A new method for monitoring and removing SuperDARN radar DC offsets

DC offsets in quadrature outputs (I/Q signals) pertinent to the SuperDARN HF radars can cause problems in determining and analysing auto-correlation functions, cross-correlation functions and raw time series data if they are not negligible. We have developed a new code to monitor and remove DC offsets. To obtain correct DC offset levels and noise levels, the offsets can be best removed using I/Q signals during the receive-only period, i.e., during each clear frequency search stage. We have implemented the new code in the current radar operating system, installed it at the SENSU Syowa radars, and have been obtaining and removing DC offset values continuously since October 2001

Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites (ROMs) after Cardiovascular Surgery as a Marker of Oxidative Stress

The transient systemic low perfusion that occurs during cardiovascular surgery leads to oxidative stress and the production of free radicals. A systemic increase of various markers of oxidative stress has been shown to occur during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, these markers have not been adequately evaluated because they seem to be reactive and short-lived. Here, oxidative stress was measured using the free radical analytical system (FRAS 4) assessing the derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). Blood samples were taken from 21 patients undergoing elective cardiovascular surgery. CPB was used in 15 patients, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery without CPB was performed in 6. Measurements of d-ROMs and BAP were taken before surgery, 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after surgery, and oxidative stress was evaluated. The d-ROM level increased gradually after cardiovascular surgery up to 2 weeks. Over time, the d-ROM level after surgery involving CPB became higher than that after AAA surgery. This difference reached statistical significance at 1 week and lasted to 2 weeks. The prolongation of CPB was prone to elevate the d-ROM level whereas the duration of the aortic clamp in AAA surgery had no relation to the d-ROM level. The BAP was also elevated after surgery, and was positively correlated with the level of d-ROMs. In this study, patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery involving CPB had significant oxidative damage. The production of ROMs was shown to depend on the duration of CPB. Damage can be reduced if CPB is avoided. When CPB must be used, shortening the CPB time may be effective in reducing oxidative stress

Development of Natural VLF Spectrum Logger at West-ongul island of Syowa Station

第2回極域科学シンポジウム/第35回極域宙空圏シンポジウム 11月16日（水） 統計数理研究所 3階リフレッシュフロ

Development of Monitoring Data Logger at West-ongul island of Syowa Station

第3回極域科学シンポジウム/第36回極域宙空圏シンポジウム 11月26日（月）、27日（火） 国立極地研究所 2階ラウン

Regulation of Tumor Immunity by Tumor/Dendritic Cell Fusions

The goal of cancer vaccines is to induce antitumor immunity that ultimately will reduce tumor burden in tumor environment. Several strategies involving dendritic cells- (DCs)- based vaccine incorporating different tumor-associated antigens to induce antitumor immune responses against tumors have been tested in clinical trials worldwide. Although DCs-based vaccine such as fusions of whole tumor cells and DCs has been proven to be clinically safe and is efficient to enhance antitumor immune responses for inducing effective immune response and for breaking T-cell tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), only a limited success has occurred in clinical trials. This paper reviews tumor immune escape and current strategies employed in the field of tumor/DC fusions vaccine aimed at enhancing activation of TAAs-specific cytotoxic T cells in tumor microenvironment.Foundation for the Promotion of Cancer Research; Mitsui Life Social Welfare Foundation; Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Cultures, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan; Grant-in-Aid of the Japan Medical Association; Takeda Science Foundation; Pancreas Research Foundation of Japa

Extrarenal Angiomyolipoma : Report of a Mediastinal Case and Review of the Literature

A mediastinal angiomyolipoma was excised from a 17-year-old man. It was composed of capillaries and cavernous hemangioma-like vessels, smooth muscle cells and mature fat cells. The histology was somewhat different from that of ordinary renal angiomyolipoma. Extrarenal angiomyolipoma has been also reported under other terms. It seems extremely rare. To our knowledge, only 22 cases of such examples have been reported in English literature. Here, we present our case with histological comparisons between renal and extrarenal varieties. A possible histogenesis is also discussed