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In this study, composite monoliths with porous structures were prepared using quaternized chitosan and diatom earth for protein separation. Quaternized chitosan (N‐[(2‐hydroxy‐3‐trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride) dissolved in water was mixed with diatom earth and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde under low‐temperature conditions to form a cryogel. Interconnected porous monoliths were obtained after removing ice crystals from the cryogel. The monoliths adsorbed bovine serum albumin selectively from the solution mixture of bovine serum albumin and bovine ɤ‐globulin, and bovine ɤ‐globulin was recovered in the flow‐through fraction. The adsorption selectivity was enhanced by changing the solution pH from 6.8 to 5.5. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin by the monolith was replicated at least five times following its washing with a buffer containing 400 mM NaCl and subsequent regeneration with a 10 mM acetate buffer. The composited monolith is a promising adsorbent for the removal of acidic proteins, such as serum albumin contamination in neutral proteins, for example, ɤ‐globulins, in bioproduction processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray binary SS 433, embedded in the W 50 nebula (or supernova remnant W 50), shows bipolar jets that are ejected with mildly relativistic velocities and which extend toward the east and west out to scales of tens of parsecs. Previous X-ray observations revealed twin lobes along the jet precession axis that contain compact bright knots dominated by synchrotron radiation, which provide evidence of electron acceleration in this system. Particle acceleration in this system is substantiated by the recently detected gamma rays with energies up to at least 25 TeV. To elucidate the origin of the knots and particle acceleration sites in SS 433/W 50 further, we report here on detailed, spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of its western lobe with Chandra. We detect synchrotron emission along the jet precession axis, as well as optically thin thermal emission that is more spatially extended. Between the two previously known knots, w1 and w2, we discover another synchrotron knot, which we call w1.5. We find no significant synchrotron emission between SS 433 and the innermost X-ray knot (w1), suggesting that electrons only begin to be accelerated at w1. The X-ray spectra become gradually steeper from w1 to w2, and then rapidly so immediately outside of w2. Through comparison with a model taking into account electron transport and cooling along the jet, this result indicates that the magnetic field in w2 is substantially enhanced, which also explains its brightness. We discuss possible origins of the enhanced magnetic field of w2 as well as scenarios to explain the other two knots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez/Bev) treatment is recommended for unresechepatocellular carcinoma (u‐HCC) patients classified as Child‐Pugh A (CP‐A). This study aimed to elucidate the prognosis of patients treated with Atez/Bev, especially CP‐A and ‐B cases. Materials/methods: From September 2020 to March 2022, 457 u‐HCC patients treated with Atez/Bev were enrolled (median age 74 years, male:female = 368:89, CP‐A:CP‐B = 427:30, Child‐Pugh score [CPS] 5:6:7:8:9 = 271:156:21:8:1). Therapeutic response was evaluated using RECIST ver.1.1. Clinical features and prognosis were retrospectively evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences between CP‐A and ‐B patients in regard to best response (CR:PR:SD:PD = 16:91:194:81 vs. 0:7:13:8, p = 0.739; objective response rate/disease control rate = 28.0%/78.8% vs. 25.0%/71.4%). Analysis performed using inverse probability weighting adjustments of clinical factors other than those related to hepatic reserve function with a p value < 0.10 for comparisons between patients with CP‐A and ‐B showed that the progression‐free survival (PFS) rate for CP‐A cases was better (6‐/12‐/18‐month: 58.2%/36.1%/27.8% vs. 49.6%/8.7%/non‐estimable [NE], p < 0.001), as was overall survival (OS) rate (6‐/12‐/18‐month: 89.9%/71.7%/51.4% versus 63.6%/18.4%/NE; p < 0.001). Median PFS (mPFS) and median OS (mOS) for the CPS‐5 were 9.5 months/NE, and 5.1/14.0 months for the CPS‐6 (both p < 0.001). Furthermore, for modified albumin‐bilirubin grade (mALBI)‐1/2a/2b, mPFS was 9.4/8.5/5.3 months (p < 0.001) and mOS was NE/17.8/13.4 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Better hepatic function, such as mALBI grade 1 or 2a are thought to indicate a better condition for obtaining sufficient prognosis with Atez/Bev treatment for u‐HCC patients, whereas for CP‐B patients, who mainly shown an mALBI grade of 2b or 3, Atez/Bev might have less therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several retrospective studies have reported spine–femur discordance in bone mineral density (BMD) values. However, the average age of individuals in these studies was the mid-50s, which is younger than the typical age of individuals requiring treatment for primary osteoporosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate factors associated with discordance in the percentage of young adult mean (YAM) between the lumbar spine and femoral neck in the elderly population. Methods: We evaluated 4549 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements obtained from 2161 patients (269 men and 1892 women) between January 2014 and December 2017 at our hospital. For individuals with more than one eligible set of measurements, the first record was used. We investigated each patient's age, sex, body mass index, current smoking status, alcohol consumption, use of steroids, presence of diabetes mellitus, and presence of rheumatoid arthritis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 76.4 ± 8.9 years. Older age (p < 0.001), male sex (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with spine–femur discordance in the percentage of YAM. Conclusion: The frequency and magnitude of spine–femur discordance in the percentage of YAM from DXA scans increased with age. Notably, more than 77.4% of patients in their 90s had spine–femur discordance > 10% of YAM. Furthermore, the frequency of spine–femur discordance was higher in men and in patients with diabetes mellitus, suggesting that the percentage of YAM at the lumbar spine may not be reliable for diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fixation strength of bone screws depends on bone mineral density (BMD), so it is important to evaluate bone strength at fracture sites. Few studies have investigated BMD in the pelvis. The aims of this study were to measure the regional Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the cancellous bone of the acetabulum and pelvic ring and to compare these values between young and older patients.Methods: This study enrolled young patients with high-energy trauma (aged 20-44 years; young group) and older patients with low-energy trauma (aged 65-89 years; older group). Patients without pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans, those with pelvic bone implants, and those who died were excluded. The HU values on the contralateral (non-fractured) side of the pelvis were measured on CT scans. The CT data were divided into 7 areas: the pubic bone, the anterior and posterior walls and roof of the acetabulum, the ischial tuberosity, the body of the ilium, and the third lumbar vertebra. The HU values in each area were compared between the young and older groups.Results: Sixty-one young patients and 154 older patients were included in the study. The highest HU value was in the roof of the acetabulum regardless of age and sex. HU values were significantly higher in the ischial tuberosity and body of the ilium and lower in the pubic bone and anterior wall. The HU values in all pelvic areas were significantly lower in the older group than in the young group, especially in the anterior area.Conclusions: HU values in the 6 pelvic areas were not uniform and were strongly related to load distribution. The HU distribution and age-related differences could explain the characteristic causes and patterns of acetabular fractures in the older and may help in surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The incidence of post-vaccination aseptic meningitis has declined since 2001. • The most recent incidence for the period 2016 to 2018 was 2.78 per 100,000 doses. • Multiple factors might have contributed to the decline in incidence. In Japan, a monovalent mumps vaccine is provided on a voluntary basis. Due to public concerns over post-vaccination aseptic meningitis, the vaccination coverage is not high enough. The present study investigated the incidence of adverse events, including aseptic meningitis, after Torii strain–derived mumps vaccination. This retrospective, observational study used data collected by a vaccine manufacturer regarding adverse events following mumps vaccinations at medical institutions between 1992 and 2018. In addition, the number of Torii strain–derived mumps vaccines shipped each year was obtained. The incidence (per 100,000 doses) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all adverse events and each adverse event, categorized as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, mumps, mumps complications, and others. During the study period, 8,262,121 mumps vaccine doses were shipped, and 688 subjects reported adverse events. The incidence for all adverse events (per 100,000 doses) was 8.33, and the incidence was 4.19 for aseptic meningitis, 0.33 for encephalitis, 0.80 for mumps, 0.25 for mumps complications, and 3.78 for others. The incidence of aseptic meningitis (per 100,000 doses) was 7.90 (95% CI: 5.61–10.18) between 1998 and 2000 but declined by half, to 3.91 (2.46–5.36), between 2001 and 2003. The most recent incidence (per 100,000 doses) of aseptic meningitis, for the period 2016 to 2018, was 2.78 (1.94–3.62). The incidence of post-vaccination aseptic meningitis has declined significantly since 2001, and the incidence has remained stable at fewer than 3 cases per 100,000 doses since 2010. Multiple factors might have contributed to the decline in aseptic meningitis incidence, including (i) lowered misclassification of aseptic meningitis resulting from echovirus infection; (ii) changes in the vaccine manufacturing process in 2000; and (iii) publication in 2008 of the recommendation for vaccination of children at 1 year of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To validate an appropriate spleen size measurement technique for the prediction of high‐risk esophagogastric varices. Methods: This retrospective cross‐sectional study included 369 patients who underwent ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) of the spleen and esophagogastroduodenoscopy between January 2018 and December 2020. Maximum spleen length, width, and craniocaudal length were measured in a longitudinal view. The two‐dimensional (2D) spleen index (maximum length × maximum width in the longitudinal view) was calculated. A three‐dimensional (3D) spleen index was then defined as follows: 2D spleen index × maximum length in the transverse view. The similarity in spleen volume measured by CT and ultrasonography (spleen index) was assessed by the correlation coefficient. The diagnostic accuracies of the spleen index, platelet/spleen length, and platelet/spleen index were calculated to determine the overall diagnostic accuracy. Results: Compared to the other spleen indices, our 3D spleen index was significantly better correlated with spleen volume on CT (r = 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.92, p < 0.001). Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses revealed no significant difference between the 3D and 2D indices (p = 0.228) but did show a significant difference between the 3D and one‐dimensional indices (p = 0.020). Although the area under the curve for the platelet count combined with the spleen index or length was higher than that for our 3D index, there was no significant difference between platelet count and spleen index or length (p = 0.078). Conclusions: Platelet/spleen length has a reasonable ability to predict high‐risk esophagogastric varices, even though measurement of two or three factors can be correlated with spleen volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several retrospective studies have reported spine-femur discordance in bone mineral density (BMD) values. However, the average age of individuals in these studies was the mid-50s, which is younger than the typical age of individuals requiring treatment for primary osteoporosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate factors associated with discordance in the percentage of young adult mean (YAM) between the lumbar spine and femoral neck in the elderly population.Methods: We evaluated 4549 dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements obtained from 2161 patients (269 men and 1892 women) between January 2014 and December 2017 at our hospital. For individuals with more than one eligible set of measurements, the first record was used. We investigated each patient's age, sex, body mass index, current smoking status, alcohol consumption, use of steroids, presence of diabetes mellitus, and presence of rheumatoid arthritis.Results: The mean age of the patients was 76.4 ± 8.9 years. Older age (p <  0.001), male sex (p <  0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with spine-femur discordance in the percentage of YAM.Conclusion: The frequency and magnitude of spine-femur discordance in the percentage of YAM from DXA scans increased with age. Notably, more than 77.4% of patients in their 90s had spine-femur discordance > 10% of YAM. Furthermore, the frequency of spine-femur discordance was higher in men and in patients with diabetes mellitus, suggesting that the percentage of YAM at the lumbar spine may not be reliable for diagnosis of osteoporosis in patients with these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical origin of the overionized recombining plasmas (RPs) in supernova remnants (SNRs) has been attracting attention because its understanding provides new insight into SNR evolution. However, the process of the overionization, although it has been discussed in some RP-SNRs, is not yet fully understood. Here, we report on spatially resolved spectroscopy of X-ray emission from IC 443 with XMM-Newton. We find that RPs in regions interacting with dense molecular clouds tend to have lower electron temperature and lower recombination timescale. These tendencies indicate that RPs in these regions are cooler and more strongly overionized, which is naturally interpreted as a result of rapid cooling by the molecular clouds via thermal conduction. Our result on IC 443 is similar to that on W44 showing evidence for thermal conduction as the origin of RPs at least in older remnants. We suggest that evaporation of clumpy gas embedded in a hot plasma rapidly cools the plasma as was also found in the W44 case. We also discuss if ionization by protons accelerated in IC 443 is responsible for RPs. Based on the energetics of particle acceleration, we conclude that the proton bombardment is unlikely to explain the observed properties of RPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard index for evaluating portal hypertension; however, measuring HVPG is invasive. Although transient elastography (TE) is the most common procedure for evaluating organ stiffness, accurate measurement of spleen stiffness (SS) is difficult. We developed a device to demonstrate the diagnostic precision of TE and suggest this technique as a valuable new method to measure SS. Methods: Of 292 consecutive patients enrolled in this single-centre, translational, cross-sectional study from June through September in 2019, 200 underwent SS measurement (SSM) using an M probe (training set, n = 130; inspection set, n = 70). We performed TE with B-mode imaging using an ultrasound-fusion method, printed new devices with a three-dimensional printer, and attached the magnetic position sensor to the convex and M probes. We evaluated the diagnostic precision of TE to evaluate the risk of esophagogastric varices (EGVs). Results: The median spleen volume was 245 mL (range, 64–1,720 mL), and it took 2 minutes to acquire a B-mode image using the ultrasound-fusion method. The median success rates of TE were 83.3% and 57.6% in patients with and without the new device, respectively (p<0.001); it was 76.9% and 35.0% in patients with and without splenomegaly (<100 mL), respectively (p<0.001). In the prediction of EGVs, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.921 and 0.858 in patients with and without the new device, respectively (p = 0.043). When the new device was attached, the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.44 and 0.11, respectively. The cut-off value of SSM was 46.0 kPa. Data that were similar between the validation and training sets were obtained. Conclusions: The SS can be precisely measured using this new device with TE and ultrasound-fusion method. Similarly, we can estimate the bleeding risk due to EGV using this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synchrotron X-ray "stripes" discovered in Tycho's supernova remnant (SNR) have been attracting attention as they may be evidence for proton acceleration up to PeV. We analyzed Chandra data taken in 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2015 for imaging and spectroscopy of the stripes in the southwestern region of the SNR. Comparing images obtained at different epochs, we find that time variability of synchrotron X-rays is not limited to two structures previously reported but is more common in the region. Spectral analysis of nine bright stripes reveals not only their time variabilities but also a strong anti-correlation between the surface brightness and photon indices. The spectra of the nine stripes have photon indices of Γ = 2.1–2.6 and are significantly harder than those of the outer rim of the SNR in the same region with Γ = 2.7–2.9. Based on these findings, we indicate that the magnetic field is substantially amplified, and suggest that particle acceleration through a stochastic process may be at work in the stripes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing Chandra data of Tycho's supernova remnant (SNR) taken in 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009, and 2015, we search for time-variable features of synchrotron X-rays in the southwestern part of the SNR, where stripe structures of hard X-ray emission were previously found. By comparing X-ray images obtained at each epoch, we discover a knot-like structure in the northernmost part of the stripe region became brighter particularly in 2015. We also find a bright filamentary structure gradually became fainter and narrower as it moves outward. Our spectral analysis reveals that not only the nonthermal X-ray flux but also the photon indices of the knot-like structure change from year to year. During the period from 2000 to 2015, the small knot shows a brightening of ∼70% and hardening of ΔΓ ∼ 0.45. The time variability can be explained if the magnetic field is amplified to and/or if magnetic turbulence significantly changes with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a capacitor voltage ripple reduction method used for a modular multilevel cascade converter (MMCC) with single delta bridge cells (SDBC), by applying a third harmonic zero-sequence current. A practical case study on an 80 MVar/33 kV MMCC-SDBC-based STATCOM is used to demonstrate the method. The impact of the third harmonic zero-sequence current level of the capacitor ripple reduction and the electrothermal stresses on insulated gate bipolar transistor modules are analyzed. An optimal parameter of the current level is obtained by compromising the above-mentioned performance factors. The obtained result shows that the required capacitance, as well as the capacitor bank volume, is reduced by 20% without increasing the total power semiconductor losses by using the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigated the safety and efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) re-administration after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods: This multicenter retrospective study collected data from consecutive advanced NSCLC patients who underwent EGFR-TKI re-administration after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD. Results: Fifty-eight patients were registered. The grades of initial TKI-induced ILD were grade 1 to 4. TKIs used for re-administration were erlotinib for 15 patients, osimertinib for 15, gefitinib for 14, afatinib for 13 patients, and dacomitinib for 1 patient. ILD recurred in 13 patients (22.4%), comprising 3 patients with grade 1, 6 patients with grade 2, and 4 patients with grade 3. No significant associations were found between ILD recurrence and age, smoking history, performance status, time from initial ILD to TKI re-administration, or concomitant corticosteroid use. However, the incidence of ILD recurrence was high in cases of repeated use of gefitinib or erlotinib or first time use of osimertinib at TKI re-administration. The ILD recurrence rate was lowest in patients treated with first time use of gefitinib (8%) or erlotinib (8%), followed by patients treated with repeated use of osimertinib (9%). The response rate, median progression-free survival by TKI re-administration, and median overall survival were 55%, 9.6 and 84.8 months, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that EGFR-TKI re-administration is a feasible and effective treatment for patients who recovered from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD. Our results indicate that re-administration of EGFR-TKI is an important option for long-term prognosis after recovery from EGFR-TKI-induced ILD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modular multilevel cascade converters (MMCCs) are becoming attractive solutions as high-voltage Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) for power plants in renewable energy generation, in order to satisfy the strict grid codes under both normal and grid fault conditions. This paper investigates the performances of four potentially used configurations of the MMCC family for the STATCOM in large-scale offshore wind power plants, with special focus on asymmetrical low-voltage ride through capability under grid faults. The specifications and the sizing of components of each type of practical 80-MVar/33-kV-scaled MMCC-STATCOM are carefully designed and compared. The total cost and volume are compared based on the total power semiconductor chip area and the total energy stored in the passive components. Asymmetrical reactive power delivering operation of the MMCC family considering the dc-link capacitor voltage-balancing method is solved mathematically in order to quantitatively understand the performance limitations and behaviors. The electrothermal stress of the power modules used in each type of the MMCC for a practical 80-MVar/33-kV-scaled STATCOM is analyzed. The asymmetrical reactive power capability of the MMCC solutions is compared under different scenarios of grid faults, while considering the device temperature limits as well as voltage saturation. It is found that the MMCC configuration with double-star bridge cells becomes the most attractive circuit configuration for the STATCOM application based on the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare soft tissue condition. The first case was reported in 1960, however, the precise pathophysiology of calcific myonecrosis remains unclear. The disease was thought to arise from compartment syndrome within a confined space resulting in necrosis and fibrosis, subsequent repeated intralesional hemorrhage, mass enlargement and calcification. Several previous reports have described calcific myonecrosis, which include the formation of calcific myonecrosis after a prolonged period of post trauma. Notably, calcific myonecrosis has typically been described in the lower legs and characteristic imaging findings have been indicated. Furthermore, surgical intervention carries a high risk of complications. In the present case report 2 cases of calcific myonecrosis that occurred after a prolonged period of time following a traumatic event that impacted the lower leg were reported. CT images revealed disruption of calcified fascia and disease expansion into the outside of the fascia. Previous reports have implied that there is late focal enlargement of calcific myonecrosis following earlier enlargement, which may be caused by herniation through muscle fascia. However, no previous publications have focused on images for evidence of late local enlargement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on fascial herniation of calcific myonecrosis using images. Analysis of this feature using images may aid clinicians to differentiate calcific myonecrosis from malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Aim of the Study: Inner meniscus cells have a chondrocytic phenotype, whereas outer meniscus cells have a fibroblastic phenotype. In this study, we examined the effect of hyaluronan on chondrocytic gene expression in human meniscus cells.Materials and Methods: Human meniscus cells were prepared from macroscopically intact lateral meniscus. Inner and outer meniscus cells were obtained from the inner and outer halves of the meniscus. The cells were stimulated with hyaluronan diluted in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium without serum to the desired concentration (0, 10, 100, and 1000 μg/mL) for 2–7 days. Cellular proliferation, migration, and polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed for the inner and outer cells separately. Meniscal samples perforated by a 2 mm diameter punch were maintained for 3 weeks in hyaluronan-supplemented medium and evaluated by histological analyses.Results: Hyaluronan increased the proliferation and migration of both meniscus cell types. Moreover, cellular counts at the surface of both meniscal tissue perforations were increased by hyaluronan treatments. In addition, hyaluronan stimulated α1(II) collagen expression in inner meniscus cells. Accumulation of type II collagen at the perforated surface of both meniscal samples was induced by hyaluronan treatment. Hyaluronan did not induce type I collagen accumulation around the injured site of the meniscus.Conclusion: Hyaluronan stimulated the proliferation and migration of meniscus cells. Our results suggest that hyaluronan may promote the healing potential of meniscus cells in damaged meniscal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: It is unclear whether prognosis differs by age for early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to examine prognosis and recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early‐stage HCC and to determine its prognostic factors for different age groups. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 1079 patients with initial early‐stage HCC treated with RFA at two institutions. All patients in this study were divided into four groups: <70 years old (group1, n = 483), 70–74 years old (group2, n = 198), 75–79 years old (group3, n = 201), and ≥80 years old (group4, n = 197). Prognostic factors were evaluated by comparing survival and recurrence rates between each group. Results: The median survival time and 5‐year survival rates for each group were 113 months and 70.8% in group1, 99.2 months and 71.5% in group2, 91.3 months and 66.5% in group3, and 71 months and 52.6% in group 4, respectively. Group4 had a significantly shorter survival than the other groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in recurrence‐free survival among the groups. In group4, the most common cause of death was nonliver‐related disease (69.4%). In all groups, modified albumin–bilirubin index grade was a factor contributing to prolonged prognosis, but only in group4 performance status (PS) was a significant factor (hazard ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–3.00; p = 0.009). Conclusion: For early‐stage HCC in the elderly, preoperative evaluation of PS and management of other diseases could contribute to a prolonged prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare open repair (OR) with thoracoscopic repair (TR) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in neonates. Methods: Twenty-four neonatal CDH cases diagnosed prenatally or within 6 h of birth at our institute from 2002 to 2012 with mild pulmonary hypertension managed without inhaled nitric oxide, were studied. OR was routine until 2006 ( n = 14; L:R = 12:2) and TR became routine in 2007 ( n = 10; L:R = 10:0). All subjects had identical management. Results: Gestational age at birth: OR 37.4 ± 1.6 vs. TR: 38.3 ± 1.1 weeks ( p = 0.10); birth weight 2,636 ± 490 vs. 2,887 ± 429 grams ( p = 0.20); preoperative A-aDO: 308 ± 200 vs. 331 ± 195 mmHg ( p = 0.79); and operating time (min): 161 ± 42 vs. 194 ± 76 ( p = 0.27). In TR, intraoperative cardiopulmonary status was stable, intraoperative hemorrhage was significantly less (4.8 ± 6.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.1 grams; p = 0.038), wound cosmesis was excellent without surgical site infections, while, maximum postoperative CRP (2.0 ± 1.5 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1 mg/dL; p = 0.30), commencement of enteral feeding (6.9 ± 2.8 vs. 5.6 ± 2.8 days; p = 0.27), and length of postoperative hospitalization (36 ± 22 vs. 34 ± 12 days; p = 0.66) were improved, but not significantly. One OR case required surgery for intestinal obstruction. Conclusions: Thoracoscopic repair appears to be as effective as OR for treating selected cases of CDH in neonates, with excellent wound cosmesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosthetic replacement for the reconstruction of bone tumor is the standard method in limb salvage surgery. However, the breakages of prosthesis in these patients are frequent because the patients are young and active. Removal of the broken stem remained in the bone medulla is a highly difficult technical procedure in revision surgery. This article describes a new method to remove the well-fixed broken femoral stem with a hollow trephine reamer in patients with prosthetic replacement of the distal femur for primary bone tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aims of this study were to review published data on pedicle dimensions and bony spinal canal diameters calculated from CT examinations of the cervical spine through the English-language literature and analyze these data for ethnic disparities and similarities. Materials and methods: The authors reviewed the literature on 'pedicle' and 'spinal canal' by conducting a bibliographic search using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Science Direct from January 1985 to December 2010. After evaluating all of the selected abstracts, we ultimately selected 19 studies involving living subjects: 12 studies on pedicle dimensions and 7 on spinal canal diameters. The four parameters, pedicle width (PW), pedicle transverse angle (PTA), anterior-posterior diameter of the spinal canal (APD), and transverse diameter of the spinal canal (TD), were analyzed at the relevant levels from C3 to C7. In addition, the values for pedicle dimensions and spinal canal diameters in the European/American populations were compared using the data from Asian populations as a baseline. Results: The smallest mean PW was found at C4 in the male (5.1 mm) and female populations (4.1 mm); the largest mean PW was found at C7 in both male (7.7 mm) and female populations (7 mm). The PW in males was greater than in females at the majority of levels. The smallest mean PTA was found at C7 in both male (33.4°) and female populations (33°); the largest mean PTA was found at C4 in both male (53.2°) and female populations (52.1°). The overall PW, PTA, APD, and TD ratio of European/American to Asian populations was 91.4-98.8, 99.6-106.2, 110.7-122, and 100-108.3 %, respectively. Conclusion: Although our cervical spine CT data were suggestive of possible ethnic differences in spinal canal morphology, our analysis failed to identify significant ethnic disparity in pedicle dimensions despite potential differences in physique between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Depth filter microfiltration membranes produced from biodegradable poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) are reported in this paper. The asymmetric porous membranes reported here were formed via a process that combined nonsolvent-induced and thermally induced phase separation. The membranes served as efficient and rapid depth filters to retain bacterial cells when cell suspensions were filtered from the porous or rough side of the membrane, while serving as screen filters when the suspension was fed from the smooth skin side. After use, the depth filters were disposed of by non-enzymatic degradation – a process that was significantly accelerated in wet conditions at 60°C, conditions under which composting is usually operated. The fact that the PLLA depth filters reported here can be disposed of by composting will help reduce industrial wastes in biochemical and food industries when they are used as a pre-filter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this in vitro study, novel porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes were developed to improve periosteal sheets by promoting initial adhesion of periosteal tissue segments and stimulating the formation of a viable multilayered cellular sheet. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and osteogenicity were evaluated using human periosteal tissue segments cultured on porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes; the periosteal sheets were osteogen induced and were then implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. In vivo, the membrane degraded into clusters of membrane particles separated by wide cracks; fibroblastic cells invaded along with small blood vessels from the surrounding mouse connective tissue. In osteoinduced periosteal sheets, the membrane clusters were surrounded by numerous capillaries and a number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive, multinucleated cells. Neither severe inflammation nor fibrous encapsulation was observed throughout the implantation (~12 weeks). These porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes were highly biocompatible and functioned well as biodegradable scaffolds that could enhance the use of osteogenic periosteal sheets in therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Enzymatic oxidative polymerization of methoxyphenols by a fungal laccase was investigated to synthesize polymethoxyphenols, which would be environmentally benign materials because they are degraded by lignin degrading fungi. An industrially produced thermostable laccase from Trametes sp. Ha1 polymerized o-methoxyphenol and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol in McIlvaine buffer (pH 4.5) both with and without organic solvents while the enzyme needed organic solvents to polymerize phenol, alkylphenols, and m- and p-methoxyphenols. The reaction rates correlated with the energies of the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) of the phenols. The poly(o-methoxyphenol) synthesized was soluble in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) while 80% of the poly(2,6-dimethoxyphenol) was insoluble in DMF. The weight-average molecular weight of the poly(o-methoxyphenol) was 7000–11,000. The reaction rate of polymerization in McIlvaine buffer without organic solvents increased until an o-methoxyphenol concentration of 500mmoldm−3 although the Michaelis constant calculated from the oxygen consumption rate was 0.4mmoldm−3. The o-methoxyphenol and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol would be suitable for production of environmentally benign phenolic resins by enzymatic oxidative polymerization using laccase without formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, or organic solvent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microporous foams of polymer blends of two biodegradable polyesters, poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), were prepared via thermally induced phase separation method. The phase behaviors of the solutions of the polymer blends in 1,4-dioxane containing water were similar, which would be due to the similar solubility parameters of the two polymers (20.5–21.1 and 21.2 MPa0.5). However, the porous structure of the polymer blends dependent on the blend ratio under the same conditions other than the ratio. Hepatic cells (HepG2 cells) were cultured on the porous polymer blends. The cells invaded into the scaffold of PCL and PLLA–PCL-blend (1:4) by 1.0 and 1.5 mm, respectively, while they grew near the surface of the PLLA foams. Blending of biodegradable polyesters has the potential of controlling the porous structure of biodegradable foams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We are developing a semiconductor Compton telescope to explore the universe in the energy band from several tens of keV to a few MeV. A detector material of combined Si strip and CdTe pixel is used to cover the energy range around 60keV. For energies above several hundred keV, in contrast, the higher detection efficiency of CdTe semiconductor in comparison with Si is expected to play an important role as both an absorber and a scatterer. In order to demonstrate the spectral and imaging capability of a CdTe-based Compton camera, we developed a Compton telescope consisting of a stack of CdTe pixel detectors as a small scale prototype. With this prototype, we succeeded in reconstructing images and spectra by solving the Compton kinematics within the energy band from 122 to 662keV. The energy resolution (FWHM) of reconstructed spectra is 7.3keV at 511keV. The angular resolution obtained at 511keV is measured to be (FWHM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Membrane-surface liquid culture (MSLC) is a promising method for the bioproduction of highly aerobic filamentous fungi [A. Ogawa, A. Yasuhara, T. Tanaka, T. Sakiyama, K. Nakanishi, Production of neutral protease by membrane-surface liquid culture of Aspergillus oryzae IAM2704, J. Ferment. Bioeng. 80 (1995) 35–40]. This paper reports on the production of laccase by Trametes versicolor on a microporous membrane of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), which can be biodegraded via composting after use. The membrane was stable as a support for 24 days at 30°C. During the first 9 days in MSLC, the fungus produced half as much laccase as it did in liquid-surface culture (LSC); however, the mycelium on the membrane was able to be re-used five times for laccase production. The laccase production was accelerated in the repeated use of the culture while the mycelium in LSC ceased to produce the enzyme. This study shows that compostable PLLA microporous membranes can be used for enzyme production by MSLC of filamentous fungi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We are developing a Compton telescope based on high-resolution Si and CdTe detectors for astrophysical observations in sub-MeV/MeV gamma-ray region. Recently, we constructed a prototype Compton telescope which consists of six layers of double-sided Si strip detectors (DSSDs) and CdTe pixel detectors to demonstrate the basic performance of this new technology. By irradiating the detector with gamma rays from radio isotope sources, we have succeeded in Compton reconstruction of images and spectra. The obtained angular resolution is 3.9°(FWHM) at 511keV, and the energy resolution is 14keV (FWHM) at the same energy. In addition to the conventional Compton reconstruction, i.e., drawing cones in the sky, we also demonstrated a full reconstruction by tracking Compton recoil electrons using the signals detected in successive Si layers. By irradiating 137Cs source, we successfully obtained an image and a spectrum of 662keV line emission with this method. As a next step, development of larger DSSDs with a size of is under way to improve the effective area of the Compton telescope. We are also developing a new low-noise analog ASIC to handle the increasing number of channels. Initial results from these two new technologies are presented in this paper as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report our development of CdTe pixel detectors for Si/CdTe semiconductor Compton cameras. We have constructed a prototype of a Si/CdTe Compton camera, consisting of six layered double-sided silicon strip detectors and three CdTe pixel detectors. By using this prototype, we have demonstrated the concept of the Si/CdTe Compton cameras. We have successfully obtained Compton reconstructed images for 80–662keV gamma-rays. The achieved angular resolution is about 4degrees for 511keV gamma-rays. The energy resolution is 14keV (FWHM) at 511keV. In order to improve the performance of the Compton camera, we have evaluated all CdTe pixel detectors we have constructed. We found that the – curve is helpful to select good detectors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complex of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules, collagen, and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on cortical bone repair in rabbits. Segmental bone defects of 5mm in length were created in the middle of the tibial shaft. The defect was stabilized with a plate and screws, and was filled with 0.3ml of a complex of β-TCP granules and 5% collagen, with or without 200μg of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2). Bone regeneration and β-TCP resorption were assessed by X-ray and micro-CT scanner. A three-point bending test was also performed. The results showed that the segmental bone defect was not only radiologically, but also mechanically healed with cortical bone 12 weeks after implantation of the complex with rhFGF-2. In contrast, after implantation of the complex without rhFGF-2, most of the defect was filled with β-TCP and only a small amount of bone formation was found. These results suggest that resorption of β-TCP is important for bone formation and may be promoted by FGF-2 in the β-TCP implantation site. In addition, the complex of β-TCP granules and collagen combined with rhFGF-2 provides a paste-like material that is easy to handle. This material may be of considerable use in the treatment of cortical bone defects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodegradable filtration membranes can be applied in food and biochemical processes to clarify products or to yield particles from suspensions, and then degrade in composting processes. In this study we developed microfiltration membranes from a polymer blend of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA). The membranes were formed via the thermally induced phase separation process and were used to separate yeast cells from their suspension. The blend ratio (PCL:PLLA) of 4:1 was important to prepare the biodegradable polymer-blend membrane with the ability of the retention of yeast cells and without exfoliation of the membrane. The permeation resistance of PCL–PLLA blend (4:1) membranes was as high as that of PCL membranes and was three-order lower than that of a PLLA membrane. In the filtration of yeast cell suspensions the increase of the permeation resistance during the filtration was much lower with a PCL–PLLA (4:1) membrane than with a PLLA membrane. The PCL–PLLA (4:1) membrane captured the cells as a depth filter while the PLLA membrane did as a screen filter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Production of d-lactic acid from rice bran, one of the most abundant agricultural by-products in Japan, is studied. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. delbrueckii IFO 3202 and defatted rice bran powder after squeezing rice oil were used for the production. Since the rice bran contains polysaccharides as starch and cellulose, we coupled saccharification with amylase and cellulase to lactic acid fermentation. The indigenous bacteria in the rice bran produced racemic lactic acid in the saccharification at pH 6.0–6.8. Thus the pH was controlled at 5.0 to suppress the growth of the indigenous bacteria. L. delbrueckii IFO 3202 produced 28 kgm−3 lactic acid from 100 kgm−3 rice bran after 36 h at 37°C. The yield based on the amount of sugars soluble after 36-h hydrolysis of the bran by amylase and cellulase (36 kgm−3 from 100 kgm−3 of the bran) was 78%. The optical purity of produced d-lactic acid was 95% e.e. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We are developing a Compton camera based on Si and CdTe semiconductor imaging devices with high energy resolution. In this paper, results from the most recent prototype are re- ported. The Compton camera consists of six layered double-sided Si Strip detectors and CdTe pixel detectors, which are read out with low noise analog ASICs, VA32TAs. We obtained Compton reconstructed images and spectra of line gamma-rays from 122 keV to 662 keV. The energy resolution is 9.1 keV and 14 keV at 356 keV and 511 keV, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Compton camera is the most promising approach for gamma-ray detection in the energy region from several hundred kiloelectronvolts to megaelectronvolts, especially for application in high energy astrophysics. In order to obtain good angular resolution, semiconductor detectors such as silicon, germanium and cadmium telluride (CdTe) have several advantages over scientillation detectors, which have been used so far. Based on the recent advances of high resolution CdTe and silicon imaging detectors, we are working on a SI/CdTe Compton camera. We have developed 64-pixel CdTe detectors with a pixel size of 2 mm ×2 mm and double-sided Si strip detectors (DSSDs) with a position resolution of 800 μm. As a prototype Si/CdTe Compton camera, we use a DSSD as a scatterer and two CdTe pixel detectors as an absorber. In order to verify its performance, we irradiate the camera with 100% linearly polarized 170 keV γ-rays and demonstrate the system works properly as a Compton camera. The resolution of the reconstructed scattering angle is 22 ° (full-width at half-maximum). Measurement of polarization is also reported. The polarimetric modulation factor is obtained to be 43%, which is consistent with the predcition of Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfiltration membranes of poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) were prepared from PLLA–1,4-dioxane–water solutions via the thermally induced phase separation process. Ternary phase diagrams for this system, determined at 10, 48, and 80 °C, indicate that essentially polymer-free droplets form in a matrix phase of PLLA–1,4-dioxane–water solution. Rapid solidification of the PLLA after the initial liquid–liquid phase separation was necessary to obtain membranes with open pores at the membrane surface and low permeation resistance. Using filtration of cell suspensions, the effective pore size of the best membrane formed in this study was found to be between 0.6 and 4.4 μm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effects of operation conditions on reaction rate in the enzymatic oxidative treatment of nonylphenol with laccase in a rotating reactor were studied. Sea sand that adsorbed nonylphenol was used as a polluted soil model. Nonylphenol concentration decreased with laccase treatment five times faster at 40°C than at 10°C and the apparent activation energy of the enzyme reaction was 39 kJ mol−1, which was in the range of the values reported for similar laccase reactions. Reaction rate increased when the angle of the axis of the rotating reactor from the vertical line increased and when the speed of revolution was increased to 10 rpm at different volumes of the enzyme solution. Thus, mixing is important for the oxidation of nonylphenol with laccase. The nonylphenol released from the sand into the enzyme solution in the initial stage of the treatment was easily oxidized. However, the nonylphenol adsorbed on the sand reacted slowly. Reaction rate increased nearly proportional to the square root of enzyme concentration, which suggests that the nonylphenol radical reacted with unoxidized nonylphenol (nonenzymatic propagation) during the enzymatic oxidative treatment. The dependence of reaction rate on the nonylphenol concentration was similar to the Michaelis–Menten type. The residual estrogenic activity of the treated sand was measured by medaka vitellogenin assay. The estrogenic activity decreased to 1/6–1/90 after 24 h of the treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recent high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy has revealed that several supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) show unusually high forbidden-to-resonance (f / r) line ratios. While their origin is still uncertain and debated, most of these SNRs have asymmetric morphology and/or show evidence of interaction with dense material, which may hint at the true nature of the anomalous f / r ratios. Here we report on a detailed spectral analysis of the LMC SNR J0453.6−6829 with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) onboard XMM-Newton. We find that the f / r ratio of O  vii (⁠|$=1.06^{+0.09}_{-0.10}$|⁠) is significantly higher than expected from the previously reported thermal model. The spectrum is suitably explained by taking into account a charge exchange (CX) emission in addition to the thermal component. Analyzing archival ATCA and Parkes radio data, we also reveal that an H  i cloud is possibly interacting with J0453.6−6829. These results support the presence of CX in J0453.6−6829, as the origin of the obtained high f / r ratio. Although a contribution of the resonance scattering (RS) cannot be ruled out at this time, we conclude that CX seems more likely than RS considering the relatively symmetric morphology of this remnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy revealed the possible presence of charge exchange (CX) X-ray emission in supernova remnants (SNRs). Although CX is expected to take place at the outermost edges of SNR shells, no significant measurement has been reported so far due to the lack of nearby SNR samples. Here we present an X-ray study of SNR G296.1âˆ'0.5, which has a complicated multiple-shell structure, with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on board XMM-Newton. We select two shells in different regions and find that in both regions the O vii line shows a high forbidden-to-resonance (f / r) ratio that cannot be reproduced by a simple thermal model. Our spectral analysis suggests a presence of CX and the result is also supported by our new radio observation, where we discover evidence of molecular clouds associated with these shells. Assuming G296.1âˆ'0.5 has a spherical shock, we estimate that CX is dominant in a thin layer with a thickness of 0.2%â€"0.3% of the shock radius. The result is consistent with a previous theoretical expectation and we therefore conclude that CX occurs in G296.1âˆ'0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have been developing P-channel Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) for the upcoming X-ray Astronomy Satellite XRISM, planned to be launched in 2021. While the basic design of the CCD camera (Soft X-ray Imager: SXI) is almost the same as that of the lost Hitomi (ASTRO-H) observatory, we are planning to reduce the phenomenon of "light leakages" that is one of the largest problems recognized in Hitomi data. We adopted a double-layer optical blocking layer on the XRISM CCDs and also added an extra aluminum layer on the backside of them. We develop a newly designed test sample CCD and irradiate it with optical light to evaluate the optical blocking performance. As a result, light leakages are effectively reduced compared with that of the Hitomi CCDs. We thus conclude that the issue is solved by the new design and that the XRISM CCDs satisfy the mission requirement for the SXI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The young shell-type supernova remnant (SNR) RX J1713.7−3946 has been studied as a suitable target to test the SNR paradigm for the origin of Galactic cosmic rays. We present a spatially resolved spectroscopy of the non-thermal X-ray emission in RX J1713.7−3946 with Chandra. In order to obtain X-ray properties of the filamentary structures and their surrounding regions, we divide the southeastern (SE), southwestern (SW), and northwestern (NW) parts of the SNR into subregions on the typical order of several 10" and extract spectra from each subregion. Their photon indices are significantly different among the subregions, with a range of 1.8 < Γ < 3. In the SE part, the clear filaments are harder (Γ ∼ 2.0) than the surrounding regions. This is a common feature often observed in young SNRs and naturally interpreted as a consequence of synchrotron cooling. On the other hand, the bright filamentary regions do not necessarily coincide with the hardest regions in the SW and NW parts. We also find the SW filamentary region is relatively rather soft (Γ ∼ 2.7). In addition, we find that hard regions with photon indices of 2.0–2.2 exist around the bright emission although the hard regions lie in the downstream region and the bright emission does not appear to be the blast wave shock front. Both the aforementioned characteristic regions in SW are located close to peaks of the interstellar gas. We discuss possible origins of the spatial variation of the photon indices, paying particular attention to the shock–cloud interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Liver stiffness measured using transient elastography (TE) is affected by tissue viscosity. The role of intrahepatic lymphatic fluid in liver stiffness is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lymphatic vessel dilatation on liver stiffness. Methods: Patients with chronic liver disease (n = 116) were enrolled from June 2018 to March 2020. All specimens were acquired by laparoscopic liver biopsy. Biopsy samples were stained with D2‐40 for lymphatic vessel quantification based on a five‐point scale for each specimen. Independent associations of liver stiffness measured by TE, strain elasticity (liver fibrosis index), and controlled attenuation parameter with fibrosis, lymphatic vessels, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, and steatosis were evaluated. Results: Fibrosis, splenic stiffness measurement, and splenic volume were significantly correlated with the area of lymphatic vessels. Fibrosis, lymphatic vessels, and alanine aminotransferase were independent factors significantly associated with liver stiffness measurement (LSM; standardized coefficient [β] = 0.375, P < 0.001; β = 0.342, P < 0.001; and β = 0.359, P < 0.001, respectively). Fibrosis was the only independent factor significantly associated with liver fibrosis index (β = 0.360, P < 0.001), whereas the fat deposit area was the only independent factor significantly associated with controlled attenuation parameter (β = 0.455, P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for diagnosing controlled ascites based on LSM, liver fibrosis index, splenic stiffness measurement, collagen proportionate area, and area of lymphatic vessels were 0.94, 0.66, 0.76, 0.64, and 0.79, respectively. Conclusions: Lymphatic vessel dilatation can affect liver stiffness measured using TE. Liver stiffness measurement is a predictive factor for ascites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) of the bone and soft tissues are rare mesenchymal neoplasms, some of which are malignant. However, their clinical and pathological characteristics remain unclear. This study was performed to investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of PEComas in bone and soft tissues by leveraging information from the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group. Methods: Nine patients, including four male and five female patients with a median age of 50 years, were retrospectively reviewed. PEComas of the visceral organs, including the uterus and retroperitoneum, were excluded. Results: Eight tumors arose in the soft tissue and one in the bone, with a mean size of 8.8 cm. Four patients showed local recurrence or distant metastasis. The 1-year survival rate was 78%. Pathologically, eight tumors were classified as malignant and one as having uncertain malignancy potential. Half of the tumors showed high MIB-1 index values of > 30%. Immunohistochemically, the melanocyte marker HMB45 was expressed in 89% of the cases, and muscle-specific markers were expressed only in 30–50% of the cases. Transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 (TFE3) expression was positive in 100% of the patients. Tumors with high expression of TFE3 were classified as PEComas with malignant potential according to Folpe's classification. Conclusions: Bone and soft tissue PEComas may have a higher malignancy potential than other visceral PEComas and are more likely to develop as TFE3-rearranged PEComas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: For radiofrequency ablation to treat patients diagnosed with liver cancer, the ablation area cannot be envisaged beforehand, even by experts. This study aimed to assess the clinical feasibility of applying a combination of electric (E)‐field and coronal (C)‐plane simulations to ultrasound–ultrasound (US–US) fusion images. Methods: The study protocols were approved by the institutional ethics committee. Between October 2017 and July 2019, 151 patients with 151 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules (80 treated with navigation images and 71 without navigation images) were retrospectively compared in this cross‐sectional study. The E‐field, which is a simulated image that predicts the ablation area, was applied to the US–US fusion images. The C‐plane is defined as a sagittal plane in relation to the original 2‐D US images. The positions of each E‐field area in the maximum cross‐sectional area of the tumor were easily identified from C‐plane results. The primary end‐point of this study was achievement of an adequate safety margin (greater than 5 mm). The sphericity of the ablation volume was used as a secondary end‐point. Results: The rate of achieving a sufficient safety margin was significantly higher in the group treated with navigation images (71/80) than in the group treated without navigation images (31/71, P < 0.001). The median sphericity was 0.55 with navigation images and 0.42 without navigation images (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Using the combination of an E‐field and a C‐plane on US–US fusion images can be a feasible method for acquiring a sufficient safety margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supernova remnants (SNRs) have been regarded as major acceleration sites of Galactic cosmic rays. Recent X-ray studies revealed neutral Fe Kα line emission from dense gas in the vicinity of some SNRs, which can be best interpreted as K-shell ionization of Fe atoms in the gas by sub-relativistic particles accelerated in the SNRs. In this Letter, we propose a novel method of constraining the composition of particles accelerated in SNRs, which is currently unknown. When energetic heavy ions collide with target atoms, their strong Coulomb field can easily cause simultaneous ejection of multiple inner-shell electrons of the target. This results in shifts in characteristic X-ray line energies, forming distinctive spectral structures. Detection of such structures in the neutral Fe Kα line strongly supports the particle ionization scenario, and furthermore provides direct evidence of heavy ions in the accelerated particles. We construct a model for the Fe Kα line structures by various projectile ions utilizing atomic-collision data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonance scattering (RS) is an important process in astronomical objects, because it affects measurements of elemental abundances and distorts surface brightness of the object. It is predicted that RS can occur in plasmas of supernova remnants (SNRs). Although several authors reported hints of RS in SNRs, no strong observational evidence has been established so far. We perform a high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of the SNR N49 with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on board XMM-Newton. The Reflection Grating Spectrometer spectrum of N49 shows a high G-ratio of O vii Heα lines as well as O viii Lyβ/α and Fe xvii (3s–2p)/(3d–2p) ratios, which cannot be explained by the emission from a thin thermal plasma. These line ratios can be well explained by the effect of RS. Our result implies that RS has a large impact particularly on a measurement of the oxygen abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We have been developing event driven X-ray Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) pixel sensors, called "XRPIX", for the next generation of X-ray astronomy satellites. XRPIX is a monolithic active pixel sensor, fabricated using the SOI CMOS technology, and is equipped with the so-called "Event-Driven readout", which allows reading out only hit pixels by using the trigger circuit implemented in each pixel. The current version of XRPIX has lower spectral performance in the Event-Driven readout mode than in the Frame readout mode, which is due to the interference between the sensor layer and the circuit layer. The interference also lowers the gain. In order to suppress the interference, we developed a new device, "XRPIX6E" equipped with the Pinned Depleted Diode structure. A sufficiently highly-doped buried p-well is formed at the interface between the buried oxide layer and the sensor layer, and acts as a shield layer. XRPIX6E exhibits improved spectral performances both in the Event-Driven readout mode and in the Frame readout mode in comparison to previous devices. The energy resolutions in full width at half maximum at 6.4 keV are 236 ± 1 eV and 335 ± 4 eV in the Frame and Event-Driven readout modes, respectively. There are differences between the readout noise and the spectral performance in the two modes, which suggests that some mechanism still degrades the performance in the Event-Driven readout mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We have been developing monolithic active pixel sensors, named "XRPIX", based on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) pixel technology for future X-ray astronomy satellites. XRPIX has the function of event trigger and hit address outputs. This function allows us to read out analog signals only of hit pixels on trigger timing, which is referred to as the event-driven readout mode. Recently, we processed "XRPIX5b" with the largest imaging area of 21.9 mm × 13.8 mm in the XRPIX series. X-ray spectra are successfully obtained from all the pixels, and the readout noise is 46 e − (rms) in the frame readout mode. The gain variation was measured to be 1.2% (FWHM) among the pixels. We successfully obtain the X-ray image in the event-driven readout mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes a hierarchical arrangement of two kinds of metal ions that prefer a linear two-coordinate geometry on a two-dimensional plane using a disk-shaped hexa-monodentate ligand in which three oxazoline rings are arranged on each of two concentric circles. The study used H nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The ligands can arrange metal ions so as to minimize electrostatic repulsion between positively charged metal centers.