Dynamic and Isometric Force-Time Curve Characteristics Influencing Change of Direction Performance of State-Level Netball Players

ABSTRACT

Smolarek, T, Haff, GG, Poon, WCK, Nagatani, T, Barley, OR, and Guppy, SN. Dynamic and isometric force-time curve characteristics influencing change of direction performance of state-level netball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2397-2404, 2023-Although multiple lower-body strength capacities are required to change direction rapidly, there is limited knowledge about the relative importance of these factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between dynamic and isometric lower-body strength capacities and change of direction (COD) time in state-league netball players. Seventeen female athletes completed maximal isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and modified 5-0-5 COD tests. Pearson's product moment correlations were used to determine the relationship between COD time and several IMTP and CMJ force-time curve characteristics. To assess the level of contribution of each force-time curve characteristic to COD time, multivariate-linear stepwise regression analyses were performed. A significant moderate correlation was noted between net relative peak force (PF) during the IMTP and COD time ( r = 0.488, p = 0.047), accounting for 23.8% of the variance in COD time. Moreover, concentric relative impulse during the CMJ was strongly correlated with COD time ( r = 0.718; p = 0.001), explaining 81.9% of the variance in COD time when combined with net relative braking PF in a stepwise regression. Based on these findings, female netball players who display higher concentric and isometric strength, as well as the ability to express higher impulses during the concentric phase of the CMJ, are likely to perform CODs faster. This may occur because COD requires the generation of greater propulsive forces, as well as reduced braking and contact times, along with greater isometric strength enabling effective repositioning of center of mass during COD tasks.

Effect of 3 Different Set Configurations on Kinematic Variables and Internal Loads During a Power Snatch Session

ABSTRACT

Nagatani, T, Kendall, KL, Guppy, SN, Poon, WCK, and Haff, GG. Effect of 3 different set configurations on kinematic variables and internal loads during a power snatch session. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): 1929-1938, 2023-The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 different set configurations on kinematic variables and internal loads during multiple sets performed with the power snatch. Ten strength-power athletes with at least 6 months of training experience performing the power snatch participated in this study, which consisted of 3 experimental protocols performed in a randomized repeated-measures design. The 3 protocols involved performing the power snatch for 3 sets of 5 repetitions at an average load of 75% 1 repetition maximum with a traditional (TRAD), cluster (CLU), or ascending cluster (A-CLU) protocol, where the training load was progressively increased across the set. Kinematic variables and internal loads (heart rate, blood lactate, and rate of perceived exertion) were measured during each protocol. The athletes maintained peak velocity (PV) and peak power (PP) and exhibited lower internal loads during CLU sets when compared with TRAD sets, whereas they displayed significant decreases in PV during TRAD sets. However, there were no statistically significant differences in PV and PP responses between the TRAD and CLU protocol. The athletes exhibited a significant decrease in PV, whereas PP was increased across each set in the A-CLU protocol, with lower internal loads observed compared with the TRAD protocol. Overall, the training loads used in this study do not appear to maximize the benefits of using CLU set during 3 sets of power snatches performed for 5 repetitions. In addition, A-CLU sets may potentially be useful as a means of maximizing the power output of the athlete.

Sézary syndrome managed with histone deacetylase inhibitor followed by anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody

A 70-year-old man presented to our clinic with a 10-year history of recurrent pruritic erythema and plaques on his trunk and limbs. Based on the pathological findings and monoclonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor (TCR)-Cβ1 gene, mycosis fungoides (T2N0M0B0 stage IB) was diagnosed. Despite combination therapy including histone deacetylase inhibitor (vorinostat), the symptoms slowly evolved into Sézary syndrome (SS; T4N1M0B2) over 4 years, with dense infiltrates due to atypical lymphocytes expressing CCR4 developing in the entire dermis. Anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody (mogamulizumab) treatment was started. After seven courses, the CCR4-positive atypical lymphocytes decreased in the dermis to levels below those seen at the outset of treatment. To our knowledge, there is no previous report of a case of SS managed with vorinostat followed by mogamulizumab demonstrating such a remarkable change in the pathological state following treatment.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma from skin or soft tissue: suggestion of treatment from multinational retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

Clinical features and outcomes of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) arising from extranasal sites are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to study the prognosis and treatment outcome of skin/soft tissue primary ENKL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included 48 patients with skin/soft tissue primary ENKL diagnosed from 1993 to 2010.

RESULTS

Patients with Ann Arbor stage I, T1-2N0M0 by International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas-European Organization of Research and Treatment of Cancer TNM (tumour-node-metastasis) stage, International prognostic index score of 0-1, and a Korean prognostic index (KPI) score of 0-1 were associated with better survival. Four of five patients with T1-2N0M0 disease achieved complete response with radiation alone. In disseminated disease, only 6 of 13 patients responded to anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, and all the two patients receiving SMILE showed response.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we identified the prognostic value of KPI, and we suggest a treatment recommendation according to the TNM (tumour-node-metastasis) stage. Radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy seemed to be optimal in localized disease. In advanced stages, a more aggressive treatment regimen with newer agents should be sought.

Endoscopic third ventriculotomy improves parkinsonism following a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in a patient with non-communicating hydrocephalus secondary to idiopathic aqueduct stenosis

We report a 47-year-old woman who manifested ocular motility disorder, bilateral pyramidal signs, and severe parkinsonism after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt for non communicating hydrocephalus secondary to idiopathic aqueduct stenosis. The ocular motility disorder consisted of severe vertical gaze palsy and convergence retraction nystagmus. Parkinsonism included not only bradykinesia but also resting tremor and cogwheel rigidity. On the other hand, striatal uptake did not decrease in (18)F-dihydroxyphenylalanine positron emission tomography, and anti-Parkinsonian drugs were not effective. 99mTc-ethyl cysteinate dimer bicisate single-photon emission computed tomography and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed wide-ranged frontal cerebral cortical dysfunction due to midbrain dysfunction. Moreover, endoscopic third ventriculotomy markedly improved the clinical symptoms as well as the frontal cerebral cortical flow. A neural network formation known as the 'cortico-basal ganglia loop,' which intimately connects the frontal lobe with the basal ganglia, is possibly associated with the Parkinsonism observed in our patient.

Pool of dust particles over the Asian continent: balloon-borne optical particle counter and ground-based lidar measurements at Dunhuang, China

Measurements of aerosols were made in 2001 and 2002 at Dunhuang (40 degrees 00'N, 94 degrees 30'E), China to understand the nature of atmospheric particles over the desert areas in the Asian continent. Balloon-borne measurements with an optical particle counter suggested that particle size and concentration had noticeable peaks in super micron size range not only in the boundary mixing layer but also in the free troposphere. Super-micron particle concentration largely decreased in the mid tropopause (from 5 to 10 km; above sea level, a.s.l.). Lidar measurements made during August 2002 at Dunhuang suggested the possibility that mixing of dust particles occurred from near the ground to about 6 km even under calm weather conditions, and a large depolarization ratio of particulate matter was found in the aerosol layer. The top of the aerosol layer was found at heights of nearly 6 km (a.s.l.). It is strongly suggested that nonspherical dust particles (Kosa particles) frequently diffused in the free atmosphere over the Taklamakan desert through small-scale turbulences and are possible sources of dust particles of weak Kosa events that have been identified in the free troposphere not only in spring but also in summer over Japanese archipelago. Electron microscopic experiments of the particles collected in the free troposphere confirmed that coarse and nonspherical particles observed by the mineral particle were major components of coarse mode (diameter larger than 1 microm) below about 5 km over Dunhuang, China.

Expression of Ki-67 antigen and vascular endothelial growth factor in sporadic and neurofibromatosis type 2-associated schwannomas

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a formidable disease with considerable morbidity. Among tumors associated with NF2, schwannomas are the most difficult to treat because they are multiple and tend to recur. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported to act as a survival factor for Schwann cells. We, therefore, investigated VEGF expression in NF2-associated and sporadic schwannomas. We also evaluated the proliferative potential of these tumors by Ki-67 staining (MIB-1 labeling index) and microvascular density by CD34 staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 8 schwannomas from 6 NF2 patients, 2 schwannomas from 2 probable NF2 patients and 10 sporadic schwannomas. VEGF immunostaining was present in most schwannomas: all sporadic schwannomas and 8 of 10 schwannomas from NF2 or probable NF2 patients (NF2 group). No difference was evident in VEGF staining between the 2 groups. MIB-1 labeling index was significantly higher in the NF2 group (3.8 +/- 1.7) than the sporadic group (2.0 +/- 1.0, p < 0.01). Microvascular density was higher in the NF2 group (12.9 +/- 6.0) than the sporadic group (9.4 +/- 3.5), but not significantly (p = 0.06). Although VEGF alone cannot explain the higher proliferative potential in NF2-associated schwannomas, VEGF could be a factor influencing the proliferative potential of schwannomas.

Treatment of a sphenoid sinus mucocele using an endoscope combined with a navigating system: a case report

A sphenoid sinus mucocele extending into the middle cranial fossa and the pterygomaxillary fissure was decompressed using an endoscope in combination with a navigation system. A 59-year-old woman was admitted with a 3 month history of retro-ocular pain and right sided exophthalmos. To evaluate the cystic lesion, a fibreoptic endoscope was inserted into the cyst through an erosive defect in the temporal bone. The histopathological appearance of cyst wall tissue confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. After 4 months, the mucocele had refilled and the exophthalmos had recurred. At reoperation, the cyst was fenestrated using a rigid endoscope combined with a navigation system inserted via a sublabial transmaxillary approach. The proper site of cyst fenestration was precisely determined using the navigation system, permitting complete evacuation of this large lesion with minimal invasiveness.

Transmembrane ion channels constructed of cholic acid derivatives

A new class of supramolecular transmembrane ion channels was prepared by linking two amphiphilic cholic acid methyl ethers through biscarbamate bonds to afford bis(7,12-dimethyl-24-carboxy-3-cholanyl)-N,N'-xylylene dicarbamate 2 and bis[7,12-dimethyl-24-(N,N,N-trimethylethanaminium-2-carboxylate)-3-cholanyl]-N,N'-xylylene dicarbamate dichloride 3. When incorporated into a planar bilayer membrane, both compounds showed stable (lasting 10 ms to 10 s) single ion channel currents. Only limited numbers of relatively small conductances were characterized for these channels (5-20 pS for 2 and 5-10 pS for 3, 10 and 17 pS for 2, and 9 pS for 3 in particular). Both channels were cation selective, and permeability ratios of potassium cation to chloride anion were 17 and 7.9 for 2 and 3, respectively, reflecting the difference in ionic species of the headgroup. Both channels 2 and 3 showed significant potassium selectivity over sodium by a factor of 3.1 and 3.2, respectively. No Li(+) currents were observed for 2, showing sharp discrimination between Na(+) or K(+).

Enhancement and stabilization of traffic flow by moving in groups

We study the traffic behavior of vehicles moving in groups analytically and numerically. A car-following model of traffic is extended to take into account a binary mixture of vehicles. It is shown that the movement in groups stabilizes the traffic flow. The jamming transition among the free traffic, the inhomogeneous traffic, and the homogeneous congested traffic occurs at a higher density than the threshold of the original model. The traffic current is highly enhanced at a high-density region by keeping a short headway without jam. The jamming transition is analyzed by using the linear stability method. It is found that the theoretical neutral stability curve agrees with the transition line obtained by the simulation.

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome associated with reactivation of cytomegalovirus

Recently, it has been proposed that viral infection is involved in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity syndrome. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), one of the aetiological agents of infectious mononucleosis, has never been reported as an organism associated with hypersensitivity syndrome. We describe a 64-year-old man with severe phenytoin-induced hypersensitivity syndrome associated with CMV infection. Twenty-five days after the patient was started on phenytoin, he developed high fever and a generalized erythematous rash followed by jaundice, renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). CMV-specific IgG antibodies were significantly increased 7 weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms and the increase was associated with the appearance of CMV-specific IgM. CMV DNA was detected in the serum of the patient. Coinfection with other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesviruses 6 and 7, could be excluded because antibody titres to those viruses did not increase during the clinical course of his illness. We suggest that reactivation of CMV may contribute, at least in some cases, to the development of hypersensitivity syndrome.

Bunching transition in a time-headway model of a bus route

A time-headway model is presented to mimic bus behavior on the bus route. The motion of a bus is described in terms of the time headway between its bus and the bus in front. We study the bunching behavior of buses induced by interacting with other buses and passengers. It is shown that the dynamical phase transitions among the inhomogeneous bunching phase, the homogeneous free phase, the coexisting phase, and the homogeneous congested phase occur with varying the initial time headway. We study the effect of not stopping at bus stops on the time-headway profile. It is found that the bunching transition lines are consistent with the neutral stability curves obtained by the linear stability analysis.

Clinical safety and performance of Sugita titanium aneurysm clips

BACKGROUND

In spite of advantages for neuro-imaging, titanium aneurysm clips are not yet chosen for routine use for clipping of intracranial aneurysms, probably because their reliability has not been demonstrated in large numbers of cases. We assess reliability and safety of Sugita titanium aneurysm clips for routine clinical use in a large number of operated cases.

METHOD

Intra-operative performance and safety of Sugita titanium aneurysm clips were evaluated in 347 patients in our institutions. Aneurysms in 261 patients had ruptured: 86 patients had unruptured aneurysms.

RESULTS

A total of 441 clips of 52 different types were used. No early or delayed complications occurred in relation to the titianium clips, such as deformity or slippage of a clip. Patient outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale was similar to that when conventional cobalt-based aneurysm clips were used.

INTERPRETATION

Reliability and safety of Sugita aneurysm clips were demonstrated in a large number of patients. The clips are suitable for routine use in aneurysm surgery.

Cutaneous monomorphous CD4- and CD56-positive large-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Recently, CD56 (NCAM)-positive lymphomas, such as nasal and nasal-type angiocentric NK/T cell lymphoma, aggressive NK cell leukemia/lymphoma and blastic NK cell lymphoma, were described by several authors as a unique group of lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we intend to clarify the clinicopathological features of cutaneous CD4+ and CD56+ lymphoma.

METHODS

Four patients with cutaneous CD4+ and CD56+ lymphoma were studied.

RESULTS

Age at the first examination ranged from 71 to 89 years (mean = 81.2 years). One patient was female and 3 were males. The organ mainly involved at presentation was the skin. Lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, leukemic spread and central nervous system involvement were observed as the disease progressed. The mean survival time was 12.2 months. Epstein-Barr virus was not detected within the tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

This peculiar lymphoma is different from nasal and nasal-type angiocentric NK/T cell lymphoma and aggressive NK cell leukemia/lymphoma. Similar cases have been reported as blastic NK cell lymphoma/leukemia.

Density waves in traffic flow

Density waves are investigated in the car-following model analytically and numerically. This work is a continuation of our previous investigation of traffic flow in the metastable and unstable regions [Phys. Rev. E 58, 4271 (1998); 60, 180 (1999)]. The Burgers equation is derived for the density wave in the stable region of traffic flow by the use of nonlinear analysis. It is shown, numerically, that the triangular shock wave appears as the density wave at the late stage in the stable region. The decay rate of the shock wave is calculated and compared with the analytical result. It is shown that the density waves out of the coexisting curve, near the spinodal line, and within the spinodal line appear, respectively, as the triangular shock wave, the soliton, and the kink-antikink wave. The density waves are described, respectively, by the Burgers, Korteweg-de Vries, and modified Korteweg-de Vries equations.

Traffic jams induced by fluctuation of a leading car

We present a phase diagram of the different kinds of congested traffic triggered by fluctuation of a leading car in an open system without sources and sinks. Traffic states and density waves are investigated numerically by varying the amplitude of fluctuation using a car following model. The phase transitions among the free traffic, oscillatory congested traffic, and homogeneous congested traffic occur by fluctuation of a leading car. With increasing the amplitude of fluctuation, the transition between the free traffic and oscillatory traffic occurs at lower density and the transition between the homogeneous congested traffic and the oscillatory traffic occurs at higher density. The oscillatory congested traffic corresponds to the coexisting phase. Also, the moving localized clusters appear just above the transition lines.

Stabilization and enhancement of traffic flow by the next-nearest-neighbor interaction

The car-following model of traffic is extended to take into account the car interaction before the next car ahead (the next-nearest-neighbor interaction). The traffic behavior of the extended car-following model is investigated numerically and analytically. It is shown that the next-nearest-neighbor interaction stabilizes the traffic flow. The jamming transition between the freely moving and jammed phases occurs at a higher density than the threshold of the original car-following model. By increasing the maximal velocity, the traffic current is enhanced without jam by the stabilization effect. The jamming transition is analyzed with the use of the linear stability and nonlinear perturbation methods. The traffic jam is described by the kink solution of the modified Korteweg-de Vries equation. The theoretical coexisting curve is in good agreement with the simulation result.

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis: clinicoradiological spectrum and therapeutic options

OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis is a rare disease, of undetermined pathogenesis, that is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the dura mater.

METHODS

We encountered six patients with idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis and analyzed their clinical presentations, radiological findings, and treatment.

RESULTS

In the six patients, the main manifestations were cranial nerve palsies and headache. Three associations were present, namely optic neuropathy, Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, and diabetes insipidus. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was diagnostic, showing intense dural enhancement in a linear or nodular pattern. The responses to corticosteroid therapy were better for patients who exhibited linear, rather than nodular, dural enhancement. For one patient, surgical decompression of the superior orbital fissure provided lasting relief. The course of the disease followed one of three patterns, i.e., sustained remission, relapse with corticosteroid independence, or relapse with corticosteroid dependence. Pulse corticosteroid therapy provided significant relief, while reducing the daily corticosteroid requirement and avoiding side effects, for a corticosteroid-dependent relapsing patient.

CONCLUSION

Idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeningitis exhibits varied clinical courses. It is important to prevent irreversible cranial neuropathy during the active phase of the disease, using daily administration of corticosteroids, pulse corticosteroid therapy, or surgical decompression.

Role of anchor residues in peptide binding to three HLA-A26 molecules

To investigate the role of anchor residues in HLA-A26 binding peptides, we analyzed the binding of various peptides to three HLA-A26 molecules using the HLA class I stabilization assay. Of twenty nonamer peptides carrying anchors at P2 and P9, 3, 6 and 3 peptides bound to HLA-A*2601, HLA-A*2602 and HLA-A*2603, respectively The peptide EV-IPMFSAL bound most strongly to these three HLA-A26 molecules. Analysis using mutants of this peptide at P1, P2 or P9 showed that acidic amino acids at P1 and five hydrophobic residues (Val, Thr, Ile, Leu and Phe) at P2 are anchor residues for the three HLA-A26 molecules while with exception of positively charged amino acids, a broad range of amino acids function as P9 anchor residues. These anchors were further evaluated using 38 nonamer peptides carrying anchor residues at P1, P2 and P9. Nineteen of these peptides bound to at least one HLA-A26 molecule. The frequency of HLA-A26 binding peptides was higher for peptides carrying all three anchor residues than for peptides carrying only P2 and P9 anchor residues. These results indicate that in addition to P2 and P9 anchors, the P1 anchor plays an important role in peptide binding to three HLA-A26 molecules.

Chaotic jam and phase transition in traffic flow with passing

The lattice hydrodynamic model is presented to take into account the passing effect in one-dimensional traffic flow. When the passing constant gamma is small, the conventional jamming transition occurs between the uniform traffic and kink density wave flows. When passing constant gamma is larger than the critical value, the jamming transitions occur from the uniform traffic flow, through the chaotic density wave flow, to the kink density wave flow, with an increasing delay time. The chaotic region increases with passing constant gamma. The neutral stability line is derived from the linear stability analysis. The neutral stability line coincides with the transition line between the uniform traffic and density wave flows. The modified Korteweg-de Vries equation describing the kink jam is derived for small values of gamma by use of a nonlinear analysis.

Perforating branches from offending arteries in hemifacial spasm: anatomical correlation with vertebrobasilar configuration

OBJECTIVE

In microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm, the perforating branches around the facial nerve root exit zone occasionally complicate facial nerve decompression. In this context, the vertebrobasilar configuration was retrospectively correlated with the perforating branches.

METHODS

Based on vertebral angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and three dimensional computed tomographic angiography, 69 patients were divided into three groups, according to the anatomy of the vertebrobasilar system. In patients with the type I configuration, the vertebral artery on the affected side was dominant and had a sigmoidal course. The type II patients had the basilar artery curving mainly towards the affected side. The type III patients showed the basilar artery either running straight or curving toward the unaffected side. The relation of the anatomical configuration of these vessels with the perforating branches around the facial nerve exit zone was investigated.

RESULTS

The posterior inferior cerebellar artery in type I patients (n=33) and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in type II (n=5) and type III (n=31) patients were the most common offending arteries. More than half of the type I patients (n=20) showed no perforating branches around the facial nerve exit zone. However, the type II (n=3) and III patients (n=23) often showed one or more perforating branches around that region.

CONCLUSIONS

The configuration of the vertebrobasilar system has a significant correlation with the presence of perforating branches near the site of microvascular decompression. These perforating vessels are often responsible for the difficulty encountered in mobilising the offending artery during the procedure.

Soliton and kink jams in traffic flow with open boundaries

Soliton density wave is investigated numerically and analytically in the optimal velocity model (a car-following model) of a one-dimensional traffic flow with open boundaries. Soliton density wave is distinguished from the kink density wave. It is shown that the soliton density wave appears only at the threshold of occurrence of traffic jams. The Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation is derived from the optimal velocity model by the use of the nonlinear analysis. It is found that the traffic soliton appears only near the neutral stability line. The soliton solution is analytically obtained from the perturbed KdV equation. It is shown that the soliton solution obtained from the nonlinear analysis is consistent with that of the numerical simulation.

Titanium aneurysm clips: mechanical characteristics and clinical trial

Titanium clip is well documented to reduce the artifact observed in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and improve the quality of these images. There are, however, some demerits based on metallic characteristics including large spring portions, lack of long and fenestration clips, and difficulties to produce. We examined the mechanical characteristics of Sugita titanium aneurysm clips (product of 6 aluminium-4 vanadium-titanium) and investigate the safety in clinical use and the imaging quality compared with those of cobalt (Co) alloy clips. On mechanical test, Sugita titanium clips showed no significant difference in closing force compared with the conventional Co alloy clips. The closing force reduced about 10% after 100 times repeated opening in titanium clips in contrast with no remarkable changes in Co alloy clips. Sixty-four patients with ruptured or unruptured cerebral aneurysms (total number of 71 aneurysms) were treated with Sugita titanium clips through the microsurgical technique. None of the unfavorable outcome occurred in related to the titanium clips. Neither clip dislocation nor deformation was experienced in this series during the follow-up period. The clip artifacts seen in CT and MR image were markedly reduced, however, MR angiography had less quality to resolve anatomical structures due to an existence of vessel gap. These results indicate that in spite of some disadvantages, Sugita titanium clips allow safe and beneficial use routinely in aneurysm surgery insofar as the complete clipping is obtained.

Jamming transition in a two-dimensional traffic flow model

Phase transition and critical phenomenon are investigated in the two-dimensional traffic flow numerically and analytically. The one-dimensional lattice hydrodynamic model of traffic is extended to the two-dimensional traffic flow in which there are two types of cars (northbound and eastbound cars). It is shown that the phase transition among the freely moving phase, the coexisting phase, and the uniformly congested phase occurs below the critical point. Above the critical point, no phase transition occurs. The value a(c) of the critical point decreases as increasing fraction c of the eastbound cars for c<or=0.5. The linear stability theory is applied. The neutral stability lines are found. The time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL) equation is derived by the use of nonlinear analysis. The phase separation lines, the spinodal lines, and the critical point are calculated from the TDGL equation.

Detection and sequence diversity of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) DNA

Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)/human herpesvirus (HHV-8) has been reported frequently in patients with KS associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We examined the presence of the KSHV sequence in 8 HIV-positive patients comprising 5 with KS, 2 with syphilis, 1 with prurigo, and 2 HIV-negative patients with angiosarcoma. Using the polymerase chain reaction, we observed amplification of a DNA fragment of the expected size in 4 patients with KS. Sequencing analysis of the amplified fragments revealed several base substitutions upon comparison with the originally reported sequence. Our results support the hypothesis of a pathogenic role of KSHV in the development of skin lesions in HIV-positive patients with KS, and the sequences of KSHV DNA fragments isolated in this study also demonstrated strain diversity similar to that reported previously.

Hemifacial spasm associated with Marfan's syndrome: a case report

The authors describe a case of hemifacial spasm associated with Marfan's syndrome. A 24-year-old-woman suffered from left hemifacial spasm for 6 years. She had undergone surgical treatments for bilateral ectopia lentis and kyphoscoliosis in the second decade of life. She also had unusually long and slim limbs with arachnodactyly. Three-dimensional CT angiography revealed bilateral tortuous and elongated vertebral arteries. Microvascular decompression was performed following a left lateral suboccipital craniotomy. The root exit zone of the left seventh nerve was directly compressed by the proximal segment of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and the left vertebral artery. These arteries were decompressed with pieces of Teflon cotton. The patient's symptoms completely resolved following surgery. We review cerebrovascular disorders in Marfan's syndrome and discuss the pathogenesis and possible mechanisms of vascular compression in these patients.

Effect of natural interferon-beta on the growth of melanoma cell lines

Malignant melanoma is one of the fulminant skin cancers. The 5-year survival of patients with stage III (N0, N1) malignant melanoma treated with multi-agent chemoimmunotherapy, including natural interferon-beta (nIFNbeta), was found in our department to be better than that of patients treated with other forms of therapy. In order to study the effects of nIFNbeta on melanoma, the growth inhibition effect of nIFNbeta was assessed in vitro using the melanoma cell lines, MM8.1, MM28, MM33.1, Bowes and A375-2. The growth of these cell lines was inhibited by nIFNbeta. Incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [3H]uridine was also inhibited by nIFNbeta in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was demonstrated using the TUNEL method in melanoma cell lines cocultured with nIFNbeta. Results showed that nIFNbeta had direct killer activity on melanoma cell lines.

T cells expressing killer cell inhibitory receptors do not carry TCR for alloantigens

The role of T cells carrying the killer cell inhibitory receptor (KIR) is unknown. Here we investigate the allo-response of KIR+ CD3+ cells (KIR+ T cells). KIR+ T cells was found in 4.6-14.7% of the T cells from the PBMC of healthy individuals. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the percentage of KIR+ T cells in T cells from three individuals was decreased after stimulation with allogeneic PBMC. These findings suggest that KIR+ T cells do not respond to alloantigens. Furthermore, the analyses using purified KIR+ T cells also confirmed that KIR+ T cells do not respond to alloantigens.