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A large body of experimental studies shows that the local dynamics in supercooled liquids are significantly altered by spatial nanoconfinement. In a previous study, we proposed a concept of a dynamically correlated network (DCN) model, which assumes that segments in a supercooled liquid undergo cooperative rearrangements within a network-like cluster. We further demonstrated that a model modified for freestanding thin films can predict for the glass transition dynamics in atactic polystyrene (PS) films consistent with experimental results. In this study, we adapted the model to apply it to supported thin films by introducing a layer of virtual vacant segments at the free surface and virtual anchoring segments at the liquid/substrate interface. The latter segments, carrying a finite number of virtual segments, reduce mobility at the interface. We evaluated the cooperative cluster size and distribution with respect to temperature and film thickness, along with the average relaxation time and glass transition temperature Tgfor supported thin films of PS. The model predicted that the thickness dependence of Tgfor PS becomes stronger with increasing time scale, and this result agreed well with experimental data across different timescales from pseudothermodynamic and dynamic measurements. The results provide insights into the origin of the dynamical decoupling between pseudothermodynamic and dynamic glass transition behaviors.

Irreversible adsorption of polymer chains from a melt on a substrate surface can be strongly affected by interfacial interactions. In this study, we examined the adsorption of two polymers, poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PtBMA) and poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA), on a silica surface at temperatures above their glass transition temperatures. The degree of adsorption γ(t) over time was evaluated with variations of storage heat capacity determined with alternating current chip nanocalorimetry (in-situ measurement of a buried interface). γ(t) revealed two-step profiles for both polymers. At the second stage of adsorption (regime II), the slope of a plot of γ(t) vs. log tincreased as adsorption proceeded; this trend has not been reported for other polymers and may be characteristic of the present polymers. The trend observed in regime II suggested that the unadsorbed free chains near the interface became less mobile and were incorporated into the adsorbed layer via interactions with the tails of the chains directly attached to the substrate surface. The increasing slope in regime II was more prominent for PtBMA than for PEMA. In addition, a difference was observed for PtBMA and PEMA in the atomic force microscopy images of the exposed adsorption layer surfaces.

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fluid collections (POPFCs) are common adverse events (AEs) after pancreatic surgery and may need interventions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage for POPFCs is increasingly reported, but its appropriate timing has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate treatment outcomes of POPFCs according to the timing of EUS-guided drainage. Methods: Using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, we identified clinical studies published until December 2022 with data comparing outcomes of early and delayed EUS-guided drainage for POPFCs. We pooled data on AEs, mortality, and technical and clinical success rates, using the random-effects model. Results: From 1415 papers identified in the initial literature search, we identified 6 retrospective studies, including 128 and 107 patients undergoing early and delayed EUS-guided drainage for POPFCs. The threshold of early and delayed drainage ranged from 14 to 30 days. Distal pancreatectomy was the major cause of POPFCs, ranging from 44 to 100%. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for AEs was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–1.64, P= 0.55) comparing early to delayed drainage. There was no procedure-related mortality. Technical success was achieved in all cases and a pooled OR of clinical success was 0.60 (95% CI 0.20–1.83, P= 0.37). Conclusion: POPFCs can be managed by early EUS-guided drainage without an increase in AEs.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the strength development of cement-treated soils by considering not only the interactions among cement hydration and pozzolanic reaction, but also the carbonation process. Indeed, the chemical [...]

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of carbonation, water content, and pozzolanic reaction under the drying condition on the strength development of cement-treated soils. Two soil specimen types (i.e., sand [...]

This work presents the first high-aspect-ratio alumina stiffening structures, fabricated by combining atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina with silicon deep reactive ion etching (Si-DRIE), designed to improve MEMS micromirror devices. By selective etching of an alumina-coated silicon mold, we produced vertical alumina fins with a depth up to $500 \mu \text{m}$ and a width down to $0.13 \mu \text{m}$ , corresponding film-aspect-ratios up to 3800. We applied this stiffening structure to a lightweight MEMS micromirror with $215 \mu \text{m}$ thickness and 2 mm diameter. We characterized the optical flatness and dynamic deformation of this device, which are quantities of interest for compact image projection systems.

The anomalous dynamics and glass transition behaviors of supercooled liquids under nanoconfinement, such as ultrathin polymer films, have attracted much attention in recent decades. However, a complete elucidation of this mechanism has not yet been achieved. For the dynamics of bulk materials without confinement, we previously proposed a dynamically correlated network (DCN) model, which was found to agree well with the experimental data. The model assumes that segments with thermal fluctuations are dynamically correlated to their neighbors to form string-like clusters, which eventually grow into networks as temperature decreases. In this study, we applied the DCN model to nanoconfined free-standing films by using a simple cubic lattice sandwiched between two free surface layers consisting of virtual “uncorrelated” segments. The average size of DCNs at lower temperatures decreased with decreasing thickness because of confinement. This trend was associated with a decrease in the percolation temperature at which the size of DCN diverges. It was also revealed that the fractal dimension of the generated DCNs exhibits a peak with respect to temperature. The segmental relaxation time for free-standing polystyrene films was evaluated, and the predicted thickness dependence of the glass transition temperature qualitatively agreed with the experimental data. The results suggest that the concept of DCN is compatible with the dynamics of free-standing thin films.

Background: The use of duckbill-type anti-reflux metal stents (DMS) in reinterventions after covered metal stent (CMS) dysfunction has been reported in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). However, the superiority of DMS over conventional CMS (c-CMS) has not been established. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of DMS as a second stent in comparison with c-CMS. Methods: We investigated consecutive patients with distal MBO due to unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent reintervention after dysfunction of initial biliary CMS at our institution. We compared causes of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), adverse events (AEs), and reintervention rates of DMS and c-CMS in this stenting. Results: A total of 76 patients were included (DMS 41 and c-CMS 35). While overall RBO rates were similar between the two groups (46% vs. 63%, p= 0.172), RBO due to non-occlusion cholangitis tended to be less frequent in the DMS group than in the c-CMS group (2% vs. 14%, p= 0.089). Median TRBO was significantly longer in the DMS group (286 days vs. 112 days, p= 0.029). DMS was identified as the only significant risk factor for TRBO (hazard ratio, 0.52; p= 0.044). Overall AE rates were significantly lower in the DMS group (2% vs. 23%, p= 0.010), with non-occlusion cholangitis being the most common AE in the c-CMS group. Endoscopic reintervention was successfully performed in all patients in both groups, despite failed stent removal in 15% of patients in DMS group. Conclusions: DMS was associated with a significantly longer TRBO and lower rate of AEs compared with c-CMS in reinterventions after initial CMS dysfunction. DMS may be preferable to c-CMS as a second stent after biliary CMS dysfunction.

Background: Outcomes of partially covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) as an additional stent after recurrent duodenal obstruction (RDO) have not been elucidated. In this study, we compared outcomes of partially covered and uncovered SEMS placement after RDO in patients with malignant duodenal obstruction and explored factors affecting re-recurrent obstruction and overall survival in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing SEMS placement for RDO at a cancer institute in Japan from July 2014 to June 2021. Clinical variables and outcomes of patients undergoing partially covered and uncovered SEMS placement were compared. Results: Sixty-one patients underwent SEMS placement after RDO, for which the COMVI stent was used in 38 cases and uncovered stents were used in 23 cases. Stent ingrowth was the most common cause of RDO (51.4%). Stent migration only occurred after partially covered stent placement (20% vs. 0%, p= 0.018). Choice of SEMS had no impact on time to re-RDO (median 2.8 vs. 4.1 months, p= 0.776) or overall survival (median 2.6 vs. 2.4 months, p= 0.703). Median overall survival was longer in patients receiving chemotherapy after second stenting (4.6 vs. 1.8 months, p< 0.001) and shorter in those with early RDO, regardless of the SEMS used. Use of the partially covered stent had no impact on survival or time to RDO. Conclusions: While outcomes after partially covered SEMS placement for RDO were not significantly different from uncovered SEMS, migration remains a concern when they are used as a second stent. Chemotherapy after second stenting was associated with longer overall survival but not with longer time to re-RDO.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2009.12.005 Byline: Takashi Sasaki (a), Shoichi Tsuda (a), R. Kirk Riemer (a), Chandra Ramamoorthy (b), V. Mohan Reddy (a), Frank L. Hanley (a) Abbreviations: ACP, antegrade cerebral perfusion; CBF, cerebral blood flow; CPB, cardiopulmonary bypass; DHCA, deep hypothermic circulatory arrest; NIRS, near-infrared spectroscopy; rSO2, regional oxygen saturation Abstract: Antegrade cerebral perfusion is widely used in neonatal heart surgery, yet commonly used flow rates have never been standardized. The objective of this study was to determine the antegrade cerebral perfusion flow rate that most closely matches standard cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. Author Affiliation: (a) Stanford University, Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford, Calif (b) Stanford University, Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford, Calif Article History: Received 1 July 2009; Revised 24 November 2009; Accepted 7 December 2009 Article Note: (footnote) Disclosures: None.

Anti-microRNA oligonucleotides (AMOs) are valuable tools for the treatment of diseases caused by the dysregulation of microRNA expression. However, the correlation between chemical modifications in AMO sequences and the microRNA-inhibitory activity has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we synthesized a series of AMOs containing cationic guanidine-bridged nucleic acids (GuNA) and evaluated their activities using a dual luciferase assay. We also optimized the site of GuNA substitution and found an effective design for the inhibition of microRNA-21, which was partially different from that of conventional nucleic acid derivatives. This study showed that GuNA-substituted AMOs are effective in inhibiting the function of microRNA.

Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS) is a rare, congenital defect presenting with micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction with variable inclusion of a cleft palate. Overlapping PRS with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a syndrome caused by a chromosome 22q12 microdeletion including NF2. We describe a patient with severe early-onset NF2 overlapping with PRS that showed micrognathia, glossoptosis, and a mild form of cleft palate. We detected a de novo chromosome 22q12 microdeletion including MN1and NF2in the patient. Previous cases of overlapping PRS and NF2 caused by the chromosome 22q12 microdeletions showed severe NF2 phenotypes with variable severity of cleft palate and microdeletions of varying sizes. Genotype-phenotype correlations and comparison of the size and breakpoint of microdeletions suggest that some modifier genes distal to MN1and NF2might be linked to the cleft palate severity.

Maslinic acid, a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene in more than 30 plants (including olives), reportedly increases human muscle mass and muscle strength; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard diet or supplemented with 0.27% maslinic acid for 4 weeks, and their skeletal muscle mass was measured. Mice that consumed maslinic acid displayed significant increases in gastrocnemius and soleus muscle mass. Cultured mouse-C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were treated with mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) or protein kinase b (Akt) inhibitor, and protein synthesis was quantified. Maslinic acid accelerated protein synthesis via mTORC1 activation independent of Akt. Furthermore, maslinic acid activated human Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) more strongly than mouse TGR5, augmenting the expression of several genes related to muscular hypertrophy. Maslinic acid activated mTORC1 and human TGR5, implying its contribution to human muscular hypertrophy through these effects.Graphical AbstractMaslinic acid accelerates protein synthesis via mTORC1 and increases the expression of muscle hypertrophy-related genes via human TGR5.

In a previous article, we proposed a surface-controlled cooperatively rearranging region (SCC) model that mimics the segmental dynamics of supercooled liquids, including polymeric materials. By introducing surface/interface effects into the SCC model, the size-dependent dynamics of nanosized polymer materials such as ultrathin films can be predicted. In this study, the SCC model is extended to various nanomaterial geometries, i.e., filled fibers (cylinders), filled spheres, hollow fibers, hollow spheres, core/shell fibers, core/shell spheres, and thin films and spheres embedded in a substrate. We formulated temperature-dependent hole (free-volume) fraction profiles with respect to local position in the nanomaterials, and evaluated the weighted average of the hole fraction to consider the coupled dynamics in nanoconfined systems. The predicted glass transition temperature (Tg) and fragility (m) of filled spheres of polystyrene coincide qualitatively with experimental observations reported in literature. The geometry dependence of the dynamics was also investigated, and it was revealed that Tg(filled sphere)?> Tg(filled fiber)?>?Tg(free-standing film) when compared at the same surface area to volume ratio, whereas for fragility, the opposite trend was found, i.e., m(free-standing film)?>?m(filled fiber)?>?m(filled sphere).

There have been a few cases of echogenic cardiac implantable electric device (CIED) lead‐associated oscillating intracardiac masses (ICMs) in leads imaged by echocardiography. The histological properties of ICMs could help clarify the etiological diagnosis. Although there is extensive literature on mass size, the histological properties of such masses have not been characterized. The aim of this research was to clarify the histological features of oscillating ICMs in CIED patients. Preoperative echocardiography was performed in all candidates for CIED removal. In the patients with ICMs, specimens were obtained by 3 methods: direct tissue collection during open‐heart surgery; tissue collection together with the CIED lead during transvenous extraction; and tissue collection by catheter vacuum during transvenous CIED removal. A standard histopathological examination of ICM tissue was performed. A total of 106 patients underwent lead removal in our institute (April 2009‐March 2018); 14 patients had an ICM (13.2%), and 7 specimens were obtained in patients with CIED lead‐related ICM. Following histological examination, 2 types of ICM were identified: one mainly composed of thickened endocardium (EN type; 3 patients), and the other mainly an aggregate of inflammatory cells as a neutrophil cell (NC type; 4 patients). Two histological types of intracardiac masses, including a thickened endocardium type and a neutrophil cell type, were identified. These classifications might help make an accurate histological diagnosis of lead‐associated intracardiac masses. This research was to clarify the histological features of oscillating ICMs in CIED patients. Two histological types of intracardiac masses, including a thickened endocardium type and a neutrophil cell type, were identified. These classifications might help make an accurate histological diagnosis of lead‐associated intracardiac masses.

In order to contend with decreasing gross amounts and soaring costs, viable rice production in Japan requires high yield levels. This study assessed the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and soil chemical properties on rice yield. Data were recorded in 2014 and 2015 from 93 paddy fields at a farm larger than 30 ha in Hokuriku Region, Japan. Koshihikari, the most widely planted rice variety in Japan, was cultivated in the sampled fields. Soil chemical properties were quantified using 12 variables, namely pH, cation exchange capacity, phosphoric acid content, silicic acid content, content and saturation of the three exchangeable bases, and the equivalent ratios of calcium to magnesium and magnesium to potassium. Three principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining 76% of the total variation and comprised mainly the magnesium (PC1), potassium (PC2), and acidity–basicity (PC3) variables. The multivariate regression model retained significant determinants, with the standardized principal components (SPCs) and the time trend explaining 66.6% of the total variation. The results showed that higher squared values of SPC1positively related to rice yield, while SPC2and SPC3increased rice yield up to a threshold, at which point increases plateaued. These findings were then confirmed through correlation analyses between each soil chemical property and both the PCs and rice yield. The effect of nitrogen fertilizer was insignificant, due to low variation among the paddy fields in which the special cultivation regime was adopted. Further investigations were conducted into countermeasures to improve soil chemical properties, especially those highly related to SPC2and SPC3.

Neonatal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) results in poor outcomes if it is associated with preterm delivery and an immature histology. Furthermore, some patients experience recurrence, generally one to two years later. We herein present a preterm infant case of an immature SCT with metastatic recurrence within two months of the initial resection.

The genomic organization of the medaka fish Y chromosome, which is one of the youngest heterogametic sex chromosomes on which molecular data are available is studied. It is observed that more ancestral structure of the medaka Y is conserved and insights into some of the initial processes of Y chromosome evolution is provided.

This paper is an overview of multimirror array (MMA) optics for augmented reality (AR) devices. MMA optics is compact optics for constructing augmented reality devices. We made a prototype wearable display with MMA optics. By using MMA, the appearance of our wearable display is like a typical eyeglasses. We also made a prototype wide field of view combiners for head-up displays (HUD) with a Fresnel reflector. In addition, we developed optical distortion correction for projecting the images on MMA. Projected images are undistorted, thus ghost images are eliminated.

Objective: Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) combination chemotherapy is the current standard of care for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Recently, a randomized controlled trial showed the non-inferiority in overall survival of gemcitabine and S-1 (GS) compared to GC. Because leucovorin is known to enhance the activity of S-1, we conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of combination therapy of gemcitabine, S-1 and leucovorin (GSL). Methods: Advanced BTC patients without prior treatment other than surgery or adjuvant chemotherapy were eligible to this study. Gemcitabine was administered at a dose of 1000 mg/m2on day 1, and oral S-1 at a dose of 40 mg/m2and oral leucovorin at a dose of 25 mg twice daily on days 1–7, every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was PFS and the secondary endpoints included OS, objective tumour response and the safety. Results: Between June 2013 and December 2015, 20 patients with advanced BTC (12 gallbladder, 4 extrahepatic, 2 intrahepatic, 2 ampulla) including 16 unresectable disease and 4 recurrent disease were enroled. The median PFS and OS were 5.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 – not reached) and 16.0 (95% CI, 6.4–20.8) months, respectively. A partial response was achieved in 3 (15%) and stable disease in 8 (40%), giving a disease control rate of 55%. Major grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (30%), anaemia (5%), stomatitis (15%), diarrhoea (15%) and anorexia (10%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: This study showed the feasibility and potential efficacy of GSL as a first-line treatment in patients with advanced BTC.

The length of the desmoglein (DSG) transmembrane domain (TMD) is important for lipid raft association, and a mutation within the DSG1 TMD that abrogates raft association causes a skin disease. Cryo-ET indicates that the lipid bilayer within desmosomes is thicker than the surrounding plasma membrane, suggesting that the desmosome is a specialized lipid raft–like membrane domain.

We investigated the possibility of detecting the interfacial glass transition of a polymer with static contact angle measurements of a liquid polyethylene glycol on the polymer surface. The observed contact angle θreflects the deviation from an equilibrium state at low temperatures, and the temperature dependence of cos θchanges discontinuously at the interfacial glass transition temperature Tg, manifesting a change in the interfacial entropy. This outcome was demonstrated experimentally for a liquid of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on an atactic polystyrene (PS) surface. The evaluated Tgwas ca. 362 K. This value is lower than a calorimetric Tgfor a bulk PS. This difference reflects molecular interactions at the interface, indicating that the Tgobtained from the contact angle measurement is sensitive to the dynamics near the polymer/liquid interface.

This paper presents detailed performance values of the Magnetic Search Coil (MSC) that is part of the Plasma Wave Experiment on board the Arase (ERG) satellite. The MSC consists of a three-axis search coil magnetometer with a 200-mm-long magnetic core. The MSC plays a central role in the magnetic field observations, particularly for whistler mode chorus and hiss waves in a few kHz frequency range, which may cause local acceleration and/or rapid loss of radiation belt electrons. Accordingly, the MSC was carefully designed and developed to operate well in harsh radiation environments. To ascertain the wave-normal vectors, polarizations, and refractive indices of the plasma waves in a wide frequency band, the output signals detected by the MSC are fed into the two different wave receivers: one is the WaveForm Capture/Onboard Frequency Analyzer for waveform and spectrum observations in the frequency range from a few Hz up to 20 kHz, and the other is the High Frequency Analyzer for spectrum observations in the frequency range from 10 to 100 kHz. The noise equivalent magnetic induction of the MSC is $$20\,{\hbox {fT/Hz}}^{1/2}$$ 20fT/Hz1/2 at a frequency of 2 kHz, and the null depth of directionality is − 40 dB, which is equivalent to an angular error less than $$1^{\circ }$$ 1∘ . The MSC on board the Arase satellite is the first experiment using a current-sensitive preamplifier for probing the plasma waves in the radiation belts.

We have attempted to develop a novel insulin delivery system for treatment of diabetes with combining tissue engineering and ex vivo gene manipulations. The aim of present study is to [...]

While ex vivo gene therapy using wide range of non-endocrine cells is potentially beneficial for treatment of type 1 diabetes, establishment of efficient processing of proinsulin is also essential to [...]

Virtual reality technologies are significant for medical applications. Canon's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, “Vantage Galan 3T,” focused on patient comfort. The MRI head‐up display (MRI‐HUD) system was also provided as “MR Theater” for this purpose. MRI‐HUD is based on Head Dome Projector (HDP). HDP is a head‐mounted display consisting of a dome‐shaped screen and a mobile LED projector with an ultra‐wide projection lens. HDP was created to demonstrate that non‐flat plane images provide a superior hyper‐realistic impression. In the development process of HDP, we carried out subjective evaluation to confirm the effects of elimination of the flat plane for a hyper‐realistic impression. And we confirmed that the images on the dome screen provide a better impression than the images on a cylindrical screen or a flat screen. MRI‐HUD is a head‐up display system that uses HDP as a real image source. A dome screen and a reflection mirror composed of non‐magnetic materials are constructed beside the patient's bed in the MRI gantry. MRI‐HUD creates wide field‐of‐view images that eliminate the feeling of limited space of the MRI gantry from the beginning to end of the examination. Head‐up display for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI‐HUD) system uses dome screen as a real image source. A dome screen and a reflection mirror composed of non‐magnetic materials are constructed beside the patient's bed in the MRI gantry. MRI‐HUD creates wide‐field‐of‐view images that eliminate the feeling of limited space of the MRI gantry from the beginning to the end of the examination.

This open‐label, parallel‐group, multicenter study aimed to assess the effects of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of luseogliflozin. A single 5‐mg dose of luseogliflozin was administered to Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the following groups: G1, normal renal function; G2, mild renal impairment; G3a, mild to moderate impairment; G3b, moderate to severe impairment; G4, severe impairment, based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ≥90, 60–89, 45–59, 30–44, 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). While luseogliflozin pharmacokinetics were similar for patients across all renal function groups, the increase in plasma concentration was slightly slower and maximum concentration was slightly reduced in the lower eGFR groups compared with the other groups. However, luseogliflozin pharmacodynamics were affected by the severity of renal impairment. Urinary glucose excretion (UGE) increased in all groups relative to baseline levels, but the degree of UGE increase was smaller in the lower eGFR groups. Moreover, plasma glucose AUC changes from baseline tended to be smaller in the lower eGFR groups. No clear trends were observed between eGFR and incidence, type, or severity of adverse events. Thus, luseogliflozin administration should be carefully considered, as patients with renal impairment may show an insufficient response to treatment.

ABSTRACTTransmembrane protein 100 (TMEM100) comprises 134 amino acid residues and is highly conserved among vertebrates. Tmem100 has been recently reported as a key factor in angiogenesis, pain transmission, and tumor suppression. Although the importance of TMEM100 function is well supported, few studies have elucidated its expression mechanism. In the current study, we found that activating transcription factor 6α, a transcription factor activated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, enhanced Tmem100promoter activity. Two ER stress response element-like motifs were identified in the mouse Tmem100promoter region. However, additional experiments using another type of ER stress inducer demonstrated that calcium signaling was more important than ER stress in the regulation of TMEM100expression. Intracellular calcium signaling controls biological processes such as cell proliferation and embryonic development. This study suggested that TMEM100 performs various functions in response to alterations in calcium signaling in addition to those in response to ER stress.

We compared binocular augmented reality (AR) presentation and monocular AR presentation in a situation where continuous viewings of AR images were required. During monocular presentation, participants could detect more changes in their peripheral field of view. Thus, observers might be able to acquire more information during monocular AR presentation.

We have developed monolithic functional glass LGP (GLGP) for large‐area LCD backlight unit (BLU) with built‐in prism structure enabling 1D segment dimming. We simulated and optimized the prismatic GLGP, confirming the 1D dimming and light collimating characteristics of the prototyped sample. We have succeeded in fabricating prism structure on 65” GLGP with both imprint and film lamination methods.

As one of the past innovative display technologies, our developed Level Adaptive Overdrive Technology, that has improved gray‐level response of LCDs, has been reviewed. As one of the next generation innovative technologies, we developed a novel monocular hyper‐ realistic Head‐Dome Projector: MHDP for an amusement application and a novel monocular windshield augmented reality projector: WARP for AR and head‐up display(HUD) applications. They use monocular vision that eliminates the depth cues caused by binocular parallax information. Our developed MHDP and WARP system achieved a high hyper‐reality performance with free depth perception and high visibility.

Using a polymer bonding technique, GaN microring waveguide resonators were fabricated on a Si substrate for future hybrid integration of GaN and Si photonic devices. The designed GaN microring consisted of a rib waveguide having a core of 510 nm in thickness, 1000 nm in width, and a clad of 240 nm in thickness. A GaN crystalline layer of 1000 nm in thickness was grown on a Si(111) substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition using a buffer layer of 300 nm in thickness for the compensation of lattice constant mismatch between GaN and Si crystals. The GaN/Si wafer was bonded to a Si(100) wafer by a two-step polymer process to prevent it from trapping air bubbles. The bonded GaN layer was thinned from the backside by a fast atom beam etching to remove the buffer layer and to generate the rib waveguides. The transmission characteristics of the GaN microring waveguide resonators were measured. The losses of the straight waveguides were measured to be 4.0±1.7  dB/mm around a wavelength of 1.55 μm. The microring radii ranged from 30 to 60 μm, where the measured free-spectral ranges varied from 2.58 to 5.30 nm. The quality factors of the microring waveguide resonators were from 1710 to 2820.

A confocal laser displacement sensor using a micro-machined varifocal mirror is reported. The focal length modulation is a key function of the confocal sensor. The mechanism of the focal length modulation determines the measurement speed and range. Here, we propose application of the micro-machined varifocal mirror for the modulation. The varifocal mirror can realize faster modulation, small size, and low energy consumption for the confocal displacement sensor. The electrostatically actuated varifocal mirror made by single crystalline silicon is used. The working distance of the sensor is designed to be 31 mm. The actuating range at 7 kHz is 310 μm. The linearity error in the actuating range is from −1.1% to 1.2%.

Right paraduodenal hernia (RPH) has been recently reported to be treated with laparoscopic surgery. We report a case of strangulated ileus that occurred as a result of RPH treated via a small umbilical incision. An 11-year-old boy presented to our hospital with complaints of sudden upper abdominal pain associated with bilious vomiting and bloody stool. We preoperatively diagnosed the case to be strangulated ileus caused by an internal hernia and thus performed emergency surgery. After the entire small intestine was carefully exteriorized via a small umbilical incision, a strangulated ileus as a result of the internal hernia was observed. A large hernia sac with its orifice on the right side of the jejunal origin was found behind the right mesocolon, on the basis of which the diagnosis of RPH was made. After releasing the strangulation, the ischemic intestine was reperfused. The hernia orifice was closed. All the abovementioned procedures were transumbilically performed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. An umbilical approach is useful for treating RPH because of its favorable cosmetic outcome. In addition, manual delivery of the herniated or incarcerated intestine provides a sense of safety compared with operation using forceps during laparoscopic surgery.

ABSTRACTDescribed in this paper is a novel hyperreality display called ‘head dome projector (HDP).’ HDP is a head-mounted display consisting of a dome-shaped screen with a very small radius (40 cm), a mobile projector with an ultra-wide projection lens, and light-emitting diode (LED) light sources. The principal feature of HDP is a very wide-viewing angle: 160° horizontally × 120° vertically, comparable to the human visual field, without head tracking, and 360 × 360° with head tracking. In the subjective evaluation and comparison of HDP with a flat-panel display (FPD), HDP achieved 2.5-points higher hyperreality than FPD in the case of a ±5-level evaluation for high-definition motion images. Also proposed herein is a novel hyperrealistic head-up display (HUD) concept, the windshield-refracted augmented reality projector (WARP), and described is the developed prototype WARP system. It uses monocular vision, which eliminates the depth cues caused by parallax information. The developed WARP system achieved free depth control of the HUD image position.

A mature teratoma of the pancreas has rarely been reported, and postoperative superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is extremely rare in pediatric pancreatic surgery. A 12-year-old girl underwent an enucleation of the large mature teratoma located at the pancreas uncus. Although her postoperative recovery was fair, the bile-stained gastric juice continued draining at a rate of>1.5 l per day for 2 weeks. An upper gastrointestinal series revealed an abrupt disruption with to-and-fro peristalsis at the third portion of the duodenum. Endoscopy revealed an extrinsic pulsatile compression of this third portion. The aortomesenteric angle measured 12° on ultrasonography, which met the criteria for SMAS. The patient underwent a modified transposition procedure, “switching jejunojejunostomy,” on postoperative day 18. The gastrointestinal passage gradually improved, and complete oral intake was established 1 month after the first surgery. It was considered that the clinical symptoms of SMAS were caused by an anatomical deformation after the pancreatic tumor resection. Switching jejunojejunostomy was found to be an acceptable therapeutic option for this condition.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction. Few studies have used noninvasive techniques to measure epidermis function in asymptomatic neonates.

TMEM79is a predisposing gene for atopic dermatitis. Tmem79-deficient mice develop spontaneous dermatitis in a biphasic pattern. The first-phase dermatitis is unique because it occurs independent of microbiota status, whereas the second-phase dermatitis is microbiota dependent. In this study, we sought to identify the key factors mediating the development of first-phase dermatitis. Structural analysis showed that sebaceous gland hyperplasia started from first-phase dermatitis. Longitudinal RNA sequencing analysis revealed significant activation of fatty acid lipid metabolism pathways in first-phase dermatitis, whereas T helper 17‒based immune response genes were highly expressed in second-phase dermatitis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that genes involved in fatty acid elongation and sebocyte differentiation were upregulated in first-phase dermatitis. The results of thin-layer chromatography supported these findings with an increased abundance of wax esters, cholesterol esters, and fatty alcohols in hair lipids. Further gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed an increase in total fatty acid production, including that of elongated C20–24 saturated and C18–24 monounsaturated fatty acids. Collectively, these results suggest that aberrant production of sebaceous long-chain fatty acids is associated with microbiota-independent dermatitis. Further investigation of Tmem79-deficient mice may clarify the role of certain fatty acids in dermatitis.

It is known that the human cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and tauopathy can only recapitulate the very early stage of the disease. To overcome these limitations, we developed a technology to make forebrain organoids (FBOs) from feeder-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)s by regulating a FGF2 concentration and applied this method to generate FBOs from patients with familial AD (fAD FBOs). The obtained fAD FBOs recapitulated the amyloid-β pathology and increased tau phosphorylation but not tau aggregates. To fully induce the tau pathology, FBOs were injected with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-expressing P301L mutant tau. In these Tau-P301L FBOs, tau fibrils were observed in the neuronal cell body and neurites with immunoelectron microscopy, in addition to the sarkosyl-insoluble and thioflavin S-positive phospho-tau aggregates. Collectively, this model can be used as a platform for investigating pathogenetic mechanisms and evaluation of target molecules for drug discovery for tauopathy.

To understand the mechanism of the viscous slowdown in supercooled liquids that is responsible for glass transition, we investigate the interrelation between glass transition temperature Tg, fragility and cooperativity in segmental dynamics. Polymeric glass formers having a similar chemical structure are expected to exhibit clear correlations between the above parameters. In this paper, polystyrene (PS) derivatives possessing various para-substituents are studied using calorimetry with regard to the fragility parameter m, dynamic length scale ξand the number of cooperatively rearranging segments NCRRat Tg. Positive correlations were revealed for both NCRR(Tg) vs mand ξ3(Tg) vs m. Both fragility and cooperativity were found to increase as the bulkiness of the substituent increases. Wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements revealed that the structural correlation between backbone chains is reduced as the bulkiness increases. This may be responsible for the reduced cooperativity. In contrast, for poly(methacrylic acid ester)s, the relations between the above parameters appeared to be less clear. The clear trend observed for the PS system may be due to the rigidity of the phenylene unit, through which the substituent directly affects the backbone dynamics. The estimated activation energy per segment increased consistently with an increase in the para-substituent’s bulkiness.

Transmesenteric hernia is abdominal visceral herniation through a congenital or acquired mesenteric defect. Treves' field is the area of terminal ileal mesentery circumscribed by the ileocolic artery and its last ileal branch. It is very susceptible to congenital defects. To clarify the clinical course of congenital Treves' field transmesenteric hernia (cTFTH), we retrospectively reviewed pediatric cases and conducted a literature review. Five consecutive pediatric cTFTH cases (one male, four females) underwent emergency laparotomy at our institutions from April 2009 and December 2014. We analyzed their demographics, preoperative findings, surgical procedures, and outcomes, along with a literature review. Abdominal plain X-ray showed displaced intestinal gas with gas paucity in the center of the abdomen in two cases and diffusely increased intestinal gas in two others. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) in four cases showed intestinal loop clusters, mesenteric vessel changes, small-bowel obstruction, and ascites. All cases underwent emergency laparotomy for ileal resection with ileocecal valve preservation. Simultaneous anastomoses were performed in four cases; the remaining case underwent ileostomy because of prematurity. Although one case needed reoperation for postoperative bowel obstruction, all patients survived. Literature review of pediatric cTFTH showed a high frequency of necrosis (70.5%) and mortality (26.5%). Among pediatric cTFTH cases, 67.6% were aged <5 years. Mesenteric defect was <5 cm in 70% cases. We should be aware of the clinical importance and radiological features of pediatric cTFTH. Abdominal CT may provide useful information.