High-resolution 3D imaging method using chirped optical frequency combs based on convolution analysis of the spectral interference fringe

We applied an imaging optical system and convolution analysis to a one-shot 3D imaging method with a chirped optical frequency comb to greatly improve the transverse spatial resolution and depth accuracy. We obtained the high contrast spectral interference of a diffusive surface using the designed lens system and developed a simple and robust analysis technique using convolution of an obtained the interference fringe. The developed method was demonstrated to realize submicron-level uncertainty for the depth measurement. When applied to the surface structure of a coin, it demonstrated a transverse spatial resolution of 8.98 lp/mm and depth resolution of 0.35 µm

Long-term management and outcome of lung transplantation in Japan

The long-term survival after lung transplantation (LT) is favorable in Japan. However, longterm survivors after LT are subject to late complications, including chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), malignancy, infection, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) because of the need for lifelong immunosuppression. The rates of single cadaveric LT (CLT) and living-donor lobar LT (LDLLT) are higher than that of bilateral CLT in Japan. Here, we will describe the management of late complications and long-term outcome after LT in Japan. Attention should be paid to not only the phenotype of CLAD but also the difference in CLAD after CLT and after LDLLT as well as the timing of lung re-transplantation for advanced CLAD, especially after single CLT. Since post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is the most common malignancy after LT, infection monitoring for infection-related malignancies and appropriate screening are keys to the early diagnosis and treatment of malignancy after LT. The long-term management of infection after LT is also important, especially with regard to community-acquired pathogens, Aspergillus, and cytomegalovirus. When providing long-term care after LT, physicians should be aware of CKD and the timing of renal replacement therapy in cases with severe CKD. The widespread use of computed tomography and dialysis in Japan are beneficial for long-term survivors of LT. The similar survival outcomes of single CLT and LDLLT, compared with bilateral CLT, might contribute to improved long-term survival in Japan. Pulmonologists are encouraged to become further involved in long-term management after LT in Japan

THE FRICTIONAL COEFFICIENTS IN TI-NB ALLOY

Objectives: To determine the frictional force (FF) of the novel, elastic, bendable titanium-niobium (Ti-Nb) alloy orthodontic wire in stainless steel (SS) brackets and to compare it with those of titanium-nickel (Ti-Ni) and titanium-molybdenum (Ti-Mo) alloy wires. Materials and Methods: Three sizes of Ti-Nb, Ti-Ni, and Ti-Mo alloy wires were ligated with elastic modules to 0.018-inch and 0.022-inch SS brackets. The dynamic FFs between the orthodontic wires and SS brackets were measured at three bracket-wire angles (0゜, 5゜, and 10゜) with an Instron 5567 loading apparatus (Canton, Mass). Results: FFs increased gradually with the angle and wire size. In the 0.018-inch-slot bracket, the dynamic FFs of Ti-Nb and Ti-Ni alloy wires were almost the same, and those of the Ti-Mo alloy wire were significantly greater (P<0.05). FF values were 1.5–2 times greater in the 0.022-inch-slot bracket than in the 0.018-inch-slot bracket, regardless of alloy wire type, and the Ti-Mo alloy wire showed the greatest FF. Scanning electric microscopic images showed that the surface of the Ti-Mo alloy wire was much rougher than that of the Ti-Ni and Ti-Nb alloy wires. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the Ti-Nb alloy wire has almost the same frictional resistance as the Ti-Ni alloy wire, although it has a higher elastic modulus

Design paper: A phase II study of Bevacizumab and Erlotinib in patients with non-Squamous non-small cell lung cancer that is refractory or relapsed after 1-2 previous Treatment (BEST)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab is a promising regimen in advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We are conducting a single arm phase II trial which aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this regime as a second- or third-line chemotherapy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Key eligibility criteria were histologically or cytologically confirmed non-squamous NSCLC, stage III/IV or recurrent NSCLC not indicated radical chemoradiation, prior one or two regimen of chemotherapy, age 20 years or more, and performance status of two or less. The primary endpoint is objective response rate. The secondary endpoints include overall survival, progression-free survival, disease control rate and incidence of adverse events. This trial plans to accrue 80 patients based on a two-stage design employing a binomial distribution with an alternative hypothesis response rate of 35% and a null hypothesis threshold response rate of 20%. A subset analysis according to EGFR mutation status is planned.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>We have presented the design of a single arm phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib in advanced non-squamous NSCLC patients. In particular we are interested in determining the merit of further development of this regimen and whether prospective patient selection using EGFR gene is necessary in future trials.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>This trial was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000004255 (<url>http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm</url>).</p

A molecular neuromorphic network device consisting of single-walled carbon nanotubes complexed with polyoxometalate

In contrast to AI hardware, neuromorphic hardware is based on neuroscience, wherein constructing both spiking neurons and their dense and complex networks is essential to obtain intelligent abilities. However, the integration density of present neuromorphic devices is much less than that of human brains. In this report, we present molecular neuromorphic devices, composed of a dynamic and extremely dense network of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) complexed with polyoxometalate (POM). We show experimentally that the SWNT/POM network generates spontaneous spikes and noise. We propose electron-cascading models of the network consisting of heterogeneous molecular junctions that yields results in good agreement with the experimental results. Rudimentary learning ability of the network is illustrated by introducing reservoir computing, which utilises spiking dynamics and a certain degree of network complexity. These results indicate the possibility that complex functional networks can be constructed using molecular devices, and contribute to the development of neuromorphic devices

Treatment of infected root canals with 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

This review paper describes the various applications of 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methyl methacrylate-tri-n-butyl borane (4-META/MMA-TBB) and reviews research studies on the treatment of infected root canals using 4-META/MMA-TBB resin. 4-META/MMA-TBB resin exhibits good biocompatibility, polymerisation, and adhesiveness to dentine. As a result, it has improved the previously low success rates of root-end sealing, root canal filling, and perforation sealing in difficult cases. Root-end sealing of resected surfaces using 4-META/MMA-TBB during apicoectomy and intentional replantation prevents leakage from root canal and root resorption. 4-META/MMA-TBB can offer sealing for root canals with opened root apex in which pressure could not be applied during root canal filling. In this paper we will discuss clinical cases related to the application of this resin and the benefits of 4-META/MMA-TBB resin

Validation of the Japanese version of the revised version of the compound psychological capital scale (CPC-12R)

This study developed a Japanese version of the Revised Version of the Compound Psychological Capital Scale (CPC-12R) and tested its reliability and construct validity. The participants were 1,000 young adults (500 university students and 500 employees) recruited through an internet survey. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four first-order factors (hope, optimism, resilience, and self-efficacy) and one second-order factor (PsyCap) model of the previous study is appropriate for the Japanese context. In addition, Cronbach’s α and omega-higher-order of CPC-12R were sufficient. The measurement invariance analysis suggested sufficient scalar invariances for the employees and university students and across genders. The Japanese version of the CPC-12R had moderate positive correlations with job satisfaction, work engagement, conscientiousness, and extraversion, as well as a moderate negative correlation with negative emotionality. These findings provide evidence for sufficient reliability and construct validity of the Japanese version of the CPC-12R

Immediate implant loading following computer-guided surgery

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to develop and apply a new method for easy intraoperative adjustment of a provisional fixed full-arch restoration, in order to allow immediate implant loading following computer-guided surgery, regardless of any implant positioning errors compared to the virtual planning.MethodsIn accordance with the NobelGuide™ protocol, a provisional restoration for immediate loading of six maxillary implants was prepared prior to surgery. Because small shifts between the planned and the actual implant positions were to be expected, the provisional restoration was not fabricated directly on temporary cylinders as a conventional one-piece superstructure, but was divided into two portions: six custom made abutments and a long span fixed restoration which were left unconnected. After implantation, the custom abutments were attached to the six implants to be immediately loaded, and the superstructure was cemented simultaneously to all abutments using dual cure resin cement. After the excess cement was cleaned and polished, the superstructure was then reseated. Passive fit was achieved between implants and the superstructure.ConclusionThe superstructure described in this article can be easily seated and adjusted to accommodate any possible shifts in implant positioning occurring during computer-guided surgery. Through this method uneventful immediate implant loading can be achieved in a reasonable operative time

MicroRNA in Cervical Cancer: OncomiRs and Tumor Suppressor miRs in Diagnosis and Treatment

Cervical cancer is a female-specific disease with a high incidence and mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression and in the pathogenic mechanisms of cancer, suggesting their importance in diagnosis and treatment. miRNAs may have roles in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer based on the increases or decreases in several specific miRNAs found in patients with this disease. The miRNAs implicated in cervical cancer are miR-21, miR-126, and miR-143, and clinical application of these miRNAs for diagnosis and treatment is under investigation. Methods for diagnosis of cervical cancer include analysis of changes in the levels of specific miRNAs in serum and determination of aberrant hypermethylation of miRNAs. Supplementation of miR-143 or inhibition of miR-21 activity in vivo may be therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer. Previous approaches to development of siRNA as a drug have provided information for establishment of therapy based on these approaches, and an anti-miR-21 inhibitor has been developed. miRNAs also have effects on drug resistance and may be useful in combination therapy with other drugs