × 107 was observed. Heating efficiency was estimated to be 10-20% assuming a uniform temperature rise model. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2013.

Implosion and heating experiments at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University on Fast Ignition (FI) targets for the FIREX-1 project have been performed with Gekko-XII laser for implosions and LFEX laser for heating. We tried to reduce the prepulse level in the LFEX laser system and have improved the plasma diagnostics to observe the plasma in the harsh hard X-ray environment. A plastic (CD) shell target, 7-μm thick and 500 μm in diameter with a hollow gold cone was used in this experiment to guide the short-pulse laser at the time of the maximum compression. The shell target was imploded with 9 or 12 beams of Gekko-XII laser (527 nm) with energy of 300 J/beam in a 1.5 ns pulse. Two of the four LFEX laser (1053 nm) beams were injected into the inside bottom of the cone with an energy up to 0.7 kJ/beam in a 1.5 ps pulse at the time around the maximum implosion. We have observed neutron enhancement up to 3.5 × 107 with total heating energy of 300 J, which is higher than the yield obtained in the previous experiment in 2002 [R. Kodama et al. Nature 418, 933 (2002)]. We found the estimated heating efficiency is at a level of 10–20%. Fuel heating to 5 keV is expected when the full output of LFEX is used.

We propose a new and fast method for testing contact-hole-roughness (CHR), which is a major yield-loss factor for advanced SRAMs. This proposed method is using defect-review SEM image processing. The method can monitor CHR 100 times faster than the conventional method by CD-SEM. The speed can facilitate faster identification of process countermeasures by, for example, making detailed monitoring of CHR variation within a wafer practicable. Obtained results of CHR using new and traditional methods show similar trends on process condition dependencies. Through evaluation by the new method, we demonstrate that the standby electric current of advanced SRAM depends not only on overlay error but also on CHR.

We examine a technique for enhancing the voltage contrast (VC) of a failure analysis (FA) tool, defect review scanning electron microscope (DR-SEM). For an SRAM, we demonstrate a dependence of gate-leak VC on the relative angle (RA) between the direction of beam scanning by the FA tool and the lengthwise direction of the gate electrode. Experimental results show that better VC results are obtained when RA is zero, in other words, a beam's scan-line is parallel with the SRAM gate. We propose a simple qualitative resistor-capacitor model to explain this phenomenon. With the help of this VC enhancement technique of the FA tool, we could tune the electron beam inspection (EBI) recipe to an appropriate condition quicker. The cycle time of EBI recipe tuning was shortened from five to two days. As a result, correct EBI evaluation results of countermeasure experiments led us to a yield enhancement solution within a shorter period of time.

Ultra intense laser interaction with solids is crucially modified by the presence of the plasma layer created by the prepulse associated with the peak intensity pulse. Here interferometric measurements of the preplasma created by a 40 TW, 600 fs Nd-glass laser are reported. Density profile and its target dependence are measured and the predicted scale length dependence on target atomic number is confirmed.

Pulse shaping in chirped pulse amplification laser system with large glass amplifier is demonstrated through the spectral control of the chirped pulse. Spectral shape is modified by changing the spatial dispersion with a spatially modulated transmission filter in pulse stretcher. Three different pulse shaping controls, prepulse control, pedestal reduction and pulse duration shortening, are performed in both experiments and calculations. A 70 TW/300 fs laser pulse was obtained without an increase of the laser energy in the system, which usually provides 40 TW/500 fs pulse.

We evaluated the usefulness of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) in detecting specific gene sequences of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). A total of 102 primer sets for LAMP was designed to amplify the IS 900 , HspX, and F57 gene sequences of MAP. Using each of two primer sets (P-1 and P-2) derived from the IS 900 fragment, it was possible to detect MAP in a manner similar to that used with nested PCR. The sensitivity of LAMP with P-1 was 0.5 pg/tube, which was more sensitive than nested PCR. When P-2 was used, 5 pg/tube could be detected, which was the same level of sensitivity as that for nested PCR. LAMP with P-1 was specific. Although only 2 Mycobacterium scrofulaceum strains out of 43 non-MAP mycobacterial strains were amplified, the amplification reaction for these strains was less efficient than for MAP strains, and their products could be distinguished from MAP products by restriction digestion. LAMP with P-2 resulted in very specific amplification only from MAP, the same result obtained with nested PCR. Our LAMP method was highly specific, and the white turbidity of magnesium pyrophosphate, a by-product of the LAMP reaction, allowed simple visual detection. Our method is rapid, taking only 2 h, compared with 4 h for nested PCR. In addition, the LAMP method is performed under isothermal conditions and no special apparatus is needed, which makes it more economical and practical than nested PCR or real-time PCR. These results indicate that LAMP can provide a rapid yet simple test for the detection of MAP.

Advanced electrolyte retainers have been developed to improve the life cycle of valve-regulated lead–acid (VRLA) batteries. One of the retainers is a separator mat which contains synthetic wood pulp (SWP), or fine polymer fibre. It shrinks less than conventional absorptive glass mat (AGM) when wetted with acid and is so elastic that the plates are kept well-pressed together when the volume of the plates changes during charge and discharge. The other retainer is granular silica which fills the space between and around the plates instead of the AGM. In a battery using this type of retainer, the plates are tightly compressed from all directions and the compression does not decrease after water loss. The basic characteristics of these new retainers and their influence on battery performance are discussed.

The 30-TW GEKKO-MII short pulse laser is completed and is used for high field physics studies, including a basic fast ignitor research. The second harmonic (2ω) backscattering shows critical surface recession due to the laser photon pressure. A few hundred protons and deuterons are observed. The 100-TW GEKKO-XII short pulse laser, a petawatt laser module, is constructed to study a feasibility of fast ignition of an imploded target.

A splenectomy or distal pancreaticosplenectomy is often performed simultaneously with total gastrectomy in the treatment of gastric carcinoma to facilitate dissection of the lymph nodes around the splenic artery and splenic hilus. However, the negative impact of splenectomy and pancreaticosplenectomy has also been reported. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcomes of distal pancreaticosplenectomy and total gastrectomy, splenectomy and total gastrectomy, and gastrectomy alone in the patients with advanced gastric carcinoma without distant metastasis. Prognostic factors were examined. No significant differences existed in 5-year survival in the patients who underwent gastrectomy with splenectomy, gastrectomy with distal pancreaticosplenectomy, or gastrectomy alone. Neither splenectomy, nor distal pancreaticosplenectomy were prognostic factors. However, distal pancreaticosplenectomy was an independent predictor of pancreatic fistula. In conclusion, the addition of distal pancreaticosplenectomy or splenectomy to total gastrectomy for gastric cancer increases the risk of severe complications, but does not improve survival. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaign

The 30 TW GEKKO MII short pulse laser (25 J in 0.71 ps at 1 μm) is completed and is used for fast ignitor and particle accelerator research. The photon pressure of the laser at 10 17 –10 18 W/cm 2 pushed the critical and quarter critical density plasmas forward, resulting in the strong red shifts of the second (2 ω 0 ) and three-halves (3 ω 0 /2) harmonic emissions backscattered from CH or CD planes. A few hundred keV proton and deuteron emissions are also observed from CD planes.

A distal pancreatectomy is often performed simultaneously with splenectomy and total gastrectomy in the treatment of gastric carcinoma to facilitate dissection of the lymph nodes around the splenic artery. However, the morbidity of partial pancreatectomy is high. Patients undergoing pancreaticosplenectomy in conjunction with total gastrectomy are subject to leaks from the pancreatic stump, which may cause further complications. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the end results of simultaneous distal pancreatectomy with total gastrectomy. The effect of distal pancreatectomy on survival was studied by examination of the records of 174 patients who underwent splenectomy and total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. Of these, 93 underwent distal pancreatectomy. Prognostic factors were determined and were examined in relation to the post-operative complications. There was no significant difference in the 5-year survival of the patients who did or did not undergo distal pancreatectomy. There was no correlation between any prognostic factor and distal pancreatectomy. In contrast, distal pancreatectomy was independently associated with post-operative complications. In this retrospective study, the addition of distal pancreatectomy to splenectomy at total gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer did not affect survival but was associated with severe complications.

Objectives To compare two methods of pre-induction cervical ripening in a randomized clinical trial. Methods A single intracervical prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) gel application was compared with a single insertion of hygroscopic dilators in 441 women at term with unfavorable cervical scores. Induction success was defined as entry into active labor within 6 hours of oxytocin infusion. Results There was no statistical difference in pre- or post-ripening cervical scores. In the group receiving hygroscopic dilators, only 28% entered the active phase of labor within 6 hours of oxytocin infusion compared with 45% ( P 2 group. Thus, in this study, a change in cervical score did not directly predict induction success. There was a higher rate of postpartum endometritis (24 versus 14%; P =.007) and suspected neonatal infection (10 versus 5%; P =.03) in the dilator group..001) in the PGE 2 group. Thus, in this study, a change in cervical score did not directly predict induction success. There was a higher rate of postpartum endometritis (24 versus 14%; P =.007) and suspected neonatal infection (10 versus 5%; P =.03) in the dilator group..001) in the PGE 2 group. Thus, in this study, a change in cervical score did not directly predict induction success. There was a higher rate of postpartum endometritis (24 versus 14%; P =.007) and suspected neonatal infection (10 versus 5%; P =.03) in the dilator group. Conclusions Pre-induction ripening by hygroscopic dilators and intracervical PGE 2 , was equivalent as measured by changes in the cervical score. The change in cervical score, however, was not predictive of successful induction, and PGE 2 , was more frequently associated with induction success. Hygroscopic dilators were associated with a higher incidence of postpartum maternal and neonatal infection because of a longer duration of labor. Hospital charges for intracervical PGE 2 , gel totaled $522 compared with $91 for the insertion of three dilators.

The purpose of the equipment described is to separate the power system when an out-of-step between two groups of generators within it is predicted. The out-of-step prediction method is based on the generator's angular-velocity data measured by electromagnetic sensors and gears that are fastened directly to the rotors. The equipment was tested by the large-scale power system simulator APSA (Advanced Power System Analyzer) and was also field tested. The results are presented. >

The CO2 laser group at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University is equipped for doing on the laser beat-wave acceleration experiment. By injection-locking with the 9P (22) line in a piezoelectric-controlled CO2 laser cavity, we have obtained a well-balanced double line oscillation of the 9P (22) and 10P (20) lines, that is to say, the shot to shot stability as for the double line balance is more than 90%. The total output is 300 J in 1 ns pulse. The energy and balance between two lines are suited for the beat-wave acceleration.

An error-free facsimile signal transmission scheme over the Japanese digital cellular standard air interface (three-channel TDMA) is described. To mitigate multipath fading effects and to achieve high transmission throughput, an efficient ARQ scheme, WORM-ARQ (ARQ with window-control operation based on reception memory) is proposed. Throughput efficiency with WORM-ARQ is evaluated through both laboratory and field experiments, together with computer simulation. The WORM-ARQ scheme has been applied to G3 facsimile signal transmission. Error-free document transmission can be realized at an average throughput of 4.8 kb/s even with an average channel bit error rate of 10/sup -2/. >

The simultaneous observations of a beat-wave-excited plasma wave and of energetic electrons are reported. A plasma wave is excited when the beat-wave frequency of a laser with two wavelengths 10.6 and 9.57 μm equals the plasma frequency. The Stokes sideband measurement gives a wave amplitude δn/n 0 of ∼5%. Plasma electrons with the energies of more than 10 MeV are observed at the resonant density

A 1‐cm‐long hollow parylene (C8H8) cylinder‐type target was irradiated with a long pulse CO2 laser (400 J/50 ns) to produce a confined soft x‐ray laser source. The amplification of the Balmer‐alpha line (182.2 A) of the H‐like carbon was observed using two different gain determination methods. The time‐ and space‐integrated gain coefficient up to 2.2(+0.6/−1.1)cm−1 was obtained from the ratio of the axial to transverse line intensity. By using the C8H7Cl target, the gain coefficient increased up to 2.8(+0.6/−1.1)cm−1, inferring the radiative cooling effect. The experimental results agreed with the simulation results within a factor of 5. By reducing the cylinder mass by a factor of 20, the simulation result gave the long gain duration up to 20 ns in FWHM and large gain region up to 1.3 mm in radius.

Two types of local chemotherapies were combined intraoperatively with gastric resection for gastric cancer. One chemotherapy was intralymph nodal injection of mitomycin C adsorbed on small activated c

We examined the tissue localization of biotin-labeled murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) S202 directed against the human scirrhous gastric carcinoma cell line MK-01 in normal and tumor-bearing mice after intravenous (IV) administration. The biotin-labeled MAb proved to be stable in vivo under normal conditions, antibody titer being 1:256 at 4 hr after IV injection. At 24 hr after injection, the tumor was stained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method. Biotin-labeled MAb was found to be suitable for detection of the xenografted tumor of nude mice. This study provides new information concerning the dynamics of the distribution of biotin-labeled MAb in vivo.

Klippel-Trenaunay-Type Syndrome (KTTS) is a rare congenital anomaly with variable expression and an unknown etiology characterized by capillary and venous malformations and hypertrophy of bone and soft tissue. Pregnancy has been rarely reported in patients with KTTS and since 1989 there have been only 13 case reports of pregnancy in women with KTTS reported in the literature. Concurrent pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. To the best of our knowledge this is the second reported, and largest, series of cases.After a thorough review of the literature, the medical records of four obstetrical patients with KTTS were reviewed.The obstetrical course of women with KTTS varies. Complications include bleeding, DIC, thromboembolic events, and pain.The maternal and fetal risks associated with pregnancy in women with KTTS are proportional to the severity of disease, which can be exacerbated by pregnancy. Thoughtful preconceptional counseling, along with methodical and systematic intrapartum and postpartum care are keys to reducing mortality and morbidity.

In this paper we propose a design of application programming interfaces (APIs) for configuration of multi-robot sensor networks (MRSNs). Such networks have unique aspects: intentional mobility and delay tolerance. These aspects limit the applicability of conventional approaches proposed for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). APIs for configuration of MRSNs must take these aspects into account. In addition, an application program should be transparent from changing of physical devices such as wireless devices. In this paper we describe the design and prototype implementation of APIs for configuration of MRSNs.

Summary Bovine MX1 cDNAs consisting of 2280 bp from 11 animals of five breeds and from a cultured cell line were sequenced and compared with previously reported data. Ten nucleotide substitutions were synonymous mutations, and a single nucleotide substitution at 458 resulted in an amino acid exchange of Ile (ATT) and Met (ATG). A 13-bp deletion–insertion mutation was also found in the 3′-UTR. Based on the nucleotide substitutions found in this study, bovine MX1 cDNA was classified into 11 genotypes. A phylogenetic tree of the 11 genotypes suggested that the genotypes observed in Brahman were a great genetic distance from other genotypes. An 18-bp deletion–insertion variation at position 171 was found to be the result of alternative splicing. The 18-bp deletion–insertion is located at the boundary between exon 3 and intron 3. Permanently transfected 3T3 cell lines expressing bovine MX1 mRNA were established to analyse the antiviral potential against VSVΔG*-G infection. Transfected cell clones expressing bovine MX1 mRNA showed a significantly smaller number of cells infected with VSVΔG*-G compared with the control cells. These results indicate that the bovine MX1 protein has potent antiviral activity.

The Internet is an attractive system that can link protection and control systems widely distributed within the power system. The implementation of Internet technologies in protection and control systems and in power equipment monitoring devices will allow free and flexible acquisition of power system information and equipment sensor information at remote locations. By utilizing general-purpose Internet technologies such as IP telecommunication and browsers, widely distributed data can be collected easily. The implementations of Internet technologies within products that feature these characteristics are already at commercial stage in their application to the electric power systems. This paper describes basic technologies applying the Internet technologies in protection and control systems and power equipment monitoring devices and provides practical systems using the basic technologies.

A hybrid automatic request for repetition (ARQ) for high-throughput efficiency in digital mobile radio data transmission is introduced. The main feature of this ARQ scheme is its unique error detection scheme. As a product code can be used for error correction, the proposed scheme utilizes two cyclic redundancy check (CRC) codes for locating multiple erroneous blocks. This enables the ARQ to minimize the block length without increasing the overhead ratio. Each erroneous block is recovered by using a type-II hybrid ARQ scheme. As a result, a significantly high level of throughput efficiency can be obtained in high bit error conditions.

This paper describes a new surgical technique and our clinical experience with video-assisted endoscopic total glandectomy via a middle axillary incision followed by immediate reconstruction with latissimus dorsi muscle flap (LDMF) performed in 17 patients with bigger, multiple tumors or extensive ductal spread of breast cancer. The novel techniques in this procedure are as follows: (1) By securing patients in a semi-lateral position and suspending the upper extremity, either supine or semi-lateral position can be easily achieved by simply rotating the operating table, resulting in a wider working space from the axillary to hip area. (2) By applying a retractor for skin flap traction, endoscopic glandectomy and reconstruction become safe and reliable. As a result, the mean number and size of tumors were 1.2 and 4.12 cm, respectively. Surgical margins of all the cases were pathologically negative and there were no recurrences observed during 14 months follow-up to date. Esthetic results have been satisfactory and the surgical wounds were not visible from the front in any case. Compared to mastectomy, this procedure shows the same therapeutic results, but offers a greater esthetic and psychological advantage to all the patients.

To determine whether the location and size of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) on CT are predictive of the axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer.Forty patients with confirmed breast cancer underwent 5-mm CT of both breasts and axillae and the most inferior lymph node in the affected axilla was designated the SLN. Based on CT assessment of the axillary lymph node status, 22 (55%) patients then underwent dye- and gamma probe (DGP)-guided SLN biopsy followed by axillary dissection; 18 (45%) underwent dissection without prior SLN biopsy. The localization and status of the SLN determined on CT and by DGP-guided biopsy were compared. Biopsied and excised nodes were subjected to histopathologic examinations.All SLN identified on CT were close to the lateral thoracic artery and their localization corresponded well with SLN identified by the DGP-guided method. The positive predictive value of CT diagnosis was 100%. Histopathologic examination of excised nodes confirmed that none of the SLN biopsies was false-negative.Our CT criteria were highly accurate for identification and diagnostic assessment of SLN and useful for evaluating the axillary status in patients with breast cancer.

The OSI (open systems interconnection) has been increasingly recognized and used for interconnection among different communications systems. Usually, conformance testing or interoperability testing is done to confirm the interconnectability of those different systems. But it is usually recognized that only these types of testing are inadequate for interconnectability confirmation. We have developed an interconnectability testing architecture by extending the architecture currently used for conformance and interoperability testing. With this architecture as the base, we are making efforts to develop an interconnectability testing system named AICTS (AIC's Interconnectability Testing System). Testing with this system is intended to complement ordinary conformance and interoperability tests. So far, we have completed the design and development of the system. We discuss our interconnectability testing architecture as an extension of the existing architecture for conformance and interoperability testing. We explain the structure of our testing system and present a test execution example.

We have been developing the broadband high-gain front-end system using optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier for the PW laser system. The gain of over 10/sup 6/ without gain narrowing was obtained with good output characteristics.

Recently a number of patients have received home enteral nutrition (HEN) as well as home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in Terumo's home healthcare network 'Home-Joint'. This study was undertaken to compare the patients who received HEN with those who received HPN. 1. HPN patients in 2000. Number: 1,789 (45% females), age: 0-101 (mean: 66 years old, 48% over 70 years old), diagnosis: cancer 54%, therapeutic periods: 0-916 days (mean: 80 days). 2. HEN patients in 2000. Number: 736 (40% females), age: 1-101 (mean: 50 years old, 33% over 70 years old), diagnosis: Crohn's disease 44%, therapeutic periods 0-1,618 days (mean: 183 days). 3. Adoption of HPN and HEN in home care agents. HPN only 66%, HEN only 24%, both HPN and HEN 10%. It suggested that following two issue take place against making choice of HPN or HEN in home nutrition care. 1) Adoption of both HPN and HEN in more clinics. 2) Establishment of the guidelines for systematic HPN/HEN choice.

A broadband high-gain pre-amplifier using optical parametric chirped pulse amplification in the PW glass laser system has been developed. The output energy of 20 mJ without gain narrowing was obtained in a single pass through two BBO-OPCPA systems with good output stability.

In the present work the harmonic structure design has been successfully applied for achieving a combination of high strength and high ductility, simultaneously, in a two-phase steel. The compacts of two-phase stainless steels with harmonic structure were prepared by controlling mechanical milling (MM) of pre-alloyed stainless steel powders followed by spark plasma sintering. The controlled MM leads to the formation of severely deformed shell region, wherein the subsurface region in the immediate vicinity of the powder surface consists of a nanocrystalline structure followed by the inner region consisting of dislocation cell structure. These severely deformed regions form fine-grained network during subsequent sintering, resulting in Harmonic structure. This networked structure displayed high strength, high ductility, and better uniform plastic deformation as compared to the homogeneous fine/coarse grained structure. Such a unique combination of properties in the two-phase stainless steel powder compacts was found to be associated with the ability of the harmonic structure to evenly distribute the strain during plastic deformation.

Breast conservation surgery has become a standard operation as a minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer in Japan. Now sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), day surgery, and endoscopy assisted surgery are being introduced as more minimally invasive surgeries for breast cancer. When blue dye and/or isotope are injected into the peri-tumoral breast gland, the sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) can be detected easily, and node negative patients can be selected with certainty. When no metastasis is found in SLN by frozen section, T1N0 breast cancer patients can be treated without lymph node dissection. Using this technique, day surgery for patients who have clinically node-negative small breast cancer (less than 1.5 cm in diameter) is performed under local anesthesia. We have developed an endoscopy assisted conservation surgery for breast cancer. Using endoscopy, partial or total glandectomy with radical axillary lymph node dissection is performed via a 5 cm skin incision on the middle axillary line. When the amount of glandectomy is over one third, we perform immediate reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi. These minimally invasive surgeries for breast cancer will result in a better quality of life for breast cancer patients.

A clinical investigation of adverse events was conducted to confirm the safety of concurrent chemotherapy using nedaplatin (cisplatin derivative) and radiotherapy in the high-risk carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Seven patients who were treated with radical radiotherapy and 5 patients who were treated with adjunctive radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were eligible for the study. Nedaplatin was given intravenously at 70 mg/m2 on day 1 and day 29, and a total of 24 courses of nedaplatin administration were observed. None of the planned radiotherapy was postponed or discontinued due to side effects. Major adverse effects observed were gastrointestinal effects such as anorexia (66.7%), nausea and vomiting (33.3%) and diarrhea (66.7%). Grade 3 (in the 2nd course) and Grade 4 (in the 1st course) diarrhea was observed in one patient, which was easily relieved by antidiarrheal. Hematologic side effects were also major, including leukopenia (62.5%), neutropenia (75.0%), anemia (75.0%), and thrombocytopenia (33.3%). Hematologic effects were generally moderate; no Grade 4 (severe) effects were observed. Although these hematologic effects were lasting longer compared with radiation therapy alone, there were no significant differences in the seriousness of these side effects. Concurrent chemoradiation therapy with nedaplatin 70 mg/m2 every 4 weeks was safe and adverse effects were self-limited or resolved with medical management. Dose escalation in the phase III clinical study may be considered.

In 1999, Terumo's home healthcare network 'Home-Joint' managed more than 1,000 patients who underwent home parenteral nutrition (HPN). This spread of HPN led some patients to undergo another home medical treatment during the same period. This report evaluates the patients who underwent dual home therapy (HPN and HOT: home oxygen therapy) in comparison with patients who underwent HPN only. 1. Single HPN patients in 1999. Number: 1,034 (male 57%), age: 1-99 (mean 65, 43% over 70), diagnosis: cancer 52%, therapeutic periods: 1-437 days (mean 81). 2. Dual HPN-HOT patients in 1999. Number: 27 (male 70%), age: 44-94 (mean 75, 70% over 70), diagnosis: cancer 59%, therapeutic periods: HPN 1-388 days (mean 91), HOT 1-827 days (mean 99). 3. Adoption of dual HPN-HOT therapy. It is suggested that the dual HPN-HOT therapy may be adopted for at least the following two types of patients. 1) Pulmonary failure with HPN, 2) Malnutrition on HOT.

Summary form only given. The technique of chirped pulse amplification (CPA) in a laser system has realized ultra-short pulse generation for high intensity interaction. This technique on large scale Nd:glass laser systems at a 1053-nm wavelength has enabled the production of pulse powers that exceed 1 PW with pulse duration of several hundred fs, and focusable intensities that exceeds 10/sup 21/ W/cm/sup 2/. We have been developing the front-end-system in the PW laser system to generate appropriate chirped pulses. We present the experimental study on a stable high gain OPCPA (optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier) system which will be used as a pre-amplifier to replace the regenerative amplifier and multi-pass amplifier in Ti:Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ laser system at 1 /spl mu/m.

We report a 50-year-old right-handed woman who, at age 20, was diagnosed to have homocystinuria presumably due to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency. At age 40 years, involuntary movements developed insidiously, affecting her face, neck and upper limbs. During the next 10 years, involuntary movements progressed and she could no longer walk. Examination disclosed bilateral lens dislocation and marfanoid skeletal deformity. Muscle strength was mildly decreased in the right arm and bilateral legs. There was hyperreflexia in the right upper and bilateral lower extremities without Babinski sign. Muscle tone was mildly increased in the neck and bilateral upper extremities. She had persistent generalized choreic movements, dystonia affecting the face and neck, and resting and postural tremor in the upper limbs and tongue. A cranial CT scan showed an old low density lesion in the left frontal area. Involuntary movements in homocystinuria is rare and, to our knowledge, only 9 cases have been reported. This case was unique in that involuntary movements developed in the adulthood.

A new dosage formulation consisting of an anti-cancer drug bound to activated carbon particles was developed for a local injection against early gastric cancer so that the dosage formulation yields chemotherapeutic effects selectively to the lymph node metastases as well as to the primary lesion.As a pilot study, the new dosage formulation, total of 50-200 mg of methotrexate only or total of 200 mg of methotrexate plus 8 mg of mitomycin C, was injected into the primary lesions and the adjacent gastric wall of 8 patients with early gastric cancer, guided by a gastrofiberscope before gastrectomy. The surgically resected specimens were examined histologically for the therapeutic effects on the primary lesion and its nodal metastasis.The therapeutic effects were seen in 2 of 4 lymph node metastases (50%) and 5 of 8 of the primary lesions (63%), as confirmed histologically with degeneration and/or necrosis.Preoperative local injection of the new dosage formulation will be useful to give chemotherapeutic effects on the potential metastases in the regional nodes as well as to the primary lesion.

A multicenter co-operative late phase II study of raltitrexed (ZD1694), a specific thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor, was conducted in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Raltitrexed was infused intravenously over 15 minutes once every three weeks. Between April 1996 and September 1998, 61 patients were enrolled and 58 were eligible. Fourteen patients experienced a partial response (PR), 22 no change (NC), 20 progressive disease (PD) and 2 no evaluable (NE). The overall response rate was 24.1% (95% CI: 13.9-37.2%). Responses were seen in lung (22.7%), liver (22.9%) and deep lymph nodes (10.0%). Median survival was 11.6 months. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were: leukopenia (13.8%), neutropenia (24.1%), hemoglobin decrease (15.5%), FBC decrease (6.9%), hematocrit decrease (6.9%), thrombocytopenia (6.9%), transient SGPT increase (6.9%), nausea/vomiting (20.7%), anorexia (15.5%), and asthenia (6.9%). These adverse reactions were considered to be manageable. Only one death was associated with drug treatment. These results suggest that raltitrexed provides an effective and convenient treatment for patients with advanced and previously untreated colorectal cancer.