Search

Photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), which are based on a two-dimensional (2D) optical resonance at a band edge of a photonic band structure, feature ultra-large-area single-mode lasing oscillation with scalable output power. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the influence of the band-edge frequency non-uniformity in ultra-large-area PCSELs, which can be caused by carrier-induced or temperature-induced refractive-index change during operation. First, we perform a perturbation analysis to derive an analytical condition to maintain single-mode lasing in the presence of the band-edge frequency non-uniformity, and reveal that it is important to increase not only the threshold gain difference but also the frequency difference between the fundamental mode and higher-order modes. Next, we perform numerical simulations on lasing characteristics of 3-mm-diameter PCSELs with non-uniform band-edge frequency distributions, and investigate the robust design against gradually changed frequency distributions or random frequency fluctuations.

This paper reports on the power scalability of 1.55-μm-wavelength photonic crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) utilizing the design flexibility of the double-lattice photonic crystal. By controlling in-plane optical coupling, we have achieved single-mode continuous-wave lasing with various device sizes ranging from 100 μm to 300 μm in diameter. The output power exceeds 500 mW for a device size of 300 μm, and wall-plug efficiencies of all fabricated devices exceed 18%. Highly stable single-mode lasing with a side-mode suppression ratio over 60 dB is obtained even at the maximum output powers. Narrow circular beams are obtained, and the divergence angles decrease with increasing device size, ranging from 0.55 degrees to 0.23 degrees in FWHM for device sizes from 100 μm and 300 μm, respectively.

Graphical abstract:

This study investigated the association between nasal obstruction and its associated factors in young children by quantitatively measuring the nasal airway resistance (NAR).

Protein cryopreservation is important for the long-term storage of unstable proteins. Recently, we found that N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V (GnT-V) can be cryopreserved in a deep freezer without temperature control using a dilute binary aqueous solution of 3-(1-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)imidazol-3-io)butane-1-carboxylate (OE2imC3C) [10 wt %, mole fraction of solute (x) = 7.75 × 10–3], an artificial zwitterion. However, it is unclear which solvent properties are required in these media to preserve unstable proteins, such as GnT-V. In this study, we investigated the melting phenomena and solution structure of dilute binary aqueous OE2imC3C solutions [x= 0–2.96 × 10–2(0–30 wt %)] using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to compare the cryoprotectant ability of OE2imC3C with two general cryoprotectants (CPAs), glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide. DSC results indicated that aqueous OE2imC3C solutions can be melted at lower temperatures with less energy than the control CPA solution, with increasing x, primarily due to OE2imC3C having a higher content of unfrozen water molecules. Moreover, Raman and FTIR results showed that the high content of unfrozen water molecules in aqueous OE2imC3C solutions was due to the hydration around the ionic parts (the COO–group and imidazolium ring) and the OCH2CH2O segment. In addition, the MD simulation results showed that there were fewer structured water molecules around the OCH2CH2O segment than the hydration water molecules around the ionic parts. These solvent properties suggest that dilute aqueous OE2imC3C solutions are effective in preventing freezing, even in a deep freezer. Therefore, this medium has the potential to act as a novel cryoprotectant for proteins in biotechnology and biomedical fields.

Machine learning techniques have been extensively developed in the field of electricity theft detection. However, almost all typical models primarily rely on electricity consumption data to identify fraudulent users, often neglecting other pertinent household information such as gas consumption data. This article aims to explore the untapped potential of gas consumption data, a critical yet overlooked factor in electricity theft detection. In particular, we perform theoretical, qualitative, and quantitative correlation analyses between gas and electricity consumption data. Then, we propose two model-agnostic frameworks (i.e., multichannel network and twin network frameworks) to seamlessly integrate gas consumption data into machine learning models. Simulation results show a significant improvement in model performance when gas consumption data are incorporated using our proposed frameworks. Also, our proposed gas and electricity convolutional neural network, based on the proposed framework, demonstrates superior performance compared to classical and recent machine learning models on datasets with varying fraudulent ratios.

A new method is presented for estimating a short-term Kullback-Leibler divergence to analyze the statistical characteristics of significant fluctuations in financial time series. The short-term Kullback–Leibler divergence is derived by transforming variations in financial time series into binary symbolic dynamics. This method quantifies the extent to which the occurrence of significant fluctuations deviates from independent Bernoulli trials in short-term financial time series. The study presents the calculation results of short-term Kullback–Leibler divergence for the USD/JPY exchange rate and the Nikkei 225 Index. The proposed technique serves as a valuable tool for analyzing and characterizing rapid changes in financial dynamics, with potential applications in advancing the analysis of financial market behaviors and trends. Its applications extend to risk assessment and decision-making processes.

Recently, remarkable progress has been made in the application of machine learning (ML) techniques (e.g., neural networks) to transformer fault diagnosis. However, the diagnostic processes employed by these techniques often suffer from a lack of interpretability. To address this limitation, this article proposes a novel glass-box model that integrates interpretability with high accuracy for transformer fault diagnosis. In particular, the model captures the nonlinear relationship between dissolved gases and fault types using shape functions, while also modeling the correlations between dissolved gases through interaction terms. Simulation results demonstrate that the performance of the proposed glass-box model surpasses those of benchmark models. Furthermore, the model offers both global and instance-specific perspectives for the interpretation of diagnostic processes. The combination of high accuracy and interpretability makes the proposed glass-box model an attractive option for reliable transformer fault diagnosis.

Although the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital heart disease (CHD) remain poorly understood, recent advances in genetic analysis have facilitated the exploration of causative genes for CHD. We reported that the pathogenic variant c.1617del of TMEM260, which encodes a transmembrane protein, is highly associated with CHD, specifically persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA), the most severe cardiac outflow tract (OFT) defect. Using whole-exome sequencing, the c.1617del variant was identified in two siblings with PTA in a Japanese family and in three of the 26 DNAs obtained from Japanese individuals with PTA. The c.1617del of TMEM260has been found only in East Asians, especially Japanese and Korean populations, and the frequency of this variant in PTA is estimated to be next to that of the 22q11.2 deletion, the most well-known genetic cause of PTA. Phenotype of patients with c.1617del appears to be predominantly in the heart, although TMEM260is responsible for structural heart defects and renal anomalies syndrome (SHDRA). The mouse TMEM260 variant (p.W535Cfs*56), synonymous with the human variant (p.W539Cfs*9), exhibited truncation and downregulation by western blotting, and aggregation by immunocytochemistry. In situ hybridization demonstrated that Tmem260is expressed ubiquitously during embryogenesis, including in the development of cardiac OFT implicated in PTA. This expression may be regulated by a ~ 0.8 kb genomic region in intron 3 of Tmem260that includes multiple highly conserved binding sites for essential cardiac transcription factors, thus revealing that the c.1617del variant of TMEM260is the major single-gene variant responsible for PTA in the Japanese population.

Gametogenesis, which is essential to the sexual reproductive system, has drastically changed during plant evolution. Bryophytes, lycophytes and ferns develop reproductive organs called gametangia—antheridia and archegonia for sperm and egg production, respectively. However, the molecular mechanism of early gametangium development remains unclear. Here we identified a ‘non-canonical’ type of BZR/BES transcription factor, MpBZR3, as a regulator of gametangium development in a model bryophyte, Marchantia polymorpha. Interestingly, overexpression of MpBZR3 induced ectopic gametangia. Genetic analysis revealed that MpBZR3 promotes the early phase of antheridium development in male plants. By contrast, MpBZR3 is required for the late phase of archegonium development in female plants. We demonstrate that MpBZR3 is necessary for the successful development of both antheridia and archegonia but functions in a different manner between the two sexes. Together, the functional specialization of this ‘non-canonical’ type of BZR/BES member may have contributed to the evolution of reproductive systems.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, particularly among younger age groups. Estimates suggest that people with diabetes die, on average, 6 years earlier than people without diabetes. We aimed to provide reliable estimates of the associations between age at diagnosis of diabetes and all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and reductions in life expectancy.

This article proposes a distributed design method of controllers with a glocal (global/local) information structure for large-scale network systems. The glocal controller of interest has a hierarchical structure, wherein a global subcontroller coordinates a set of disjoint local subcontrollers. The global subcontroller regulates interarea oscillations among subsystems, while local subcontrollers individually regulate intraarea oscillations of the respective subsystem. The distributed design of the glocal controller is addressed to enhance the scalability of controller synthesis, where the global subcontroller and all local subcontrollers are designed independently of each other. A design problem is formulated for subcontroller sets such that any combination of subcontrollers each of which belongs to its corresponding set guarantees stability of the closed-loop system. The core idea of the proposed method is to represent the original network system as a hierarchical cascaded system composed of reduced-order models representing the interarea and intraarea dynamics, referred to as hierarchical model decomposition. Distributed design is achieved by virtue of the cascade structure. The primary findings of this study are twofold. First, a tractable solution to the distributed design problem and an existence condition of the hierarchical model decomposition are presented. Second, a clustering method appropriate for the proposed framework and a robust extension are provided. Numerical examples of a power grid highlight the practical relevance of the proposed method.

A dimeric molecule, di-5(3FM-C4T), with fluoro-substituted mesogenic cores composed of three-aromatic rings and linked by a pentamethylene spacer is prepared. Di-5(3FM-C4T) forms the ferroelectric nematic (NF), ferroelectric smectic-A (SmAPF), and polar isotropic (IsoP) phases. The NFphase is composed of molecules in U-shaped conformation that behave like polar rod-like molecules. The reversal spontaneous polarization (Ps) is approximately 8 μC cm–2, which is extremely large and reflects the huge dipole moment (11.2 D) of the one-side mesogenic core. On the other hand, the SmAPFphase is formed by bent-shaped molecules. The NF–SmAPFphase transition thus follows the conformational change of molecules. The reversal Psof the SmAPFphase is around 4 μC cm–2, which is half of that in the NFphase, and this is an expected value from the bent shape of the molecules. It is interesting that the highest temperature IsoPphase still exhibits the polar structure and possibly retains some polar aggregation of molecules in small domains. The three polar phases exhibit the dielectric mode due to the collective polarization fluctuation at around 100 Hz, giving the high dielectric constant over 8000.

To obtain safe, high-performance Li-ion batteries, the development of electrolytes with high impact resistance and high ionic conductivity is important. Ionic conductivity at room temperature has been improved by using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) diacrylate (PEGDA) to form three-dimensional (3D) networks and solvated ionic liquids. However, the effects of the molecular weight of PEGDA on ionic conductivities and the relationship between ionic conductivities and network structures of cross-linked polymer electrolytes have not been discussed in detail. In this study, the dependence of the ionic conductivity of photo-cross-linked PEG solid electrolytes on the molecular weight of the PEGDA was evaluated. X-ray scattering (XRS) gave detailed information about the dimensions of 3D networks formed by the photo-cross-linking of PEGDA, and the effects of the network structures on the ionic conductivities were discussed.

The structural differences between chiral and racemic crystals of enantiomers have piqued interest, as exemplified by classical Wallach’s rule. However, the mechanical and thermal disparities between these materials have not been thoroughly investigated. This study reports the structural and mechanical differences between chiral and racemic crystals of two analogous molecules. The similarity of molecular and crystal structures between the two analogues was validated through comparison with known chiral–racemic crystal pairs. Young’s moduli of the four crystals revealed larger values for racemic crystals than their chiral counterparts, consistent with the intermolecular interaction energies projected along the loading direction. The thermal response of crystals plays a significant role in their elastic behavior, and the temperature dependence of interaction energies along the [001] direction was found to agree with the temperature dependence of lattice dynamics for all four crystals.

Sepsis after a major hepatectomy is a critical problem. In septic shock, the inflammatory mediator, nitric oxide (NO), is overproduced in hepatocytes and macrophages. The natural antisense (AS) transcripts, non-coding RNAs, are transcribed from a gene that encodes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). iNOS AS transcripts interact with and stabilize iNOS mRNAs. A single-stranded “sense oligonucleotide” (designated as SO1) corresponding to the iNOS mRNA sequence inhibits mRNA-AS transcript interactions and reduces iNOS mRNA levels in rat hepatocytes. In contrast, recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) treats disseminated intravascular coagulopathy by suppressing coagulation, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this study, the combination therapy of SO1 and a low dose of rTM was evaluated for hepatoprotection in a rat septic shock model after partial hepatectomy. Rats underwent 70% hepatectomy, followed by intravenous (i.v.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) after 48 h. SO1 was injected (i.v.) simultaneously with LPS, whereas rTM was injected (i.v.) 1 h before LPS injection. Similarly to our previous report, SO1 increased survival after LPS injection. When rTM, which has different mechanisms of action, was combined with SO1, it did not interfere with the effect of SO1 and showed a significant increase in survival compared with LPS alone treatment. In serum, the combined treatment decreased NO levels. In the liver, the combined treatment inhibited iNOS mRNA and protein expression. A decreased iNOS AS transcript expression by the combined treatment was also observed. The combined treatment decreased mRNA expression of the inflammatory and pro-apoptotic genes while increasing that of the anti-apoptotic gene. Furthermore, the combined treatment reduced the number of myeloperoxidase-positive cells. These results suggested that the combination of SO1 and rTM has therapeutic potential for sepsis.

Realizing large-scale single-mode, high-power, high-beam-quality semiconductor lasers, which rival (or even replace) bulky gas and solid-state lasers, is one of the ultimate goals of photonics and laser physics. Conventional high-power semiconductor lasers, however, inevitably suffer from poor beam quality owing to the onset of many-mode oscillation1,2, and, moreover, the oscillation is destabilized by disruptive thermal effects under continuous-wave (CW) operation3,4. Here, we surmount these challenges by developing large-scale photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with controlled Hermitian and non-Hermitian couplings inside the photonic crystal and a pre-installed spatial distribution of the lattice constant, which maintains these couplings even under CW conditions. A CW output power exceeding 50 W with purely single-mode oscillation and an exceptionally narrow beam divergence of 0.05° has been achieved for photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with a large resonant diameter of 3 mm, corresponding to over 10,000 wavelengths in the material. The brightness, a figure of merit encapsulating both output power and beam quality, reaches 1 GW cm−2sr−1, which rivals those of existing bulky lasers. Our work is an important milestone toward the advent of single-mode 1-kW-class semiconductor lasers, which are expected to replace conventional, bulkier lasers in the near future.

The energetic positions of molecular electronic states at molecule/electrode interfaces are crucial factors for determining the transport and optoelectronic properties of molecular junctions. Strong light–matter coupling offers a potential for manipulating these factors, enabling a boost in the efficiency and versatility of these junctions. Here, we investigate electroluminescence from single-molecule junctions in which the molecule is strongly coupled with the vacuum electromagnetic field in a plasmonic nanocavity. We demonstrate an improvement in the electroluminescence efficiency by employing the strong light–matter coupling in conjunction with the characteristic feature of single-molecule junctions to selectively control the formation of the lowest-energy excited state. The mechanism of efficiency improvement is discussed based on the energetic position and composition of the formed polaritonic states. Our findings indicate the possibility to manipulate optoelectronic conversion in molecular junctions by strong light–matter coupling and contribute to providing design principles for developing efficient molecular optoelectronic devices.

Cowden syndrome is characterized by several clinical features related to tumorous lesions primarily consisting of systemic hamartomas. The mutation of a tumor suppressor gene, the PTENgene, is etiologically involved. As gastrointestinal lesions, polyps of all digestive tracts involving the esophagus to rectum develop. In patients with Cowden syndrome, the risk of colorectal cancer may increase. However, the characteristics of colorectal cancer in these patients remain to be clarified and sufficient findings regarding chemotherapy have not been obtained. A 39-year-old man was treated with a colonic stent for colitis obstructive due to circumferential transverse colon carcinoma. After decompression, elective extended laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed. Preoperative systemic detailed examination revealed characteristic dermal/mucosal findings, polyposis of the upper digestive tract, and a thyroid tumor. On PTENgene sequencing, a mutation was detected at codon 130 of exon 5, leading to a diagnosis of Cowden syndrome. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was performed for 6 months, but recurrent peritoneal dissemination was observed 1 month after its completion. FOLFOXIRI + bevacizumab therapy was started. Transiently, a partial response was achieved in peritoneally disseminated nodes according to the RECIST. There was no increase in the volume of cancerous ascites. However, an increase in the volume of ascites and local relapse were noted at the completion of the tenth course. The regimen was switched to FOLFIRI + panitumumab, but peritoneal dissemination exacerbated and the patient died 18 months after surgery.

We have previously reported that questionnaires and tongue pressure measurements are useful in the study of developmental insufficiency of oral function (DIOF). This study aimed to characterize the masticatory muscle activity of DIOF in children using electromyography to contribute to the future diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Valence and local structures of Eu and Dy ions in Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu, Dy long persistent phosphorescence phosphors synthesized by solid state reaction were investigated. Photo-induced valence change was observed for Eu2+ions, but not for Dy3+ions. The local structure of Dy3+ions was different from those of Sr2+and Eu2+ions. Dy3+ions partially aggregated, in contrast with Eu2+ions. These facts provided an explanation to the question why no photo-induced valence change was observed for Dy3+ions.Photo-induced valence change of Eu2+and Dy3+ions has been regarded as a trigger causing long persistent phosphorescence (LPP) phenomenon of Sr2MgSi2O7:Eu,Dy phosphor. However, definitive evidence on the formation of Dy2+ions has been scarcely obtained. The present study provides an explanation to the question why no photo-induced valence change is observed for Dy3+ions in LPP phosphors.

We propose and demonstrate free-space optical (FSO) communication using photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs). Unlike other types of conventional semiconductor lasers, such as edge-emitting lasers (EELs) and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), PCSELs achieve much larger area single-mode coherent lasing, and this unique feature enables high-power (>watt) and lens-free operations at the same time. To date, these advantages have been recognized to be game changing, especially in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and laser processing applications. In this work, we show that FSO communication can also benefit from these advantages of PCSELs; more specifically, conventional transmitters that include low-power semiconductor lasers, optical lenses, and fiber-based amplifiers could be replaced with a single PCSEL. Since fiber amplifiers usually consist of bulky components and have low conversion efficiencies, PCSELs can offer more space- and power-saving solutions. Moreover, the narrow beam divergence angles directly obtained from large-area single-mode PCSELs can also eliminate the need for lens systems on the transmitter side. To experimentally verify these potential advantages, we performed FSO transmission experiments based on PCSELs and successfully transmitted 480-MHz and 864-MHz orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signals over 1.1 m using a 500-μm PCSEL in a lens-free transmitter configuration. We believe that PCSELs open new possibilities and choices in FSO communication.

Background: Improving oncological curability and preserving urinary function must be established in robotic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. To achieve this, it is important to avoid nerve injury by sharp dissection of the avascular plane by the monopolar device and thermal spread. The aim of this study was to improve the robotic TME quality by focusing on the theory of fundamental use of surgical energy (FUSE) of the monopolar device and investigating the surgical procedure. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, 26 consecutive patients who underwent robotic TME for rectal cancer at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between June 2022 and August 2022 were included. All surgeries were performed by FUSE-certified surgeons in accordance with FUSE theory, which was, thermal effect = current density (current/area) squared × tissue resistance × contact time. Result: The median age of the patients was 64 years (range 40–79 years), and 17 patients were male. The median operative time was 287 min (range 229–430 min); median bleeding volume, 22 ml (range 5–223 ml); and the median number of harvested lymph nodes, 17 (range 4–40). The conversion rate to open surgery was 0%. A breakdown of Clavien-Dindo classification Grade ≥ II post-operative complications was as follows: surgical site infection, one patient (3.8%); ileus, one patient (3.8%); and urinary dysfunction, one patient (3.8%). No surgery-related or in-hospital deaths occurred. The pathological positive resection margin was not observed. Conclusions: Robotic TME for rectal cancer based on the theory of FUSE can be safely performed, making it a promising surgical procedure. It is suggested that robotic surgeons acquire surgical operation skills with monopolar devices based on the principles of FUSE, which may lead to an increased quality of robotic TME.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has recently received much attention worldwide because of environmental concerns. In general, users and fabricators use high-cost welding materials such as Ni-based weld metals. For highly efficient welding and lower cost welding materials, our research group are developing 12%Ni steel weld metals for electroslag welding (ESW). However, it has reported that the Charpy impact energies decreased as notch position approached the final solidification part in ESW. To improve microstructure at this position, electromagnetic stirring (EMS) is applied for ESW in this study. In the weld metal with EMS, equiaxed prior-γ grains were formed at the final solidification part. The shape of the solidification structure was changed from columnar to equiaxed. This result indicates that change of convection in molten metal by EMS induces dendrite fragmentation and the equiaxed grains are formed. In addition, the number density of inclusions in the weld metal decreased by EMS. From results of the simulation, it is suggested that interaction of inclusions changes depending on distribution of flow velocity in molten metal.

Pendulum systems have been studied and used for several decades to demonstrate principles in the systems and control community. The Furuta Pendulum has been a popular system because it is safe and compact while allowing profound complexity for the small number of degrees-of-freedom. A modern update is presented in this paper to enhance the public accessibility of the system for educational and industry control demonstrations. Several updates to the Furuta Pendulum are provided and the design approach for each is described in detail. Manual-only and automatic control modes are enabled to promote user intuition of automatic control schemes. Manual-only control is enabled by disengaging a mechanical coupler from the DC motor and main shaft. 3D printing provides an economical and flexible approach for creating the system for kits and public sharing. Almost all parts are printed with PLA, including the shafts. An open-source BeagleBoneBlue controller was used to encourage public availability of project materials. A nonlinear model is derived and linearized for experimental validation to prove the model's validity for various control demonstrations. The linear model is a state-space realization with lumped parameters. The parameters were estimated using the Simulink Parameter Estimation workflow.

We consider a day-ahead scheduling problem for resources based on photovoltaic (PV) generation and demand profile predictions. Because the predicted profiles contain uncertainty, the set of profiles is represented as a confidence interval. Giving the predicted profile as a confidence interval, we consider the problem of obtaining ranges for the optimal operating profiles of storage batteries and thermal power plants. This corresponds to finding the region of possible solutions for all parameters representing PV/demand predictions. In order to find the exact solution region efficiently, we focus on the monotonicity of the solution. In particular, we aim to clarify what kind of optimization problem possesses monotonicity. As a first step, we have performed monotonicity analysis in various settings so far. In this study, we show that the problem, where the network structure is taken into account, has monotonicity under conditions with a theoretical proof. We also confirm its practical significance with a numerical example.

This paper proposes a method to evaluate the stability of equilibria, corresponding to supply-demand balance for a nonlinear power system, considering the convexity of a potential energy function with respect to an electromagnetic dynamics. The proposed method is devised based on the fact that the entire power system is represented as a feedback system of two subsystems having equilibrium-independent passivity. Because the storage function for equilibrium-independent passivity has the form of the Bregman divergence with respect to the potential energy function, the convex domain of the storage function coincides with that of the potential energy function, which is specific to the power system. Therefore, the domain of attraction is wider if the corresponding equilibrium is located near the center of the convex domain, and narrower if it is located near the boundary of the convex domain. Based on this fact, we also consider improving the stability of the power system by adjusting the inverter parameters. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stability evaluation method and stability improvement using a power system consisting of three generators.

To generate accurate time scales, such as national standard time in each country and network time in communication systems, a novel prediction algorithm is proposed for the atomic clock ensembles in which the system is unobservable. In the proposed prediction algorithm, to deal with unobservable state space, we consider a steady-state Kalman filter and an intuitive prediction algorithm to separately treat the observable and unobservable state spaces after Kalman canonical decomposition. It turns out that the basis selection plays an important role in affecting prediction performance. We compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with the conventional one and discuss the possibility of prediction improvements by altering the transformation matrix. A couple of numerical examples are presented to illustrate the efficacy of our results.

In this paper, we analyze a generalized version of the Allan variance, referred to as a higher-order Allan variance, that can evaluate the frequency stability of multi-dimensional atomic clocks as a function of the measurement interval. It is known that the standard Allan variance, a measure to evaluate the frequency stability of atomic clocks, has a concern that its value for third-order atomic clocks, such as hydrogen maser, is dependent not only on the sampling interval of measurement data, but also on the time of measurement. To resolve this issue, this paper introduces the higher-order Allan variance defined for the higher-order difference of clock reading deviations. The main contribution of this paper is to mathematically prove that the higher-order Allan variance depends only on the sampling interval of clock reading deviations, for which a sufficiently high order of difference is considered. Furthermore, we present numerical simulation studying the numerical stability of the higher-order Allan variance computation for time series data of clock reading deviations.

In the early stage of the formation of tidal-induced topographic separation vortices, the center of the vortices in a gradient-flow balance with a Rossby number Ro = |ζ/f| > 2 (ζ is relative vorticity and f is planetary vorticity) always has a lower pressure region than that at the rim regardless of the sign of Z- At the eastern outlet of the Tsugaru Strait, two vortices were actually generated behind Ooma-zaki in a clockwise eddy and behind the Shiokubi Cape in an anti-clockwise eddy during the declining phase of eastward passage flow. The existence of local vertical flow and vertical mixing around these vortices were indirectly suggested by large amplitude displacements of internal interface displacement, reducing of the vertical salinity maximum, and cold water distributed at the sea surface. In order to clarify the physical mechanism responsible for generating such vertical flows in the rotating system (f > 0 in the Northern Hemisphere), i. e., the nonlinear Ekman pumping process, we carried out hydrostatic multi-layer numerical experiments of homogeneous fluid allowing a dominant diurnal tidal current with the same amplitude as the eastward passage flow. As a result, remarkable vertical flow synchronized with the tidal cycle could be reproduced. When only a clockwise vortex is spun down to ζ/f > -2, the sign of the horizontal pressure gradient force inside the vortex (outward positive) changed from negative to positive. So, the interior region of the vortex column gradually replaced the state of downwelling and convergence from bottom to top. This alternation acts to maintain the vortex so that a clockwise eddy with ζ < 0 on the Ooma-zaki side is hard to break down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing recurrence following radical resection of colon cancer without overtreatment or undertreatment remains a challenge. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (Adj) is currently administered based solely on pathologic TNM stage. However, prognosis can vary significantly among patients with the same disease stage. Therefore, novel classification systems in addition to the TNM are necessary to inform decision-making regarding postoperative treatment strategies, especially stage II and III disease, and minimize overtreatment and undertreatment with Adj. We developed a prognostic prediction system for colorectal cancer using a combined convolutional neural network and support vector machine approach to extract features from hematoxylin and eosin staining images. We combined the TNM and our artificial intelligence (AI)–based classification system into a modified TNM-AI classification system with high discriminative power for recurrence-free survival. Furthermore, the cancer cell population recognized by this system as low risk of recurrence exhibited the mutational signature SBS87 as a genetic phenotype. The novel AI-based classification system developed here is expected to play an important role in prognostic prediction and personalized treatment selection in oncology.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between developmental disorders and oral function assessed using the mouth rinsing function test (MRFT).

Multiarmed functional cyclosiloxanes were obtained via a facile synthesis through the photocatalytic thiol-ene reaction of 1,3,5-trivinyl-1,3,5-trimethylcyclosiloxane (D3V), 1,3,5,7-tetravinyl-1,3,5,7-tetramethylcyclosiloxane (D4V), and 1,3,5,7,9-pentavinyl-1,3,5,7,9-pentamethylcyclosiloxane (D5V) with cysteamine hydrochloride under mild conditions. A subsequent desalting reaction with triethylamine was conducted to obtain amine-functionalized cyclosiloxanes with ring structures (D4Aand D5A). The chemical structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectra. The regioselectivities of the final products were determined with β-adducts as high as 93% irrespective of the number of cyclosiloxane rings. The amino-functionalized cyclosiloxane monomers underwent a mild Schiff base reaction to obtain hybrid networks. Their morphologies, thermal properties, and porosities were also investigated.

Three kinds of bent-shaped dimeric molecules are synthesized by fluorine substitution of C16 molecules, and influences of the substitution on the polar smectic phases are examined. The fluorine-substituted C16 molecules form the SmAPFand SmCAPAphases. The transition temperatures decrease by 20–30 °C without significantly changing the temperature span of the smectic phase, and the switching rates to the ferroelectric state become 5–10 μs, which are fairly shorter than 250 μs of C16. These behaviors are considered to be caused by the decrease in the intermolecular force and the decrease in the viscosity. The anchoring behavior also appears to be different. On the indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated cell, the fluorine-substituted molecules are homogeneously aligned with the bent (polar) axes perpendicular to the surface, while the bent axes of ordinary bent-shaped molecules lie parallel to the surface. This may be attributable to the repulsion between the fluorine and ITO electrodes. Further, the fluorine substitution can increase the dipole moment of the molecule. The largest dipole moment obtained is 7.94 D, and this leads to a huge reversal polarization of 2.42 μC cm–2, which is much higher compared to those reported in the bent-shaped molecules.

Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) are one of the most energetic galactic sources with bright emissions from radio waves to very high-energy gamma-rays. We perform wideband X-ray spectroscopy of four energetic PWNe, N 157 B, PSR J1813−1749, PSR J1400−6325, and G21.5−0.9, with the Suzaku, Chandra, NuSTAR, and Hitomi observatories. A significant spectral break or cut-off feature is found in the hard X-ray band for all the samples, except for N 157 B. The break energies in the broken power-law fitting are in the range of 4–14 keV, whereas the cut-off energies in the cut-off power-law fitting are at 22 keV or higher. The break or cut-off energy does not show a significant correlation with either the spin-down energy or characteristic age of the hosting pulsars. A possible correlation is found between the photon index change in the broken power-law fitting and the X-ray emitting efficiency of the pulsars, although its significance is not high enough to be conclusive. We discuss what determines the break parameters based on simple models.

Background: Lateral pelvic lymph node (LPLN) dissection is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of advanced low rectal cancer patients. However, the surgery has several disadvantages, including its technical complexity and high risk of urinary dysfunction. Herein, we report a new technique for robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for advanced low rectal cancer with emphasis on en bloc resection and inferior vesical vessel preservation. Methods: Robotic LPLN dissection was performed in 12 consecutive patients between April 2020 and December 2021. Six surgical ports were placed in the abdomen under general anesthesia. Fascia-oriented LPLN dissection of the internal iliac region and obturator region was performed using the ureterohypogastric nerve fascia, vesicohypogastric fascia, and internal obturator muscles as anatomical landmarks. Lymph nodes were resected en bloc via the caudal side of the inferior vesical vessels. The inferior vesical vessels were spared to prevent urinary dysfunction. Results: The median patient age was 62 years (range, 43–82 years), and eight patients were male. The median operative time was 498 min (range, 424–661 min), the median bleeding volume was 56 ml (range, 13–467 ml), and the median number of harvested LPLN was 16 (range, 1–70). The conversion rate to open surgery was 0%. Clavien–Dindo Grade ≥ II urinary dysfunction rated was not observed. Conclusion: A new technique for robotic LPLN dissection for advanced low rectal cancer with emphasis on en bloc resection and inferior vesical vessel preservation can be safely performed, making it a promising surgical procedure.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2008.07.051 Byline: Masaki Kaibori, Morihiko Ishizaki, Takamichi Saito, Kosuke Matsui, A.-Hon Kwon, Yasuo Kamiyama Keywords: Small hepatocellular carcinoma; Hepatic resection; Early recurrence; Risk factor Abstract: This study aimed to clarify risk factors for early recurrence and examine the subsequent outcome in patients undergoing potentially R0 resection of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) ([less than or equal to]2 cm in greatest dimension). Author Affiliation: Department of Surgery, Hirakata Hospital, Kansai Medical University, 2-3-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1191, Japan Article History: Received 8 February 2008; Revised 11 July 2008

Purpose: The development of equipment to study the dynamic balance is necessary for the understanding of postural balance. This study aimed to develop a bipodal force platform with controlled biaxial rotation, for assessment and training of people with different levels of postural balance. Methods: A force platform with two plates and eight load cells was developed, with biaxial tilting controlled by four stepper motors. The load cell data processing and tilt control is performed by a dashboard connected to a microcontroller. To validate the device, accuracy tests of the position of the center of pressure (COP), tilt amplitude, and speed were made. Experimental tests with 5 volunteers were also performed. Results: Accuracy tests results show that COP calculation has an average error of − 1.634 mm on the Xaxis and − 0.216 mm on the Yaxis. The tilt tests show an average error of 0.28% on the Xaxis and 1.02% on the Yaxis. The maximum inclination of the device in both axes is 25° with the tilting speed up to 13°/s collecting pressure data and 21°/s without collecting. Experimental tests have shown the usability of the device for human postural balance in dynamic situations. Conclusion: The developed force platform provides data that allow calculation of ground reaction forces and COP, at different amplitudes and speeds of inclination. The device can be helpful for dynamic posturography and postural balance studies, to use in individuals with low as well as high level of postural balance.

This study reports the electric switching behaviors and dielectric properties of the ferroelectric smectic-A (SmAPF), anti-ferroelectric smectic-A (SmAPA), anti-ferroelectric SmCAPA, and smectic-A (SmA) phases formed by mixing the bent-shaped dimeric molecules, α,ω-bis(4-alkoxyanilinebenzylidene-4′-carbonyloxy)pentanes. These four phases each show characteristic features. The SmAPFshows a low threshold electric field for ferroelectric switching and a large dielectric strength due to the collective fluctuation mode of dipoles at around 500 Hz. Both the threshold electric field and dielectric strength are strongly dependent on the cell thickness. The threshold field decreases to 0.1 V μm–1, and the dielectric strength increases up to a huge value of 10,000 as the cell thickness increases up to 80 μm. The SmAPAalso shows a similar collective mode at around 2 kHz with a relatively small dielectric strength (around 200), which may be induced by the anti-phase rotation of dipoles in adjacent layers. In these collective modes, the dielectric strength is found to be inversely proportional to the switching threshold field. On the other hand, another anti-ferroelectric SmCAPAas well as the paraelectric SmA show only the non-collective mode (i.e., rotational relaxation of individual molecules around their short axes) at a high frequency of around 100 kHz.