En bloc resection of bladder tumor using transurethral enucleation with bipolar electrode: A case series

We described a novel technique of en bloc resection of bladder tumors using a transurethral enucleation with bipolar (TUEB) electrode. In our series of 5 patients with large non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer or submucosal bladder tumors, the new technique using a TUEB electrode was feasible to perform transurethral en bloc resection without any adverse events

Improvement of dose distribution with irregular surface compensator in whole breast radiotherapy

Aim of this study was to compare the dosimetric aspects of whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) between an irregular surface compensator (ISC) and a conventional tangential field technique using physical wedges. Treatment plans were produced for 20 patients. The Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medical Systems) was used for the dose calculation: For the physical wedge technique, the wedge angle was selected to provide the best dose homogeneity; for the ISC technique, the fluence editor application was used to extend the optimal fluence. These two treatment plans were compared in terms of doses in the planning target volume, the dose homogeneity index, the maximum dose, ipsilateral lung and heart doses for left breast irradiation, and the monitor unit counts required for treatment. Compared with the physical wedge technique, the ISC technique significantly reduced the dose homogeneity index, the maximum dose, the volumes received at 105% of the prescription dose, as well as reducing both the ipsilateral lung and heart doses (P 0.05). Thus, the ISC technique for WBRT enables significantly better dose distribution in the planning target volume

マイクロPTVを用いた微小路内における赤血球軸集中挙動の定量的解析

In order to elucidate the effect of red blood cell (RBC) on blood flow at low Reynolds number, the paper aims to examine both distributions and velocity profiles of hardened RBCs in a micro channel varying experimental conditions such as shape and particle Reynolds number. We compare distributions and velocity profiles of both hardened RBCs and spherical particles in a micro channel using a micro PTV (particles tracking velocimetry) system. The micro PTV system consists of a fluorescent microscope equipped with a CMOS camera. Fluorescently-labeled hardened RBCs are suspended in saline within a 100μm square micro channel. In the paper, binarization method with dynamic threshold is applied since the intensity of labeled hardened RBC in the PTV images is too low to calculate the positions and velocities of RBCs. Both the flow velocity profiles and distributions of hardened RBCs are compared with those of the particles in order to clarify the effect of RBC biconcave shape

Working together in State-Building and Dvelopment

This volume illustrates the stories of a great number of Japanese who have worked to support reconstruction and development in Afghanistan, with a focus on the ten years since 2001, After the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001, the international community has collectively supported a new state-building in Afghanistan. Japan, as part of the community, has been providing support, drawing on its unique expertise and experience. Many Japanese have endeavored to help local Afghans return to peaceful daily lives and to support the state’s reconstruction and development, sometimes with taking personal risks. The book, introducing their daily activities alongside the accomplishment of their painstaking work, attempts to recapture the overall picture of Japan’s support for Afghanistan. In preparing the volume, the JICA-RI established a project team to compile the experiences and information from a variety of people―representatives of the Japanese government and the private sector, NGO members, staff of UN organizations and JICA―who have involved in the Afghan reconstruction in various positions. The project team reproduced a concrete picture of their activities in Afghanistan. The book presents a wide range of efforts: the emergency humanitarian aid during the initial stage of reconstruction; the assistance for a new state institution building from scratch; the support to build foundation for people’s livelihoods; and the human resource development for the future of Afghanistan. The volume also introduces a number of episodes on Japanese assistance in the 1970s. After the twenty-year absence during the war (in the 1980s and 1990s) their impacts still remains in various places even today. These episodes remind us of the importance of assistance to develop human resources and infrastructure that will serve as the foundation for state-building over decades

Investigation of the hepatic respiration and liver zonation on rat hepatocytes using an integrated oxygen biosensor in a microscale device

International audienc

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Molybdenum–Dinitrogen Complexes Bearing Unsymmetric PNP-Type Pincer Ligands

Novel dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing unsymmetric PNP-type pincer ligands are prepared and characterized by X-ray analysis. A molybdenum–dinitrogen complex bearing 2-(di-1-adamantylphosphino)­methyl-6-(di-<i>tert</i>-butylphosphino)­methylpyridine has been found to work as an effective catalyst toward the formation of ammonia from molecular dinitrogen under ambient conditions

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Molybdenum–Dinitrogen Complexes Bearing Unsymmetric PNP-Type Pincer Ligands

Novel dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing unsymmetric PNP-type pincer ligands are prepared and characterized by X-ray analysis. A molybdenum–dinitrogen complex bearing 2-(di-1-adamantylphosphino)­methyl-6-(di-<i>tert</i>-butylphosphino)­methylpyridine has been found to work as an effective catalyst toward the formation of ammonia from molecular dinitrogen under ambient conditions