Reduced Claudin-12 Expression Predicts Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer

Background: Within the claudin (CLDN) family, CLDN12 mRNA expression is altered in various types of cancer, but its clinicopathological relevance has yet to be established due to the absence of specific antibodies (Abs) with broad applications. Methods: We generated a monoclonal Ab (mAb) against human/mouse CLDN12 and verified its specificity. By performing immunohistochemical staining and semiquantification, we evaluated the relationship between CLDN12 expression and clinicopathological parameters in tissues from 138 cases of cervical cancer. Results: Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the established mAb selectively recognized the CLDN12 protein. Twenty six of the 138 cases (18.8%) showed low CLDN12 expression, and the disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly decreased compared with those in the high CLDN12 expression group. We also demonstrated, via univariable and multivariable analyses, that the low CLDN12 expression represents a significant prognostic factor for the DSS of cervical cancer patients (HR 3.412, p = 0.002 and HR 2.615, p = 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: It can be concluded that a reduced CLDN12 expression predicts a poor outcome for cervical cancer. The novel anti-CLDN12 mAb could be a valuable tool to evaluate the biological relevance of the CLDN12 expression in diverse cancer types and other diseases.     

Re-evaluation of Radiation-Energy Transfer to an Extraction Solvent in a Minor-Actinide-Separation Process Based on Consideration of Radiation Permeability

ABSTRACT

Absorbed-dose estimation is essential for evaluation of the radiation tolerance of minor-actinide-separation processes. We propose a dose-evaluation method based on radiation permeability, with comparisons of heterogeneous structures seen in the solvent-extraction process, such as emulsions forming in the mixture of the organic and aqueous phases. A demonstration of radiation-energy-transfer simulation is performed with a focus on the minor-actinide-recovery process from high-level liquid waste with the aid of the Monte Carlo radiation-transport code PHITS. The simulation results indicate that the dose absorbed by the extraction solvent from alpha radiation depends upon the emulsion structure, and that from beta and gamma radiation depends upon the mixer-settler-apparatus size. Non-negligible contributions of well-permeable gamma rays were indicated in terms of the plant operation of the minor-actinide-separation process.     

Development of silicon wafer packaging technology for deep UV LED

This paper reports a deep‐ultraviolet LED (deep‐UV‐LED) package based on silicon MEMS process technology (Si‐PKG). The package consists of a cavity formed by silicon crystalline anisotropic etching, through‐silicon vias (TSVs) filled with electroplated Cu, bonding metals made of electroplated Ni/AuSn and a quartz lid for hermetic sealing. A deep‐UV LED die is directly mounted in the Si‐PKG by AuSn eutectic bonding without a submount. It has advantages in terms of size, heat dissipation, light utilization efficiency, productivity and cost over conventional AlN ceramic packages. We confirmed a light output of 30 mW and effective reflection on Si (111) cavity slopes in the Si‐PKG. Based on simulation, further improvement of the optical output is expected by optimizing DUV‐LED die mount condition.     

Categorical observers for metamerism

A method is proposed to generate categorical colour observer functions (individual colour matching functions) for any field size based on the CIE 2006 system of physiological observer functions. The method combines proposed categorical observer techniques of Sarkar et al with a physiologically-based individual observer model of Asano et al and a clustering technique to produce the optimal set of categorical observers. The number of required categorical observers varies depending on an application with as many as 50 required to predict individual observers' matches when a laser projector is viewed. However, 10 categorical observers are sufficient to represent colour-normal populations for personalized colour imaging. The proposed and recommended categorical observers represent a robust and inclusive technique to examine and quantify observer metamerism in any application of colorimetry.     

Effect of expander shape on cooling characteristics by using a model pulse tube refrigerator

Pulse tube refrigerators do not have moving parts in the cold section, and they have low vibration, high reliability, and long life. The expander in refrigerators typically has an inverted U or coaxial shape because this attains a wider absorber area, lower height, and compactness. However, the performance of a Stirling-type pulse tube refrigerator is inferior to that of a Stirling refrigerator. Cooling characteristics of the pulse tube refrigerator greatly depend on the shape of the expander. In this study, an inertance-type refrigerator, which uses ambient air for the working gas, was developed to examine the effect of expander shape. This refrigerator model with changeable expander operated with a Stirling cycle, and it was composed of a reciprocating compressor, after-cooler, regenerator, absorber, pulse tube, hot-end, and inertance tube with reservoir. The following expander shapes were tested: in-line, L shape, L-L shape, and coaxial shape. The effect of expander shape on cooling capacity was examined experimentally and numerically using the model pulse tube refrigerator. The results of experiments showed that the L shape expander had the highest performance and the coaxial expander had the lowest performance. In addition, the characteristics of the gas flow in each expander were confirmed by fluid dynamics analysis.     

Ultrafine,fine, and black carbon particle concentrations in California child‐care facilities

Although many U.S. children spend time in child care, little information exists on exposures to airborne particulate matter (PM) in this environment, even though PM may be associated with asthma and other respiratory illness, which is a key concern for young children. To address this data gap, we measured ultrafine particles (UFP), PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and black carbon in 40 California child‐care facilities and examined associations with potential determinants. We also tested a low‐cost optical particle measuring device (Dylos monitor). Median (interquartile range) concentrations for indoor UFP, gravimetric PM_2.5, real‐time PM_2.5, gravimetric PM₁₀, and black carbon over the course of a child‐care day were 14 000 (11 000‐29 000) particles/cm³, 15 (9.6‐21) μg/m³, 15 (11‐23) μg/m³, 48 (33‐73) μg/m³, and 0.43 (0.25‐0.65) ng/m³, respectively. Indoor black carbon concentrations were inversely associated with air exchange rate (Spearman's rho = ?.36) and positively associated with the sum of all Gaussian‐adjusted traffic volume within a one‐kilometer radius (Spearman's rho = .45) (P‐values <.05). Finally, the Dylos may be a valid low‐cost alternative to monitor PM levels indoors in future studies. Overall, results indicate the need for additional studies examining particle levels, potential health risks, and mitigation strategies in child‐care facilities.