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Sitagliptin has been suggested as a treatment option for older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, no randomized controlled trial has been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin treatment in older Japanese patients with T2D. The STREAM study was a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. T2D outpatients aged 65–80 years with moderately controlled glycemic levels (HbA1c 7.4–10.4%) under lifestyle interventions without or with oral anti-diabetic drugs excluding DPP4 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists were recruited (n = 176). The participants were randomized into sitagliptin group (n = 88) who received sitagliptin as an initial or an additive anti-diabetic drug and control group (n = 88) who did not. The treatment goal was HbA1c level < 7.4%. Efficacy and safety during 12-month treatment period were investigated. The mean (± SD) ages were 70.6 ± 3.9 and 71.9 ± 4.4 years old in sitagliptin and control groups, respectively. According to a mixed-effects model analysis, average changes from baseline over the treatment period in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and glycated albumin (GA) were − 27.2 mg/dL, − 0.61%, and − 2.39%, respectively, in sitagliptin group, and 0.50 mg/dL, − 0.29%, and − 0.93%, respectively, in control group. The reductions in FPG, HbA1c, and GA were significantly greater in sitagliptin group (P < 0.0001, P < 0.01, and P < 0.0001, respectively). There were no differences in the incidence of adverse effects, except for cystatin C elevation and platelet count reduction in sitagliptin group. Sitagliptin treatment effectively improved the glycemic profile without any serious adverse effects in older T2D patients. Trial registration number: UMIN000010376. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of the dust grain size distribution has been studied in recent years with great detail in cosmological hydrodynamical simulations taking into account all the channels under which dust evolves in the interstellar medium. We present a systematic analysis of the observed spectral energy distribution of a large sample of galaxies in the local Universe in order to derive not only the total dust masses but also the relative mass fraction between small and large dust grains (DS / DL). Simulations reproduce fairly well the observations except for the high-stellar mass regime where dust masses tend to be overestimated. We find that ∼45 per cent of galaxies exhibit DS / DL consistent with the expectations of simulations, while there is a subsample of massive galaxies presenting high DS / DL (log (DS / DL) ∼ −0.5), and deviating from the prediction in simulations. For these galaxies which also have high-molecular gas mass fractions and metallicities, coagulation is not an important mechanism affecting the dust evolution. Including diffusion, transporting large grains from dense regions to a more diffuse medium where they can be easily shattered, would explain the observed high DS / DL values in these galaxies. With this study, we reinforce the use of the small-to-large grain mass ratio to study the relative importance of the different mechanisms in the dust life cycle. Multiphase hydrodynamical simulations with detailed feedback prescriptions and more realistic subgrid models for the dense phase could help to reproduce the evolution of the dust grain size distribution traced by observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsoil liquefaction during strong earthquakes is one of the major seismic threats to the human community. Over the past few decades various methodologies have been proposed to assess liquefaction vulnerability; however, recent seismic events in Japan have revealed that current assessment methods are over conservative, which results in unnecessarily higher costs in mitigation measures. To overcome this situation, this study reinterprets the dynamic behaviour of sandy subsoils subject to recent and historical ground motions from Japanese seismic events and is able to demonstrate that aged soils have a higher liquefaction resistance than suggested by current design codes. Laboratory tests were also devised and conducted to study the mechanism of soil ageing at the particle scale level. Grain dislocations were observed to take place over time while boundary stress conditions maintained constant. These dislocations erased big voids, promoted a more stable granular structure and have the potential to give rise to greater liquefaction resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that examined the adsorption behavior of organic titanate on an iron foil having an ideal iron oxide surface to improve read-write characteristics of particulate magnetic recording media by the surface treatment of iron oxide magnetic particles with organic titanate. Effect of titanate on the surface hydrophilicity of oxide surface of the iron foil; Formation of the chemical bonding between the titanate and the oxide; Application of the method to cobalt-modified oxide.

We present applications of microscopic models to nuclear reactions of astrophysical interest, and we essentially focus on few-body systems. The calculation of radiativecapture and transfer cross sections is outlined, and we discuss the corresponding reaction rates. Microscopic theories are briefly presented, and we emphasize on the matrix elements of four-body systems. The microscopic extension of the R-matrix theory to nuclear reactions is described. Applications to the ²H(d, ? )4He, ²H(d, p)³H and ²H(d, n)³He reactions are presented. We show the importance of the tensor force to reproduce the low-energy behaviour of the cross sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H( d, γ)He capture reaction and the H( d, p)H and H( d, n)He transfer reactions at very low energies are studied in an extended microscopic cluster model with a realistic nucleon-nucleon force. Our results show that the tensor force in realistic interactions plays an essential and indispensable role to reproduce the very low-energy astrophysical S factor of these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tumor suppressor Fbxw7 (also known as Sel-10, hCdc4, hAgo, or Fbw7) is an F-box protein that functions as the substrate-recognition subunit of an SCF ubiquitin ligase complex and targets a group of oncoproteins for degradation. We now show that Fbxw7 regulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes by mediating the degradation of c-Myc and Notch proteins. Fbxw7-deficient keratinocytes showed an increased proliferative capacity that was dependent on the accumulation of c-Myc but not on that of Notch. Fbxw7 deficiency also resulted in the premature differentiation of keratinocytes in a manner dependent on both c-Myc and Notch. Although Fbxw7-deficient keratinocytes proliferated excessively in vitro, loss of Fbxw7 did not predispose keratinocytes to the formation of squamous cell carcinoma in vivo induced by the expression of oncogenic Ras, possibly because the stem cell population of keratinocytes becomes exhausted as a result of enhanced Notch activity. Indeed, suppression of Notch signaling by additional ablation of RBP-J in Fbxw7-deficient keratinocytes conferred a more aggressive tumorigenic capacity. Collectively, these results indicate that Fbxw7 controls the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, and that it exerts both inhibitory and stimulatory actions in skin carcinogenesis by counteracting the proliferation-promoting effect of c-Myc and the tumor-suppressive effect of Notch, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean cyst nematode ( Heterodera glycines; SCN) is becoming a serious problem in azuki bean ( Vigna angularis var. angularis) production in Hokkaido, Japan. To find sources of resistance to SCN, we screened wild relatives of azuki bean and calculated 'female indices' (FIs) of 342 accessions from 8 Vigna species that are cross-compatible with azuki bean. Twenty-three accessions belonging to V. hirtella, V. minima, V. nakashimae, V. riukiuensis, and V. tenuicaulis were resistant to the most prevalent SCN race, race 3, but most of them were only moderately resistant or susceptible to race 5. Four promising accessions ( V. minima JP205886, JP205891, and JP210806, and V. nakashimae JP107879) showed a high level of resistance to all SCN races found in Japan (1, 3, and 5) and race 2 (an experimentally derived race from race 5). Since the SCN-resistant soybean cultivars released in Japan are not resistant to races 2 and 5, these wild Vigna accessions may have resistance mechanisms different from that of soybean. Continuous culture of race 3 on promising accessions showed that it might be difficult to overcome the resistance of these accessions. The resistance sources found in this study will be useful in controlling SCN through the breeding of SCN-resistant azuki bean cultivars. This study also showed the effectiveness of using wild genetic resources for identifying novel resistance sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic-scattering phase shifts for four-nucleon systems are studied in an ab-initio type cluster model in order to clarify the role of the tensor force and to investigate cluster distortions in low energy d+ d and t+ p scattering. In the present method, the description of the cluster wave function is extended from (0 s) harmonic-oscillator shell model to a few-body model with a realistic interaction, in which the wave functions of the subsystems are determined with the Stochastic Variational Method. In order to calculate the matrix elements of the four-body system, we have developed a Triple Global Vector Representation method for the correlated Gaussian basis functions. To compare effects of the cluster distortion with realistic and effective interactions, we employ the AV8′ potential + a three nucleon force as a realistic interaction and the Minnesota potential as an effective interaction. Especially for S, the calculated phase shifts show that the t+ p and h+ n channels are strongly coupled to the d+ d channel for the case of the realistic interaction. On the contrary, the coupling of these channels plays a relatively minor role for the case of the effective interaction. This difference between both potentials originates from the tensor term in the realistic interaction. Furthermore, the tensor interaction makes the energy splitting of the negative parity states of He consistent with experiments. No such splitting is however reproduced with the effective interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

d+d (S-wave) elastic scattering phase shifts are studied in an extended microscopic cluster model in order to investigate cluster-breaking effects appearing in the low-energy scattering. The description of the cluster wave function is extended from a simple (0s) harmonic-oscillator shell model to a few-body model, in which the wave function of the sub-system is determined with the Stochastic Variational Method (SVM). To compare the cluster breaking effects with realistic and effective interactions, we employed the G3RS potential as a realistic interaction and the Minnesota (MN) potential as an effective interaction. The calculated phase shifts show that t+p and 3He+n channels are strongly coupled to the d+d channel for the case of the realistic interaction (G3RS). On the contrary, the coupling of these channels plays a relatively minor role for the case of the effective interaction (MN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3He + p scattering phase shifts for the S- and P-waves are studied in a microscopic cluster model in order to investigate the role of the d + 2p channel in the low-energy phase shifts. In the present cluster model, the description of the 3He wave function is extended from a simple (0s)3 model to a three-body model and two different nucleon-nucleon interactions, the Minnesota and AV8' potentials, are employed. The present extended cluster model shows that the d + 2p channel is indispensable to reproduce the resonant phase shifts in the AV8' potential while it plays a minor role in the MN potential. On the contrary, the role of this channel in the S-wave non-resonant phase shifts is negligible in both potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the di-neutron correlations in the super neutron-rich nucleus 7H with the AMD triple-S (AMD superposition of selected snapshots). 7H is the most neutron-rich nucleus in the neutron ratio to the proton (N/Z = 6). And the strong di-neutron correlations are expected due to the weak binding properties. In this paper, the mixing of di-neutron cluster components is estimated by calculating the squared overlap with the di-neutron condensate type wave function. The calculated results show significant mixing of di-neutron (t + 2n + 2n) components (70 ~ 80%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a theoretical description of embankment erosion owing to overflow based on experimental results from the viewpoint of erosion. Experiments in the laboratory, where silty sand was used to make a model of an embankment, were carried out to observe and confirm the failure process of an embankment resulting from overflow. The experimental results were quite similar to those in previous studies by other researchers. Understanding the way in which a Froude-critical point migrates during overtopping failure, and then stops, is essential to modelling the failure mechanism. The migration of the Froude-critical point involves the development of erosion and the vertical drop, or headcut, that is caused when it stops. Shallow water equations and an equation governing the change in elevation of the erosional surface are used to describe the erosion of the embankment. The theory allows the profiles of an embankment during overtopping failure to be partially determined under the condition of imposed parameters. In addition, considering the Froude-critical point's migration and suspension, the time required for the complete failure of an embankment, that is the embankment break, can be estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the auditory perception of maternal utterances by neonates using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: Twenty full-term, healthy neonates were included in this study. The neonates were tested in their cribs while they slept in a silent room. First, two probe holders were placed on the left and right sides of the forehead over the eyebrows using double-sided adhesive tape. The neonates were then exposed to auditory stimuli in the form of infant-directed speech (IDS) or adult-directed speech (ADS), sampled from each of the mothers, through an external auditory speaker. Results: A 2 (stimulus: IDS and ADS) x 2 (recording site: channel 1 (right side) and channel 2 (left side)) analysis of variance for these relative oxygenated haemoglobin values showed that IDS (Mean=0.25) increased brain function significantly (F=3.51) more than ADS (Mean=-0.26). Conclusions: IDS significantly increased brain function compared with ADS. These results suggest that the emotional tone of maternal utterances could have a role in activating the brains of neonates to attend to the utterances, even while sleeping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

t+t clustering in He isotopes is investigated by using two theoretical approaches. A role of the t+t cluster component in the ground state is examined with AMD triple-S, allowing the wider configuration space containing simultaneously the "t+t+valence neutrons" structure and "4He+valence neutrons" structure. We understand the importance of the t+t component even for the ground state. Further, t+t resonances are investigated with RGM type approach. We obtained many t+t states as resonances near to t+t threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many genes are known to be involved in gonadal differentiation in vertebrates. Dmrt1 , a gene that encodes a transcription factor with a DM-domain, is considered to be one of the essential genes controlling testicular differentiation in mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. However, it still remains unknown which testicular cells of animals other than mice and chicks express Dmrt1 protein. For an explanation of its role(s) in testicular differentiation in vertebrates, the expression of the Dmrt1 protein needs to be studied. For this purpose, we conducted an immunohistochemical study of this protein in an amphibian by using an antibody specific for Dmrt1. No positive signal was found in the indifferent gonad of tadpoles of Rana rugosa at early stages. However, in the testis of tadpoles at later stages (XV–XXV) and in frogs one month after metamorphosis, this protein was expressed in interstitial cells and Sertoli cells. In the testis of adult frogs, germ cells also expressed Dmrt1 protein. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene for this protein was not transcribed at any time during ovarian development, but was expressed in the female to male sex-reversed gonad. This was true when immunohistological studies were performed. In addition, Southern blot analysis showed Dmrt1 to be an autosomal gene. Taken together, our findings indicate that Dmrt1 protein is expressed by interstitial cells, Seroli cells and germ cells in the testis of R. rugosa . Dmrt1 may thus be very involved in the testicular differentiation of amphibians. Copyright © 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper has dealt with direct contact heat and mass transfer characteristics of air bubbles in a hot water layer. The experiments were carried out by bubbling air in the hot water layer under some experimental conditions of air flow rate, inlet air temperature and humidity as a dispersion fluid, and hot water temperature and hot water layer depth as a continuous fluid. Heat transfer and evaporation of water vapor from hot water to air bubbles occurred during air bubbles ascending into the hot water. Air bubble flow patterns were classified into three regions of independent air bubble flow, transition and air bubble combination growth. Non-dimensional correlation equations of direct contact heat and mass transfer between air bubbles and hot water were derived by some non- dimensional parameters for three regions of bubble flow pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenosine A[sub 2A] receptors are abundant in the caudate-putamen and involved in the motor control in several species. In MPTP-treated monkeys, A[sub 2A] receptor-blockade with an antagonist alleviates parkinsonian symptoms without provoking dyskinesia, suggesting this receptor may offer a new target for the antisymptomatic therapy of Parkinson's disease. In the present study, a significant neuroprotective effect of A[sub 2A] receptor antagonists is shown in experimental models of Parkinson's disease. Oral administration of A[sub 2A] receptor antagonists protected against the loss of nigral dopaminergic neuronal cells induced by 6-hydroxydopamine in rats. A[sub 2A] antagonists also prevented the functional loss of dopaminergic nerve terminals in the striatum and the ensuing gliosis caused by MPTP in mice. The neuroprotective property of A[sub 2A] receptor antagonists may be exerted by altering the packaging of these neurotoxins into vesicles, thus reducing their effective intracellular concentration. We therefore conclude that the adenosine A[sub 2A] receptor may provide a novel target for the long-term medication of Parkinson's disease, because blockade of this receptor exerts both acutely antisymptomatic and chronically neuroprotective activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the muscle strength characteristics (maximum torques, maximum torque exertion angle and the amount of maximum work during flexion and extension) in baseball players with elbow osteoarthritis as compared to non-professional baseball players who do not have disorders of the elbow joint. The results revealed no significant difference in the maximum torques during flexion and extension. However, the maximum torque exertion angle and the amount of maximum work at the time of extension was a low value intentionally in those players in the osteoarthritis group. This is probably because when the extension stress in the elbow is decreased, the low value of the maximum torque exertion angle was processed by a smaller joint. In baseball players with osteoarthritis these results are indicative of sharp pain and discomfort at the end of the pitching action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1-amino analog of MPTP, 1(N)-amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, was synthesized and the oxidation was examined using human synaptosomal mitochondria as sources of type A and B monoamine oxidase. An oxidation product, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion, was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorometric detection. The amino analog was a substrate of both type A and B monoamine oxidase and the oxidation depended linearly on the enzyme amount and the reaction time with an optimal pH around 7.5. After the systemic injection of the amino analog in C57/black mice for one week, 1-amino-4-phenylpyridinium ion was detected in the brain. 1(N)-Amino-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine was proved to be cytotoxic to pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, and it may be a new neurotoxin bioactivated through the oxidation by type A and B monoamine oxidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]