Effects of Geometrical Uncertainties on Whole Breast Radiotherapy: A Comparison of Four Different Techniques

Naoki Nakamura,Osamu Takahashi,Minobu Kamo,Shogo Hatanaka,Haruna Endo,Norifumi Mizuno,Naoto Shikama,Mami Ogita,Kenji Sekiguchi 한국유방암학회 2014 Journal of breast cancer Vol.17 No.2

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to quantify the targetcoverage, homogeneity, and robustness of the dose distributionsagainst geometrical uncertainties associated with fourwhole breast radiotherapy techniques. Methods: The study wasbased on the planning-computed tomography-datasets of 20patients who underwent whole breast radiotherapy. A total offour treatment plans (wedge, field-in-field [FIF], hybrid intensitymodulatedradiotherapy [IMRT], and full IMRT) were created foreach patient. The hybrid IMRT plans comprised two opposedtangential open beams plus two IMRT beams. Setup errors weresimulated by moving the beam isocenters by 5 mm in the anterioror posterior direction. Results: With the original plan, thewedge technique yielded a high volume receiving ≥107% of theprescription dose (V107; 7.5%±4.2%), whereas the other threetechniques yielded excellent target coverage and homogeneity. A 5 mm anterior displacement caused a large and significant increasein the V107 (+5.2%±4.1%, p<0.01) with the FIF plan, butnot with the hybrid IMRT (+0.4%±1.2%, p=0.11) or full IMRT(+0.7%±1.8%, p=0.10) plan. A 5-mm posterior displacementcaused a large decrease in the V95 with the hybrid IMRT (-2.5%±3.7%, p<0.01) and full IMRT (-4.3%±5.1%, p<0.01) plans, butnot with the FIF plan (+0.1%±0.7%, p=0.74). The decrease inV95 was significantly smaller with the hybrid IMRT plan than withthe full IMRT plan (p<0.01). Conclusion: The FIF, hybrid IMRT,and full IMRT plans offered excellent target coverage and homogeneity. Hybrid IMRT provided better robustness against geometricaluncertainties than full IMRT, whereas FIF provided comparablerobustness to that of hybrid IMRT

Waste Management Technology Transfer and an Incentive to Free-Ride

Naoki Kakita,Kazuyuki Nakamura 인하대학교 정석물류통상연구원 2010 인하대학교 정석물류통상연구원 학술대회 Vol.2010 No.7

Waste emission is becoming a serious problem around the world, especially in developing countries. Although it is pointed out that part of the problem facing developing countries arises from the lack of a waste disposal technology: technology transfer from a country possessing advanced technology is rarely undertaken. We investigate this problem by focusing upon the role of international technology transfer motivated by trade liberalization. We show that in expecting tariff reductions, the exporting country has an incentive to transfer technology for waste disposal but this is below socially optimum level since the tariff has a property of public bads for the exporting countries. In addition, we consider the effects of an increase in market competitiveness on national welfare.

Two-Dimensionally Extended Porphyrin Tapes: Synthesis and Shape-Dependent Two-Photon Absorption Properties

Nakamura, Yasuyuki,Jang, So Young,Tanaka, Takayuki,Aratani, Naoki,Lim, Jong Min,Kim, Kil Suk,Kim, Dongho,Osuka, Atsuhiro WILEY-VCH Verlag 2008 Chemistry Vol.14 No.27

<P>We report the synthesis and characterization of L- and T-shaped porphyrin tapes as extensible structural motifs of two-dimensionally extended porphyrin tapes. The two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section values (σ<SUP>(2)</SUP>) for L- and T-shaped porphyrin tapes as well as those for linear trimeric and tetrameric porphyrin tapes were measured by an open-aperture Z-scan method at 2300 nm, a wavelength at which the one-photon absorption contribution is either zero or almost negligible. Under these conditions, the σ<SUP>(2)</SUP> values for the linear porphyrin tape trimer and tetramer were determined to be 18 500 and 41 200 GM, respectively. The σ<SUP>(2)</SUP> value for the L-shaped trimer was determined to be 8700 GM, which is only half that of the linear trimer, whereas the σ<SUP>(2)</SUP> value for the T-shaped tetramer was measured to be 35 700 GM. These results clearly indicate the dependence of the TPA cross-section on the molecular shape, which underscores the importance of directionality in the π-conjugation pathway for the enhancement of TPA cross- section.</P> <B>Graphic Abstract</B> <P>Fused porphyrins: L- and T-shaped porphyrin tapes have been synthesized as extensible structural motifs of 2D extended-porphyrin tapes (see figure). Systematic measurement of the two-photon adsorption (TPA) properties of linear, L-, and T-shaped porphyrin tapes clearly indicate the importance of directionality in the π-conjugation pathway for the enhancement of the TPA properties. <img src='wiley_img/09476539-2008-14-27-CHEM200800776-content.gif' alt='wiley_img/09476539-2008-14-27-CHEM200800776-content'> </P>

Interleukin-34 cancels anti-tumor immunity by PARP inhibitor

Takayoshi Nakamura,Nabeel Kajihara,Naoki Hama,Takuto Kobayashi,Ryo Otsuka,Nanumi Han,Haruka Wada,Yoshinori Hasegawa,Nao Suzuki,Ken-ichiro Seino 대한부인종양학회 2023 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.34 No.3

Objective: Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1)-associated ovarian cancer patients have been treated with A poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, extending the progression-free survival; however, they finally acquire therapeutic resistance. Interleukin (IL)-34 has been reported as a poor prognostic factor in several cancers, including ovarian cancer, and it contributes to the therapeutic resistance of chemotherapies. IL-34 may affect the therapeutic effect of PARP inhibitor through the regulation of tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods: In this study, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set was used to evaluate the prognosis of IL-34 and human ovarian serous carcinoma. We also used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology in a mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of PARP inhibitor therapy in the presence or absence of IL-34. Results: We found that IL34 was an independent poor prognostic factor in ovarian serous carcinoma, and its high expression significantly shortens overall survival. Furthermore, in BRCA1-associated ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitor therapy contributes to anti-tumor immunity via the XCR1+ DC-CD8+ T cell axis, however, it is canceled by the presence of IL-34. Conclusion: These results suggest that tumor-derived IL-34 benefits tumors by creating an immunosuppressive TME and conferring PARP inhibitor therapeutic resistance. Thus, we showed the pathological effect of IL-34 and the need for it as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

Switching to Once-Daily Insulin Degludec/Insulin Aspart from Basal Insulin Improves Postprandial Glycemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial

조규영,Nakamura Akinobu,Oba-Yamamoto Chiho,Tsuchida Kazuhisa,Yanagiya Shingo,Manda Naoki,Kurihara Yoshio,Aoki Shin,Atsumi Tatsuya,Miyoshi Hideaki 대한당뇨병학회 2020 Diabetes and Metabolism Journal Vol.44 No.4

Background: To explore the efficacy and safety of switching from once-daily basal insulin therapy to once-daily pre-meal injection insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) with respect to the glycemic control of participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this multicenter, open-label, prospective, randomized, parallel-group comparison trial, participants on basal insulin therapy were switched to IDegAsp (IDegAsp group; n=30) or continued basal insulin (Basal group; n=29). The primary endpoint was the superiority of IDegAsp in causing changes in the daily blood glucose profile, especially post-prandial blood glucose concentration after 12 weeks. Results: Blood glucose concentrations after dinner and before bedtime were lower in the IDegAsp group, and the improvement in blood glucose before bedtime was significantly greater in the IDegAsp group than in the Basal group at 12 weeks (−1.7±3.0 mmol/L vs. 0.3±2.1 mmol/L, P<0.05). Intriguingly, glycemic control after breakfast was not improved by IDegAsp injection before breakfast, in contrast to the favorable effect of injection before dinner on blood glucose after dinner. Glycosylated hemoglobin significantly decreased only in the IDegAsp group (58 to 55 mmol/mol, P<0.05). Changes in daily insulin dose, body mass, and recorded adverse effects, including hypoglycemia, were comparable between groups. Conclusion: IDegAsp was more effective than basal insulin at reducing blood glucose after dinner and before bedtime, but did not increase the incidence of hypoglycemia. Switching from basal insulin to IDegAsp does not increase the burden on the patient and positively impacts glycemic control in patients with T2DM.

The Prognosis and Recurrence Pattern of Right- and Left-Sided Colon Cancer in Stage II, Stage III, and Liver Metastasis After Curative Resection

Yasuyuki Nakamura,Daisuke Hokuto,Fumikazu Koyama,Yasuko Matsuo,Takeo Nomi,Takahiro Yoshikawa,Naoki Kamitani,Tomomi Sadamitsu,Takeshi Takei,Yayoi Matsumoto,Yosuke Iwasa,Kohei Fukuoka,Shinsaku Obara,Tak 대한대장항문학회 2021 Annals of Coloproctolgy Vol.37 No.5

Purpose: Primary tumor location of colon cancer has been reported to affect the prognosis after curative resection. However, some reports suggested the impact was varied by tumor stage. This study analyzed the prognostic impact of the sidedness of colon cancer in stages II, III, and liver metastasis after curative resection using propensity-matched analysis.Methods: Right-sided colon cancer was defined as a tumor located from cecum to splenic flexure, while any more distal colon cancer was defined as left-sided colon cancer. Patients who underwent curative resection at Nara Medical University hospital between 2000 and 2016 were analyzed.Results: There were 110 patients with stage II, 100 patients with stage III, and 106 patients with liver metastasis. After propensity matching, 28 pairs with stage II and 32 pairs with stage III were identified. In the patients with stage II, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were not significantly different for right- and left-sided colon cancers. In the patients with stage III, OS and RFS were significantly worse in right-sided colon cancer. In those with liver metastasis, OS of right-sided colon cancer was significantly worse than left-sided disease, while RFS was similar. Regarding metachronous liver metastasis, the difference was observed only in the patients whose primary colon cancer was stage III. In each stage, significantly higher rate of peritoneal recurrence was found in those with right-sided colon cancer.Conclusion: Sidedness of colon cancer had a significant and varied prognostic impact in patients with stage II, III, and liver metastasis after curative resection.

Valsalva Aneurysm Filled with Thrombi Mimicking a Cardiac Tumor

Yasuharu Lee,Naoki Mori,Daisuke Nakamura,Takahiro Yoshimura,Masayuki Taniike,Nobuhiko Makino,Hiroyasu Kato,Yasuyuki Egami,Ryu Shutta,Jun Tanouchi,Yoshio Yamada,Masami Nishino 대한심장학회 2012 Korean Circulation Journal Vol.42 No.12

A Valsalva aneurysm filled with thrombi can be difficult to diagnose, because it mimics a cardiac tumor. Both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were performed on a patient who showed a low-echoic mass located between the atrial septum and the non-coronary sinus. Based on MRI findings allowing tissue characterization and the accurate location of the mass and the TEE findings of an irregular surface of the mass and a partial defect in the edge of the non-coronary sinus, we diagnosed the mass as a thrombosed Valsalva aneurysm that had perforated the inter-atrial septum. The operative findings coincided with the preoperative di-agnosis. Both MRI and TEE are useful for diagnosing this condition.

A Basic Study on Speedup of Response in the Very Low-Level DC Current Amplifier Using Switched-Capacitor Circuit

Hiroki HIGA,Naoki NAKAMURA,Ikuo NAKAMURA 대한전자공학회 2004 ITC-CSCC :International Technical Conference on Ci Vol.2004 No.7

A Novel Flyback-type Utility Interactive Inverter for AC Module Systems

Toshihisa Shimizu,Naoki Nakamura,Keiji Wada 전력전자학회 2001 ICPE(ISPE)논문집 Vol.2001 No.10

In recent years, natural energy has attracted growing interest because of environmental concerns Many studies have been focused on photovoltaic power generation systems because of the ease of use in urban areas On the conventional system, many photovoltaic modules (PV modules) are connected in series in order to obtain the sufficient DC-bus voltage for generating AC output voltage at the inverter circuit. However, the total generation power on the PV modules sometimes decreases remarkably because of the shadows that partially cover the PV modules In order to overcome this drawback, an AC module strategy is proposed On this system, a small power DC-AC utility interactive inverter is mounted on each PV module individually and the inverter operates so as to generate the maximum power from the corresponding PV module This paper presents a novel flyback-type utility interactive inverter circuit suitable for AC module systems. The feature of the proposed system are, (1) small in volume and light in weight, (2) stable AC current injection, (3) enabling a small DC capacitor. The effectiveness of the proposed system is clarified through the simulation and the experiments.<br/>

Interferon treatment for Japanese patients with favorable-risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy

Tomokazu Sazuka,Naoki Nihei,Kazuyoshi Nakamura,Shinichi Sakamoto,Satoshi Fukasawa,Atsushi Komaru,Takeshi Ueda,Tatsuo Igarashi,Tomohiko Ichikawa 대한비뇨의학회 2015 Investigative and Clinical Urology Vol.56 No.3

Purpose: Single-agent interferon (IFN) is no longer regarded as a standard option for first-line systemic treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Western countries. However, some patients with favorable-risk RCC may still achieve complete and long-lasting remission in response to IFN treatment. The present study compared favorable-risk Japanese patients with metastatic RCC Japanese patients who had been treated with IFN or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy as a first-line systemic therapy. Materials and Methods: From 1995 to 2014, a total of 48 patients with favorable risk as defined by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center criteria who did not receive adjuvant systemic therapy were retrospectively enrolled in this study. We assessed the tumor response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The objective response rate for first-line therapy was 29% in the IFN group and 47% in the TKI group, but this difference did not reach the level of statistical significance. Median OS for IFN and TKI was 71 and 47 months, respectively (p=0.014). Median first-line PFS for IFN and TKI was 20 and 16 months, respectively (no significant difference). First-line IFN therapy did not prove inferior to TKI therapy in terms of OS according to metastatic sites. Conclusions: IFN is associated with a survival benefit in Japanese patients with favorable-risk metastatic RCC in the era of targeted therapy. Further prospective study is needed.