Pinning of texture and vortices of the rotating B-like phase of superfluid 3He confined in a 98% aerogel

We have investigated pinning effects on texture and vortices of the B-like phase of superfluid (3)He in a rotating aerogel up to +/-2pi rad/s by cw-NMR. We observed deformation of the NMR spectra in rotation, due to counterflow between the superflow and the normal flow. The average intensity of the counterflow was calculated from the change of NMR spectra. The rotation dependence of the counterflow intensity is similar to the magnetization curve of hard type II superconductors or the counterflow response of (4)He-II in packed powders. This counterflow behavior is in qualitative agreement with a model that vortices are pinned unless the counterflow exceeds a critical velocity v(c). The temperature independence of v(c) suggests that v(c) is associated with the expansion of primordial vortices.

Vortex formation and annihilation in three textures of rotating superfluid 3He-A

Textures, textural transformation, and formation and annihilation of a single vortex were investigated in narrow cylinders with 100 microm radius in A-phase under rotation up to 6.28 rad/sec. Three textures were found, depending on the cooling conditions of the sample through the superfluid transition temperature T(c). We found the gyromagnetic effect of textures; that is, two textures (A or B) could be selected either by applying a magnetic field in parallel or anti-parallel to the rotation axis. The critical angular speed of a single vortex formation Omega(f) and that of annihilation Omega(a) for each texture were measured. The textural transformation in type A texture was induced by rotation. Both type A and B textures held macroscopic angular momentum along the rotation axis. We identified the texture for type A, B, and C as Mermin-Ho, radial disgyration, and a soliton type of defect along the axis, respectively.

Insulin-nonspecific reduction in skeletal muscle glucose transport in high-fat-fed rats

High-fat feeding diminishes insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle. However, conflicting results are reported regarding whether phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase-independent glucose transport is also impaired in insulin-resistant high-fat-fed rodents. The aim of the present study was to study whether non-insulin-dependent mechanisms for stimulation of glucose transport are defective in skeletal muscle from high-fat-fed rats. Rats were fed normal chow diet or high-fat diet for 4 weeks and isolated epitrochlearis muscles were used for measuring glucose transport. Insulin-stimulated glucose transport was significantly lower in rats fed the high-fat diet compared with chow-fed rats (P < .05). Hypoxia-stimulated glucose transport was also reduced in high-fat-fed rats (P < .05). Nevertheless, hypoxia-stimulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation (Thr172) level was not affected by high-fat feeding. Glucose transport by sodium nitroprusside stimulation was reduced in high-fat-fed rats (P < .05). Protein content of glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 and AMPK-alpha, and glycogen content were comparable between both groups. Our findings provide evidence that high-fat feeding can affect not only insulin but also non-insulin-stimulated glucose transport. A putative defect in common steps in glucose transport may play a role to account for impaired insulin-stimulated glucose transport in rats fed a high-fat diet.

X-ray directional dichroism of a polar ferrimagnet

In a polar ferrimagnet GaFeO3, we have found a novel magneto-optical effect, termed x-ray nonreciprocal directional dichroism (XNDD), that the x-ray absorption at around the K edge of an Fe ion depends on whether the x-ray propagation vector is parallel or antiparallel to the outer product of the magnetization and electric-polarization vectors. The XNDD spectroscopy as demonstrated here can be a useful tool to probe the local magnetism in noncentrosymmetric systems such as magnetic interfaces and nanostructures.

Genetic testing of glycogen storage disease type Ib in Japan: five novel G6PT1 mutations and a rapid detection method for a prevalent mutation W118R

We devised a simple method using a TaqMan fluorogenic probe for detection of a prevalent G6PT1 mutation W118R among Japanese patients with glycogen storage disease type Ib. The W118R mutation was detected in three of six newly diagnosed Japanese patients. The W118R-negative alleles were screened for causative mutations by sequencing analysis, revealing five novel mutations. The genetic tests using the simple TaqMan method coupled with sequencing analysis would facilitate the early diagnosis of this disorder.

Differential diagnosis of neonatal mild hypergalactosaemia detected by mass screening: clinical significance of portal vein imaging

The aetiology of hypergalactosaemia in 100 neonates detected by screening using the Paigen method is discussed. Hypergalactosaemia was transient in 94 cases and persistent in 6. The aetiology among transient cases was unknown in 55, delayed closure of the ductus venosus in 19, heterozygous UDP-galactose 4-epimerase (GALE) deficiency in 16, and heterozygous galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency in 6. The aetiology among persistent cases was hepatic haemangioendothelioma with portovenous shunting in 2, and patent ductus venosus with hypoplasia of the intrahepatic portal vein, citrin deficiency, homozygous GALE deficiency, and heterozygous GALE deficiency in one patient each. The abnormalities of the portal system were identified ultrasonographically at the initial consultation and measurements of the total bile acid and alpha-fetoprotein concentrations were helpful in resolving the differential diagnosis. The causes of hypergalactosaemia varied, but a major cause was portosystemic shunt. Evaluation of patients with hypergalactosaemia should not be limited to enzymatic analysis, but should also include hepatic imaging, especially ultrasonography. Additionally, determination of total bile acids and alpha-fetoprotein is helpful in identifying the aetiology of hypergalactosaemia in infants.

The herbal medicine Rikkunshi-to stimulates and coordinates the gastric myoelectric activity in post-operative dyspeptic children after gastrointestinal surgery

Rikkunshi-to (TJ-43), a gastroprotective herbal medicine, has been used for the symptomatic relief of adult patients with dyspepsia. However, its mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of TJ-43 on the gastric myoelectric activity in post-operative dyspeptic patients, whose symptoms persisted for over 1 year after gastrointestinal surgery. Electrogastrography (EGG) recordings were performed to calculate the biomechanical parameters on the dominant peak frequency (DPF). Eight pediatric patients with dyspeptic symptoms after gastrointestinal surgery were examined and six age-matched children without any dyspeptic symptoms were used as controls, and they were compared with nine age-matched children without any dyspeptic symptoms after gastrointestinal surgery as subcontrols. All patients exhibited symptomatic relief after the administration of TJ-43, and the mean symptom score decreased significantly after the treatment of TJ-43 over a 1-month period ( P<0.0001). The variability index (VI) and the percentage of normal waves (PNW) were calculated as irregularity parameters of DPF. The power ratio (PR) was calculated as a parameter of the gastric contractile activity. There were no significant differences in the VI and PNW between the controls and patients during the postprandial state after therapy, even though significant differences existed regarding those parameters between the controls and patients before the therapy. There were no significant differences in the DPF, VI, and PNW between the controls and subcontrols. Furthermore, PR exhibited a significant increase after therapy ( P<0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the PR between the controls and subcontrols ( P<0.05). Postprandial dip was observed in all control subjects, eight patients in the subcontrols, and two patients after administration of TJ-43, respectively. An abnormal gastric electrical activity therefore seems to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of post-operative dyspeptic children. The coordinating and stimulating effect of TJ-43 on the gastric myoelectric activity therefore seems to play an important role in the reduction of dyspeptic symptoms.

Ta 5d band symmetry of 1T-TaS1.2Se0.8 in the commensurate charge-density-wave phase

We present a detailed angle-resolved photoemission study on the layered transition-metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS1.2Se0.8 in the commensurate charge-density-wave (CDW) phase. A drastic reduction in the spectral weight along the high symmetry line GammaM, particularly around the point M, is observed when s-polarized light was used. This implies that the initial state must be symmetric with respect to a mirror plane perpendicular to the line GammaK, which is consistent with conventional band calculations in the absence of the CDW. We conclude that there is only a limited amount of modification of the electronic structure of 1T-TaS1.2Se0.8 in the commensurate CDW phase due to the CDW-related potential.

MRI of ectopic posterior pituitary bright spot with large adenomas: appearances and relationship to transient postoperative diabetes insipidus

MRI of large pituitary adenomas has revealed that a posterior pituitary bright spot (PPBS), comprising ADH-containing neurosecretory granules, is commonly ectopic before surgery and attached to the tip of the pituitary stalk late after surgery. Although the PPBS indicates functional integrity of the posterior lobe, transient diabetes insipidus (DI), caused by deficiency of ADH, is frequent early after surgery. We attempted to clarify how the shape, signal intensity and site of the PPBS before surgery are related to transient DI in the early postoperative period. We carried out MRI on 15 patients with a large adenoma and an ectopic PPBS before surgery and then within 1 week (early), 1-2 months (intermediate) and 6 or more months (late) after the operation. There were nine who had transient DI, which subsided by the intermediate study; none had permanent DI. Regardless of transient DI, the PPBS was visible, and its signal intensity was similar, on all postoperative studies. Although 11 did not change in shape, four showed a remarkable change from a flat shape before surgery to a rounded one postoperatively. On the intermediate MRI, the PPBS had descended to the level of the diaphragma as mass effect disappeared.

Micro X-ray computed tomography analysis for the evaluation of asymmetrical condylar growth in the rat

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the influence of forced lateral bite on mandibular growth, micro X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used for the purpose evaluating condylar cartilage and cancellous bone formation in 10 male Wister rats (3 weeks of age). SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The rats were divided into two groups--experimental and control. In experimental group, an inclined crown was cemented onto the maxillary incisors to produce 2.5 mm shift toward the left side during mastication. Right-left differences in whole mandibular length, mandibular height, condylar size, trabecular structure of the condylar head and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis were assessed using 3-D images reconstructed from micro X-ray CT scans when the mice had reached 21 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Asymmetrical growth was found in the experimental group, in which the left condylar head became thicker and shorter than the right condylar head during development. When comparing the left and right condyles of the experimental animals, histomorphometric analysis from micro X-ray CT showed that the bone volume (BV) of the cancellous bone, the surface area of the cancellous bone (BS), the BS/BV ratio, the BV fraction (BV/TV), and the trabecular thickness and trabecular number were less for the right condyle than for the left condyle.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that artificial changes in the mastication do influence the growth of condylar head, condylar bone trabecular structure, and mineralization.

Highly degenerate canted spin structure in bilayer manganite La1.1Sr1.9Mn2O7

We have observed magnetic diffuse signals of the bilayer manganite La1.1Sr1.9Mn2O7 by neutron scattering. Even at the low temperature, 20 K, there is a diffuse signal, which is much stronger than that observed in the high temperatures, 144 and 288 K. This signal cannot be characterized by a bilayer structure as observed at 144 K nor by a monolayer structure as at 288 K, but by a high degeneracy of a canted spin structure. Thus, an observation of this diffuse signal is the direct evidence for the establishment of the canted spin structure in La1.1Sr1.9Mn2O7.

Degradation of resin-dentin bonds using NaOCl storage

OBJECTIVE

Several recent studies have reported collagen hydrolysis within bonds over the long-term. This may be one reason for the degradation of the bonds. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of NaOCl on adhesive system bonds (total-etch bonding system vs. self-etching primer system) to dentin in order to accelerate the durability testing.

METHODS

Resin-dentin bonded specimens were produced using Liner Bond 2V (Kuraray), a self-etching primer system, and OptiBond SOLO (Kerr), a total-etch bonding system, according to the manufacturers' instructions. The bonded specimens were serially sectioned in both x and y directions across the adhesive interface to obtain beams (adhesive area: 0.9 mm(2)). The specimens were immersed in 10% NaOCl solution for 1-5h after being stored in water at 37 degrees C for 24h. Control specimens were tested without exposure to NaOCl. After storage, micro-tensile bond tests were performed. Results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD tests (p<0.05). All fractured surfaces were observed by SEM, and examined using an image analyzer.

RESULTS

The bond strengths decreased with increasing storage time in NaOCl. Fractography showed that NaOCl had a greater effect on the bond structure of OptiBond SOLO than on that of Liner Bond 2V, although both adhesives were susceptible.

SIGNIFICANCE

Deterioration of the bonds was responsible for the effect of NaOCl on the hybrid layer. This deterioration may occur in humans in cases of deproteinization within the bonds.

Implantation of presternal catheter using Moncrief technique: aiming for fewer catheter-related complications

OBJECTIVES

To reduce catheter-related complications, we developed a new technique of catheter implantation, combining a presternal catheter with the Moncrief technique.

METHODS

The presternal catheter, consisting of 2 catheters joined by a titanium extender, was surgically implanted. Its end was left embedded in the presternal wall. A few weeks after implantation, the embedded subcutaneous catheter was exteriorized, exiting in the 4th intercostal space, and peritoneal dialysis (PD) was commenced.

RESULTS

Using the new technique, 9 catheters were implanted (3 in women and 6 in men). Exteriorization was performed 30.6 +/- 14.3 days after implantation of the catheter. Total observation period was 70 patient-months. Average hospitalization was 4.4 +/- 1.3 days for catheter implantation, and 2.6 +/- 2.6 days for exteriorization. Peritoneal dialysis commenced on the day of exteriorization with an exchange volume of 1.8 +/- 0.3 L, using 4 exchanges daily. During the observation period, none of the patients experienced a catheter infection or dialysate leak. One non infectious complication was observed (a catheter wrapped in omentum).

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach of combining a presternal catheter and the Moncrief technique had some advantages not only in regard to catheter infection and dialysate leakage, but also in regard to quality of life and hospitalization for the patient.

A case of retropharyngeal abscess caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

We report here a case of a 1-year-old girl with retropharyngeal abscess caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP). Computed tomography disclosed a retropharyngeal mass lesion (4 cm x 3 cm in diameter), and the diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration of the retropharyngeal space, which yielded PRSP. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a young subject in whom retropharyngeal abscess was caused by this organism. Retropharyngeal abscess is most common in children younger than 3 or 4 years of age, during which period a high carriage rate of PRSP is also shown. This patient was successfully treated with panipenem/betamipron.

Compassionate use of humanized anti-HER2/neu protein, trastuzumab for metastatic breast cancer in Japan

The HER-2/neu protein is thought to be a unique and useful target for antibody therapy of cancers overexpressing the HER-2/neu gene. The recombinant humanized anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab (Herceptin) was approved for clinical use in the US in 1998. In Japan, it was approved and later became available in June, 2001. We have treated 41 patients with metastatic breast cancer with trastuzumab purchased from the US. In this paper, the details of the patients we experienced are reviewed.

Over-etching effects on micro-tensile bond strength and failure patterns for two dentin bonding systems

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the weakest zone of resin-dentin bonds and (2) the relation between bond strength and failure mode to clarify the effect of demineralized dentin.

METHODS

Human premolars were sectioned to expose the dentin surfaces, and the dentin surfaces were conditioned with phosphoric acid for 15, 60, 120, or 180s. Resin-dentin bonded specimens were produced using two adhesives: One-Step (Bisco) and OptiBond Solo (Kerr). Each sample was sectioned to produce a beam (adhesive area: 0.9mm(2)). Microtensile bond tests were then conducted, and the mean bond strengths (n=12 for each group) were statistically compared using two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple-range test (p<0.05). The fractured surfaces of all specimens were examined using SEM, and the areas of failure were measured using an image analyzer.

RESULTS

For One-Step, the bond strength decreased with increase in acid-conditioning time (15s: 50.7+/-9.7, 60s: 40.8+/-11.0, 120s: 23.6+/-4.9 and 180s: 12.1+/-4.6MPa) (p<0.05). For OptiBond Solo, the bond strength in the case of 15s acid-conditioning time (42.6+/-7.9MPa) was significantly greater than that for the other times (60s: 31.9+/-10.3, 120s: 31.8+/-14.4 and 180s: 31.8+/-7.4MPa) (p<0.05). Fractography showed that the area percentage of the hybrid layer increased with increase in etching time for both systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrity of the hybrid layer, especially the top part, has an effect on bond strength.

Treatment of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms. A clinical decision analysis

SUMMARY

The indication of preventive surgery for patients who harbor asymptomatic un ruptured intracranial aneurysms remains controversial. To evaluate the benefit of this treatment, we investigated the management outcome in 128 patients with 157 unruptured aneurysms. Surgery was planned in patients 70 years old or younger without serious systemic complications. A total of 77 patients underwent surgery including four endovascular interventions, and conservative management was chosen in 51 patients. There was no mortality and 6.5% morbidity as postoperative results, and no complication was found after endovascular treatment. Among the patients in conservative management, four patients suffered from subsequent rupture during the total follow-up period of 148 person-years. The annual rupture rate was estimated at 2.7%. According to the clinical decision analysis based on our data, preventive surgery is beneficial for a Japanese 70 years old or younger. However, the expected utility decreases if the rupture rate is set at 0.5% or 0.05%, posing a doubt about the benefit of the surgery. Decision analysis provides an aid for logical and objective choice in the management of unruptured aneurysms. The actual risk of rupture has a major impact on decision making in therapeutic strategy.

Influences of venous involvement on postoperative brain damage following the anterior interhemispheric approach

BACKGROUND

The anterior interhemispheric approach offers us an excellent surgical view for suprasellar lesions. Following this approach, we occasionally encounter postoperative brain damage in the frontal lobes. To assess the determinants of such a complication, we undertook a clinical study.

METHOD

Potential causes for such brain damage were evaluated in 28 consecutive patients with suprasellar tumours extirpated using this approach. We focused particularly on the influences of venous involvement during surgery. The draining territory index (DTI) was originally devised for estimating the extent of the draining area of the sacrificed bridging veins.

FINDINGS

CT evident brain damage was observed in five of 28 patients (17.8%), but only one patient (3.6%) showed clinically significant postoperative deficits. The patient's age, tumour pathology, tumour character, tumour size, duration of surgery, and radicality of the surgery did not affect the incidence of the brain damage. Of the twelve patients whose bridging veins were sacrificed during surgery, four (33.3%) showed brain damage in the frontal lobes. In contrast, such damage was observed in only one patient out of 16 (6.3%) whose bridging veins were preserved. Among the brain-damaged group, the average DTI of the sacrificed veins was significantly higher than that among the non-brain-damaged group.

INTERPRETATION

Venous involvement during surgery significantly aggravated postoperative brain damage following the anterior interhemispheric approach. The DTI was useful in predicting the risk of brain damage, and a large bridging vein with a DTI over 50% should not be sacrificed during surgery.

Heavily T2 weighted MR assessment of fornical injury after anterior interhemispheric approach for large suprasellar tumors

Fornical injury in transforaminal approach is well known. Its injury in the anterior interhemispheric approach (AIA) has been rarely highlighted. We report 2 cases with a large suprasellar tumor who underwent AIA. Postoperative heavily T2 weighted reversed (T2R) MR images demonstrated its unilateral injury. The clinical significance of symptom-free fornical injury after AIA is discussed. Cases 1 and 2 were a 15 year-old girl with a meningioma and a 49-year-old woman with a craniopharyngioma, respectively. They underwent AIA. Postoperative T2R images revealed unilateral fornical crus atrophy. They did not present associated memory deficits. Case 1 had the injury of both fornical column and anterior commissure. They were speculatively torn by intra-operative lateral retraction of the frontal lobes. Case 2 had unilateral atrophy of the mammillary body and postcommissural fornix, which were probably caused by ischemic damage related to surgical manipulation, since case 2 had an associated anterior thalamic infarct. During the operation for large suprasellar tumors, excessive laterally directed brain retraction should be avoided, since such manipulation may easily tear the overstretched anterior commissure and fornical column. Once we notice or suspect fornical injury on MR studies in cases of re-operation, we have to choose a surgical approach and operative manipulation to preserve an intact fornix. The MR evaluation of fornix should be included in the perioperative radiological assessment, since patients with unilateral fornical injury were free of memory disturbance, and T2R imaging is a useful MR sequence for depicting the anatomy related to the fornix.