Search for a W' boson via the decay mode W'-->munumu in 1.8 TeV pp collisions

We report the results of a search for a W' boson produced in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 1.8 TeV using a 107 pb-1 data sample recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We consider the decay channel W'-->&munumu and search for anomalous production of high transverse mass munumu lepton pairs. We observe no excess of events above background and set limits on the rate of W' boson production and decay relative to standard model W boson production and decay using a fit of the transverse mass distribution observed. If we assume standard model strength couplings of the W' boson to quark and lepton pairs, we exclude a W' boson with invariant mass less than 660 GeV/c2 at 95% confidence level.

Role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in early cervical cancer

The aim of this study was to prospectively determine if invasive carcinoma of the cervix can be ruled out by negative magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings. Eligible patients were those who were scheduled to undergo either hysterectomy or conization because of invasive or non-invasive lesions of the cervix. T2-weighted and T1-dynamic enhancement images were reviewed by two radiologists who had no information on these patients except for the preoperative diagnosis. Clinical information regarding location of the disease was not given. At least 12 longitudinal sections prepared from the surgically removed cervix were reviewed by a pathologist who was not provided with MRI information. The correlation between MRI and histological findings was analyzed in terms of depth of invasion. Seventy cases were entered and 66 were evaluable. Sensitivities of T2 and dynamic MRI for invasive and non-invasive disease by radiologist 1 were 0.8824 and 0.8235, respectively, and those by radiologist 2 were 0.6296 and 0.7647, respectively. Specificities were 0.8776 and 0.8571, respectively, for radiologist 1 and 0.8974 and 0.8367, respectively, for radiologist 2. When sensitivities and specificities were calculated for prediction of non-invasive plus microinvasive lesions < or = 5 mm vs. invasive lesions > 5 mm, specificities of T2 and dynamic MRI became 1.0000 for both radiologists. Negative findings on T2 and/or dynamic MRI indicated non-invasive or early invasive cervical diseases < or = 5 mm. The dynamic technique provided only limited additional value in the detection of early invasive cervical carcinoma.

A method for culturing and transplanting biliary epithelial cell from syrian golden hamster

The present paper describes the establishment of a method for simultaneous culturing of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) from the gall bladder (GB), extrahepatic bile duct (EBD) and intrahepatic bile duct (IBD) of the hamster. GB, EBD and IBD were cut from the biliary tree after collagenase perfusion of the liver. These biliary segments were minced into fragments. The fragments were embedded in collagen gel and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/HamF12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The various cells subsequently spread from the fragments and formed cellular sheets. After the fragments and flattened cells were removed with the aid of a Pasteur pipette under phase-contrast microscopy, the sheets remaining were found to be composed of cuboidal cells. These cuboidal cells were shown to express gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and cytokeratin 7, which are known to be specific markers of BECs. Ultrastructurally, a large number of microvilli were observed on the luminal surface and junctional complex and interdigitation was identifiable on the lateral surfaces. BEC cultures were subcultured by digestion with collagenase and dispase and then dissociated by subsequent digestion in trypsin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and then maintained on collagen gel for up to 8 weeks. After several passages, the BECs in culture eventually increased in size and showed vacuoles in the cytoplasm. They demonstrated irreversible growth arrest at 9 weeks. The BECs tended to form cystic structures when the BECs with collagen gel were transplanted into the interscapular fat pads of syngeneic hamsters. We established a method for culturing and transplanting biliary cells from syrian golden hamsters. This method may help to clarify the mechanism of hepatobiliary diseases.

Cervical carcinoma: efficacy of thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images for evaluating parametrial invasion

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images in the assessment of parametrial invasion by cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

One hundred parametria of 50 patients with cervical carcinoma were evaluated with pathologic correlation. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of parametrial invasion by cervical carcinoma between axial T2-weighted images and thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images.

RESULTS

Thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images provided accurate cross sections of the cervix with excellent detail and detected parametrial invasion more accurately than did axial T2-weighted images showing cross sections of the trunk. Although the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for parametrial invasion were 46.4%, 91.7%, and 79.0%, respectively, on axial T2-weighted images, the corresponding values were 67.9%, 97. 2%, and 89.0%, respectively, on thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images. There were statistically significant differences in the sensitivity (p = 0.014), specificity (p = 0.046), and accuracy (p = 0.002) in detecting parametrial invasion between these two types of images.

CONCLUSIONS

Thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images are useful for the assessment of parametrial invasion by cervical carcinoma.

Endometrial carcinoma: efficacy of thin-section oblique axial MR images for evaluating cervical invasion

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of thin-section oblique axial magnetic resonance (MR) images in evaluating cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients with endometrial carcinoma were evaluated with pathologic correlation. We compared the accuracy in the assessment of cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma between parasagittal MR images and thin-section oblique axial MR images by using T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted pulse sequences.

RESULTS

Cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma was confirmed by pathologic examination. Cervical invasion was seen in 16 patients. The accuracy rates of parasagittal T2-weighted images, thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images, parasagittal contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, and thin-section oblique axial contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images were 74.7%, 89.5%, 82.0%, and 95.5%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were seen between parasagittal T2-weighted images and thin-section oblique axial T2-weighted images (p = 0.002) and between parasagittal contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images and thin-section oblique axial contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Thin-section oblique axial MR images are considered to be useful for the assessment of cervical invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

Endometrial carcinoma: multisection dynamic MR imaging using a three-dimensional FLASH technique during breath holding

PURPOSE

Our aim was to investigate the usefulness of multisection dynamic MR imaging using a 3D FLASH technique during breath holding in assessing myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight endometrial carcinomas were evaluated with pathologic correlation. Dynamic MR imaging was performed using the 3D FLASH technique during breath holding. We compared accuracy in the assessment of myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma between T2-weighted images, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, and dynamic MR images.

RESULTS

The accuracy rates in estimating myometrial invasion with T2-weighted images, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, and dynamic MR images were 64.3%, 67.8%, and 85.7%, respectively. Statistically significant differences were seen between dynamic MR images and both T2-weighted images and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images.

CONCLUSION

Multisection dynamic MR imaging using the 3D FLASH technique during breath holding is useful for the evaluation of myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma with polypoid growth or an unclear junctional zone on T2-weighted images.

Primary hepatic carcinoid tumor

A primary hepatic carcinoid tumor arising in a 49-year-old woman is reported. The patient was admitted with multiple hepatic tumors and treated by a left lobectomy and cholecystectomy. Cut sections of the specimen revealed a solid and necrotic mass, measuring 10 x 12 x 13 cm, with multiple small satellite nodules. Histologically, the tumor cells had small oval-shaped nuclei and presented with a trabecular arrangement and rosette-like formation. Both Grimelius and Fontana-Mason stainings were positive. The tumor cells were positive for chromogranin A and negative for other antigens. Ultrastructural studies of the tumor cells revealed duct-like formation with microvilli and a cluster of dense small immature neurosecretory granules in the cytoplasm. These findings were consistent with those of carcinoid tumors. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with repeated transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for any remnant tumors. However, she died of the disease 5 years after the initial surgery. The autopsy findings suggested the primary site to be the liver.

Observation of triply charged metal ion clusters by electrospray and laser spray

Studies of the gas phase ion chemistry of triply charged metal ions, M(3+) = Sc(3+), Y(3+), La(3+), Ce(3+), and Yb(3+), were made by electrospray and laser spray. Triply charged ion ligand complexes, M(3+)(ligand)(n) were produced in the gas phase by electrospray and laser spray for the following ligands; glucose; sucrose; raffinose; cyclodextrin; ginsenoside Rb(1); dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA). The ion evaporation mechanism must be invoked to explain the transfer of more surface active ions (e.g., NH(4)(+)(H(2)O)(n)) in solution to the gas phase, while the transfer of low surface active ions (e.g., La(3+)(sucrose)(n)) may be explained by the charged residue model. In general, the laser spray gives stronger ion signals than electrospray for aqueous and water/methanol solutions. The laser spray is found to be more suitable for the observation of ions with larger solvation energies (e.g., Sc(3+)(DMSO)(n)). These results may be due to the enrichment of the sample concentration by the selective vaporization of the volatile solvent on the tip of the stainless steel capillary and also to the finer droplet formation caused by the laser irradiation. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Struma ovarii: appearance on MR images

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this multi-institutional study was to examine the appearance of struma ovarii on magnetic resonance (MR) images.

METHODS

MR images of 12 patients with histologically proven struma ovarii were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images with Gd-DTPA were available in 10 patients. The following determinations were made: tumor morphology, signal intensities, contrast-enhancement effects of solid components with Gd-DTPA, and comparison of MR images with resected specimens.

RESULTS

All 12 patients had both cystic and solid components, with a multilobulated surface and thickened septa. Signal intensities on T1-weighted images were mainly low, partly intermediate to high, or high, and those on T2-weighted images were mainly high, with different signal intensities. Contrast-enhancement effects were marked or moderate. The contents that showed low signal intensities on T1-weighted images and signal voids or low signal intensities on T2-weighted images were viscid gelatinous materials.

CONCLUSIONS

A multicystic tumor with a solid component, a multilobulated surface, and signal intensities that indicate the presence of viscid gelatinous materials appear to be a characteristic MR finding of struma ovarii.

MR appearance of endometrial carcinoma and mucinous cystadenoma in a postmenopausal patient treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer

We present a case of endometrial carcinoma accompanied with mucinous cystadenoma in a 70-year-old postmenopausal woman treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer demonstrated by MR imaging. Tamoxifen therapy (20 mg/day) had been carried out for more than 11 years since the surgical procedure for the primary tumor. MR images showed a markedly enlarged uterus containing endometrial carcinoma, cystic atrophy of the endometrium, and a right adnexal mass with multicystic components of various signal intensities.

I-123 uptake in nonfunctional struma ovarii

A case of nonfunctional struma ovarii preoperatively diagnosed by scintigraphy of the pelvis using I-123 NaI is reported. US, CT, and MRI revealed a multilobulated mass composed of cystic and solid components. CT showed cystic components with slightly high density and MRI showed various signal intensities on T1- and T2-weighted images. I-123-scintigraphy of the pelvis showed uptake in the pelvic mass. Microscopic examination revealed the histologic appearance of thyroid tissue accompanied by follicular adenoma. I-123 scintigraphy of the pelvis was useful for reaching the correct preoperative diagnosis in this patient with nonfunctional struma ovarii.

Cervical carcinoma: dynamic MR imaging with a turbo-FLASH technique

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristic findings of cervical carcinoma in dynamic MR imaging with a turbo-FLASH technique and to investigate the cause of the hyperintense rim surrounding the tumor on dynamic MR images by comparing them with the pathological findings in the resected specimens. Sixty consecutive patients with cervical carcinoma were included in this study. Dynamic MR imaging was performed with the rapid administration of Gd-DTPA using the turbo-FLASH technique. After dynamic MR imaging, T1-weighted spin echo (SE) images were obtained. Dynamic patterns of the lesions were investigated from images acquired in the early and late phases of dynamic MR imaging. The causes of the hyperintense rim were investigated by comparing dynamic MR images with the pathological findings. Most of the cervical carcinomas showed higher signal intensity than normal cervical stroma in the early phase of dynamic MR imaging. The pathological findings of the hyperintense rim on dynamic MR images differed according to the time of appearance of the hyperintense rim. Dynamic MR imaging with the turbo-FLASH technique, which shows high contrast between the lesion and normal cervical stroma, should be performed before obtaining contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE images in patients with cervical carcinoma.

Effect of NaCl on Aggregation Number, Microviscosity, and Cmc of N-Dodecanoyl Amino Acid Surfactant Micelles

Microviscosity, micellar aggregation number (N), and critical micelle concentration (cmc) were determined in solutions of sodium N-dodecanoyl-glycinate (Lau-Gly), -valinate (Lau-Val), -leucinate (Lau-Leu), and -phenylalaninate (Lau-Phe) as a function of NaCl using fluorescent probes (auramine, pyrene). The microviscosity increased with increasing concentration of NaCl and reached a saturated value. In addition, two breakpoints were found on the curve of microviscosity vs NaCl concentration and by comparison with the data of N and solution viscosity. The first and second breakpoints were explained, respectively, as the beginnings of micellar growth and intermicellar interaction. The value of N increased steeply above the first breakpoint and the solution viscosity began to increase at the second breakpoint. The NaCl concentrations at the first and second breakpoints increased in the order Lau-Phe < Lau-Leu < Lau-Val approximately Lau-Gly. The absolute value of the slope of the Corrin-Harkins plot of the cmc was smaller for Lau-Leu and -Phe than for Lau-Gly and -Val. Larger absolute values of the slope (1.2 approximately 2), which suggested the contribution of a salting out effect on cmc, were observed at high NaCl concentration for Lau-Gly and -Val. The micellar growth and intermicellar interaction occurred at lower NaCl concentration with increased size of the amino acid residue when the amino acid of the amino acid surfactant was larger than valine; that is, the hydrophobicity of the amino acid residue was the dominant factor rather than steric hindrance.

Endometrial carcinoma: dynamic MRI with turbo-FLASH technique

PURPOSE

Our goal was to investigate the usefulness of dynamic MRI with the turbo-FLASH technique in estimating myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma.

METHOD

Forty-six patients with endometrial carcinomas were evaluated with pathologic correlation. Dynamic MRI was performed with the rapid administration of Gd-DTPA using the turbo-FLASH technique.

RESULTS

The inner muscle layer showed more rapid contrast enhancement effects than the outer muscle layer even after menopause. Contrast-to-noise ratio between the inner muscle layer and endometrial carcinoma was maximum at approximately 50 s after administration of Gd-DTPA. In postmenopausal women, the accuracy in estimating myometrial invasion with T2-weighted images, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, and dynamic MRI was 66.7, 77.8, and 92.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic MRI with the turbo-FLASH technique is considered to be a useful imaging method for the estimation of myometrial invasion by endometrial carcinoma, especially in postmenopausal patients.