Miniature Space GPS Receiver by means of Automobile-Navigation Technology

Miniature space GPS receivers have been developed by means of automobile-navigation technology. We expanded the frequency sweep range in order to cover large Doppler shift on orbit. The GPS receiver was modified to output pseudorange data with accurate time tag. We tested the performance in low earth orbits by means of a GPS simulator. The range error caused by the receiver is measured to be 0.9 meter in RMS. Receiver was on-boarded on INDEX (“REIMEI”) satellite, which was launched in 2005. Cold start positioning was confirmed repeatedly to finish within 30 minutes on orbit. The orbit determination was performed to evaluate the random position error of GPS receiver by means of the residual error. The random error of GPS position is as large as 2 meter for PDDP=2.5 on orbit. The RMS value of range error is evaluated to be 0.6m from the flight data. These results on orbit are consistent with the simulation results in use of a GPS simulator. This miniature space GPS receiver is at present in commercial market

Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, blocks osteoclastic bone resorption

AbstractThe biological role of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-3 kinase was examined in osteoclast-like multinucleated cells (OCLs) formed in co-cultures of mouse osteoblastic cells and bone marrow cells. The expression of PI-3 kinase in OCLs was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Wortmannin (WT), a specific inhibitor of PI-3 kinase, inhibited PI-3 kinase activity in OCLs both in vitro and in vivo. WT also inhibited pit-forming activity on dentine slices and disrupted a ringed structure of F-actin-containing dots (an actin ring) in OCLs in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory profiles of WT for pit and actin ring formation were similar to that for PI-3 kinase activity in OCLs. Electron microscopic analysis revealed that OCLs treated with WT did not form ruffled borders. Instead, numerous electron lucent vacuoles of differing sizes were found throughout the cytoplasm. These results suggest that PI-3 kinase is important in osteoclastic bone resorption

Essential anatomy for lateral lymph node dissection

In Western countries, the gold-standard therapeutic strategy for rectal cancer is preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following total mesorectal excision (TME), without lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). However, preoperative CRT has recently been reported to be insufficient to control lateral lymph node recurrence in cases of enlarged lateral lymph nodes before CRT, and LLND is considered necessary in such cases. We performed a literature review on aspects of pelvic anatomy associated with rectal surgery and LLND, and then combined this information with our experience and knowledge of pelvic anatomy. In this review, drawing upon research using a 3-dimensional anatomical model and actual operative views, we aimed to clarify the essential anatomy for LLND. The LLND procedure was developed in Asian countries and can now be safely performed in terms of functional preservation. Nonetheless, the longer operative time, hemorrhage, and higher complication rates with TME accompanied by LLND than with TME alone indicate that LLND is still a challenging procedure. Laparoscopic or robotic LLND has been shown to be useful and is widely performed; however, without a sufficient understanding of anatomical landmarks, misrecognition of vessels and nerves often occurs. To perform safe and accurate LLND, understanding the landmarks of LLND is essential

The Ganymede Laser Altimeter (GALA) for the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE): Mission, science, and instrumentation of its receiver modules

The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is a science mission led by the European Space Agency, being developed for launch in 2023. The Ganymede Laser Altimeter (GALA) is an instrument onboard JUICE, whose main scientific goals are to understand ice tectonics based on topographic data, the subsurface structure by measuring tidal response, and small-scale roughness and albedo of the surface. In addition, from the perspective of astrobiology, it is imperative to study the subsurface ocean scientifically. The development of GALA has proceeded through an international collaboration between Germany (the lead), Japan, Switzerland, and Spain. Within this framework, the Japanese team (GALA-J) is responsible for developing three receiver modules: the Backend Optics (BEO), the Focal Plane Assembly (FPA), and the Analog Electronics Module (AEM). Like the German team, GALA-J also developed software to simulate the performance of the entire GALA system (performance model). In July 2020, the Proto-Flight Models of BEO, FPA, and AEM were delivered from Japan to Germany. This paper presents an overview of JUICE/GALA and its scientific objectives and describes the instrumentation, mainly focusing on Japan’s contribution

Management Considerations for Purported Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extraordinary phenomenon that occurs rarely. While more than 80 cases have been described, most have been established via radiological findings or examination of biopsy tissues rather than via pathological examination of a resected specimen. The present report describes a purported case of spontaneous regression of HCC as indicated by radiological examination. Subsequent immunostaining of surgically resected specimens revealed viable cancer cells, though only necrotic tissues were seen on hematoxylin and eosin staining. These data indicate that viable cancer cells may still be present even if imaging findings suggest spontaneous regression of HCC. Therefore, these patients should receive aggressive treatment similar to that used for patients with established HCC

Miniature Space GPS Receiver by means of Automobile-Navigation Technology

Miniature space GPS receivers have been developed by means of automobile-navigation technology. The weight and power consumption of the GPS receiver are 35 g and 1 W, respectively. We expanded the frequency sweep range in order to cover large Doppler shift in orbit. We tested the performance in low earth orbits by means of a GPS simulator. The GPS receiver succeeded in cold start acquisition in less than 60 minutes. The GPS receiver for automobile- navigation generates position data with time tag which is not accurate enough to space application. The GPS receiver was modified to output pseudorange data with accurate time tag. The range error caused by the receiver is measured to be 1 meter. The position accuracy is estimated to be less than 20 meters in the low earth orbits. The GPS receiver can be operated with 20 krad (Co60) radiation and is SEL-free for 200MeV proton radiation. SEU may occur in low earth orbits once a several days. This GPS receiver will be on-boarded on INDEX satellite, which will be launched in 2005

Miniature Space GPS Receiver by means of Automobile-Navigation Technology

Miniature space GPS receivers have been developed by means of automobile-navigation technology. The weight and power consumption of the GPS receiver are 35 g and 1 W, respectively. We expanded the frequency sweep range in order to cover large Doppler shift in orbit. We tested the performance in low earth orbits by means of a GPS simulator. The GPS receiver succeeded in cold start acquisition in less than 60 minutes. The GPS receiver for automobile- navigation generates position data with time tag which is not accurate enough to space application. The GPS receiver was modified to output pseudorange data with accurate time tag. The range error caused by the receiver is measured to be 1 meter. The position accuracy is estimated to be less than 20 meters in the low earth orbits. The GPS receiver can be operated with 20 krad (Co60) radiation and is SEL-free for 200MeV proton radiation. SEU may occur in low earth orbits once a several days. This GPS receiver will be on-boarded on INDEX satellite, which will be launched in 2005