Search

Recent molecular ecological studies have focused on how the relationships between physical and ecological factors influence marine biogeography. Comparative phylogeography using closely related species is a powerful approach to evaluate the role of ecological traits in the genetic variation of marine organisms. In the present study, we compared ecological traits and genetic variation in 3 species of the intertidal snail genusMonodontathat co-occur in the Japanese and Ryukyu archipelagoes. We found thatM. labiowas dominant in sheltered habitats andM. perplexawas dominant in wave-exposed habitats, whileM. confusashowed no habitat specificity. This indicates thatM. labioandM. perplexaarehabitat specialists regarding wave exposure, whileM. confusais a generalist.M. labioandM. perplexashowed lower genetic diversity and greater genetic differentiation among populations thanM. confusa. Our findings support the specialist-generalist variation hypothesis in a well-connected marine environment.

Dysregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) metabolism contributes to the initiation and progression of age-associated diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), a nicotinamide (NAM) metabolizing enzyme, regulates both NAD + and methionine metabolism. Although NNMT is expressed abundantly in the kidney, its role in CKD and renal fibrosis remains unclear. We generated NNMT-deficient mice and a unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) model and conducted two clinical studies on human CKD to investigate the role of NNMT in CKD and fibrosis. In UUO, renal NNMT expression and the degraded metabolites of NAM increased, while NAD + and NAD + precursors decreased. NNMT deficiency ameliorated renal fibrosis; mechanistically, it (1) increased the DNA methylation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and (2) improved renal inflammation by increasing renal NAD + and Sirt1 and decreasing NF-κB acetylation. In humans, along with CKD progression, a trend toward a decrease in serum NAD + precursors was observed, while the final NAD + metabolites were accumulated, and the level of eGFR was an independent variable for serum NAM. In addition, NNMT was highly expressed in fibrotic areas of human kidney tissues. In conclusion, increased renal NNMT expression induces NAD + and methionine metabolism perturbation and contributes to renal fibrosis.

Objectives We aimed to elucidate the prognostic factors of the patients with taste disorders who were treated with popular and common medication in Japan. Materials and methods A retrospective study on the medical charts of a total of 255 patients with taste disorders who were treated primarily with oral medication including a zinc agent. Results The factors below were significantly linked with poor prognosis: 1) male gender, 2) taste disorders that began 3 months before starting treatment and 3) a severe taste disorder grade at the initial visit. Conclusions We have concluded that the prognosis for the patients with taste disorders who were treated by popular and standard medication therapy in Japan recently was significantly linked to gender, the period of 3 months before starting the treatment and the severity of the disorder at the time of diagnosis. In addition, we recognized some limitations we should resolve in further research including a method of measuring “umami” and so on. Clinical relevance Better awareness of these factors should be clinically useful when we manage patients with taste disorders. Earlier treatment should be started to cure the symptoms.

Objectives Baloxavir marboxil (formerly S-033188) is a first-in-class, orally available, cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor licensed in Japan and the USA for the treatment of influenza virus infection. We evaluated the efficacy of delayed oral treatment with baloxavir marboxil in combination with a neuraminidase inhibitor in a mouse model of lethal influenza virus infection. Methods The inhibitory potency of baloxavir acid (the active form of baloxavir marboxil) in combination with neuraminidase inhibitors was tested in vitro. The therapeutic effects of baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir phosphate, or combinations thereof, were evaluated in mice lethally infected with influenza virus A/PR/8/34; treatments started 96 h post-infection. Results Combinations of baloxavir acid and neuraminidase inhibitor exhibited synergistic potency against viral replication by means of inhibition of cytopathic effects in vitro. In mice, baloxavir marboxil monotherapy (15 or 50 mg/kg twice daily) significantly and dose-dependently reduced virus titre 24 h after administration and completely prevented mortality, whereas oseltamivir phosphate treatments were not as effective. In this model, a suboptimal dose of baloxavir marboxil (0.5 mg/kg twice daily) in combination with oseltamivir phosphate provided additional efficacy compared with monotherapy in terms of virus-induced mortality, elevation of cytokine/chemokine levels and pathological changes in the lung. Conclusions Baloxavir marboxil monotherapy with 96 h-delayed oral dosing achieved drastic reductions in virus titre, inflammatory response and mortality in a mouse model. Combination treatment with baloxavir acid and oseltamivir acid in vitro and baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir phosphate in mice produced synergistic responses against influenza virus infections, suggesting that treating humans with the combination may be beneficial.

Polycrystalline NASICON-type Li-ion conductor LiZr2(PO4)3 (LZPO) with different ratios of Li isotopes, namely 6LiZr2(PO4)3 (6-LZPO), 7LiZr2(PO4)3 (7-LZPO), and LZPO with the natural Li isotope ratio (n-LZPO), has been synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction. The phase transformation as a function of temperature between the low-temperature triclinic phase, which exhibits lower Li-ion conductivity, and high-temperature rhombohedral phase, which exhibits higher Li-ion conductivity, has been evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. According to XRD and DSC measurements, the phase transition temperature decreases in the order 6-LZPO > n-LZPO ≈ 7-LZPO. The dependence of phase transition temperature on the Li isotope implies that Li ions have a strong effect on phase stability. The phase transition is primarily related to the change in configuration entropy of Li ions in LZPO.

\n this paper, a synchronous frame control for a voltage sag/swell compensator utilizing single-phase matrix converter is proposed. First, the configuration of proposed system and its operation are described. Next, effects of the degree of voltage sag and load variation on the system stability is analyzed by transfer function. Finally, experimental waveforms for the system with proposed synchronous frame control are compared with those for the system with a stationary frame control. The results demonstrate that proposed synchronous frame control can suppress steady state error and pulsation by LC filter resonance as compared to the stationary frame control.

Massive tsunami disturbances have potentially detrimental effects on genetic diversity and effective population size of coastal marine species, and evaluating these effects can be useful for devising conservation strategies for coastal marine environments. Local populations of the intertidal goby Chaenogobius annularis, which are distributed on scattered rocky beaches of the Japanese Archipelago, show demographic independence without overlapping generations, making this an ideal species with which to study the effects of tsunami disturbance on genetic diversity. Some of these populations were affected by the tsunami of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. Here, we investigated the change in genetic diversity of a local population of this species, which was located close to the epicenter of the earthquake, across the cohorts before and after the tsunami and evaluated the impact of the tsunami disturbance. Genetic diversity was maintained after the tsunami, and no change in the effective population size was observed. Our results suggest that the tsunami disturbance has had no marked impact on the genetic diversity of C. annularis.

Interfaces between cathodes and sulfide electrolytes exhibit high resistance in all-solid-state lithium ion batteries. In this paper, to elucidate the origin of the high interface resistance we have theoretically investigated the properties of the cathode interfaces with the sulfide electrolyte and oxide electrolyte for comparison. From the density functional molecular dynamics simulations of the LiFePO4/Li3PS4 interface in both discharged and charged states, we have demonstrated the instability of the sulfide interface in the charged state, that is, the lithium depletion and oxidation on the sulfide side near the interface, in contrast to the oxide interfaces. The obtained results imply the formation of a Li-depleted layer around the sulfide interfaces during charging and support the validity of the insertion of oxide buffer layers at the interface to reduce the interface resistance.

We have investigated the introduction of Li vacancy (VLi× in the Kroger–Vink notation) into a Li3PO4 (100)/LiFePO4 (010) coherent interface with the density functional theory in order to gain an insight into the initial stage of the charging process. The VLi× introduction results in the formation of a Li ion vacancy (VLi′) and hole (h). When one VLi× is introduced in each bulk LiFePO4 and Li3PO4 materials (both VLi′ and h are donated to the position in the proximity of the initial VLi× position), the formation energies of the Li vacancy (EV) are quite different between them. On the other hand, when introduced into the Li3PO4/LiFePO4 interface system, the values of EV in the LiFePO4 and Li3PO4 bulk regions of the interface become almost equal. This is because irrespective of the introduced VLi× position, the associated h is always donated to the LiFePO4 region while the Li3PO4 region keeps its insulating properties. Although the Li atoms near the interface have smaller EV than in the bulk regions, it is suggested that only a fraction of them may be extracted at the initial stage of charging which is not enough to lead to the Li depletion at the interface and as a result the effect of the space charge layer may be negligible in the Li3PO4/LiFePO4 interface.

The solid state oxide Li-ion conductors with high electrochemical stability as well as high ionic conductivity are needed for application to all-solid-state Li-ion battery. In this study, A3LixTa6 − xZrxSi4O26 (A = Sr and Ba) as the candidate solid electrolytes stable against Li metal were synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction, and their structure and ionic conductivities were investigated. Both the compounds with A = Sr and Ba crystallize in hexagonal structure with space group P 6 ¯ 2m in the same as A3Ta6Si4O26 does. MEM analysis, first principles calculation, and NMR spectroscopy showed that Li ions reside in interstitial sites. The sample with A = Ba exhibits higher ionic conductivity (e.g. 6.9 × 10− 8 S cm− 1 at 500 K in x = 1.0) than that with A = Sr (e.g. 3.2 × 10− 8 S cm− 1 at 500 K in x = 1.0). Ionic conductivity was enhanced with an increase of the substitution of Li and Zr. Further enhancement of ionic conductivity was derived by making deficiencies at A site cation. Consequently, Ba2.75Li1.5Ta5ZrSi4O26 exhibits the highest total ionic conductivity of 4 × 10− 7 S/cm at 500 K and the lowest activation energy of 0.72 eV. The consideration of the size of bottlenecks and nudged elastic band calculations suggest that Li ions diffuse in the A-site deficient layer perpendicular to the c-axis.

The practical anode material Li4+3xTi5O12 is known to undergo a two-phase separation into Li7Ti5O12 and Li4Ti5O12 during charging/discharging. This phase-separated Li4+3xTi5O12 exhibits electron conduction, although individual phases are expected to be insulators. To elucidate the role played by spinel (111) phase boundaries on these physical properties, first principles calculations were carried out using the GGA+U method. Two-phase Li7Ti5O12/Li4Ti5O12 models are found to exhibit metallic characteristics near their phase boundaries. These boundaries provide conduction paths not only for electrons, but also for Li ions. Judging from the formation energy of Li vacancies/interstitials, the phase boundaries preferentially uptake or release Li via in-plane conduction and then continuously shift in a direction perpendicular to the phase boundary planes. The continuous phase boundary shift leads to a constant electrode potential. A three-dimensional network of cubic {111} planes may contribute to smooth electrochemical reactions.

Various genome-scale data have been increasingly published in diverged species, but they can be reused for other purposes by re-analyzing in other ways. As a case study to utilize the published genome data, we developed microsatellite markers from the genome sequence data (assembled contigs and unassembled reads) of the marbled flounder Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae. No microsatellites were identified in the contig sequences, whereas the computer software found 781,773 sequences containing microsatellites with di- to hexa-nucleotide motif in the unassembled reads. For 86,732 unique sequences among them, a total of 331,368 primer pairs were designed. Screening based on PCR amplification, polymorphisms and accurate genotyping resulted in sixteen primer sets, which were later characterized using 45 samples collected in Onagawa Bay, Miyagi, Japan. The presence of null alleles was suggested at four loci in the studied population but no evidence of allelic dropout was found. The observed number of alleles and heterozygosity was 2-20 and 0-0.88889, respectively, indicating polymorphisms and usefulness for population genetic analyses of this species. In addition, a large number of the microsatellite primers developed in this study are potentially applicable also for kinship estimation, individual fingerprint and linkage map construction.

Hybrid zones, where two genetic groups come in contact, provide valuable opportunities for testing whether reproductive isolation is complete between the groups. The intertidal goby Chaenogobius annularis comprises a group in the Sea of Japan and another group in the Pacific Ocean that exhibit a substantial level of genetic divergence; however, it is unclear whether they are reproductively isolated. In this study, we analyzed six populations sampled around a transition zone (approximately 300 km) between the two major groups, i.e., along the Sanriku coast of the northeastern Pacific coastline of the Japanese Archipelago, using mitochondrial DNA sequences of the cytochrome b gene, the allozyme loci of malate dehydrogenase, and eight microsatellite DNA loci. We detected considerable genetic admixture in the Taro population located at the center of the transition zone, where most individuals (98%) appeared to be post-F 2 hybrids. Bayesian clustering analysis, mitochondrial DNA phylogenetic tree, and private alleles in the allozyme and microsatellite DNA loci demonstrated that contemporary gene flow has been negligible between the hybrid population and either of the two groups. These findings demonstrate the long-term isolation and self-sustaining nature of this population after ancient hybridization.

ObjectivesWe aimed to elucidate the prognostic factors of the patients with taste disorders who were treated with popular and common medication in Japan.Materials and methodsA retrospective study on the medical charts of a total of 255 patients with taste disorders who were treated primarily with oral medication including a zinc agent.ResultsThe factors below were significantly linked with poor prognosis: 1) male gender, 2) taste disorders that began 3 months before starting treatment and 3) a severe taste disorder grade at the initial visit.ConclusionsWe have concluded that the prognosis for the patients with taste disorders who were treated by popular and standard medication therapy in Japan recently was significantly linked to gender, the period of 3 months before starting the treatment and the severity of the disorder at the time of diagnosis. In addition, we recognized some limitations we should resolve in further research including a method of measuring "umami" and so on.Clinical relevanceBetter awareness of these factors should be clinically useful when we manage patients with taste disorders. Earlier treatment should be started to cure the symptoms.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) receptor modulates pain, and this has been noted in several animal models. However, the involvement of TRPV4 in osteoarthritic (OA) pain remains poorly understood. This study assessed the functional changes in TRPV4 and the expression of its endogenous ligand 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (5,6-EET) in a rat monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA pain model (MIA rats). Monoiodoacetate-treated rats showed reduced grip strength as compared to sham-treated rats, and this loss in function could be recovered by the intraarticular administration of a TRPV4 antagonist (HC067047 or GSK2193874). By contrast, the intraarticular administration of the TRPV4 agonist, GSK1016790A, increased the pain-related behaviors in MIA rats but not in sham rats. TRPV4 expression was not increased in knee joints of MIA rats; however, the levels of phosphorylated TRPV4 at Ser824 were increased in dorsal root ganglion neurons. In addition, 5,6-EET was increased in lavage fluids from the knee joints of MIA rats and in meniscectomy-induced OA pain model rats. 5,6-EET and its metabolite were also detected in synovial fluids from patients with OA. In conclusion, TRPV4 was sensitized in the knee joints of MIA rats through phosphorylation in dorsal root ganglion neurons, along with an increase in the levels of its endogenous ligand 5,6-EET. The analgesic effects of the TRPV4 antagonist in the OA pain model rats suggest that TRPV4 may be a potent target for OA pain relief.

There are two possible spawning sites of the tiger puffer Takifugu rubripes near Nanao Bay in the Sea of Japan: one near Hachiro Lagoon, approximately 390 km northeast of Nanao Bay, and another in Wakasa Bay, approximately 170 km west of Nanao Bay. Tagging research suggests that these two spawning sites represent different subpopulations. In the present study, Nanao Bay spawning sites were identified by mitochondrial DNA control region sequencing of eggs collected using a sledge net in May and June of 2009. The spawning sites were distributed in a small region with a sandy bottom at a depth of 17.5–20.5 m (water temperature 13.07–16.56 °C, salinity 33.95–34.12). The population structure of T. rubripes around Nanao Bay was also investigated using DNA analysis of mature adult samples from three locations. Genetic differentiation was not significant among the adults, suggesting the presence of gene flow resulting from broad dispersal of individuals from the three locations.

Controlling the electrolyte/electrode interface is of great importance to promote new-generation solid-state Li ion secondary batteries. In this paper, we report a theoretically designed electrolyte/cathode coherent interface at the density functional theory level, where γ-Li3PO4 and LiFePO4 are used as an electrolyte and a cathode, respectively. At the stoichiometric Li3PO4 (100)/LiFePO4 (010) coherent interface, there are vacant Li-sites that give the chance for Li ions to migrate. From the density functional molecular dynamics at 1500 K, it is found that this interface is stable and no impurity phase is produced, and also that Li ions in the Li3PO4 phase around the interface can diffuse with large diffusion coefficients. The dynamic behavior of these Li ions is also reflected in the layered phonon spectra of Li ions; the diffusible Li ions around the interface have the same spectrum.

Marine organisms with a planktonic larval stage can passively disperse long distance and are thus expected to have a wider distribution range and lower geographic variation. However, recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that they often display a clear geographic genetic structure or even form a geographically fragmented species complex. These genetic divergences can be facilitated by the presence of dispersal barriers such as oceanic currents and/or by the limitation of suitable habitats. Using comprehensive phylogenetic analyses, we evaluate how such dispersal barriers shape genetic divergence and speciation in the intertidal snail genus Monodonta. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed various patterns of cladogenesis in Monodonta in East Asia. Genetic segregation between the Japanese and Ryukyu Archipelagos are detected in M. labio and M. perplexa perplexa. However, the relationship of geographical border and lineages does not correspond to those two because they show different habitat preference. M. labio distributed in the Japanese mainland is separated by the boundary corresponding to the point from which oceanic currents split into different directions. In contrast, species inhabiting various environments such as M. confusa are not genetically separated in Japan. In the peripheral oceanic Ogasawara Islands, two Monodonta species form each endemic lineage, although these two underwent different colonization processes to the islands. These findings suggest that the genus Monodonta has been genetically diversified around Japan, probably due to its correlations with dispersal ability, oceanic current, and habitat preferences. These factors may be effective causes for diversification of marine gastropods with a planktonic stage.

Mutations in SLC26A4 cause a broad phenotypic spectrum, from typical Pendred syndrome to nonsyndromic hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct. Identification of these mutations is important for accurate diagnosis, proper medical management and appropriate genetic counseling and requires updated information regarding spectrum, clinical characteristics and genotype-phenotype correlations, based on a large cohort. In 100 patients with bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct among 1511 Japanese hearing loss probands registered in our gene bank, goiter data were available for 79, of whom 15 had Pendred syndrome and 64 had nonsyndromic hearing loss. We clarified the mutation spectrum for the SLC26A4 mutations and also summarized hearing levels, progression, fluctuation and existence of genotype-phenotype correlation. SLC26A4 mutations were identified in 82 of the 100 patients (82.0%). Of the Pendred syndrome patients, 93% (14/15) were carriers, as were 77% (49/64) of the nonsyndromic hearing loss patients. Clinical characteristics of patients with SLC26A4 mutations were congenital, fluctuating and progressive hearing loss usually associated with vertigo and/or goiter. We found no genotype-phenotype correlations, indicating that, unlike in the case of GJB2 mutations, the phenotype cannot be predicted from the genotype. Our mutation analysis confirmed the importance of mutations in the SLC26A4 gene among hearing loss patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct and revealed the mutation spectrum, essential information when performing genetic testing.

The milkfish, Chanos chanos, is an important aquaculture resource in Southeast Asia. Using NGS data, 72 microsatellite markers were developed. PCR product confirmation using agarose gel electrophoresis allowed the identification of 24 utilizable markers. Milkfish samples (n = 48) from a hatchery stock in Palawan, Philippines were analyzed for genetic variability at the aforementioned 24 loci. Consequently, nine of these microsatellite loci were noted to have high success rate in amplification, exhibited polymorphism with 19 maximum number of alleles and no null alleles. These are the first microsatellite markers to be developed and characterized for C. chanos that will efficiently enable genetic stock delineation and monitoring as well as marker-aided genetic improvement research.

Geographic variations in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence (1,062 nucleotides) of the rocky intertidal goby Chaenogobius gulosus were examined and compared against the phylogeographic pattern of its sympatric sister species Chaenogobius annularis, which we studied previously. We collected C. gulosus specimens from 17 localities around the Japanese Archipelago and Korean Peninsula. Thirty-one haplotypes were obtained. The phylogenetic tree showed three geographical lineages, of which one was distributed along the coast of the Sea of Japan, suggesting that a Pleistocene isolation event in the Sea of Japan affected the genetic divergence of this species, similar to that which was observed in C. annularis. The net nucleotide divergence between the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean lineages in C. gulosus was much lower than that of C. annularis. Both traditional molecular clock and hierarchical approximate Bayesian computational models suggest that different divergence events affected the genetic divergences of C. gulosus and C. annularis. Our study on the sister species pair strongly supports multiple isolation events in the Sea of Japan, leading to varying levels of genetic divergence between the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan lineages in the Japanese coastal marine species.

We found a difference in expression sites between TAS2Rs and ENaC (epithelial sodium channels). The number of TAS2R-positive cells and ENaC-positive cells were decreased in zinc-deficient diet rats. These findings suggest that decreased expression of taste receptor genes may play an important role in the onset of zinc deficiency-associated taste disorder.The present study was aimed at histologically investigating the expression and localization of TAS2Rs and ENaC in the vallate taste buds of rats. Changes in expression of the taste receptor genes in zinc-deficient rats were also investigated.The vallate papillae of five rats fed a normal diet and five rats fed a zinc-deficient diet were used. In situ hybridization was performed to investigate the expression and localization of TAS2Rs and ENaC. TAS2R-positive cells per taste bud were counted, and differences in number between the normal and zinc-deficient diet rats were investigated.In the normal rats, expression of TAS2Rs was observed specifically in the taste bud cells. In contrast, ENaC-positive cells were observed in a part of the taste bud cells and a large number of epithelial cells. Fewer cells were positive for TAS2Rs and ENaC in the zinc-deficient diet rats.

While fibromyalgia is frequently associated with ear-related symptoms such as feeling of ear fullness, earache, and tinnitus, the pathogenesis of these ear-related symptoms in fibromyalgia patients is unknown. Here, we focused on clarifying the pathogenesis of ear fullness, a particularly common symptom observed in fibromyalgia patients. Twenty patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia on outpatient psychosomatic treatment complaining of ear-related symptoms answered our questionnaire and underwent neurotological examination, including pure tone audiometry and Eustachian tube function testing. While ear-related symptoms were significantly exacerbated after onset of fibromyalgia, we noted no correlation between the presence or absence of feeling of ear fullness and abnormal findings on neurotological examination. Given our findings, we suspect that onset of ear fullness may be associated not with abnormal findings in the middle and inner ear function tests but with other causes, such as central desensitization.

Conclusion: P-glycoprotein is abundantly expressed in certain parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma tissues, known historically to be multidrug resistant. This discovery may be important in incrementally advancing our ability to develop alternative pharmacologic strategies to improve multi-modality tumor control.P-glycoprotein plays a functional role in promoting the efflux of drug metabolites in certain malignant tumors. With this understanding we immunohistochemically investigated the expression of P-glycoprotein in parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma tissues and examined prognostic factors that contribute to the treatment of parotid cancer.Thirteen patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland were included. P-glycoprotein expression was immunohistochemically investigated by a modified avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method using four different antibodies.P-glycoprotein expression was observed in a higher percentage of patients with higher grade malignancy. The tumor size-related difference in P-glycoprotein expression was only significant for staining with one antibody, and no significant differences were observed with or without induction chemotherapy.

Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy, which can provide local control and laryngeal preservation, is safe and useful for preserving pharyngeal and laryngeal functions.To evaluate superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy in terms of the contribution to survival and laryngeal preservation in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anterior oropharyngeal wall.A total of 51 patients with SCC of the anterior oropharyngeal wall received intra-arterial administration of docetaxel at 60 mg/m(2) and cisplatin at 60 mg/m(2) anterogradely, followed by intravenous continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil at 750 mg/m(2)/day over 120 h starting on day 2. Neck lymph node metastases were treated by neck dissection.The 5- and 10-year survival rates of the 51 patients were 72.8% and 66.4%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates of patients with T2, T3, T4a, and T4b cancer were 100%, 88.7%, 41.9%, and 33.3%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year laryngeal preservation rates of the 51 patients were 63.4% and 30.0%, respectively. The 5-year laryngeal preservation rates of patients with T2, T3, T4a, and T4b cancer were 100%, 75.2%, 23.6%, and 33.3%, respectively. No irreversible side effects, complications, or sequelae were reported.

Objectives/Hypothesis: We examined the effect of zinc deficiency and supplementation on the expression of bitter taste receptor (TAS2R) and epithelial sodium ion channel (ENaC) genes on the tongue in rats. Study Design: Prospective animal study. Methods: A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats (3 weeks old) were used. Twelve rats were fed a normal diet for 28 (n = 6) or 56 (n = 6) days, another 12 were fed a zinc-deficient diet for the same periods, and still another 12 were fed a zinc-deficient diet for 28 days and then administered zinc for a further 28 days. The epithelium of the circumvallate papillae was collected, and expression of the TAS2R40, TAS2R105, TAS2R107, TAS2R118, TAS2R121, TAS2R136, TAS2R140, and ENaC genes was examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Results: Gene expression frequency of TAS2R40 and TAS2R107 significantly decreased in rats fed a zinc-deficient diet, and frequency of TAS2R107 significantly increased following zinc administration. No changes were noted in expression of TAS2R105, TAS2R118, TAS2R121, or ENaC in zinc-deficient rats. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that zinc may affect gene expression for some TAS2Rs on the tongue in rats. Laryngoscope, 2012

Selective graphene growth on copper twin crystals by chemical vapor deposition has been achieved. Graphene ribbons can be formed only on narrow twin crystal regions with a (001) or high-index surface sandwiched between Cu crystals having (111) surfaces by tuning the growth conditions, especially by controlling the partial pressure of CH(4) in Ar/H(2) carrier gas. At a relatively low CH(4) pressure, graphene nucleation at steps on Cu (111) surfaces is suppressed, and graphene is preferentially nucleated and formed on twin crystal regions. Graphene ribbons as narrow as ~100 nm have been obtained in experiments. The preferential graphene nucleation and formation seem to be caused primarily by a difference in surface-dependent adsorption energies of reactants, which has been estimated by first principles calculations. Concentrations of reactants on a Cu surface have also been analyzed by solving a diffusion equation that qualitatively explains our experimental observations of the preferential graphene nucleation. Our findings may lead to self-organizing formation of graphene nanoribbons without reliance on top-down approaches in the future.

Distribution of two ecologically similar but usually spatially separate ectosymbionts, branchiobdellidans (Annelida) and scutariellids (Platyhelminthes), on atyid shrimp (Neocaridina spp.) is reported from 18 localities in five Provinces of southeastern China. Prevalence was determined for the branchiobdellidan, Holtodrilus truncatus, found at seven locations, the scutariellid, Scutariella japonica, present at every site, and where cohabitation occurred. Both ectosymbionts showed a microhabitat predilection for the host's branchial chambers and instances of cohabitation occurred at all seven locations where H. truncatus were collected, although not on every shrimp. On-site observations of live hosts supporting both ectosymbionts showed that neither H. truncatus nor S. japonica reacted aggressively or defensively towards the other when in close proximity. Instances of imported Chinese Neocaridina spp. into central Honshu Island, Japan, almost certainly came from areas in southeast China identified in this study. These imported populations are predicted to spread northwards into the area where endemic Japanese branchiobdellidans occur.

Elucidating the scale of gene flow among populations is an important challenge for understanding the ecological dynamics and local adaptation of marine organisms. We assessed whether gene flow is restricted even at a small spatial scale in the Japanese common intertidal goby Chaenogobius annularis, using highly polymorphic DNA markers, involving the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 15 microsatellite DNA (msDNA), because past ecological studies have suggested low dispersal ability for rocky intertidal fishes. We found significant heterogeneities between four neighboring local populations by both mtDNA and msDNA analyses. In addition, no genetic heterogeneity was detected by either method across generations within a population; it was considered that such genetic differentiation is retained across generations and that the gene flow of this species is restricted to within a radius of a few kilometers. This is the first report showing a clear genetic subdivision in rocky intertidal fish.

Genetic differentiation in the intertidal goby Chaenogobius annularis was studied using allozyme markers. Samples were collected from six localities along the coasts of Japanese islands and the Korean Peninsula. Six out of 13 loci showed allelic variation in at least one population. Although the predominant alleles of 12 loci were the same among all populations, Mdh-1 showed clear differences among the populations located along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. These two possible geographic groups, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan groups, were characterized by diagnostic alleles of Mdh-1, namely Mdh-1 100 and Mdh-1 70.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease, displaying the typical nasal symptom of congestion. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a chemical mediator released in large amounts by mast cells upon allergic stimulation in humans, is known to be involved in nasal congestion. However, the mechanism by which this congestion occurs remains unclear. Methods: The effect of PGD2 on the nasal airflow in guinea pigs was measured using a noninvasive approach that avoided any anesthetic effect. Isometric tension of isolated nasal mucosa and the nasal vascular corrosion resin cast technique were used to clarify the area of nasal mucosal vessels affected by PGD2, and to examine the mechanism of PGD2-induced nasal congestion. Moreover, the involvement of second messengers in PGD2-induced mucosal relaxation was investigated. Results: PGD2 induced an increase in intranasal pressure in a guinea pig model of rhinitis. Additionally, sinusoidal microvessel dilatation appeared around the septum using the vascular corrosion resin cast technique in the nasal mucosa. Moreover, relaxation of the nasal mucosa following stimulation of the prostanoid DP-1 receptor was associated with cAMP levels in the tissue. Conclusions: PGD2-induced nasal congestion is caused by direct dilatation of the sinusoid vessels through the increase of cAMP levels in the nasal mucosa, demonstrating that the mechanism of PGD2-induced nasal congestion is different from other chemical mediators. Consequently, antagonists for the prostanoid DP-1 receptor would be an alternative approach for the relief of nasal congestion. Alternatively, the combined administration with antagonists for other mediators involved in nasal congestion may also be a valuable therapy for allergic rhinitis.

Patients who received concurrent chemoradiation therapy or radiation therapy alone were followed over a long term. The complete response (CR), 10-year survival, and 10-year larynx preservation rates were 87.5%, 95.3%, and 75.1%, respectively. Statistically, concurrent chemoradiation therapy contributes to laryngeal preservation but not to the survival rate.To determine the additive and synergistic effects of anticancer chemotherapy combined with chemoradiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the glottic larynx.Eighty-nine patients with untreated T2N0M0 SCC of the glottic larynx were included. Thirty-two patients received treatment cycles consisting of intravenous cisplatin (CDDP) on day 1 (80 mg/m(2)) and intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) over 120 h on days 2-6 (600 mg/m(2)/day) every 4 weeks. Radiotherapy was delivered by a 4 MV linac X-ray machine at a dose of 66 Gy. Fifty-seven patients received radiotherapy alone.After chemoradiation therapy, the overall response, CR, 10-year survival, and 10-year larynx preservation rates were 100%, 87.5%, 95.3%, and 75.1%, respectively. Side effects included leukopenia, neutropenia, mucositis, and dermatitis. Seven patients (21.9%) required salvage surgery. Pathological findings confirmed that the treatment regimen caused marked cancer tissue degeneration. Histologic examination of surgical specimens suggested that the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was 4 mm from the gross tumor.

Concurrent chemoradiation therapy with docetaxel (DOC) at a dose of 10 mg/m(2) twice a week contributed to laryngeal preservation.To determine laryngeal preservation following concurrent chemoradiation therapy with DOC.A total of 141 patients with untreated T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx were included in the study. The treatments were either radiation therapy alone or DOC intravenously administered at a dose of 10 mg/m(2) once or twice a week during radiotherapy with 4 MV linac X-ray (total of 66 Gy for 33 days).The response and CR rates were 100% and 90.5% in the once-weekly combination group, and 100% and 97.6% in the twice-weekly combination group, respectively. The 5-year survival rates were 76.8% in the once-weekly combination group and 96.8% in the twice-weekly combination group. The 5-year laryngeal preservation rates were 83.8% in the once-weekly combination group and 97.6% in the twice-weekly combination group. The most common side effects were mucositis, dermatitis, and alopecia. The patients who received DOC twice a week showed more severe cancer tissue degeneration, and pathological examination of serial sections indicated that the safety margin for partial laryngectomy was considered to be 3 mm from the gross tumor with good glottal closure.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lower extremity muscle mass, leg extension strength and muscle power of hemiplegic stroke patients and to examine the differences in walking independence levels (dependent and independent groups) between each variable. [Subjects] The subjects were 21 hemiplegic patients at the first onset. [Methods] The affected and unaffected thigh muscle mass (TM), lower leg muscle mass, and lower extremity muscle mass (LEM) were measured by segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis. The leg extension peak torque (LEPT) and mean power (MP) were measured using a recumbent ergometer. Values obtained by dividing the affected and unaffected LEPTs by each LEM (LEPT/LEM) and the MP by total LEM (TLEM) of the affected and unaffected lower extremities (MP/TLEM) were calculated. [Results] The affected TM was significant lower than the unaffected side. The affected and unaffected TM was significantly correlated with the LEPT of each side. The affected TM, affected and unaffected LEPT, LEPT/LEM, MP and MP/TLEM of the dependent group were significantly lower than their respective values in the independent group. [Conclusion] These results suggest that a decrease in muscle mass in hemiplegic patients decreases anaerobic exercise capacity through weaker leg extension strength or muscle power.

Vascular tumors are divided histologically into vascular lesions on the surface of the body, i.e. hemangiomas, and vascular malformations which have normal endothelial cells but manifest structurally abnormal vascular proliferation. Vascular malformations are often encountered in the head and neck region. We studied patients who underwent laryngoscopic surgery in our department for vascular malformations of the larynx.Direct laryngoscopic surgery was performed under general anesthesia. The mucosa surrounding the vascular malformation was stripped and resected. The vasa vasorum were treated with an Ho:YAG laser. We reviewed five patients who had received laryngoscopic treatment in the larynx region during the past two years.Histopathologic examination of the removed tumor tissues revealed venous malformation in four cases and lymphatic malformation in one case. The postoperative course was uneventful with neither hemorrhaging nor other complications, and none of the cases showed any recurrent disease up to the present.Our experience suggests that the laryngoscopic surgery provides minimal surgical intervention and can be applied to a wide range of age.

中国の長江から利根川流域に導入されたハクレン集団の遺伝的多様性を検討するため，成魚，流下卵，仔魚の計 56 個体を対象に mtDNA 調節領域（454 bp）のシーケンス分析を行った。その結果，26 種類のハプロタイプが検出され，ハプロタイプ多様度（h）は 0.920，塩基多様度（π）が 0.011 であった。これらの値と既報の長江中下流域の集団の値との間には大きな差異はなく，ハプロタイプの系統関係も近縁であった。これらの結果から，利根川集団が長江の中下流域を起源としており，導入後も大きな有効集団サイズによって再生産を繰り返していることが示唆された。

Objective:Only a few benign tumours of the middle ear have been reported to lead to the development of facial palsy. Here, we describe a patient with middle-ear cavernous lymphangioma and facial palsy.Study design:Single case study.Patient:A 61-year-old man presented with left-sided hearing impairment and incomplete left facial palsy. A tumour was confirmed to be occupying the epi- to mesotympanum and to be joined to the facial nerve. The tumour was removed along with facial nerve tissue, which was resected at its horizontal portion, and the remaining facial nerve was fixed by end-to-end anastomosis. Complete facial paralysis occurred after the operation, but the patient's House–Brackmann grade gradually improved to grade III. Post-operative histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the lymphangioma into the facial nerve tissue, together with mild neural atrophy of the facial nerve.Conclusion:These findings suggested that tumour invasion was the cause of facial palsy in this patient.

A novel tight-binding method is developed, based on the extended Huckel approximation and charge self-consistency, with referring the band structure and the total energy of the local density approx...

Growth of several genetically improved Nile tilapia (GIFT or Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia, FaST or Freshwater Aquaculture Center Selected Tilapia, SEAFDEC-selected) and domesticated red tilapia (BFS or Binangonan Freshwater Station, NIFI-red or National Inland Fisheries Institute red, HL or Hacienda Luisita) stocks were compared in controlled (tank) and uncontrolled farm conditions (lake-based cages) with unselected NIFI or Chitralada Nile tilapia as control. Specific growth rate differed significantly (P = 0.009) in tank-reared Nile tilapia stocks where GIFT grew best at 1.358%/day followed by FaST (1.307%/day), control stock NIFI (1.257%/day) and SEAFDEC-selected (1.202%/day). Genetic effect explained 84.4% of the variance in growth of Nile tilapia in tanks. Although Nile tilapia growth in cages followed the same trend where GIFT grew best at 1.570%/day, no significant stock differences (P = 0.479) were noted. Meanwhile, red tilapia reared in either tanks or cages showed no significant stock differences in terms of growth. However, survival of the red tilapia stocks in cages differed significantly with HL having the highest percentage survival at 93.3%. The different growth responses of the Nile tilapia stocks especially under controlled (tank) farm conditions were largely due to genetic factors (stock differences).Under uncontrolled farm conditions, environmental factors were generally observed to have also affected the survival and to some extent, the growth of Asian Nile and red tilapia stocks.

Facial nerve paralysis associated with middle ear cholesteatoma, although well known, is only occasionally encountered and its clinical features and management have been evaluated in only a few studies. We studied its clinical features associated with facial paralysis. Subjects numbered 20 [15 males and 5 females] from 3-82 years old (mean: 42.6 years) with facial nerve paralysis due to middle ear cholesteatoma undergoing surgery between 1990 and 2008. After cholesteatoma lesion resection, a limited area of the fallopian canal in which facial nerve edema or redness was evident was opened, although the epineural sheath was not incised for nerve decompression. Initial paralysis was incomplete in 13 (65%). Paralysis onset was sudden in 16 (80%). The facial paralysis outcome was favorable in 14 (70%). Facial paralysis outcome was largely favorably, although poor outcomes were observed in cases with petrosal cholesteatoma and in those undergoing surgery ≥2 months after paralysis onset.

We report a rare pediatric case of congenital cholesteatoma initially manifesting as facial paralysis. A 3-year-old boy seen for acute facial palsy had developed left facial paralysis on January 4, 2008, undergoing predonisolone therapy by a local pediatrician from January 10. Upon referred on March 5, facial palsy was a severe Grade V in House-Brackman classification. Middle-ear computed tomography showed soft tissue filling the mastoid antrum through the epitympanic recess to the tympanic cavity. Endoscopic examination identified swelling of the tympanic membrane and a yellowish-white tumor of the tympanic cavity. Based on a diagnosis of congenital cholesteatoma, he underwent surgery under general anesthesia on June 27. The cholesteatoma lesion occupied the tympanic cavity, extending to the aperture of the mastoid antrum. In staged surgery, the exposed facial nerve in the tympanic cavity appeared hyperemic and adjacent to the cholesteatoma lesion. Postoperatively, facial paralysis improved incompletely remaining in Grade III in House-Brackmann classification.