Clinical evaluation of flat peripheral curve design with aspherical-curve and multi-curve hard contact lenses for keratoconus

Aspherical- and multi-curve rigid gas-permeable hard contact lenses (HCLs) have a flattened curve in the peripheral zone and are mostly used for patients with keratoconus who cannot wear glasses, soft contact lenses, or spherical HCLs. In this retrospective study, a total of 95 eyes of 77 patients who used aspherical- or multi-curve HCLs (mean age: 40.0 ± 11.0 years) were evaluated. This study examined the types of aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values before and after wearing HCLs, the association with the Amsler-Krumeich classification, duration of wear, corneal/conjunctival disorder, and the frequency of changing HCLs. There were 78 eyes that used aspherical-curve HCLs and 17 that used multi-curve HCLs. BCVA significantly improved from 0.42 logMAR to 0.06 logMAR after wearing either form of HCL. The Amsler-Krumeich classification showed that aspherical-curve HCLs were commonly used for patients with stage 2 keratoconus, and multi-curve HCLs were commonly used for stage 4 patients. The BCVA values were worse when the disease stage was more severe (stages 3 and 4) regardless of HCL type. The mean base curve of the lenses was steeper in multi-curve HCLs than in aspherical-curve HCLs. The more severe the disease stage, the steeper the base curve in both aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs. The duration of wear significantly improved from 2.1 h to 10.2 h, and corneal/conjunctival disorder similarly improved. The mean frequency of changing HCL types was 1.1 times. This study suggests that a flat peripheral curve design with aspherical- and multi-curve HCLs is useful for patients with keratoconus.

Ultrafast Charge Transfer Processes Accompanying KLL Auger Decay in Aqueous KCl Solution

X-ray photoelectron and KLL Auger spectra were measured for the K^{+} and Cl^{-} ions in aqueous KCl solution. While the XPS spectra of these ions have similar structures, both exhibiting only weak satellites near the main line, the Auger spectra differ dramatically. Contrary to the chloride case, a very strong extra peak was found in the Auger spectrum of K^{+} at the low kinetic energy side of the ^{1}D state. Using the equivalent core model and ab initio calculations this spectral feature was assigned to electron transfer processes from solvent water molecules to the solvated cation. The observed charge transfer processes are suggested to play an important role in charge redistribution following single and multiple core-hole creation in atoms and molecules placed into environment.

Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1-xRexO2 solid solution

The substitution of vanadium in vanadium dioxide VO₂ influences the critical temperatures of structural and metal-to-insulator transitions in different ways depending on the valence of the dopant. Rhenium adopts valence states between +4 and +7 in an octahedral oxygen surrounding and is particularly interesting in this context. Structural investigation of V_1-xRe_xO₂ solid solutions (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) between 80 and 1200 K using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction revealed only two polymorphs that resemble VO₂: the low-temperature monoclinic MoO₂-type form (space group P2₁/c), and the tetragonal rutile-like form (space group P4₂/mnm). However, for compositions with 0.03 < x ≤ 0.15 a phase separation in the solid solution was observed below 1000 K upon cooling down from 1200 K, giving rise to two isostructural phases with slightly different lattice parameters. This is reflected in the appearance of two metal-to-insulator transition temperatures detected by magnetization and specific heat measurements. Comprehensive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that an increased amount of Re leads to a change in the Re valence state from solely Re⁶⁺ at a low doping level (≤3 at% Re) via mixed-valence states Re⁴⁺/Re⁶⁺ for at least 0.03 < x ≤ 0.10, up to nearly pure Re⁴⁺ in V_0.70Re_0.30O₂. Thus, compositions V_1-xRe_xO₂ with only one valence state of Re in the material (Re⁶⁺ or Re⁴⁺) can be obtained as a single phase, while intermediate compositions are subjected to a phase separation, presumably due to different valence states of Re.

Correction: Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V1−xRexO2 solid solution

Correction for ‘Composition-dependent charge transfer and phase separation in the V_1−xRe_xO₂ solid solution’ by D. Mikhailova, et al., Dalton Trans., 2017, 46, 1606–1617.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using a coffee-ring-type three-dimensional silver nanostructure

We demonstrated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using a coffee-ring-type three-dimensional silver nanostructure (Ag3D).

Contiguous 3d and 4f magnetism: strongly correlated 3d electrons in YbFe2Al10

We present magnetization, specific heat, and (27)Al NMR investigations on YbFe2Al10 over a wide range in temperature and magnetic field. The magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures is strongly enhanced at weak magnetic fields, accompanied by a ln(T0/T) divergence of the low-T specific heat coefficient in zero field, which indicates a ground state of correlated electrons. From our hard-x-ray photoemission spectroscopy study, the Yb valence at 50 K is evaluated to be 2.38. The system displays valence fluctuating behavior in the low to intermediate temperature range, whereas above 400 K, Yb(3+) carries a full and stable moment, and Fe carries a moment of about 3.1 μB. The enhanced value of the Sommerfeld-Wilson ratio and the dynamic scaling of the spin-lattice relaxation rate divided by T[(27)(1/T1T)] with static susceptibility suggests admixed ferromagnetic correlations. (27)(1/T1T) simultaneously tracks the valence fluctuations from the 4f Yb ions in the high temperature range and field dependent antiferromagnetic correlations among partially Kondo screened Fe 3d moments at low temperature; the latter evolve out of an Yb 4f admixed conduction band.

Understanding the electronic structure of IrO2 using hard-X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional theory

The electronic structure of IrO2 has been investigated using hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional theory. Excellent agreement is observed between theory and experiment. We show that the electronic structure of IrO2 involves crystal field splitting of the iridium 5d orbitals in a distorted octahedral field. The behavior of IrO2 closely follows the theoretical predictions of Goodenough for conductive rutile-structured oxides [J. B. Goodenough, J. Solid State Chem. 3, 490 (1971).

Pathogenic GLUT9 mutations causing renal hypouricemia type 2 (RHUC2)

Renal hypouricemia (MIM 220150) is an inherited disorder characterized by low serum uric acid levels and has severe complications such as exercise-induced acute renal failure and urolithiasis. We have previously reported that URAT1/SLC22A12 encodes a renal urate-anion exchanger and that its mutations cause renal hypouricemia type 1 (RHUC1). With the large health-examination database of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, we found two missense mutations (R198C and R380W) of GLUT9/SLC2A9 in hypouricemia patients. R198C and R380W occur in highly conserved amino acid motifs in the "sugar transport proteins signatures" that are observed in GLUT family transporters. The corresponding mutations in GLUT1 (R153C and R333W) are known to cause GLUT1 deficiency syndrome because arginine residues in this motif are reportedly important as the determinants of the membrane topology of human GLUT1. Therefore, on the basis of membrane topology, the same may be true of GLUT9. GLUT9 mutants showed markedly reduced urate transport in oocyte expression studies, which would be the result of the loss of positive charges in those conserved amino acid motifs. Together with previous reports on GLUT9 localization, our findings suggest that these GLUT9 mutations cause renal hypouricemia type 2 (RHUC2) by their decreased urate reabsorption on both sides of the renal proximal tubule cells. However, a previously reported GLUT9 mutation, P412R, was unlikely to be pathogenic. These findings also enable us to propose a physiological model of the renal urate reabsorption via GLUT9 and URAT1 and can lead to a promising therapeutic target for gout and related cardiovascular diseases.

Lasing without inversion in circuit quantum electrodynamics

We study the photon generation in a transmission line oscillator coupled to a driven qubit in the presence of a dissipative electromagnetic environment. It has been demonstrated previously that a population inversion in the qubit can lead to a lasing state of the oscillator. Here we show that the circuit can also exhibit the effect of "lasing without inversion." It arises since the coupling to the dissipative environment enhances photon emission as compared to absorption, similar to the recoil effect predicted for atomic systems. While the recoil effect is very weak, and so far elusive, the effect described here should be observable with realistic circuits. We analyze the requirements for system parameters and environment.

Kondo effect in quantum dots coupled to ferromagnetic leads

We study the Kondo effect in a quantum dot coupled to ferromagnetic leads and analyze its properties as a function of the spin polarization of the leads. Based on a scaling approach, we predict that for parallel alignment of the magnetizations in the leads the strong-coupling limit of the Kondo effect is reached at a finite value of the magnetic field. Using an equation of motion technique, we study nonlinear transport through the dot. For parallel alignment, the zero-bias anomaly may be split even in the absence of an external magnetic field. For antiparallel spin alignment and symmetric coupling, the peak is split only in the presence of a magnetic field, but shows a characteristic asymmetry in amplitude and position.

Self-sterilizing and self-cleaning of silicone catheters coated with TiO(2) photocatalyst thin films: a preclinical work

TiO(2) photocatalysts were successfully coated on silicone catheters or medical tubes by pretreatment of the silicone surface with a sulfuric acid solution (5 M) for 3 h. The TiO(2) film adhered to the silicone substrate strongly against tensile and bending stresses. On the TiO(2)-coated silicone-catheters under UV illumination, both the bleaching of methylene blue dye and the photocatalytic bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells were confirmed. Thus, this type of catheter can be sterilized and cleaned simply by irradiation with low-intensity UV light and can, therefore, be useful in the protection from catheter-related bacterial infections.

Self-sterilizing and self-cleaning of silicone catheters coated with TiO(2) photocatalyst thin films: a preclinical work

TiO(2) photocatalysts were successfully coated on silicone catheters or medical tubes by pretreatment of the silicone surface with a sulfuric acid solution (5 M) for 3 h. The TiO(2) film adhered to the silicone substrate strongly against tensile and bending stresses. On the TiO(2)-coated silicone-catheters under UV illumination, both the bleaching of methylene blue dye and the photocatalytic bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells were confirmed. Thus, this type of catheter can be sterilized and cleaned simply by irradiation with low-intensity UV light and can, therefore, be useful in the protection from catheter-related bacterial infections.

Acute transient pseudoatrophy of the brain accompanying measles infection

Two infants, age 1 year, with acute encephalopathy who showed transient pseudoatrophy of the brain were reported. They each had measles infection, followed by 'mild drowsiness'. Reversible brain atrophy has been observed in patients with undernutrition, dehydration, and overdoses of steroids and valproic acid. However, these manifestations were very mild and there was no history of drug administration in our patients. The cause of the transient brain pseudoatrophy was unknown. However, activation of glial cells accompanying the measles infection was thought to be one possibility to see high value of neopterin (51 pmol/l) in the cerebrospinal fluid in one case. Although 'mild drowsiness' is not a rare manifestation in patients with measles infection, it is probable that their 'mild drowsiness' is caused by acute encephalopathy like in our cases. Thus, we recommend that computed tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging is performed in patients showing 'mild drowsiness' during measles infection.

Direct colorimetric method for determination of organophosphates in human urine

A simple and sensitive method for determination of organophosphorus pesticides in human urine was developed by detecting the color complexes which resulted from reactions of organophosphorus pesticides and 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (NBP) in urine. Based on studies of reaction conditions, e.g. reaction temperature and time, and reagent concentration, a colorimetric method was established. A 0.1-ml volume of NBP (45% in acetone) was added to a 1.0-ml volume of a urine sample, and the mixture was heated at 100 degrees C for 20 min. After cooling, 0.1 ml of tetraethylenepentamine was added. The organophosphorus pesticides showed a characteristic purplish blue color and the coloring complexes which were produced were stable for several hours. Furthermore, these complexes could be determined spectrophotometrically. The detection limits were 0.10-10 microg/ml in urine. The required time for analysis was approximately 30 min for one sample. Comparing the result of the proposed method with those of the GC-MS method, the results were similar for the 12 poisoning cases studied. Thus, the proposed method is useful for detection of these pesticides in critical care practices.

[Morphologic features of ulcerative colitis]

Ulcerative colitis(UC) is an ulcero inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology affecting only the mucosa and submucosa of colon and, with Crohn's disease, is included in the term idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. The macroscopic and microscopic features vary according to the stage of the disease process, and an acute phase and a chronic or resolving phase can be recognized. The main differential diagnosis of UC is with colorectal Crohn's disease. The most feared long-term complication of UC is cancer. The progression of UC to carcinoma is closely associated with dysplasia arising in multiple sites. The dysplastic changes should be distinguished from the epithelial changes resulting from regenerative atypia, and the evaluation of these changes is difficult. P53 immunohistochemical staining is helpful in confirming the presence of dysplasia. Molecular events in colorectal carcinogenesis of UC may be somewhat different from those of so-called adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Synchrotron-radiation-induced formation of salt particles on an X-ray lithography mask

The suppression and removal of contaminants on X-ray masks are required for the application of X-ray lithography to practical semiconductor production, because contamination is easily transferred to the replicated resist patterns and degrades the LSI patterns. In order to study contamination of a Ta/SiN X-ray mask, its growth process was investigated using an atmospheric reaction chamber and in situ observation apparatus for gases at atmospheric pressure. It was found that the contamination particles were ammonium sulfate and oxalate. The sources of the salt particle were also identified.

A beamline for photochemical processes at atmospheric pressure

A beamline especially designed for atmospheric photochemical reactions has been constructed at the NTT synchrotron radiation facility. By inserting a buffer helium chamber with Be and Si(3)N(4) partition windows between the beamline and the reaction chamber, studies can be performed without the differential pumping systems normally used in existing photochemistry beamlines. The reaction chamber is equipped with a gas supply system and analysis systems to investigate gas-phase and surface reactions. Purging using dry purified gases in combination with water-bubbling gives effective control of water concentration in the reaction chamber.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cauda equina in two patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

The results are presented of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine in two cases of childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome. After injection of gadolinium-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, MRI showed enhancement of the cauda equina in these patients. These MRI observations may help confirm the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The nerve root enhancement resolved as the clinical symptoms improved. Serial imaging may be useful in monitoring the response to therapy and assessing new treatment regimens. It may also yield a better understanding of the disease process.

MR imaging in Guillain-Barré syndrome

MRI in a 5-year-old girl with Guillain-Barré syndrome showed marked enhancement of nerve roots in the region of the conus medullaris and cauda equina. This enhancement gradually disappeared after high-dose immunoglobulin therapy. This characteristic finding of MRI may have diagnostic utility and represent the clinical course of the disease.

Enhancing effect of UV-light on the accumulation of carthamine in dyer's saffron florets

UV-C (254 nm)- and UV-B (280-320 nm)-light were irradiated onto bright-yellow capitula of dyer's saffron and their effects on carthamine accumulation compared. UV-C light promotes reddening of florets more prominently than UV-B light, yielding higher amounts of carthamine after the radiation process. The enhancement of carthamine synthesis by UV-C light was investigated on cellulose columns loaded with floret extracts under O2-sufficient or O2-deficient conditions. Externally charged O2 inhibits the UV-C- stimulated carthamine formation. The results are discussed in relation to light stimulation of carthamine synthesis in dyer's saffron florets.

Breaks in the pars plicata following surgery for atopic cataract

Two cases involving retinal detachment caused by breaks in the pars plicata of the ciliary body are presented. In both, retinal detachment developed following surgery for atopic cataract. The residual lens capsules contracted with evidence of fibrotic change. Nonpigmented ciliary epithelium appeared to have become detached and torn by traction through the zonules of Zinn.

Effect of aging on renal cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism in Dahl rats

We investigated the age-related changes of renal cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism in 3-, 5-, 7-, 9-, 11-, 13- and 20-week-old male Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) and -resistant (DR) rats on a low sodium diet (0.3% NaCl). NADPH-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism was separated and measured by a radio-HPLC system. The formation of 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 20 HETE, 1,20-dioic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (DHET) was age dependent in both DS and DR rats. omega-Hydroxylase (20-HETE and 1,20-dioic acid formation) and (omega-1)-hydroxylase (19-HETE formation) were increased from 3 to 5 weeks age, then decreased with aging in DR rats. Whilst omega/(omega-1)-hydroxylase activities were increased from 3- to 9-week-old rats, they decreased with aging in DS rats. omega/(omega-1)-Hydroxylase activities were higher in 3-5-week-old DR than DS rats. Epoxygenase activities (EETs and DHET formations) were highest in 3-week-old DS and DR rats, and showed no significant differences between two strains of rats at any ages tested. Renal cytochrome P450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolites have a wide and contrasting spectrum of biological and renal effects, and their relative rates of production may influence not only renal hemodynamics but also pro- and antihypertensive mechanisms of hypertension in Dahl rats.

Effect of 17 beta-estradiol on the growth of an estrogen receptor-positive human esophageal carcinoma cell line

Receptors for estrogen and for androgen in the nucleus and cytosol (ERn, ERc, ARn, and ARc, respectively) were studied on two newly established human esophageal carcinoma cell lines, ES-25C and ES-8C. ES-25C was ERn+ (the binding content 4.0 fmol/mg protein, Kd 0.09 nM), ERc-, ARn-, and ARc-. No receptors were found in ES-8C. Various doses of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) were added in vitro to investigate its effect on the growth of these cell lines. No effect of E2 was observed on ER--ES-8C cell line. The growth of ES-25C cell was significantly inhibited at the doses of 10(-10) and 10(-12) mol/l E2 compared with the control. The doubling time of 10(-12) mol/l E2-treated cells was 32 hours whereas that of control was 20 hours. This slower growth was reflected in the deduction of cells in S-phase utilizing 5-bromo 2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. The current results strongly suggest that the growth inhibition of ER+ esophageal cancer cell by E2 is mediated by signal transduction induced by the estrogen-estrogen receptor system.

Acute ascending necrotizing myelitis in Okinawa caused by herpes simplex virus type 2

A case of rapidly progressing ascending myelitis was necropsied. Necrosis was present throughout the whole length of the spinal cord and involved both the grey and white matter randomly. The perivascular lymphocytic infiltration in the spinal cord in the present case was more pronounced than that in the previously reported two cases of necrotizing myelopathy associated with malignancy. Using immunoperoxidase staining the presence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) antigen was demonstrated. Electron microscopic examinations revealed large numbers of HSV particles in the spinal cord. HSV 2 may be a common aetiological agent of necrotizing myelopathy and myelitis in Okinawa, an HSV 2 endemic area. In the present case, the necrosis was mainly found in the spinal cord but was also observed, to a very limited extent, in the brain.

[Immunoglobulin class and light chain type of oligoclonal bands in CSF in children with CNS infectious diseases]

Agarose gel electrophoresis and immunofixation of CSF and serum from 16 patients aged from 1 day to 13 years with CNS infectious diseases (5 with purulent meningitis, 5 with aseptic meningitis, 4 with acute encephalitis, 1 with subdural empyema and 1 with SSPE) revealed oligoclonal IgG bands in 10 cases. In 4 cases, a high CSF/serum albumin ratio was recognized without an increase of IgG-index, probably representing a systemic immune response. Neither IgA nor IgM bands were recognized. IgG light chain was examined in 7 cases and IgG kappa bands predominated in 6 cases. IgG lambda bands predominance presented in only one case. Free IgG kappa or lambda chain was not found. These results suggested that the measurement of not only IgG-index but oligoclonal bands may have a diagnostic usefulness to know about local production of immunoglobulins in CSF.

Role of estrogen receptors in the growth of human esophageal carcinoma

In order to investigate the role of estrogen receptors (ER) in the growth of human esophageal carcinoma, tumor tissues of ER-positive but androgen receptor (AR)-negative line of squamous cell carcinoma (ES-8) were transplanted in ten male and ten female nude mice. As control, those of a tumor line without both receptors (ES-13) derived from human esophageal cancer were used. The growth rates of transplanted tumors were estimated up to 5 weeks. The tumor growth of ES-8 line was significantly greater in males than it was in females. Such a difference was not observed for ES-13 line. Moreover, in order to investigate the effect of estrogen on the ER, tumor tissues of ES-8 line were transplanted in six oophorectomized female mice, and next, estradiol (E2) (500 micrograms/kg, 50 micrograms/kg, or none) was administered to five transplanted female mice of each group, respectively. The growth rates of tumors were enhanced in oophorectomized female mice, and significantly suppressed with the physiologic dose (50 micrograms/kg) of E2 compared to the control. The current results seem to indicate that the inhibitory effect of estrogen on the tumor line is mediated by ER.

Two cases of necrotizing myelopathy associated with malignancy caused by herpes simplex virus type 2

Two cases of necrotizing myelopathy were autopsied; one was complicated with lung carcinoma and the other with chronic type adult T cell leukemia (ATL leukemia). To our knowledge, they were the first cases of their type in Japan. In both cases, necrosis of the spinal cord was observed in the gray and white matter along most of its extent. Marked changes were found in the lumbar segment. The patients were not treated with intravenous cancer chemotherapy or irradiation. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination revealed an extremely strong infection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. However, HSV type 1 and cytomegalovirus antigens were not detected.

Androgen and estrogen receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma and the surrounding liver in women

Androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) were consecutively assayed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the surrounding liver was removed surgically from 19 female patients. Patient age ranged from 43 to 79 years, with an average of 61 +/- 9 years. All patients had underlying liver disease (liver cirrhosis in 16, liver fibrosis in two, and chronic hepatitis in one). Seven (37%) of 19 HCC had AR ranging from 2.3 to 82.6 fmol/mg of cytosol protein. The AR titer was higher in the HCC than in the liver in these cases. Three cases also had ER. ER existed in seven (37%) tumors (range, 2.4 to 25.6 fmol/mg of protein). AR and ER were detected in 11 (65%) and ten (58%) of 17 nonneoplastic liver tissues, respectively. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, hepatitis B virus markers, or histopathologic types of HCC had no correlation with the presence or absence of AR or ER and their titers. Also, there was no correlation between the AR and ER positivities. Further studies are mandatory to determine the genuine role of sex hormone receptors in the development and growth of HCC in humans.

Tungsten-beryllium multilayer mirrors for soft x rays

Multilayer structures of tungsten and beryllium were synthesized onto flat silicon single-crystal substrates by the neutral atom beam sputtering technique. Structures of constituent tungsten and beryllium thin films were evaluated. The standard deviation of the interface roughness of the multilayer was estimated to be ~2.5 A. Reflectivities of multilayer mirrors were measured at a grazing incidence of 5.0 degrees . The observed reflectivity of 30% at 1055 eV was in good agreement with the calculated value considering the interface roughness and oxygen contamination for a tungsten-beryllium structure having a period of 77.0 A.

[Complications due to high-dose OK-432 administration into tumors and the peritoneal cavity in patients with advanced gastric cancer]

It has been assumed that a high dose of OK-432 can be safely injected into tumor tissues or intraperitoneally under general anesthesia. Among 40 patients with advanced carcinoma of the stomach, high doses of OK-432 were injected into the tumor in six and intraperitoneally in 34. Circulatory shock associated with subsequent disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) developed within 3 days in one of the former and in two of the latter group. Hypovolemic shock was initially considered to indicate that hypovolemia actually existed in these three patients. However, the shock state with DIC persisted even after the blood volume had been corrected. Gram-negative bacteremia was verified in two of the patients. The shock and DIC seen in these patients could have been attributed to septicemia through either the necrotic tumor or the intestinal wall showing increased permeability as a result of the drug. When and if a high dose of OK-432 is administered locally, the prophylaxis of infection seems to be of crucial importance in order to avoid such complications as those reported above.