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This study aimed to assess whether a Monte Carlo (MC)-based algorithm reflects the influence of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) in external radiation therapy. The present study comprised two steps: experimental measurements of depth doses and surface doses with and without TIVAPs and calculation with an MC-based algorithm. The TIVAP-associated maximum dose reduction compared with the dose at the same depths without TIVAPs was 7.8% at 4 MV, 6.9% at 6 MV, and 5.7% at 10 MV in measurement, and 7.4% at 4 MV, 6.6% at 6 MV, and 5.5% at 10 MV in calculation. Relative surface doses were higher with TIVAPs made of titanium, due to a higher fluence of backscattered electrons from the TIVAPs, than with plastic TIVAPs. There were no significant differences in the relative differences between the measured and calculated doses of the titanium TIVAP group and the plastic TIVAP group at 4 MV (p = 0.99), 6 MV (p = 0.67), and 10 MV (p = 0.54). TIVAPs caused target dose reductions and dose increase near the TIVAP, especially when made of titanium. The influences are reflected in the MC-based algorithm.

High pressure hydrous phases with distorted rutile-type structure have attracted much interest as potential water reservoirs in the Earth’s mantle. An in-situ X-ray diffraction study of β-C...

Introduction: [11C]PBB3 is a clinically used positron emission tomography (PET) probe for in vivo imaging of tau pathology in the brain. Our previous study showed that [11C]PBB3 was rapidly decomposed to a polar radiometabolite in the plasma of mice. For the pharmacokinetic evaluation of [11C]PBB3 it is important to elucidate the characteristics of radiometabolites. In this study, we identified the chemical structure of a major radiometabolite of [11C]PBB3 and proposed the metabolic pathway of [11C]PBB3. Methods: Carrier-added [11C]PBB3 was injected into a mouse for in vivo metabolite analysis. The chemical structure of a major radiometabolite was identified using LC–MS. Mouse and human liver microsomes and liver S9 samples were incubated with [11C]PBB3 in vitro. In silico prediction software was used to assist in the determination of the metabolite and metabolic pathway of [11C]PBB3. Results: In vivo analysis showed that the molecular weight of a major radiometabolite of [11C]PBB3, which was called as [11C]M2, was m/z 390 [M+H+]. In vitro analysis assisted by in silico prediction showed that [11C]M2, which was not generated by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), was generated by sulfated conjugation mediated by a sulfotransferase. Conclusion: The major radiometabolite, [11C]M2, was identified as a sulfated conjugate of [11C]PBB3. [11C]PBB3 was metabolized mainly by a sulfotransferase and subsidiarily by CYPs.

This paper presents a practical design approach of a transverse flux (TF) linear synchronous motor. It is useful in the selection of appropriate volume as a starting point of the thrust requirement design to achieve compact size, small mover weight, high efficiency, and low material cost during the preliminary design stage. First, the concept of the proposed design approach is described. Second, the volume design of a double-sided TF (DSTF) permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) proposed in a previous work is conducted. Finally, based on the experimental results of the prototype model, the feasibility of the proposed design approach is verified by comparing the performance of the DSTF-PMLSM designed using the volume obtained by the proposed design approach with that of the other recent proposals.

Cogging forces result in thrust ripples and noise, which result in poor positioning accuracy. For that reason, cogging force reduction is one of the most important factors to be considered in the design of permanent magnet linear synchronous motors (PMLSMs) with core type topologies. Many methods have been reported regarding the reduction of the cogging force in PMLSMs. However, since they usually could cause a large decrease of thrust, it is important to select an appropriate method for cogging force reduction by considering a tradeoff relationship between large thrust and small cogging force. This paper presents the design for cogging force reduction of a double-sided transverse flux permanent magnet linear synchronous motor. Several methods including chamfering, skewing, and magnet pole shifting are applied for cogging force reduction. Finally, the design results are analyzed and experimentally validated by the prototype model.

This paper presents an optimal design for achieving high output power in a transverse-flux-type cylindrical linear synchronous generator (TFC-LSM), especially for application in wave power conversion. We obtain optimal design by considering the number of salient poles in armature cores in the designated cross-sectional area. First, we describe the basic configuration of the transverse-flux-type cylindrical model used for design and proceed to explain three types of models with different numbers of salient poles. Second, we describe the optimal design process based on the practical rapid optimal design approach. Finally, we analyze the results of the optimal design of TFC-LSM.

Introduction [ 18 F]FEDAC ([ 18 F] 1 ) has potent binding affinity and selectivity for translocator protein (18kDa, TSPO), and has been used to noninvasively visualize neuroinflammation, lung inflammation, acute liver damage, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver fibrosis. We had previously synthesized [ 18 F] 1 in two steps: (i) preparation of [ 18 F]fluoroethyl bromide and (ii) coupling of [ 18 F]fluoroethyl bromide with the appropriate precursor ( 2 ) for labeling. In this study, to clinically utilize [ 18 F] 1 as a PET radiopharmaceutical and to transfer the production technique of [ 18 F] 1 to other PET centers, we simplified its preparation by using a direct, one-step, tosyloxy-for-fluorine substitution. We also performed an acute toxicity study as a major non-clinical safety test, and determined radiometabolites using human liver microsomes. Methods [ 18 F] 1 was prepared via direct 18 F-fluorination by heating the corresponding tosylated derivative ( 3 ) with [ 18 F]fluoride as its Kryptofix 222 complex in dimethyl sulfoxide at 110°C for 15min, following by HPLC purification. Non-clinical safety tests were performed for the extended single-dose toxicity study in rats, and for the in vitro metabolite analysis with human liver microsomal incubation. Results High quality batches of [ 18 F] 1 , compatible with clinical applications, were obtained. At the end of irradiation, the decay-corrected radiochemical yield of [ 18 F] 1 using 1 and 5mg of precursor based on [ 18 F]fluoride was 18.5±7.9% ( n =10) and 52.0±5.8% ( n =3), respectively. A single-dose of [ 18 F] 1 did not show toxicological effects for 14 days after the injection in male and female rats. In human liver microsomal incubations, [ 18 F] 1 was easily metabolized to [ 18 F]desbenzyl-FEDAC ([ 18 F] 10 ) by CYPs (4.2% of parent compound left 60min after incubation). Conclusion We successfully synthesized clinical grade batches of [ 18 F] 1 and verified the absence of innocuity of this radiotracer. [ 18 F] 1 will be used to first-in-human studies in our facility.

Relaxin-3 is a neuropeptide expressed in the brainstem, and predominantly localized in the gray matter of the midline dorsal pons termed the nucleus incertus. Relaxin-3-expressing neurons densely project axons rostrally to various forebrain regions including the septum, hippocampus, and lateral hypothalamus. Several relaxin-3 functions have been reported including food intake, stress responses, neuroendocrine function, emotion, and spatial memory. In addition, recently relaxin-3 and its receptor, RXFP3, were shown to regulate alcohol intake using an RXFP3 antagonist and RXFP3 gene knockout mice. In the present study, we investigated alcohol consumption in relaxin-3 knockout mice, and found that male but not female mice significantly drank more alcohol than wild-type mice in the two-bottle choice test. However, after chronic alcohol vapor exposure, wild-type and mutant mice did not show this difference in alcohol intake, although both genotypes exhibited increased alcohol consumption compared with non-alcohol-exposed control mice. There was no genotype difference in sucrose or quinine preference. These results suggest that the relaxin-3 neuronal system modestly affects alcohol preference and consumption.

Objectives: Translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO), a nucleus-encoded mitochondrial target transmembrane protein, has been indicated as an active participant in the modulation of mitochondrial function. PET using radiolabeled TSPO probes has allowed non-invasive and reliable investigation of TSPO in neuropathological damages of experimental animals and humans. Many PET probes for TSPO imaging have been developed. Among them, [18F]FEDAC has potent binding affinity and selectivity for TSPO [1], high signal to neuroinflammation [2], and high sensitivity and specificity for detection of fatty liver diseases progression [3]. We had previously synthesized [18F]FEDAC by reaction of desmethyl-precursor with [18F]fluoroethyl bromide at two steps using a modified 18F-labelling synthesizer developed in our institute [1-3]. In this study, we simplified the synthesis of [18F]FEDAC by direct 18F-fluorination using a typical 18F-labelling synthesizer to transfer the preparation of [18F]FEDAC to other institutes toward multicenter clinical study. Methods: Tosylate-precursor for radiosynthesis of [18F]FEDAC was synthesized according to the procedures, as shown in Fig. 1. [18F]FEDAC was prepared by heating the tosylate-precursor with 18F- in DMSO at 110 ⁰C for 10-15 min. Results: Tosylate-precursor of [18F]FEDAC was successfully synthesized from desmethyl-precursor. [18F]FEDAC was obtained with sufficient radioactivity and suitable quality for injection in clinical application. The synthesis of [18 F]FEDAC was reproduceble to achieve >740 MBq, >300 GBq/μmol and >97% of radiochemical purity within 70 min of an overall synthesis time. All other analytical results were in compliance with our in-house quality control and assurance specifications. Conclusions: We successfully synthesized [18F]FEDAC by fluorination of the tosylate-precursor with 18F- using onepot 18F-labelling synthesizer. This radioligand will be used in clinical study. References: [1] Yanamoto K, et al (2009), Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 19, 1707-10. [2] Yui J, et al (2010), J Nucl Med, 51, 1301-9. [3] Xie L, et al (2012), J Hepatol, 57, 1076-82., 21st International Symposium on Radiopharmaceutical Sciences

Introduction [ 11 C]PBB3 is a clinically used positron emission tomography (PET) probe for in vivo imaging of tau pathology in the brain. Our previous study showed that [ 11 C]PBB3 was rapidly decomposed to a polar radiometabolite in the plasma of mice. For the pharmacokinetic evaluation of [ 11 C]PBB3 it is important to elucidate the characteristics of radiometabolites. In this study, we identified the chemical structure of a major radiometabolite of [ 11 C]PBB3 and proposed the metabolic pathway of [ 11 C]PBB3. Methods Carrier-added [ 11 C]PBB3 was injected into a mouse for in vivo metabolite analysis. The chemical structure of a major radiometabolite was identified using LC–MS. Mouse and human liver microsomes and liver S9 samples were incubated with [ 11 C]PBB3 in vitro. In silico prediction software was used to assist in the determination of the metabolite and metabolic pathway of [ 11 C]PBB3. Results In vivo analysis showed that the molecular weight of a major radiometabolite of [ 11 C]PBB3, which was called as [ 11 C]M2, was m/z 390 [M+H + ]. In vitro analysis assisted by in silico prediction showed that [ 11 C]M2, which was not generated by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), was generated by sulfated conjugation mediated by a sulfotransferase. Conclusion The major radiometabolite, [ 11 C]M2, was identified as a sulfated conjugate of [ 11 C]PBB3. [ 11 C]PBB3 was metabolized mainly by a sulfotransferase and subsidiarily by CYPs.

Background: A 63-year-old woman presented with right flank pain and macroscopic hematuria. Results/Methods: A plain film showed a calcific shadow on the right iliac bone. On excretory urography, the right kidney was seen in the normal position, but the left kidney was not. Bilateral retrograde pyelogram revealed the S-shaped kidney and mild obstruction from a 12 × 5 mm calculus in the proximal ureter of the crossed kidney. The patient was successfully treated with in situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) treatment and is stone free at 1 month follow up. Conclusion: We believe this is the first case of successful ESWL in a crossed kidney.

This paper presents the practical rapid design approach for large power density and low cost of transverse flux type permanent magnet linear synchronous generator for wave energy conversion. The proposed design approach is based on response surface methodology and three-dimensional (3D) static analysis. First, the basic structure and operational principle of the proposed model used for wave energy conversion are described. Second, in order to solve the problem that it takes much time to design transverse flux type topologies due to its complex structure, the simplified design approach for large power density and low cost under the condition where motor's structure and total volume are known is proposed. Finally, the result and effiracy of proposed design approach are evaluated by 3D finite element analysis (FEA).

We have measured Brillouin frequency shift distribution in a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) by Brillouin optical correlation domain analysis (BOCDA). We have made an experimental system specialized for the measurement of PLC, realizing spatial resolution of 5.9mm with standard deviation of 0.34MHz in Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) measurement. From the data obtained in the experiments, we have found that the BFS distribution shape along the waveguide corresponds to its route pattern in the PLC. © (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

To fabricate a multilayer wiring using a low thermal expansion polyimide film, the adhesion of polyimide film on a thermally cured polyimide film must be secured. When the surface was plasma-treated by O2-CF4 = 1:1 gas, the adhesion was 30 times stronger (peel strength: at least 500 g/cm) than in the untreated case (peel strength: 15 g/cm). The film on the plasma-treated surface maintained strong adhesion for long periods of time in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment. The cause of improved adhesion was investigated by evaluating the plasma-treated polyimide surface by XPS and it was found that functional group, which seems to be COF, was formed.

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC) is associated with an aggressive course, high incidence of bone metastasis, and an extremely poor prognosis. There are a few case reports concerning the effectiveness of chemotherapy on metastasis in SRCC. To our knowledge, however, there are no reports describing its effectiveness on bone metastasis. We report a 22-year-old woman with an 8-cm x 7-cm left renal mass. Left nephrectomy was done. The pathological diagnosis was SRCC, INF-beta, pT3aN2. Although, she received continuous infusion of interferon alpha-2a (INFalpha-2a) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) as adjuvant therapy, liver metastasis appeared 2 months later. Resection of the liver metastasis was done. After resection of the metastasis, multiple bone metastases appeared, in both humeri, the left chest wall, the left fourth rib, and the left iliac bone. The patient was treated with gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m(2) (days 1, 8), docetaxel 80 mg/m(2) (day 1), and carboplatin 300 mg/m(2) (day 1). A computed tomography (CT) scan after the first cycle revealed that the multiple osteolytic bone tumors had significantly decreased in size. Her ability of daily life (ADL) improved and this continued for almost 2 months. A second course of chemotherapy, with gemcitabine and IL-2 was given, but it was ineffective, and the patient died approximately 16 months after the initial diagnosis of SRCC. Combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine, docetaxel, and carboplatin was effective for the bone metastasis of SRCC.

Alteration of sialyltransferase expression has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Out of sialyltransferases cloned to date, we focused on ST3Gal IV expression in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Levels of ST3Gal IV mRNA were examined in human RCC in comparison with non-tumor kidney. ST3Gal IV cDNA obtained by polymerase chain reaction from cDNA library of human RCC cell line ACHN was identical to STZ in nucleotide sequence. Northern blot analysis was performed for 24 non-tumor kidney and 25 primary RCC tissues, and 5 metastases. ST3Gal IV mRNA level was decreased in 16 cases of 22 primary RCC tissues compared to 21 non-tumor kidney tissues. The mRNA level was low in 4 and equivocal in one, of 5 metastases. The 6 cases that possessed almost the same levels of ST3Gal IV mRNA in primary tumor tissues as those in non-tumor kidneys showed favorable prognoses, as assessed by Kaplan-Meier curve. These results indicate that down-regulation of ST3Gal IV mRNA may be one of the factors associated with the malignant progression of human RCC.

We demonstrated previously (S. Kawamura et al., Int. J. Cancer, 94: 343-347, 2001) that large amounts of ganglioside G(M3) accumulate in superficial bladder tumor, compared with invasive bladder tumors and that exogenous G(M3) inhibits the invasive potential of bladder tumor cells. To apply the G(M3) overexpression system to bladder tumor therapy, direct evidence for the important role of G(M3) in bladder tumor invasion must be obtained through transfer of the gene responsible for G(M3) overexpression. To determine the most appropriate cancer cell line for elucidating the antitumor effect of ganglioside G(M3) overexpression, the present study examined glycolipid composition, enzyme activity, and mRNA expression of the glycosyltransferases responsible for G(M3) synthesis in the bladder tumor cell lines KK-47, J82, MGH-UI, YTS-1, and MBT-2. A murine bladder carcinoma cell line (MBT-2) was transfected with a G(M3) synthase [(lactosylceramide alpha2,3-N-acetyl sialic acid transferase); sialyltransferase-I; SAT-I] cDNA, because this line does not naturally express G(M3). Stable transfectants (MBT-2-SAT-I) that overexpressed G(M3) were characterized by a reduced potential for cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and xenograft tumor growth, and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. In the proportion of synthetic S phase, cells did not differ between MBT-2-SAT-I and mock-transfectant cells. These results suggest that the decreased proliferative potential related to G(M3) overexpression was attributable to the increased number of apoptotic cells. Although details of the mechanism of apoptosis remain unclear, the overexpression of G(M3) by gene transfer of SAT-I may present a novel therapeutic modality.

Glycolipids were extracted from primary bladder tumors of 14 patients and 2 normal counterparts. Their expression pattern was assessed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The most remarkable change was massive accumulation of GM3 in superficial bladder tumors compared with invasive tumors. This change was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry using anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody. The activities of glycosyltransferases responsible for GM3 synthesis (GM3 synthase, Gb3 synthase and GD3 synthase) were consistent with upregulated expression of GM3 in superficial tumors. It was suggested that the marked GM3 accumulation in superficial tumors was caused not only by upregulated GM3 synthase but also by downregulated activities of Gb3 and GD3 synthase. Histopathologic examination revealed an inverse correlation of the amount of GM3 expressed with invasive potential. Exogenously supplemented GM3 suppressed invasion potential in human bladder tumor cell lines (T-24, KK-47). These results indicate that the amount of GM3 expressed may serve as an indicator of the invasion potential of bladder tumor. Furthermore, new antiinvasion therapeutics may be possible by administration of GM3.

We have previously reported marked enhancement of the cytocidal effect of bleomycin (BLM) on cancer cell suspensions in vitro by the combination with shock waves. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effects on cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in solid tumors. A spherical piezo-ceramic element was used as the shock wave source, with a pressure peak of 40 MPa. A human colon cancer cell line, SW480 was implanted onto the back of nude mice. Two thousand shock waves were administered to the tumor immediately following an intravenous injection of BLM at a dose of one-tenth of the LD(50). The tumor was extirpated at 3, 6, 12, 24, 72 h and 1 week following shock exposure. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by Ki-67 using antibody MIB-1 and by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. The lowest percentage (35.7%) of Ki-67-positive cells appeared 24 h following the treatment. The maximum apoptotic index was detected within 6 h following the treatment. Moreover, numerous large cells with enlarged nuclei were detected histologically. These results suggest that shock waves may enhance chemotherapeutic effects by increasing apoptosis and decreasing cell proliferation in the tumor tissue.

A 50-year-old woman developed renin-dependent hypertension immediately after accidental unilateral ureteral ligation during hysterectomy, and the hypertension lasted for 5 months. Surgical release of the obstruction was carried out 157 days after the ligation. Then, her blood pressure was normalized. However, the obstructed kidney showed intensive tubulointerstitial fibrosis and functional recovery was not obtained. This case suggests that the renin-angiotensin system may be upregulated in human kidney during unilateral ureteral obstruction for a long duration.

The enzymatic oxido-reduction of xanthomegnin has been investigated spectroscopically using rat liver mitochondria and microsomes. Xanthomegnin, a binaphthoquinone pigment isolated from a dermatophyte Microsporum cookei, has been shown to strongly uncouple mitochondrial respiration and has been suggested to exert a cyto-toxic effect in animals. The redox response of this pigment has also been suggested to participate in uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, by forming a bypass to the electron transport system. In the presence of succinate or L-glutamate as substrate, xanthomegnin was reduced by mitochondria after dissolved oxygen was completely consumed. This suggests that complex IV of the respiratory chain of mitochondria is concerned with enzymatic reduction of xanthomegnin and that its redox response is not involved in the uncoupling effect on mitochondrial respiration. On the other hand, when NADH was added, xanthomegnin was immediately reduced by mitochondria, submitochondrial particles, and microsomes, indicating the xanthomegnin is reduced by NAD-linked electron transport system of mitochondria and microsomes. Xanthomegnin reduced by ascorbate was auto-oxidized by dissolved oxygen.These results would indicate that xanthomegnin forms an electron transport bypass to the NAD-linked respiratory chain and readily oxidize cytosol NADH. This may cause the cyto-toxic effect to animals.

Qualitative and quantitative changes of lipid components during the growth stages were studied in E. floccosum. The acyl group components of total lipids of Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum cookei were also examined. The lipids of E. floccosum amounted to approximately 4% of the dry cell weight. Neutral lipids mainly consisted of triglycerides and sterols, and major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and an unknown lipid X. The fatty acids in tryglycerides and phospholipids were palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The unknown polar lipid X which appeared between phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin on thin layer chromatography plates contained no phosphorus. There was no significant change in the fatty acid components of E. floccosum and T. rubrum during the cell growth, whereas profound changes occurred in M. cookei. The sterol components of E. floccosum showed striking changes depending on the growth stage.

A general formalism of the angular distribution of emitted electrons in the bound muon decay is made in terms of the multi pole series of the relativistic electron wave functions. The effect of the finite size nucleus to wave functions is properly taken into account for the bound muon and emitted electron. In order to show the importance of this effect, energy spectra and asymmetry coefficients are given numerically in the cases of 160, 40Ca, 90Zr and 2°"Pb.

WORMディスクへEFM信号を記録する際, すべてのランレングスに対して正規のピット長を記録膜上に形成させるために, パルストレイン化したEFM信号を用いてパルスワンショット当たりに与えるエネルギーのコントロールを行う新しい記録方式を検討した.

Etude du changement de couleur induit par rayonnement laser dans une couche d'alliage Cu-Al-Ni deposee par pulverisation

Novel 26- and 28-membered macrocyclic tetraimine Schiff bases incorporating four thiophene units as ring constituents were synthesized by a nontemplate method starting from bis(5-formyl-2-thienyl)m...

An oxazole compound, tioxaprofen, exerted a strong anti-mycotic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum, which were major dermatophytes from patients. It was found that tioxaprofen was a potent uncoupling agent of mitochondrial respiration.