Parameter identification of rock mass in the time domain.

A time domain rock mass parameter identification method considering the Rayleigh damping is proposed in this paper. Starting with a set of initial parameter values, the algorithm solves the finite-element (FE) equations updating the parameters in each iterative step until the result converges to a local optimum. Numerical FE analysis, displacement sensitivity analysis, and the truncated singular value decomposition method are integrated into the solution algorithm for parameter identification.

Association of the Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio with Glecaprevir-pibrentasvir Treatment.

Objective The change in serum lipid levels by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C varies depending on the type of DAA. How the lipid level changes induced by glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (G/P) treatment contribute to the clinical outcome remains unclear. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the effectiveness of G/P treatment and the lipid level changes.

Simulation of orthodontic tooth movement during activation of an innovative design of closing loop using the finite element method.

Introduction: Although many attempts have been made to study the mechanical behavior of closing loops, most have been limited to analyses of the magnitude of forces and moments acting on the end of the closing loop. The objectives of this study were to simulate orthodontic tooth movement during the activation of a newly designed closing loop combined with a gable bend and to investigate the optimal loop activation condition to achieve the desired tooth movement.

Methods: We constructed a 3-dimensional model of maxillary dentition reproducing the state wherein a looped archwire combined with a gable bend was engaged in brackets and tubes.

Numeric simulation model for long-term orthodontic tooth movement with contact boundary conditions using the finite element method.

Introduction: Although many attempts have been made to simulate orthodontic tooth movement using the finite element method, most were limited to analyses of the initial displacement in the periodontal ligament and were insufficient to evaluate the effect of orthodontic appliances on long-term tooth movement. Numeric simulation of long-term tooth movement was performed in some studies; however, neither the play between the brackets and archwire nor the interproximal contact forces were considered. The objectives of this study were to simulate long-term orthodontic tooth movement with the edgewise appliance by incorporating those contact conditions into the finite element model and to determine the force system when the space is closed with sliding mechanics.

Serum HER2 as an adjunct to assess HER2 status for advanced gastric cancer: A prospective multicenter trial (SHERLOCK).

Background: Intratumoral human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) heterogeneity of gastric cancer can be an obstacle to accurate HER2 assessment. Serum HER2, concentrations of the HER2 extracellular domain shed into the bloodstream, has a potential to compensate HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) but has not been scrutinized in gastric cancer. This study sought to explore the clinical utility of serum HER2 in gastric cancer.

Genetic and epigenetic characteristics of gastric cancers with JC virus T-antigen.

Aim: To clarify the significance of JC virus (JCV) T-antigen (T-Ag) expression in human gastric cancer.

Methods: We investigated the relationship between T-Ag detected by immunohistochemistry and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, microsatellite instability (MSI), and genetic and epigenetic alterations in gastric cancers. Mutations in the p53, beta-catenin, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA genes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing.

Juvenile polyposis complicated with protein losing gastropathy.

A male patient with chronic bloody stool was diagnosed as juvenile polyposis at the age of 28. He had thirty to forty colonic polyps and some were removed endoscopically, while gastric polyps were too numerous to intervene. As the polyposis advanced gradually, the patient developed intractable anemia and serious hypoproteinemia.

Transcriptional silencing of Dickkopf gene family by CpG island hypermethylation in human gastrointestinal cancer.

Aim: To clarify alterations of Dickkopfs (Dkks) and Kremen2 (Krm2) in gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods: We investigated the expression profiles and epigenetic alterations of Dkks and Krm2 genes in gastrointestinal cancer using RT-PCR, tissue microarray analysis, and methylation specific PCR (MSP). Cancer cells were treated with the demethylating agent and/or histone deacetylase inhibitor.

Correlation of laterally spreading type and JC virus with methylator phenotype status in colorectal adenoma.

Accurate frequencies of CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) have not been determined for laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) and other flat-type colorectal adenomas, and the role of JC virus T-antigen (T-Ag) in these tumors is unclear. We used MethyLight assay to analyze the relationship between CIMP status and clinicopathologic characteristics in tissue from 72 LST of granular-type (LST-G), 35 LST of nongranular-type (LST-NG), 54 protruded-type adenomas, and 89 colorectal cancers. We also investigated the relationship between CIMP status and T-Ag by immunohistochemistry.