Multi spectral holographic ellipsometry for a complex 3D nanostructure.

We present an innovative ellipsometry technique called self-interferometric pupil ellipsometry (SIPE), which integrates self-interference and pupil microscopy techniques to provide the high metrology sensitivity required for metrology applications of advanced semiconductor devices. Due to its unique configuration, rich angle-resolved ellipsometric information from a single-shot hologram can be extracted, where the full spectral information corresponding to incident angles from 0° to 70° with azimuthal angles from 0° to 360° is obtained, simultaneously. The performance and capability of the SIPE system were fully validated for various samples including thin-film layers, complicated 3D structures, and on-cell overlay samples on the actual semiconductor wafers.

LPS (RAP99-LPS) Is a TLR4 Agonist That Inhibits Lung Metastasis and Enhances TLR3-Mediated Chemokine Expression.

The lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) of are reported to be TLR4 antagonists. Accordingly, the extract of (RAP99) is used as a health supplement for humans and animals in Japan to regulate immune responses . We previously analyzed the LPS structure of RAP99 (RAP99-LPS) and found it is different from that of -LPS but similar to lipid A from (RSLA), a known antagonist of TLR4, with both having three C14 fatty acyl groups, two C10 fatty acyl groups, and two phosphates.

Structural analysis of a novel lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from Rhodobacter azotoformans.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are components of the Gram-negative bacterial cell surface that stimulate the host innate immune system through the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4-MD-2 complex. Rhodobacter sp. have been reported to produce LPS that lack endotoxic activity, and instead act as antagonists of other endotoxins.

Mutation spectrum in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gastric fundic gland-associated neoplasms/polyps.

Frequent activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has recently been demonstrated in gastric adenocarcinoma/neoplasia of chief cell predominant type (GA-CCP/GN-CCP) with submucosal involvement. In this study, we examined the activation status of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GN-CCP without submucosal involvement, which is referred to as gastric dysplasia-CCP (GD-CCP). We also examined β-catenin expression and the mutation spectrum of PPP2R1A and Wnt pathway genes in 11 cases of GD-CCP, 25 cases of gastric polyps of fundic gland type (GPs-FG), and 21 cases of GPs-FG with dysplasia (GP-FGD).

GNAS mutation as an alternative mechanism of activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type.

Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GAFG) is a rare variant of gastric tumor. We have recently reported the frequent accumulation of β-catenin in GAFGs and showed that approximately half of the cases studied harbored at least 1 mutation in CTNNB1/AXINs/APC, leading to the constitutive activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. However, the mechanisms of Wnt signaling activation in the remaining cases are unknown.

Two cases of proximal pole scaphoid fracture accompanied by lunate fracture.

We experienced two cases of simultaneous fracture of the scaphoid and the lunate. In two cases, both scaphoid and lunate fractures existed on the same plane, which may help us to understand the mechanism of proximal fracture of the scaphoid.

Alteration in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in gastric neoplasias of fundic gland (chief cell predominant) type.

Gastric neoplasia of chief cell-predominant type (GN-CCP) has been reported as a new, rare variant of gastric tumor. GN-CCPs were defined as tumors consisting of irregular anastomosing glands of columnar cells mimicking chief cells of fundic gland with nuclear atypia and prolapse-type submucosal involvement. We comparatively evaluated clinicopathologic features between 31 GN-CCPs and 130 cases of conventional gastric adenocarcinoma invading into submucosa (CGA-SM) in addition to nuclear β-catenin immunolabeling and direct sequencing of members of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, CTNNB1, APC, and AXIN, in a subset of these tumors.

MUC5AC/β-catenin expression and KRAS gene alteration in laterally spreading colorectal tumors.

Aim: To clarify differences in mucin phenotype, proliferative activity and oncogenetic alteration among subtypes of colorectal laterally spreading tumor (LST).

Methods: LSTs, defined as superficial elevated lesions greater than 10 mm in diameter with a low vertical axis, were macroscopically classified into two subtypes: (1) a granular type (Gr-LST) composed of superficially spreading aggregates of nodules forming a flat-based lesion with a granulonodular and uneven surface; and (2) a non-granular type (NGr-LST) with a flat smooth surface and an absence of granulonodular formation. A total of 69 LSTs, comprising 36 Gr-LSTs and 33 NGr-LSTs, were immunohistochemically stained with MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, CD10 (markers of gastrointestinal cell lineage), p53, β-catenin and Ki-67 antibodies, and examined for alteration in exon 1 of v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and exon 15 of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) by polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing.

Error analysis and compensation method of focus detection in exposure apparatus.

An original approach to measurement accuracy of a typical focus sensor in conventional integrated circuit lithographic equipment is introduced. Causes of measurement error in the focus sensor are theoretically analyzed and found to be generated mainly from interactions between imperfections of the optical system and the actual surface of processed wafers. We derive mathematical formulations describing these errors, which are confirmed by the experimental results performed by using an optical setup composed of the focus sensor and samples on which the wafer surface condition is reproduced.

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging after ultrasonography for assessment of fetal gastroschisis.

A 24-year-old woman (Gravida I, Para I) at estimated 32 weeks of pregnancy was referred to our department for evaluation of a suspected fetal gastroschisis. Ultrasound scan revealed multiple loops of dilated bowel outside the fetal abdomen and absence of membrane surrounding the herniated loops of the intestines. Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging was performed to obtain more information on the bowel both outside and inside the abdomen.

X-ray telescope onboard Astro-E. III. Guidelines to performance improvements and optimization of the ray-tracing simulator.

We present a detailed study of the performance of the Astro-E x-ray telescope (XRT) onboard the Astro-E satellite. As described in preceding papers the ground-based calibrations of the Astro-E XRT revealed that its image quality and effective area are somewhat worse than that expected from the original design. Conceivable causes for such performance degradation are examined by x-ray and optical microscopic measurements at various levels, such as individual reflectors, sectors, and quadrants of the XRT and their alignments.