Newman-Penrose Formalism for Gravitational Shock Waves

First order perturbations for the fields with spin on the background metric of the gravitational shock waves are discussed. Applying the Newman -- Penrose formalism, exact solutions of the perturbation equations are obtained. For particle physics, this would be one approach to the problem of scattering paticle at Planck energy.Comment: Latex 10 page

Dysfunction of Lacrimal and Salivary Glands in Sjögren's Syndrome: Nonimmunologic Injury in Preinflammatory Phase and Mouse Model

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth due to dacryoadenitis and sialoadenitis with SS-A/Ro and/or SS-B/La autoantibodies in genetically predisposed individuals. Destruction of lacrimal and salivary glands by autoimmune reactions may lead to clinical manifestation. However, the mechanisms behind the decreased volume of secretions in tears and saliva are complex and are not fully understood. Exocrine gland dysfunction may precede autoimmunity (acquired immunity) or represent a process independent from inflammation in the pathogenesis of SjS. The preceded functional and morphologic changes of those tissues by nonimmunologic injury before the development of inflammation at the sites of target organs have been implicated. This paper focuses on the several factors and components relating to glandular dysfunction and morphologic changes by nonimmunologic injury during the preinflammatory phase in mouse model, including the factors which link between innate immunity and adaptive immunity

Therapeutic Strategies for SLE Involving Cytokines: Mechanism-Oriented Therapies Especially IFN-γ Targeting Gene Therapy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE: lupus) is a chronic complicated autoimmune disease and pathogenesis is still unclear. However, key cytokines have been recognized. Interferon (IFN)-γ and also IFNα/β are of particular importance. Depending on the concept that lupus is a helper T(Th)1 disease and that dendritic cells (DCs) determine the direction of lupus, balance shift of Th1/Th2 and immunogenic/tolerogenic DCs is reviewed for therapy. (IFN)-γ- and IFN-α/β-targeted (gene) therapies are introduced. These consist of Th1/Th2 balance shift and elimination of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-related cytokines such as (interleukin)IL-12 and IL-18. Other approaches include suppression of immunocompetent cells, normalization of abnormal T-cell function, costimulation blockade, B lymphocyte stimulator (Blys) blockade, and suppression of nephritic kidney inflammation. Moreover, balance shift of IFN-α/β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α together with regulatory T(Treg) cells are briefely introduced. Clinical application will be discussed

Energy-momentum and angular momentum densities in gauge theories of gravity

In the \bar{\mbox{\rm Poincar\'{e}}} gauge theory of gravity, which has been formulated on the basis of a principal fiber bundle over the space-time manifold having the covering group of the proper orthochronous Poincar\'{e} group as the structure group, we examine the tensorial properties of the dynamical energy-momentum density ${}^{G}{\mathbf T}_{k}{}^{\mu}$ and the ` ` spin" angular momentum density ${}^{G}{\mathbf S}_{kl}{}^{\mu}$ of the gravitational field. They are both space-time vector densities, and transform as tensors under {\em global} $SL(2,C)$- transformations. Under {\em local} internal translation, ${}^{G}{\mathbf T}_{k}{}^{\mu}$ is invariant, while ${}^{G}{\mathbf S}_{kl}{}^{\mu}$ transforms inhomogeneously. The dynamical energy-momentum density ${}^{M}{\mathbf T}_{k}{}^{\mu}$ and the ` ` spin" angular momentum density ${}^{M}{\mathbf S}_{kl}{}^{\mu}$ of the matter field are also examined, and they are known to be space-time vector densities and to obey tensorial transformation rules under internal \bar{\mbox{\rm Poincar\'{e}}} gauge transformations. The corresponding discussions in extended new general relativity which is obtained as a teleparallel limit of \bar{\mbox{\rm Poincar\'{e}}} gauge theory are also given, and energy-momentum and ` ` spin" angular momentum densities are known to be well behaved. Namely, they are all space-time vector densities, etc. In both theories, integrations of these densities on a space-like surface give the total energy-momentum and {\em total} (={\em spin}+{\em orbital}) angular momentum for asymptotically flat space-time. The tensorial properties of canonical energy-momentum and ` ` extended orbital angular momentum" densities are also examined.Comment: 18 page

Poincar\'{e} gauge theory of gravity

A Poincar\'{e} gauge theory of (2+1)-dimensional gravity is developed. Fundamental gravitational field variables are dreibein fields and Lorentz gauge potentials, and the theory is underlain with the Riemann-Cartan space-time. The most general gravitational Lagrangian density, which is at most quadratic in curvature and torsion tensors and invariant under local Lorentz transformations and under general coordinate transformations, is given. Gravitational field equations are studied in detail, and solutions of the equations for weak gravitational fields are examined for the case with a static, \lq \lq spin"less point like source. We find, among other things, the following: (1)Solutions of the vacuum Einstein equation satisfy gravitational field equations in the vacuum in this theory. (2)For a class of the parameters in the gravitational Lagrangian density, the torsion is \lq \lq frozen" at the place where \lq \lq spin" density of the source field is not vanishing. In this case, the field equation actually agrees with the Einstein equation, when the source field is \lq \lq spin"less. (3)A teleparallel theory developed in a previous paper is \lq \lq included as a solution" in a limiting case. (4)A Newtonian limit is obtainable, if the parameters in the Lagrangian density satisfy certain conditions.Comment: 27pages, RevTeX, OCU-PHYS-15

Suppression of Vortex Precession in a Non-Contact Handling Device by a Circular Column

Vortex levitation attains non-contact handling by injecting air through a tangential nozzle into a cylindrical cup generating the swirling flow. The precessing of the swirling flow causes pressure fluctuation. This phenomenon becomes apparent as the gap between the cup and workpiece increases, which significantly disturbs the stability of conveyance. In this paper, suppression of pressure fluctuation by a cylindrical column that stabilizes the vortex levitation is described and its mechanism is mentioned. According to the experimental set up, the pressure was measured at the center of the workpiece and the wall of the cup; velocity field under the work piece was visualized by PIV. The result suggested that the larger diameter column denoted the effect on suppression of the fluctuation because the precessing of the swirling flow became stable. On the other hand, variation of the column thickness had insignificant effect on suppressing the fluctuation, but sucking force became weakened since the swirling velocity decreased.ArticleJournal of Flow Control, Measurement & Visualization. 4:70-78 (2016)journal articl

Histological examination of frozen autograft treated by liquid nitrogen removed after implantation

金沢大学医薬保健研究域医学系Background: Several oncological sterilization methods involving autoclaving, irradiation, or pasteurization have been developed for limb reconstruction of large bone defects following tumor excision. Studies involving histological examinations of these autografts have all found that osteogenesis occurs slowly. We have used frozen autografts treated by liquid nitrogen for limb reconstruction and have achieved excellent results for bone union. To determine if frozen autografts exhibit early bone remodeling, we investigated the repair processes of the frozen bones. Methods: We analyzed frozen autografts treated by liquid nitrogen, retrieved at a mean of 19.1 months (2-75 months) after implantation because of complications or local tumor recurrence. The specimens were obtained from six patients with a mean age of 36.2 years (8-68 years). The six grafts comprised three osteoarticular grafts, two intercalary grafts, and one joint graft. We histologically reviewed the autograft-containing sections for tumor cell necrosis, evidence of cortical repair, the cortical junction, and joint cartilage. Results: Tumor cells were completely eradicated from the frozen bone in all cases. In a specimen retrieved 5 months after implantation, a small area of the bone showed active osteocytes and osteoblasts. In three cases retrieved more than 1 year after implantation, osteocytes and osteoblasts were observed in broad portions of the frozen bones, indicating the onset of osteogenesis in the frozen bone at an early stage. The cortical host-graft junction showed incorporation along with continuity of bone trabeculae. In addition, we were able to fi nd normal chondrocytes on the articular surface. Conclusions: The frozen bone specimens in this study thus showed evidence of newly formed bone and earlier osteogenesis than has been previously reported. Our results suggest that frozen autografts may be considered one of the most useful recycled materials for biological reconstruction. © 2009 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association

Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy for clear cell sarcoma: a report of five cases

Background: Clear cell sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of soft tissue which is most commonly encountered in the extremities, especially in the foot and ankle. This tumor is slow-growing and looks like a benign tumor; it is therefore often treated inadequately and its high rate of recurrence and metastases results in a poor prognosis. Caffeine has been used as a chemotherapy potentiator that inhibits DNA damage repair and enhances the cytocidal effects of anti-cancer drugs. This study reports the effect of caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy for clear cell sarcoma in five patients. Methods: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy was administered to five patients with clear cell sarcoma. Three to five courses of intra-arterial chemotherapy using cisplatin, doxorubicin and caffeine were administered preoperatively, at 3-week intervals. Conservatively, wide margin surgery was performed following the preoperative chemotherapy. Intravenous cisplatin and doxorubicin with caffeine were administered three to six times to the patients who responded to the preoperative chemotherapy. This study evaluated the response to chemotherapy, recurrence, metastasis and the overall prognosis in these five patients. Results: Four of the eligible patients responded to preoperative chemotherapy. Local recurrence occurred in only one of the five patients. Distant metastasis newly developed in one patient. All five patients survive. Conclusion: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy can be effective treatment for clear cell sarcoma not only as initial therapy, but also as salvage therapy. © 2011 Japan Society of Clinical Oncology