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Aim Methods Results Conclusions We aimed to assess the amniotic fluid glucose concentration cut‐off as an indicator of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 13, 18, and 21.This prospective observational study included pregnant females who underwent amniocentesis. Participants were divided into two groups on the border of 22 weeks of gestational age (<22 and ≥22‐week groups).In total, 224 pregnant females were included in the analysis. In the <22 week group, 15 females had trisomies 13/18/21 and 174 females had no trisomies. In the ≥22 week group, 18 females had trisomies 13/18/21 and 17 had no trisomies. In each group, there was a difference in amniotic fluid glucose concentration between fetuses with trisomies 13, 18, and 21 and other fetuses with normal karyotype or minor chromosomal abnormalities. In both groups, the amniotic glucose concentration was noticeably lower in trisomies 13/18/21 (p = 0.002 in the <22 week group; p = 0.039 in the ≥22 week group). According to receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal cut‐off point of glucose concentration was 46 mg/dL in the <22 week group (odds ratio 6.55; 95% confidence interval 1.78–24.1) and 24 mg/dL in the ≥22 week group (odds ratio 8.40; 95% confidence interval 1.83–38.6).Our study suggested that glucose concentration in amniotic fluid is an indicator of trisomy 13, 18, and 21. Amniotic fluid glucose concentration itself does not diagnose fetal trisomy, but this may be helpful in selecting treatment facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This retrospective cohort study aims to understand the effectiveness of the Singular Therapeutic Project (STP) implemented in a Child Psychosocial Care Center in preventing recurrence of self-harm and suicide attempt (SA), by comparing the group of patients who adhered to the STP with the group that did not adhere completely. Method: Data were collected from the medical records of adolescents with self-harm or SA during the period from 2015 to 2019. The primary outcomes analyzed were recurrence of SA, self-harm, and hospitalization; and the secondary outcomes analyzed were demographics, diagnosis, number of appointments, and negative life events. Results: A total of 228 adolescents were included. After multivariate analysis, social service consultations decreased risk in 94.6% (HR.054, 95% CI:.004–.681) of the cases, but risk was increased by 23 times if there was an episode of self-harm among family members and/or friends (HR 23.641, 95% CI: 1.394–400.8). Additionally, in terms of SA, adherence to family interventions reduced the risk by 66.2% (HR.338, 95% CI:.125–.913). Victims of prejudice, racism, homophobia, transphobia presented a 3.7-fold increased risk (HR 3.766, 95% CI: 1.058–13.401). Conclusion: The STP interventions were effective in reducing the recurrence of self-harm and SAs in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the advent of targeted therapies, the survival prognosis for metastatic tumors has extended, and it has become necessary to diagnose and consider treatment that takes into account Quality of Life for metastatic tumors of the eye. The reports of checking tumor marker in the aqueous humor for diagnosis of metastatic intraocular tumors are few. Here, we report a case of masquerade syndrome with secondary glaucoma in which a high carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in the aqueous humor could assist diagnosis, and continuing targeted therapy and trabeculectomy were effective. Case presentation: A 73-year-old man was referred to us for iritis and high intraocular pressure (IOP) with severe eye pain in the left eye. He had Stage IVB lung adenocarcinoma treated with a molecularly targeted drug, Osimertinib. His best corrected visual acuity was 0.15, and IOP was 52 mmHg in the left eye. Anterior chamber cells (+), numerous small nodules in the iris, and small masses in the inferior angle were observed. In the aqueous humor, the CEA level was higher than in the blood. Napsin A and Thyroid Transcription Factor-1 (TTF-1) positive cells showed in the resected tissue at iridectomy performed during trabeculectomy. The pathological diagnosis of metastatic iris tumor of the lung adenocarcinoma was made, and we injected bevacizumab intravitreally once and continued Osimertinib. His IOP lowered to 8–10 mmHg, and the iris masses disappeared. He lost vision by metastasis to the left optic nerve after termination of Osimertinib one and a half years later. The metastasis shrank after restarting the drug. He passed away from an exacerbation of his primary lung cancer two years and nine months after the first visit. Although he lost vision in his left eye, the metastatic tumor in his left eye and optic nerve had disappeared, and his quality of life was maintained without any pain in his eye. Conclusions: Checking tumor markers in the aqueous humor can aid in diagnosis, and aggressive treatment of metastatic iris tumors must help maintain patients' Quality of Life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct CO2 conversion to liquid hydrocarbons (HCs) in a single process was achieved using cobalt (Co) catalysts supported on lanthanum ion (La3+)‐doped cerium oxide (CeO2) under a gas stream of H2/CO2/N2=3/1/1. The yield of liquid HCs was the highest for 30 mol% of La3+‐doped CeO2, which was because extrinsic oxygen vacancy formed by doping La3+ could act as an effective reaction site for reverse water gas shift reaction. However, the excess La3+ addition afforded surface covering lanthanum carbonates, resulting in depression of the catalytic performance. On the other hand, bare CeO2 lead to an increase in the selectivity of undesirable methane, which arose from reduction of CO2 to CO proceeding by intrinsic oxygen vacancy generated by only Ce3+, and weaker CO2 capture ability of intrinsic oxygen vacancy than extrinsic one, resulting in the proceeding of Sabatier reaction on Co catalyst. The rational design of reaction sites presented in this study will contribute to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, wind power generation has been promoted as a countermeasure to global environmental problems. However, the introduction of many wind power generators into the power system may cause system frequency fluctuations. This paper proposes a control method to reduce system frequency fluctuations by using the rotor kinetic energy (RKE) of a variable speed wind turbine (VSWT). When the frequency falls, this method suppresses fluctuations by consuming RKE to increase VSWT power generation, and when it rises, it decreases VSWT power generation by accumulating RKE. The effectiveness of this method is confirmed through simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a green, continuous-flow C–H amidation methodology using heterogeneous Cp*Rh(III) catalysts. These catalysts enable halide- and salt-free reactions with excellent activity and durability across diverse substrates, demonstrated by a 200-hour, multi-gram scale reaction exceeding 290 TON (turnover number). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α‐Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is a peptide hormone released from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary which regulates body pigmentation. In addition to the pituitary, α‐MSH is also produced in the midbrain, and exerts both anorexigenic and an anxiogenic actions. Acyl ghrelin and cholecystokinin are peripheral hormones derived from the digestive tract which affect the brain to control food intake and feeding behavior in vertebrates. In the present study, hypothesizing that plasma α‐MSH may also stimulate the brain and exert central effects, we examined whether peripherally administered α‐MSH affects food intake and psychomotor activity using a goldfish model. Intraperitoneal (IP) administration of α‐MSH at 100 pmol g−1 body weight (BW) reduced food consumption and enhanced thigmotaxis. These α‐MSH‐induced actions were blocked by intracerebroventricular administration of HS024, an antagonist of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R), at 50 pmol g−1 BW, whereas these actions were not attenuated by pretreatment with an IP‐injected excess amount of capsaicin, a neurotoxin that destroys primary sensory (vagal and splanchnic) afferents, at 160 nmol g−1 BW. Transcripts for the MC4R showed higher expression in the diencephalon in other regions of the brain. These results suggest that, in goldfish, IP administered α‐MSH is taken up by the brain, and also acts as anorexigenic and anxiogenic factor via the MC4R signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with severe hip dysplasia, total hip arthroplasty (THA) using bulk bone graft (BBG) enhances anatomic cup positioning and provides early structural support. This study assesses the mid-term outcomes of THA with BBG in patients with over 50% graft bone coverage. Among 1951 patients who underwent THA between 2003 and 2007, 183 had BBG. After excluding early dropouts and infections, 151 patients remained. They were classified into uncovered (<50% coverage, 79 patients) and covered (>50% coverage, 72 patients) groups. The efficacy of cup fixation was compared between these groups. After ten years, the survival rate for not needing THA revision was 98% in the uncovered group and 100% in the covered group, while the rate for radiographic stability was 93% versus 99%, respectively. Although the cutoff value for the uncovered portion could not be clarified in this study, the mid-term results for 50% to approximately 70% uncovered were comparable to those for 50% or lesser, which have previously been expected to perform well. Recently, biomechanically advantageous bone grafting techniques have been identified, and based on the results of this study, it may be possible to expand the indications for THA with bone grafting for developmental dysplasia of the hip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dog leukocyte antigen (DLA) polymorphisms have been found to be associated with inter-individual variations in the risk, susceptibility, and severity of immune-related phenomena. While DLA class II genes have been extensively studied, less research has been performed on the polymorphisms of DLA class I genes, especially in beagle dogs commonly used as laboratory animals for safety evaluations in drug development. We genotyped four DLA class I genes and four DLA class II genes by locus-specific Sanger sequencing using 93 laboratory beagle dogs derived from two different strains: TOYO and Marshall. The results showed that, for DLA class I genes, 11, 4, 1, and 2 alleles, including a novel allele, were detected in DLA-88, DLA-12/88L, DLA-64, and DLA-79, while, for DLA class II genes, 1, 10, 6, and 7 alleles were detected in DLA-DRA, DLA-DRB1, DLA-DQA1, and DLA-DQB1, respectively. It was estimated that there were 14 DLA haplotypes, six of which had a frequency of ≥ 5%. Furthermore, when comparing the DLA diversity between TOYO and Marshall strains, the most common alleles and haplotypes differed between them. This is the first study to genotype all DLA loci and determine DLA haplotypes including all DLA class I and class II genes in dogs. Integrating information on the DLA diversity of laboratory beagle dogs should reinforce their benefit as an animal model for understanding various diseases associated with a specific DLA type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convergence provides clues to unveil the non-random nature of evolution. Intermediate paths toward convergence inform us of the stochasticity and the constraint of evolutionary processes. Although previous studies have suggested that substantial constraints exist in microevolutionary paths, it remains unclear whether macroevolutionary convergence follows stochastic or constrained paths. Here, we performed comparative genomics for hundreds of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species, including clades showing a convergent gene repertoire and sharing fructose-rich habitats. By adopting phylogenetic comparative methods we showed that the genomic convergence of distinct fructophilic LAB (FLAB) lineages was caused by parallel losses of more than a hundred orthologs and the gene losses followed significantly similar orders. Our results further suggested that the loss of adhE, a key gene for phenotypic convergence to FLAB, follows a specific evolutionary path of domain architecture decay and amino acid substitutions in multiple LAB lineages sharing fructose-rich habitats. These findings unveiled the constrained evolutionary paths toward the convergence of free-living bacterial clades at the genomic and molecular levels. Using comparative genomics, the authors unveil constrained evolutionary paths both at genomic and molecular levels during convergent evolution of two distinct lactic acid bacteria lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have the advantages of a long lifetime and are compatible with highly scalable manufacturing processes. The use of carbon electrodes and the absence of a hole selective layer (HSL) promote a simplified fabrication process. However, the efficiency of HSL‐free carbon‐based PSCs is inferior to PSCs that utilize metal electrodes and HSL due to poor hole extraction at the perovskite/carbon interface. To overcome those issues, researchers added an interlayer on the perovskite/carbon interface or incorporated additive material into the carbon layer. However, there is limited research on utilizing both strategies to improve carbon‐based PSC performance. Here, we use CuSCN as an interlayer between the perovskite/carbon interface and a carbon additive in carbon‐based PSCs. By utilizing both strategies, the charge transfer of carbon‐based PSC was significantly improved compared to carbon‐based PSC utilizing only one improvement strategy. Confirmed by photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterizations, the CuSCN interlayer and CuSCN‐incorporated carbon electrode enable more efficient hole transfer, resulting in an increased power conversion efficiency from 0.58% to 5.06%. The proposed PSC structure shows promising results for further improving carbon‐based PSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal thoracic artery (ITA) injuries associated with sternal fractures can lead to shock. Several studies have documented injuries resulting in hemorrhagic shock, yet there is limited reporting on obstructive shock. Opinions differ regarding which is superior between transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and open thoracotomy. We report the case of an 80-year-old female patient presented with blunt chest trauma when driving. Her vital signs were normal. However, ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic anterior mediastinal lesion. Her blood pressure decreased immediately before undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan. The CT scan showed a sternal fracture, anterior mediastinal extravasation, and dilation of the inferior vena cava. TAE was performed on both internal thoracic arteries, and the patient was transferred to a hospital where an open thoracotomy could be performed. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged without sequelae. Obstructive shock caused by an ITA injury with a sternal fracture can be successfully treated using TAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motilin (MLN) is a peptide hormone originally isolated from the mucosa of the porcine intestine. Its orthologs have been identified in various vertebrates. Although MLN regulates gastrointestinal motility in tetrapods from amphibians to mammals, recent studies indicate that MLN is not involved in the regulation of isolated intestinal motility in zebrafish, at least in vitro. To determine the unknown function of MLN in teleosts, we examined the expression of MLN and the MLN receptor (MLNR) at the cellular level in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Quantitative PCR revealed that mln mRNA was limitedly expressed in the gut, whereas mlnr mRNA was not detected in the gut but was expressed in the brain and kidney. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, mlnr mRNA was detected in the dopaminergic neurons of the area postrema in the brain and the noradrenaline-producing cells in the interrenal gland of the kidney. Furthermore, we observed efferent projections of mlnr-expressing dopaminergic neurons in the lobus vagi (XL) and nucleus motorius nervi vagi (NXm) of the medulla oblongata by establishing a transgenic medaka expressing the enhanced green fluorescence protein driven by the mlnr promoter. The expression of dopamine receptor mRNAs in the XL and cholinergic neurons in NXm was confirmed by in situ hybridization. These results indicate novel sites of MLN activity other than the gastrointestinal tract. MLN may exert central and peripheral actions through the regulation of catecholamine release in medaka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model of opposed flame spread along thin electric wires is developed to estimate the variation of flame spread rate ( $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f ) with oxygen concentrations and oxidiser flow velocity. The length of pyrolysis zone ( $ {L_{\textrm{py}}} $ L py ) and $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f are treated as eigenvalues of the problem, and one-dimensional energy balance equations for the wire core and insulation are formulated to derive their solutions. To obtain a set of steady solutions for $ {L_{\textrm{py}}} $ L py and $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f , the macroscopic energy balance equation for the entire system is calculated from the one-dimensional energy balance equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Since the equations are nonlinear function of $ {L_{\textrm{py}}} $ L py and $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f , multiple solutions appear. The physical meaning of each solution is evaluated based on the deviation of energy from the equilibrium. Comparison of the temperature distribution along the wire with experimental data confirms that the model reproduces well the actual flame spread process. The variation of $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f with oxygen concentration shows a C-shaped curve. The upper branch is the stable solution, and the lower branch is the unstable solution and the merging point of two branches correspond to the limit condition for flame spread. Therefore, the model can be used to estimate the limiting oxygen concentration based on the existence of a solution for $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f . Furthermore, the variation of $ {V_\textrm{f}} $ V f with oxidiser flow velocity shows O-shaped curve, and it is confirmed that radiative extinction under low flow velocity and blow-off under high flow velocity can also be estimated with the model. Mapping of variations of radiative extinction and blow-off extinction with oxygen concentration reveals the U-shaped flammability diagram. The predicted flame spread limits are in good agreement with the limiting oxygen concentrations measured in both microgravity and normal gravity, demonstrating the validity of using this model to predict flammability characteristics of electric wires under various oxidiser flow velocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Parrondo game is a game where a combination of losing strategies becomes a winning strategy. This phenomenon is called the Parrondo paradox. The Parrondo game based on quantum walk and the search algorithm via quantum walk has been widely studied, respectively. This paper presents a Parrondo game for quantum search based on quantum walk for the first time. Moreover, we confirm that Parrondo's paradox exists for our model on the one- and two-dimensional tori by numerical simulations. Afterward, we show the range in which the paradox occurs is symmetric about the origin on the d-dimensional torus (d ≥ 1) with even vertices and one marked vertex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to produce a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) using the mouse blood–brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.B. Four-to-five-week-old C57BL/6 mice received injections of high-dose (2.0 × 1011 vg/mouse) or low-dose (5.0 × 1010 vg/mouse) AAV-PHP.B encoding a SCA3 causative gene containing abnormally long 89 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q89)] under the control of the ubiquitous chicken β-actin hybrid (CBh) promoter. Control mice received high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3 with non-pathogenic 15 CAG repeats [ATXN3(Q15)] or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone. More than half of the mice injected with high doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) died within 4 weeks after the injection. No mice in other groups died during the 12-week observation period. Mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89) exhibited progressive motor uncoordination starting 4 weeks and a shorter stride in footprint analysis performed at 12 weeks post-AAV injection. Immunohistochemistry showed thinning of the molecular layer and the formation of nuclear inclusions in Purkinje cells from mice injected with low doses of AAV-PHP.B encoding ATXN3(Q89). Moreover, ATXN3(Q89) expression significantly reduced the number of large projection neurons in the cerebellar nuclei to one third of that observed in mice expressing ATXN3(Q15). This AAV-based approach is superior to conventional methods in that the required number of model mice can be created simply by injecting AAV, and the expression levels of the responsible gene can be adjusted by changing the amount of AAV injected. Moreover, this method may be applied to produce SCA3 models in non-human primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a version of Seiberg–Witten Floer cohomology/homotopy type for a spinc${\rm spin}^c$ 4‐manifold with boundary and with an involution that reverses the spinc${\rm spin}^c$ structure, as well as a version of Floer cohomology/homotopy type for oriented links with nonzero determinant. This framework generalizes the previous work of the authors regarding Floer homotopy type for spin 3‐manifolds with involutions and for knots. Based on this Floer cohomological setting, we prove Frøyshov‐type inequalities that relate topological quantities of 4‐manifolds with certain equivariant homology cobordism invariants. The inequalities and homology cobordism invariants have applications to the topology of unoriented surfaces, the Nielsen realization problem for nonspin 4‐manifolds, and nonsmoothable unoriented surfaces in 4‐manifolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamines (PAs) are polycationic biogenic amines ubiquitously present in all life forms and are involved in molecular signaling and interaction, determining cell fate (e.g., cell proliferation, dif-ferentiation, and apoptosis). The intricate balance in the PAs' levels in the tissues will determine whether beneficial or detrimental effects will affect homeostasis. It's crucial to note that endoge-nous polyamines, like spermine and spermidine, play a pivotal role in our understanding of neu-rological disorders as they interact with membrane receptors and ion channels, modulating neuro-transmission. In spiders and wasps, monoamines (histamine, dopamine, serotonin, tryptamine) and polyamines (spermine, spermidine, acyl polyamines) comprise, with peptides and other sub-stances, the low molecular weight fraction of the venom. Acylpolyamines are venom components exclusively from spiders and a species of solitary wasp, which cause inhibition chiefly of iono-tropic glutamate receptors (AMPA, NMDA, and KA iGluRs) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The first venom acylpolyamines ever discovered (argiopines, Joro and Nephila toxins, and philanthotoxins) have provided templates for the design and synthesis of numerous analogs. Thus far, analogs with high potency exert their effect at nanomolar concentrations, with high se-lectivity toward their ionotropic and ligand receptors. These potent and selective acylpolyamine analogs can serve biomedical purposes and pest control management. The structural modification of acylpolyamine with photolabile and fluorescent groups converted these venom toxins into use-ful molecular probes to discriminate iGluRs and nAchRs in cell populations. In various cases, the linear polyamines, like spermine and spermidine, constituting venom acyl polyamine backbones, have served as cargoes to deliver active molecules via a polyamine uptake system on diseased cells for targeted therapy. In this review, we examined examples of biogenic amines that play an essential role in neural homeostasis and cell signaling, contributing to human health and disease outcomes, which can be present in the venom of arachnids and hymenopterans. With an empha-sis on the spider and wasp venom acylpolyamines, we focused on the origin, structure, derivatiza-tion, and biomedical and biotechnological application of these pharmacologically attractive, chemically modular venom components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have highlighted the significance of cellular metabolism in the initiation of clonal expansion and effector differentiation of T cells. Upon exposure to antigens, naïve CD4+ T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to meet their metabolic requirements. However, only few studies have simultaneously evaluated the changes in protein and metabolite levels during T cell differentiation. Our research seeks to fill the gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of changes in levels of metabolites, including sugars, amino acids, intermediates of the TCA cycle, fatty acids, and lipids. By integrating metabolomics and proteomics data, we discovered that the quantity and composition of cellular lipids underwent significant changes in different effector Th cell subsets. Especially, we found that the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway was commonly activated in Th1, Th2, Th17, and iTreg cells and that inhibition of this pathway led to the suppression of Th17 and iTreg cells differentiation. Additionally, we discovered that Th17 and iTreg cells enhance glycosphingolipid metabolism, and inhibition of this pathway also results in the suppression of Th17 and iTreg cell generation. These findings demonstrate that the utility of our combined metabolomics and proteomics analysis in furthering the understanding of metabolic transition during Th cell differentiation. Using metabolomics and proteomics data, the quantity and composition of cellular lipid underwent notable changes in different eff Th cell subsets. Especially, Th17 and iTreg cells enhance glycosphingolipid metabolism to sustain their differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crambescin B decarboxylate is an inhibitor of voltage‐gated sodium channels and a potential biochemical tool. Herein, we report the asymmetric total synthesis of crambescin B decarboxylate using a new synthetic strategy. The key aspects of this new protocol include: 1) the use of an optically pure epoxide, synthesized by the Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution, as the starting material for guanidino‐aziridine, and 2) the introduction of the THF ring through nucleophilic substitution using an acyl anion equivalent. The synthetic protocol reported herein is nine steps shorter than the previously reported shortest method. We determined the cytotoxicity and protective effects of crambescin B decarboxylate in mouse‐hippocampus‐derived neuronal HT22 cells with an MTS assay. Cell viability was observed to decrease in a concentration‐dependent manner without cell detachment or shrinkage. In addition, crambescin B decarboxylate protected glutamate‐induced cell death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This umbrella review aimed to examine and synthesize qualitative studies that explored the barriers and facilitators of advance care planning for persons with dementia, their families, and their healthcare professionals and caregivers. The modified umbrella review approach developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was followed. Five major English databases were searched. Four reviews based on 38 primary qualitative studies were included. The methodological quality of the included reviews was moderate to high. The synthesis yielded 16 descriptive themes and five analytical themes: making the wishes/preferences of persons with dementia visible; constructive collaboration based on stakeholders having positive relationships; emotional chaos in facing end-of-life substitute decision-making; initiating the advance care planning process; and preparedness and commitment of healthcare providers to advance care planning. Comprehensive and workable strategies are required to overcome complex and interrelated barriers involving not only healthcare professionals but also organizational and systemic challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) submitted to prenatal interventions. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of fetal SCT patients and compared the outcomes between open fetal surgery and percutaneous intervention. In addition, we also compared the results of SCT fetuses who did not undergo any surgical intervention (NI). Results: We identified 16 cases of open fetal surgery (OS), 48 cases of percutaneous fetal intervention (PI), and 93 NI patients. The survival rate was 56.2% in OS, 45.8% in PI (p = 0.568), and 71.0% in NI patients. The gestational age at delivery was earlier in cases where there was no survival compared to cases where the fetuses did survive across all evaluated cohorts (OS: p = 0.033, PI: p < 0.001, NI: p < 0.001). The gestational weeks at delivery in OS and PI fetuses were more similar; however, OS tended to be performed later on in pregnancy, and the affected fetuses had more severe presented findings. In our evaluation, we determined that the presence of fetal hydrops and cardiac failure had no significant impact on survival in SCT cases. In NI patients, polyhydramnios was much higher in fetuses who did not survive compared to their surviving cohorts (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, gestational age at delivery can affect the short-term prognosis of fetuses affected with sacrococcygeal teratomas. Regardless of the mode of delivery or the necessity for intervention during the fetal period, monitoring for complications, including polyhydramnios, can prevent premature delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the metabolism and disposition of vornorexant, a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist, in rats and dogs, and clarified in vitro metabolite profiles in humans. Furthermore, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of active metabolites in rats and dogs and their CNS distribution in rats to elucidate its contribution to drug efficacy. [14C]vornorexant was rapidly and mostly absorbed after the oral administration in rats and dogs. The drug‐derived radioactivity, including metabolites, was distributed to major organs such as the liver, kidneys in rats, and was almost eliminated within 24 h post‐dose in both species. Metabolite profiling revealed that main clearance mechanism of vornorexant was metabolism via multiple pathways by oxidation. The major circulating components were the cleaved metabolites (M10, M12) in rats, and the unchanged form in dogs, followed by M1, and then M3. Incubation with human hepatocytes resulted in formation of metabolites, including M1, M3, M10, and M12. The metabolic pathways were similar in all tested species. Resulting from the PK and CNS distribution of active metabolites (M1 and M3) with weaker pharmacological activity, the concentration of the unchanged form was higher than that of active metabolites in rat CSF and dog plasma, suggesting that the unchanged form mainly contributed to the drug efficacy. These findings demonstrate that vornorexant is absorbed immediately after administration, and vornorexant and its metabolites are rapidly and completely eliminated in rats and dogs. Thus, vornorexant may have favorable pharmacokinetic profiles as a hypnotic drug to provide rapid onset of action and minimal next‐day residual effects in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ultrasound pupillometry (UP) is a potential alternative to video pupillometry (VP) for assessing changes in patients' pupillary diameter (ΔPD) due to surgical nociception, but the reproducibility of UP and VP has been unclear. We evaluated the reproducibility of nociceptive ΔPD measured with both methods. Subjects and methods: This prospective observational trial with 15 healthy volunteers aged ≥ 18 years was conducted at a Japanese teaching hospital. The ΔPD due to tetanic stimuli randomly applied at 10–60 mA was measured with VP and UP. The primary outcome was the correlation between the ΔPD measured with VP and that measured with UP. The secondary outcome was the agreement between the methods. We also evaluated ΔPD pattern changes due to the raised pain intensity in each method. Results: The noxious ΔPD values of UP were weakly but significantly correlated with those of VP (Spearman's ρ = 0.38, p < 0.001). A significant constant error was identified between the two measurements (Bland–Altman: mean of the difference in ΔPD (VP − UP), − 0.4 [95% CI: − 0.52 to − 0.28, p < 0.001], generalized estimating equation: a beta estimator of ΔPD: 0.41, [95% CI: 0.26–0.56, p < 0.001]). The ΔPD pattern changes due to the raised tetanic stimuli were almost the same in the two methods. Conclusion: Due to the significant constant error, we consider the reproducibility of the measured ΔPD between UP and VP moderate. Trial registry number UMIN 000047145. Prior to the subjects' enrollment, the trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (Principal investigator: Mao Konno, Date of registration: 3.11.2022). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000053778. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kainate receptors (KARs) are one of the ionotropic glutamate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) comprised of five subunits, GluK1-GluK5. There is a growing interest in the association between KARs and psychiatric disorders, and there have been several studies investigating the behavioral phenotypes of KAR deficient mice, however, the difference in the genetic background has been found to affect phenotype in multiple mouse models of human diseases. Here, we examined GluK1-5 single KO mice in a pure C57BL/6N background and identified that GluK3 KO mice specifically express anxiolytic-like behavior with an alteration in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-induced anxiety, and reduced D2R expression in the striatum. Biochemical studies in the mouse cortex confirmed that GluK3 subunits do not assemble with GluK4 and GluK5 subunits, that can be activated by lower concentration of agonists. Overall, we found that GluK3-containing KARs function to express anxiety, which may represent promising anti-anxiety medication targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To harness the potential of a quantum computer, quantum information must be protected against error by encoding it into a logical state that is suitable for quantum error correction. The Gottesman-KitaevPreskill (GKP) qubit is a promising candidate because the required multiqubit operations are readily available at optical frequency. To date, however, GKP qubits have been demonstrated only at mechanical and microwave frequencies. We realized a GKP state in propagating light at telecommunication wavelength and verified it through homodyne measurements without loss corrections. The generation is based on interference of cat states, followed by homodyne measurements. Our final states exhibit nonclassicality and non-Gaussianity, including the trident shape of faint instances of GKP states. Improvements toward brighter, multipeaked GKP qubits will be the basis for quantum computation with light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum and plasma exhibit a broad dynamic range of protein concentrations, posing challenges for proteome analysis. Various technologies have been developed to reduce this complexity, including high-abundance depletion methods utilizing antibody columns, extracellular vesicle enrichment techniques, and trace protein enrichment using nanobead cocktails. Here, we employed lectins to address this, thereby extending the scope of biomarker discovery in serum or plasma using a novel approach. We enriched serum proteins using 37 different lectins and subjected them to LC–MS/MS analysis with data-independent acquisition. Solanum tuberosum lectin (STL) and Lycopersicon esculentum lectin (LEL) enabled the detection of more serum proteins than the other lectins. STL and LEL bind to N-acetylglucosamine oligomers, emphasizing the significance of capturing these oligomer-binding proteins when analyzing serum trace proteins. Combining STL and LEL proved more effective than using them separately, allowing us to identify over 3000 proteins from serum through single-shot proteome analysis. We applied the STL/LEL trace-protein enrichment method to the sera of systemic lupus erythematosus model mice. This revealed differences in >1300 proteins between the systemic lupus erythematosus model and control mouse sera, underscoring the utility of this method for biomarker discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Psychological distress is commonly reported sequela in COVID-19-infected people. We investigated the association between experiencing COVID-19 infection and psychological distress in Japan. Method: A total of 14,901 persons who participated in a follow-up survey in December 2022 were included in the analysis. Odds ratios and regression coefficients were estimated by statistical analysis, with history of COVID-19 infection as the independent variable and presence of psychological distress as the dependent variable. Result: Experiencing COVID-19 infection was associated with psychological distress. In a model adjusted for "feeling treated unfairly," the association between infection experience and a high K.6 score was significantly attenuated. Conclusions: The results showed that the experience of COVID-19 infection is associated with psychological distress. Moreover, most cases of psychological distress among those who experienced COVID-19 infection can be at least partly explained by a perception of unfair treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of carbon impurities on the electrical properties of lightly doped n-type GaN [electron concentration ∼(1 – 2) × 10 15 cm − 3 at room temperature] was investigated using temperature-dependent Hall effect measurements. GaN crystals with a threading dislocation density of (1 – 3) × 10 6 c m − 2 were grown by our originally developed quartz-free hydride vapor phase epitaxy method, which enabled the background Si, O, and C concentrations to be suppressed to below the mid-1014 cm−3 range. We prepared three samples with different C concentrations ([C]) by intentional C doping. The C incorporation induced severe mobility collapse at temperatures greater than 60 K, where the measured mobility decreased and deviated from the theoretical value as [C] increased. The mobility collapse was eliminated for the purest GaN crystal with [C] ∼ 1.4 × 10 14 cm − 3 , exhibiting a record high room-temperature mobility of 1480 cm2/(V·s), as well as a record high maximum mobility of 14 300 cm2/(V·s) at 62 K. The latter was almost double the previous record. We found that the overall mobility behavior can be well reproduced by adding an empirical [C]-dependent mobility component expressed as μ UNK = K / T n UNK with 1 ≤ n UNK ≤ 2 and K ∝ C − 1 to the conventional mobility theory (phonon and impurity scattering). Although the mechanism of the component remains uncertain, our findings provide insight into the unsolved issue of mobility collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cirrodrilus makinoi (Yamaguchi, 1934) has not been identified since it was originally described from the Japanese crayfish, Cambaroides japonicus (De Haan, 1841) on Hokkaido Island, northern Japan. A critical morphological comparison of the original and new material of C. makinoi with those of closely related C. tsugarensis Gelder and Ohtaka, 2000, from Honshu Island, reveals there are no differentiating morphological character to separate the two species. A molecular study using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene supports this view, therefore, C. tsugarensis becomes a subjective junior synonym of C. makinoi. Another species resembling C. makinoi, C. homodontus Yamaguchi, 1932 is confirmed to be a distinct species and both are redescribed based on the original and new material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an intermediate walk continuously connecting an open quantum random walk and a quantum walk with parameters M ∈ N controlling a decoherence effect; if M = 1 , the walk coincides with an open quantum random walk, while M = ∞ , the walk coincides with a quantum walk. We define a measure which recovers usual probability measures on Z for M = ∞ and M = 1 and we observe intermediate behavior through numerical simulations for varied positive values M. In the case for M = 2 , we analytically show that a typical behavior of quantum walks appears even in a small gap of the parameter from the open quantum random walk. More precisely, we observe both the ballistically moving towards left and right sides and localization of this walker simultaneously. The analysis is based on Kato’s perturbation theory for linear operator. We further analyze this limit theorem in more detail and show that the above three modes are described by Gaussian distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Domestic quail have been used for egg and meat production and laboratory experiments. Although the wild ancestors of quail live around the Japanese Archipelago, there is a lack of field studies, especially on reproductive sites. Wild-derived strains of several species have been established to study their domestication history and genetic control. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate wild quails and create wild-derived quail strains. Field observations during the breeding season have provided insights into the wild quails' migration, reproductive, and social behaviors. Morphological traits were measured in 31 quails (2019–2022 population). By comparing them with the 1914 and 1970 populations, the morphological traits of wild quail stocks in Japan might have been relatively stable over the latest ten decades. In 2021–2022, each two captured wild (Wild) males were mated with both the domestic (Dom) females and hybrids of Dom and Wild (W50) females. We established wild-derived strains of quail (W50 and W75), providing opportunities for future conservation use as wild quail stocks and experimental use in basic science. Domestic quail are used as both farm and laboratory animals. As the wild ancestor of quails is "endangered," field studies are needed to conserve them. If wild-derived strains of quail are established, they will be unique genetic resources for both farm and laboratory animals. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a field study and create wild-derived quail strains using the breeding stocks in Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan. Field observations from 2019 to 2022 indicate that wild quails migrate and stay at reproductive sites from late April to late October. Our estimations of the approximate ages of the observed and captured quails imply that adult males have intermittent reproductive opportunities from May to August. Morphological traits collected from adult and juvenile quails in the 2019–2022 population were similar to those previously reported for Japan's 1914 and 1970 populations. Using natural mating of captured wild males and domestic (Dom) females, we established the W50 and W75 strains, which possessed 50% and 75% genetic contributions from the wild stocks. These unique genetic resources can be applied for future conservation and experimental use to understand the domestication history and genetic basis of quantitative traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The principal delivery method for CRISPR-based genome editing in insects is now based on microinjection into single cells or embryos. The direct protein transduction systems cannot be employed in aphids because oogenesis occurs without apparent vitellogenesis. Given the limited timing of injection into the embryonic stage in oviparous aphids, a protein delivery system from the hemolymph to the germline and embryos would be a useful tool for genome editing. This study reports a newly developed direct protein delivery system for aphids using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs are short peptides that translocate across the plasma membrane when bound to cargo proteins. Results: Penetratin (PEN), a widely conserved CPP among insects, was identified in this study. We used mVenus, a recombinant fluorescent protein, as a visual marker for CPP availability assessments, and fused it with PEN by bacterial protein expression. The mVenus-PEN recombinant proteins were introduced into the hemolymph of adult unwinged Acyrthosiphon pisum females using a nanoinjector. Fluorescence emitted by mVenus-PEN was observed in various tissues, such as the gut, trachea, bacteriocytes, and their progeny. This study shows that PEN can deliver exogenously expressed proteins into tissues in vivo, indicating that CPPs are powerful tools for protein transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The principal delivery method for CRISPR-based genome editing in insects is now based on microinjection into single cells or embryos. The direct protein transduction systems cannot be employed in aphids because oogenesis occurs without apparent vitellogenesis. Given the limited timing of injection into the embryonic stage in oviparous aphids, a protein delivery system from the hemolymph to the germline and embryos would be a useful tool for genome editing. This study reports a newly developed direct protein delivery system for aphids using cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs are short peptides that translocate across the plasma membrane when bound to cargo proteins. Results: Penetratin (PEN), a widely conserved CPP among insects, was identified in this study. We used mVenus, a recombinant fluorescent protein, as a visual marker for CPP availability assessments, and fused it with PEN by bacterial protein expression. The mVenus-PEN recombinant proteins were introduced into the hemolymph of adult unwinged Acyrthosiphon pisum females using a nanoinjector. Fluorescence emitted by mVenus-PEN was observed in various tissues, such as the gut, trachea, bacteriocytes, and their progeny. This study shows that PEN can deliver exogenously expressed proteins into tissues in vivo, indicating that CPPs are powerful tools for protein transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare-associated infections have become a major health issue worldwide. One route of transmission of pathogenic bacteria is through contact with "high-touch" dry surfaces, such as handrails. Regular cleaning of surfaces with disinfectant chemicals is insufficient against pathogenic bacteria and alternative control methods are therefore required. We previously showed that warming to human-skin temperature affected the survival of pathogenic bacteria on dry surfaces, but humidity was not considered in that study. Here, we investigated environmental factors that affect the number of live bacteria on dry surfaces in hospitals by principal component analysis of previously-collected data (n = 576, for CFU counts), and experimentally verified the effect of warming to human-skin temperature on the survival of pathogenic bacteria on dry surfaces under humidity control. The results revealed that PCA divided hospital dry surfaces into four groups (Group 1~4) and hospital dry surfaces at low temperature and low humidity (Group 3) had much higher bacterial counts as compared to the others (Group 1 and 4) (p<0.05). Experimentally, warming to human-skin temperature (37°C with 90% humidity) for 18~72h significantly suppressed the survival of pathogenic bacteria on dry surfaces, such as plastic surfaces [p<0.05 vs. 15°C (Escherichia coli DH5α, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and blaNDM-5E. coli)] or handrails [p<0.05 vs. 15~25°C (E. coli DH5α, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii)], under moderate 55% humidity. Furthermore, intermittent heating to human-skin temperature reduced the survival of spore-forming bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) (p<0.01 vs. continuous heating to human-skin temperature). NhaA, an Na+/H+ antiporter, was found to regulate the survival of bacteria on dry surfaces, and the inhibitor 2-aminoperimidine enhanced the effect of warming at human-skin temperature on the survival of pathogenic bacteria (E. coli DH5α, S. aureus, A. baumannii) on dry surfaces. Thus, warming to human-skin temperature under moderate humidity is a useful method for impairing live pathogenic bacteria on high-touch surfaces, thereby helping to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has attracted interest because it alters the near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) wavelength and emission efficiency. These modifications depend on the binding configuration and degree of functionalization. Excessive functionalization reduces the emission efficiency as the integrity of the conjugated π system decreases; thus, controlling the degree of functionalization is essential. Because the binding configurations and degree of functionalization are affected by the reagent structure, a stepwise approach combining SWCNTs functionalization and subsequent reactions to introduce functional groups into the addenda could effectively control their PL properties and functionalities. We studied this approach by implementing the reductive alkylation of SWCNTs by using bromoalkanes with t‐butyl carbamate (Boc)‐protected amino groups and subsequent deprotection and amidation reactions. The reaction products were analyzed based on absorption, PL, and Raman spectroscopy and the Kaiser test. Depending on the structure of the reagent, deprotection and amidation reactions competed with the elimination reaction of addenda, altering the PL properties of the SWCNTs. Furthermore, the elimination reaction was inhibited in the adducts functionalized using dibromoalkane with Boc‐protected amino groups, demonstrating that the use of appropriate reagents enables the molecular conversion of the functional groups of SWCNT adducts without affecting their PL properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wrist‐watch type biosensing system for real‐time sweat lactic acid (LA) monitoring was fabricated and tested. The system consists of a microfluidic LA biosensor, a carrier‐flow supplying device, and a sampling device for transporting whole secretions at the skin surface to the biosensor by continuous flow of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). The perfusion test of PBS onto the skin surface by using the sampling device resulted in less than 1% leakage frequency at the collection site. The carrier‐flow supplying device was able to feed PBS regardless of the body angle. When the subject wearing the device performed resistance training (lateral raise, 20 repetitions, 12.5 kg dumbbells), the LA secretion increased from 2 µg/cm2/min to 16 µg/cm2/min in response to the exercise, and then recovered to the baseline. The setup time for the measurement was less than 60 s. This indicates that the wrist‐watch device can readily measure LA dynamics on the skin surface under conditions of the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We will show the following three theorems on the diffeomorphism and homeomorphism groups of a K3 surface. The first theorem is that the natural map \pi _{0}(Diff(K3)) \to Aut(H^{2}(K3;\mathbb {Z})) has a section over its image. The second is that there exists a subgroup G of \pi _{0}(Diff(K3)) of order two over which there is no splitting of the map Diff(K3) \to \pi _{0}(Diff(K3)), but there is a splitting of Homeo(K3) \to \pi _{0}(Homeo(K3)) over the image of G in \pi _{0}(Homeo(K3)), which is non-trivial. The third is that the map \pi _{1}(Diff(K3)) \to \pi _{1}(Homeo(K3)) is not surjective. Our proof of these results is based on Seiberg-Witten theory and the global Torelli theorem for K3 surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated tolanes, produced by introducing fluorine atoms into one of the aromatic rings of tolane, emitted almost no fluorescence in a solution state, but the fluorescence intensity increased dramatically in the crystalline state because of intermolecular H⋅⋅⋅F hydrogen bonds. The photoluminescent (PL) colors depend on the molecular orbitals, dipole moments, and molecular aggregated structures can be varied by controlling terminal substituents along the major molecular axis. The introduction of a long alkoxy or semifluoroalkoxy unit as a flexible chain into the terminal positions along the major molecular axis induced the formation of a liquid‐crystalline (LC) phase; fluorinated tolanes act both as luminophores and as mesogens, leading to the molecular design of new photoluminescent LC molecules (PLLCs). The results also indicated that a fluorinated tolane dimer, which consists of two fluorinated tolanes linked by a flexible alkylene spacer, also becomes a novel PLLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Thiamine deficiency can present with rare neurological symptoms such as urinary retention, along with common symptoms like ataxia and decreased limb muscle strength. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to improve symptoms and prevent complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR), a lipid metabolism-related factor localized in tricellular tight junctions (tTJs), plays an important role in maintaining the epithelial barrier. LSR is highly expressed in well-differentiated endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC), and its expression decreases during malignancy. Angubindin-1, a novel LSR ligand peptide, regulates tTJs without cytotoxicity, enhances paracellular permeability, and regulates epithelial barrier via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/cofilin. In this study, we investigated the immune-modulatory roles of an anti-LSR antibody in the treatment of EEC in vitro compared to those of angubindin-1. We prepared an antibody against the extracellular N-terminal domain of human LSR (LSR-N-ab) and angubindin-1. EEC cell-line Sawano cells in 2D and 2.5D cultures were treated with 100 μg/ml LSR-N-ab or 2.5 μg/ml angubindin-1 with or without protein tyrosine kinase 2β inhibitor PF431396 (PF43) and JNK inhibitor SP600125 (SP60) at 10 μM. Treatment with LSR-N-ab and angubindin-1 decreased LSR at the membranes of tTJs and the activity of phosphorylated LSR and phosphorylated cofilin in 2D culture. Treatment with LSR-N-ab and angubindin-1 decreased the epithelial barrier measured as TEER values in 2D culture and enhanced the epithelial permeability of FD-4 in 2.5D culture. Treatment with LSR-N-ab, but not angubindin-1, induced apoptosis in 2D culture. Pretreatment with PF43 and SP60 prevented all the changes induced by treatment with LSR-N-ab and angubindin-1. Treatment with LSR-N-ab and angubindin-1 enhanced the cell metabolism measured as the mitochondrial respiration levels in 2D culture. LSR-N-ab and angubindin-1 may be useful for therapy of human EEC via enhanced apoptosis or drug absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In soybean, lodging is sometimes caused by strong winds and rains, resulting in a decrease in yield and quality. Technical measures against lodging include "pinching", in which the main stem is pruned when excessive growth is expected. However, there can be a decrease in yield when pinching is undertaken when the risk of lodging is relatively low. Therefore, it is important that pinching is performed after the future risk of lodging has been determined. The lodging angle at the full maturity stage (R8) can be explained using a multiple regression model with main stem elongation from the sixth leaf stage (V6) to the blooming stage (R1) and main stem length at the full seed stage (R6) as the explanatory variables. The objective of this study was to develop an areal lodging prediction method by combining a main stem elongation model with areal main stem length estimation using UAV remote sensing. The main stem elongation model from emergence to R1 was a logistic regression formula with the temperature and daylight hours functions f (Ti, Di) as the explanatory variables. The main stem elongation model from R1 to the peak main stem length was a linear regression formula with the main stem length of R1 as the explanatory variable. The model that synthesized these two regression formulas were used as the main stem elongation model from emergence to R8. The accuracy of the main stem elongation model was tested on the test data, and the average RMSE was 5.3. For the areal main stem length estimation by UAV remote sensing, we proposed a soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVIvc) that takes vegetation cover into account. SAVIvc was more accurate in estimating the main stem length than the previously reported vegetation index (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001). The main stem length estimated by the main stem elongation model combined with SAVIvc was substituted into a multiple regression model of lodging angle to test the accuracy of the areal lodging prediction method. The method was able to predict lodging angles with an accuracy of RMSE = 8.8. These results suggest that the risk of lodging can be estimated in an areal manner prior to pinching, even though the actual occurrence is affected by wind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R)‐related leukoencephalopathy is an adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy caused by mutations in CSF1R. The present study aimed to explore the broader genetic spectrum of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy in association with clinical and imaging features. Methods: Mutational analysis of CSF1R was performed for 100 consecutive patients with adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy. Sequence and copy number variation (CNV) analyses of CSF1R were performed. The genomic ranges of the deletions were determined by long‐read sequencing. Ligand‐dependent autophosphorylation of CSF1R was examined in cells expressing the CSF1R mutants identified in this study. Results: CSF1R mutations were identified in 15 patients, accounting for 15% of the adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy cases. Seven novel and five previously reported CSF1R mutations were identified. The novel mutations, including three missense and one in‐frame 3 bp deletion, were located in the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of CSF1R. Functional assays revealed that none of the novel mutations in the TKD showed autophosphorylation of CSF1R. Two partial deletions of CSF1R were identified that resulted in lack of the C‐terminal region, including the distal TKD, in two patients. Various clinical features including cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms and gait disturbance were observed. Various degrees of the white matter lesions and corpus callosum abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging and characteristic calcifications on computed tomography were observed as imaging features. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of examining the CNV of CSF1R even when Sanger or exome sequencing reveals no CSF1R mutations. Genetic examination of sequences and CNV analyses of CSF1R are recommended for an accurate diagnosis of CSF1R‐related leukoencephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize intrapancreatic late enhancement (ILE) observed in the early stages of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Methods: Among 203 patients pathologically diagnosed with PAC between October 2011 and February 2021, 32 patients with pre-diagnostic abdominal contrast-enhanced CT performed from 6 months to 5 years before the diagnosis were enrolled in this study. Indirect findings (IFs) on pre-diagnostic CT, including ILE, were evaluated and examined for various clinical data and time intervals to diagnosis (TIDs). The detected ILE was quantitatively evaluated, and the effect of ILE awareness on lesion detection by two radiologists and their interobserver agreement were assessed. Results: Among the 32 patients, 23 showed IFs. ILE was observed in 14 patients (63%), with a median TID of 17 months (interquartile ratio [IQR]: 9.3–42.3). ILE alone was observed in eight patients (35%), ILE with focal pancreatic parenchymal atrophy (FPPA) was observed in five patients (22%), and ILE with main pancreatic duct abnormalities (MPDA) was observed in one patient (4%). Pancreatic head lesions were significantly more frequent in patients with ILE alone than in patients with FPPA or MPDA (p = 0.026). The median long-axis diameters of the region with ILE and ILE-to-pancreas contrast were 10 (IQR: 5–11) mm and 24 (IQR: 17–33) HU, respectively. Awareness of ILE led observers to detect two or three more pancreatic head lesions, and interobserver agreement increased from poor agreement (k = 0.17) to moderate agreement (k = 0.55). Conclusion: ILE is a significant IF for early PAC detection. Key Points: • Intrapancreatic late enhancement (ILE) is a significant indirect finding in the early detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. • ILE without other indirect findings is expected to help detect pancreatic head lesions. • Image evaluation focusing on ILE can increase lesion detection and improve the interobserver agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functionalization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) is an effective method for controlling a local band gap, resulting in photoluminescence (PL) in the near‐infrared region. Herein, SWNTs were functionalized using a series of bromoalkanes and dibromoalkanes to evaluate the effects of their length on the nanotube PL properties. When bromoalkanes (CnH2n+1Br) or dibromoalkanes (CnH2nBr2) with tether lengths of six or more were utilized for six different semiconducting SWNTs, the obtained SWNT adducts exhibited two new PL peaks, whereas dibromoalkanes with tether lengths of 3–5 (CnH2nBr2: n=3–5) produced single peaks. Combined with theoretical calculations, the results suggested that the tether length of reagents changes the formation mechanism of functionalized adducts, that is, CnH2nBr2 (n=3–5) tends to result in kinetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small cabbage white butterfly, Pieris rapae, is an extraordinarily abundant migratory pest of cabbage that causes severe damage worldwide without known reasons. I here show that the average relative growth rate (RGR: the ratio of the daily increase of biomass to total biomass) of herbivore (Gh; an indicator of the growth speed of herbivore) of P. rapae on cabbage during the larval period is larger by far than those of all other insect–plant pairs tested. It exceeds 1.15 (/day),—meaning that the biomass more than doubles each day—compared to 0.1–0.7 for most insect–plant pairs, including that of Pieris melete, a sibling of P. rapae which never becomes a pest of cabbage. My data further showed the RGR in the larval stage (larval Gh), positively correlates with abundance and/or migratoriness of insect herbivores. These results together with my mathematical food web model suggest that the extraordinarily high larval Gh of P. rapae is the primary reason for its ubiquitously severe pest status accompanied with its abundance and migratoriness, and that the RGR of herbivores, Gh, characterizing the plant–herbivore interface at the bottom of the food webs is an important factor affecting whole ecosystems, including animal abundance, fauna size, plant damage levels, competitiveness among herbivorous species, determination of hostplant, invasiveness, and the evolution of animal traits involved in the so-called r/K strategy, such as migratoriness. Knowledge about Gh will be crucial to controlling pests and improving the negative effects of human activity on ecosystems including faunal decline (or defaunation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zwitterionic phospholipid polymer poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (PMB) is amphiphilic copolymer, and it has been reported to directly penetrate cell membranes and have good cytocompatibility. Conventional PMBs are linear-type random copolymers that are polymerized by a free radical polymerization technique. In contrast, star-shaped polymers, or simple branched-type polymers, have unique properties compared to the linear types, for example, a viscosity based on the effect of the excluded volume. In this study, a branched architecture was introduced into a PMB molecular structure, and a 4-armed star-shaped PMB (4armPMB) was synthesized by an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique known as living radical polymerization. Linear-type PMB was also synthesized using ATRP. The effects of the polymer architecture on cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were investigated. Both 4armPMB and LinearPMB were successfully synthesized, and these polymers were verified to be water soluble. Pyrene fluorescence in the polymer solution indicated that the architecture had no effect on the behavior of the polymer aggregates. In addition, these polymers caused no cytotoxicity or cell membrane damage. The 4armPMB and LinearPMB penetrated into the cells after a short incubation period, with similar rates. In contrast, the 4armPMB showed a quicker back-diffusion from the cells than that of LinearPMB. The 4armPMB showed fast cellular internalization and exiting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give an obstruction to positive scalar curvature metrics on 4‐manifolds with the homology S1×S3$S^{1} \times S^{3}$ described in terms of homology cobordism invariants from Seiberg–Witten theory. The main tool of the proof is a relative Bauer–Furuta‐type invariant on a periodic‐end 4‐manifold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]