Tuning Neutron Resonance Spin-Echo Spectrometers with Pulsed Beams

The neutron spin-echo spectroscopy technique involving pulsed beams can be used to effectively access a wide range of space-time correlations of condensed matter. In this study, the features of this technique, in particular, the modulation of the intensity with zero effort (MIEZE) by using pulsed beams, which is based on the quantum-state manipulation of the neutron spin and energy, are comprehensively examined. A formulation of the MIEZE combined with the time of flight method (TOF MIEZE) is established by considering the characteristics of the pulsed neutron beams. Moreover, a parameter, namely, the detuning parameter, is introduced as a measure of the magnitude of detuning from the optimized instrumental state, known as the spin-echo condition. The phase and frequency shifts of the neutron intensity signals resulting from the TOF MIEZE under various configurations are investigated systematically. It is found that the detuning parameter equals the derivative of phase with respect to the TOF, whose zero-point corresponds to the spin-echo condition. The theoretical predictions on phase and frequency shifts by the established formulation are well validated by the experiments using an intense pulsed neutron source. The detuning parameter helps clarify the principle of the TOF MIEZE technique and can provide practical guidance regarding the implementation and optimization of spectrometers

Protocol for Genome Editing to Produce Multiple Mutants in Wheat

Here, we describe a protocol for producing multiple recessive mutants via genome editing in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. Fielder. Using Agrobacterium-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 and three sub-genome-specific primer sets, all possible combinations of single, double, and triple transgene-free mutants can be generated. The technique for acceleration of generation advancement with embryo culture reduces time for mutant production. The mutants produced by this protocol can be used for the analysis of gene function and crop improvement. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Abe et al. (2019)

Specific loss of chondromodulin-I gene expression in chondrosarcoma and the suppression of tumor angiogenesis and growth by its recombinant protein in vivo

AbstractChondromodulin-I (ChM-I) was previously identified as an angiogenesis inhibitor in cartilage. Here, we demonstrated that the level of ChM-I transcripts was substantially reduced to 100 or even less in the lower-grade chondrosarcomas, in articular cartilage or other benign cartilage tumors. We implanted human chondrosarcoma OUMS-27 cells into nude mice that reproducibly produced tumors with cartilaginous matrix. Tumor-induced angiogenesis was evident when the tumors were excised 30 days after implantation. However, the local administration of recombinant human ChM-I almost completely blocked vascular invasion and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, ChM-I also inhibited the growth of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma in vivo, implying its therapeutic potential for solid tumors

Analysis of prostate intensity- and volumetric-modulated arc radiation therapy planning quality with PlanIQTM

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of treatment planning using the PlanIQTM software and to investigate whether it is possible to improve the quality of treatment planning using the “Feasibility dose-volume histogram (DVH)TM” implemented in the PlanIQTM software. Methods: Using the PlanIQTM software, we retrospectively analyzed the learning curve regarding the quality of the treatment plans for 148 patients of prostate intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated radiation therapy performed at our institution over the past eight years. We also sought to examine the possibility of improving treatment planning quality by re-planning in 47 patients where the quality of the target dose and the dose limits for organs at risk (OARs) were inadequate. The re-planning treatment plans referred to the Feasibility DVHTM implemented in the PlanIQTM software and modified the treatment planning system based on the target dose and OAR constraints. Results: Analysis of the learning curve of the treatment plans quality using PlanIQTM software retrospectively showed a trend of improvement in the treatment plan quality from year to year. The improvement in the treatment plans quality was more influenced by dose reduction in the OARs than by target coverage. In all cases where re-planning was performed, the improvement in the treatment plan's quality resulted in a better treatment plan than the one adopted for delivery to patients in the clinical plan. Conclusions: The PlanIQTM provided insights into the quality of the treatment plans at our institution and identified problems and areas for improvement in the treatment plans, allowing for the development of appropriate treatment plans for specific patients