Search

Many countries throughout the world have experienced large earthquakes, which cause building damage or collapse. After such earthquakes, structures must be inspected rapidly to judge whether they are safe to reoccupy. To facilitate the inspection process, the authors previously developed a rapid building safety assessment system using sparse acceleration measurements for steel framed buildings. The proposed system modeled nonlinearity in the measurement data using a calibrated simplified lumped-mass model and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), based on which the building-level damage index was estimated rapidly after earthquakes. The proposed system was validated for a nonlinear 3D numerical model of a five-story steel building, and later for a large-scale specimen of an 18-story building in Japan tested on the E-Defense shaking table. However, the applicability of the safety assessment system for reinforced concrete (RC) structures with complex hysteretic material nonlinearity has yet to be explored; the previous approach based on a simplified lumped-mass model with a Bouc-Wen hysteretic model does not accurately represent the inherent nonlinear behavior and resulting damage states of RC structures. This study extends the rapid building safety assessment system to low-rise RC moment resisting frame structures representing typical residential apartments in Japan. First, a safety classification for RC structures based on a damage index consistent with the current state of practice is defined. Then, a 3D nonlinear numerical model of a two-story moment frame structure is created. A simplified lumped-mass nonlinear model is developed and calibrated using the 3D model, incorporating the Takeda degradation model for the RC material nonlinearity. This model is used to simulate the seismic response and associated damage sensitive features (DSF) for random ground motion. The resulting database of responses is used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) that performs rapid safety assessment. The developed system is validated using the 3D nonlinear analysis model subjected to historical earthquakes. The results indicate the applicability of the proposed system for RC structures following seismic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide hybridizations across species and genera have been employed to enhance agriculturally important traits in crops. Within the tribe Maleae of the Rosaceae family, different genera and species exhibit several traits useful for increasing diversity and gene pool through hybridization. This study aimed to develop and characterize intergeneric hybrid individuals between Malus and Pyrus. Through seed germination, shoot multiplication, and rooting in vitro, acclimatized seedlings showing vegetative growth on their own roots were obtained from crosses of Malus × domestica pollinated by Pyrus communis, P. bretschneideri, and the Pyrus interspecific hybrid (P. communis × P. pyrifolia). Comparative analysis of leaf morphology, flow cytometry, and molecular genotyping confirmed the hybrid status of the individuals. Genome-wide genotyping revealed that all the hybrid individuals inherited genomic fragments symmetrically from the Malus and Pyrus parents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the development of intergeneric hybrid seedlings between Malus × domestica and P. bretschneideri. Furthermore, the Pyrus interspecific hybrid individual served as a bridge plant for introducing the genetic background of P. pyrifolia into Malus × domestica. The results of this study provided a crucial foundation for breeding through intergeneric hybridization between Malus and Pyrus, facilitating the incorporation of valuable traits from diverse gene pools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunological basis of the clinical heterogeneity in autoimmune vasculitis remains poorly understood. In this study, we conduct single-cell transcriptome analyses on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from newly-onset patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Increased proportions of activated CD14+ monocytes and CD14+ monocytes expressing interferon signature genes (ISGs) are distinctive features of MPA. Patient-specific analysis further classifies MPA into two groups. The MPA-MONO group is characterized by a high proportion of activated CD14+ monocytes, which persist before and after immunosuppressive therapy. These patients are clinically defined by increased monocyte ratio in the total PBMC count and have a high relapse rate. The MPA-IFN group is characterized by a high proportion of ISG+ CD14+ monocytes. These patients are clinically defined by high serum interferon-alpha concentrations and show good response to immunosuppressive therapy. Our findings identify the immunological phenotypes of MPA and provide clinical insights for personalized treatment and accurate prognostic prediction. Autoimmune vasculitis can be heterogeneous in terms of immune cell involvement. Here the authors use a single cell transcriptomics approach to characterise a group of microscopic polyangiitis patients that could be split into two groups typified by monocyte or Interferon associated gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have demonstrated that a picture-drawing task can be an indicator of the affiliation children have with their peers. When a child draws himself/herself along with a peer, the distance between them is assumed to represent the extent of the affiliation held by the child toward the peer: the shorter the distance is, the more affiliation the child has. However, some issues remain before the picture-drawing task is established as a way to measure children's affiliation, including the possibility that the instructions might bias the children's responses (Thomas & Gray, 1992), and inconsistency over where to measure in the children's drawings (e.g., Song et al., 2015). In this study, we focused on the above two issues and addressed whether the picture-drawing task can be used for measuring children's affiliation toward peers. We conducted our study in Japanese nursery schools with 3- to 6-year-old children (N = 676), who drew pictures of themselves and a classmate. Teachers rated how much the children had played with the drawn peer. We found that the more a child had an affiliative relationship with a peer, the shorter the distance between the drawn child and peer was when measuring the closest points and the center between the two drawn figures. Our research sheds light on the validity of the picture-drawing task for measuring children's affiliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer vision-based inspection methods show promise for automating post-earthquake building inspections. These methods survey a building with unmanned aerial vehicles and automatically detect damage in the collected images. Nevertheless, assessing the damage's impact on structural safety requires localizing damage to specific building components with known design and function. This paper proposes a BIM-based automated inspection framework to provide context for visual surveys. A deep learning-based semantic segmentation algorithm is trained to automatically identify damage in images. The BIM automatically associates any identified damage with specific building components. Then, components are classified into damage states consistent with component fragility models for integration with a structural analysis. To demonstrate the framework, methods are developed to photorealistically simulate severe structural damage in a synthetic computer graphics environment. A graphics model of a real building in Urbana, Illinois, is generated to test the framework; the model is integrated with a structural analysis to apply earthquake damage in a physically realistic manner. A simulated UAV survey is flown of the graphics model and the framework is applied. The method achieves high accuracy in assigning damage states to visible structural components. This assignment enables integration with a performance-based earthquake assessment to classify building safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report preliminary outcomes of high dose image-guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) in the treatment of chordomas of the sacrum, mobile spine and skull base. Methods: Retrospective analysis of chordoma patients treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT) in a single tertiary cancer center. Initial treatment was categorized as (A) Adjuvant or definitive high-dose RT (78 Gy/39fx or 24 Gy/1fx) vs (B) surgery-only or low dose RT. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of local failure. Results: A total of 31 patients were treated from 2010 through 2020. Median age was 55 years, tumor location was 64% sacrum, 13% lumbar, 16% cervical and 6% clivus. Median tumor volume was 148 cc (8.3 cm in largest diameter), 42% of patients received curative-intent surgery and 65% received primary RT (adjuvant or definitive). 5-year cumulative incidence of local failure was 48% in group A vs 83% in group B (p = 0.041). Tumor size > 330 cc was associated with local failure (SHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.12 to 7.45; p = 0.028). Eight patients developed distant metastases, with a median metastases-free survival of 56.1 months. 5-year survival for patients that received high dose RT was 72% vs 76% in patients that received no or low dose RT (p = 0.63). Conclusion: Our study suggests high-dose photon IG-IMRT improves local control in the initial management of chordomas. Health systems should promote reference centers with clinical expertise and technical capabilities to improve outcomes for this complex disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen is a key regulator of both development and homeostasis. To study the role of oxygen, a variety of in vitro and ex vivo cell and tissue models have been used in biomedical research. However, because of ambiguity surrounding the level of oxygen that cells experience in vivo, the cellular pathway related to oxygenation state and hypoxia have been inadequately studied in many of these models. Here, we devised a method to determine the oxygen tension in bone marrow monocytes using two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy with the cell-penetrating phosphorescent probe, BTPDM1. Phosphorescence lifetime imaging revealed the physiological level of oxygen tension in monocytes to be 5.3% in live mice exposed to normal air. When the mice inhaled hypoxic air, the level of oxygen tension in bone marrow monocytes decreased to 2.4%. By performing in vitro cell culture experiment within the physiological range of oxygen tension, hypoxia changed the molecular phenotype of monocytes, leading to enhanced the expression of CD169 and CD206, which are markers of a unique subset of macrophages in bone marrow, osteal macrophages. This current study enables the determination of the physiological range of oxygen tension in bone marrow with spatial resolution at a cellular level and application of this information on oxygen tension in vivo to in vitro assays. Quantifying oxygen tension in tissues can provide invaluable information on metabolism under physiological and pathophyisological conditions. This method will open new avenues for research on oxygen biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drug resistance is a serious problem in leukemia therapy. A novel purine nucleoside analogue, nelarabine, is available for the treatment of children with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We investigated the mechanisms of drug resistance to nelarabine. Methods: Nelarabine-resistant cells were selected by stepwise and continuous exposure to nelarabine using the limiting dilution method in human B and T cell lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines. Expression analysis was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and epigenetic analysis was performed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results: The RNA expression level for deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) was decreased in nelarabine-resistant leukemia cells. There were no differences between the parental and nelarabine-resistant leukemia cells in the methylation status of the promoter region of the dCK gene. In the chromatin immune precipitation assay, decreased acetylation of histones H3 and H4 bound to the dCK promoter was seen in the nelarabine-resistant cells when compared to the parental cells. Furthermore, treatment with a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat, promoted the cytotoxic effect of nelarabine along with increased expression of the dCK gene, and it increased acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 bound to the dCK promoter in nelarabine-resistant leukemia cells. The combination index showed that the effect of nelarabine and vorinostat was synergistic. Conclusion: This study reports that nelarabine with vorinostat can promote cytotoxicity in nelarabine-resistant leukemia cells through epigenetic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manual visual inspection is the most common means of assessing the condition of civil infrastructure in the United States, but can be exceedingly laborious, time-consuming, and dangerous. Research has focused on automating parts of the inspection process using unmanned aerial vehicles for image acquisition, followed by deep learning techniques for damage identification. Existing deep learning methods and datasets for inspections have typically been developed for a single damage type. However, most guidelines for inspections require the identification of multiple damage types and describe evaluating the significance of the damage based on the associated material type. Thus, the identification of material type is important in understanding the meaning of the identified damage. Training separate networks for the tasks of material and damage identification fails to incorporate this intrinsic interdependence between them. We hypothesize that a network that incorporates such interdependence directly will have a better accuracy in material and damage identification. To this end, a deep neural network, termed the material-and-damage-network (MaDnet), is proposed to simultaneously identify material type (concrete, steel, asphalt), as well as fine (cracks, exposed rebar) and coarse (spalling, corrosion) structural damage. In this approach, semantic segmentation (i.e., assignment of each pixel in the image with a material and damage label) is employed, where the interdependence between material and damage is incorporated through shared filters learned through multi-objective optimization. A new dataset with pixel-level labels identifying the material and damage type is developed and made available to the research community. Finally, the dataset is used to evaluate MaDnet and demonstrate the improvement in pixel accuracy over employing independent networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality and throughput of laser material processing are influenced by multiple laser parameters as well as material properties. Since material degradation due to laser processing is generally related to heat-affected zone, quick optimization and realization of nonthermal process is one of the most important issues for higher-grade laser processing. In this work, we developed various parameter-controlled ultrashort pulse laser system that can control various laser parameters over a wide range, such as pulse duration over three orders of magnitude. Using this laser system (wavelength: 1033 nm, pulse duration: 0.4 to 400 ps, repetition: up to 1 MHz), we have investigated nonthermal–thermal processing boundary in drilling of ceramics: aluminum nitride (AlN) and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), with high and low thermal conductivity, respectively. As a result, the AlN ceramic exhibited strong dependence of ablation rate on fluence: low-, mid- and high-fluence regimes appeared with different logarithmic correlations. Further, the nonthermal–thermal process boundaries appeared, depending on the pulse duration. On the other hand, the ablation behavior of YSZ was much different from AlN; the ablation rate did not show distinct three regimes. Further, there were no nonthermal process windows for the YSZ. Therefore, the nonthermal–thermal process boundaries were governed by the laser parameters like pulse duration as well as the material thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Besides physical activity as a target for dementia prevention, sedentary behaviour is hypothesized to be a potential target in its own right. The rising number of persons with dementia and lack of any effective treatment highlight the urgency to better understand these modifiable risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether higher levels of sedentary behaviour are associated with reduced global cognitive functioning and slower cognitive decline in older persons without dementia. Methods: We used five population cohorts from Greece, Australia, USA, Japan, and Singapore (HELIAD, PATH, SALSA, SGS, and SLAS2) from the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium. In a coordinated analysis, we assessed the relationship between sedentary behaviour and global cognitive function with the use of linear mixed growth model analysis (mean follow-up range of 2.0–8.1 years). Results: Baseline datasets combined 10,450 older adults without dementia with a mean age range between cohorts of 66.7–75.1 years. After adjusting for multiple covariates, no cross-sectional association between sedentary behaviour and cognition was found in four studies. One association was detected where more sedentary behaviour was cross-sectionally linked to higher cognition levels (SLAS2, B = 0.118 (0.075; 0.160), P < 0.001). Longitudinally, there were no associations between baseline sedentary behaviour and cognitive decline (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Overall, these results do not suggest an association between total sedentary time and lower global cognition in older persons without dementia at baseline or over time. We hypothesize that specific types of sedentary behaviour may differentially influence cognition which should be investigated further. For now, it is, however, too early to establish undifferentiated sedentary time as a potential effective target for minimizing cognitive decline in older adults without dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between physical frailty and risk of needing long-term care, and compare the predictive value and clinical usefulness of a simple frailty scale (FRAIL) with that of the original Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) criteria. Design and Setting: A 6-year prospective cohort study of community-dwelling older adults in a west Japanese suburban town. Participants: 1,554 older adults aged 65 years and over who were initially free of long-term care needs at baseline. Measurements: Physical frailty was defined by the CHS criteria and the FRAIL scale. The onset of needing long-term care was ascertained using national records of certification of long-term care needs. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between physical frailty and risk of needing long-term care. Decision curve analysis was performed to compare the clinical usefulness of the two physical frailty criteria. Results: During a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 244 were ascertained as needing long-term care. Baseline physical frailty was significantly associated with elevated risk of needing long-term care, with a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–3.02) for being frail and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.10–2.03) for being pre-frail as defined by the CHS criteria, compared with being robust (p for trend = 0.001). Similar results were found for physical frailty defined by the FRAIL scale, with a multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CIs) of 2.11 (1.25–3.56) for being frail and 1.73 (1.28–2.35) for being pre-frail vs. being robust (p for trend < 0.001). The two physical frailty criteria had similar net benefits in identifying individuals at high risk for needing long-term care. Conclusions: Physical frailty is significantly associated with an increased risk of needing long-term care in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Compared with the original CHS criteria, the simple FRAIL scale has comparable predictive value and clinical usefulness for identifying individuals at risk for needing long-term care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMN) is increasing due to population aging. Since consensus guidelines for the treatment of MPMN are lacking, treatment strategies are determined by disease status on a per-patient basis. In this report, we describe a case of MPMN with follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 1 that transformed to double-hit lymphoma during adjuvant chemotherapy for concurrent ovarian carcinoma. A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with MPMN of FL and endometrioid carcinoma by staging laparotomy and lymph node biopsy. She received four cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) for endometrioid carcinoma, but during chemotherapy, the FL grade 1 transformed to double-hit lymphoma. We speculate that adjuvant chemotherapy for endometrioid carcinoma may have triggered the transformation of FL in the present case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate that assimilation of water temperature measurements by sea turtles into an operational ocean nowcast/forecast system improves representation of mesoscale eddies and front variations in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Confluence region. For a period from August to December in 2009, vertical ranges of the measurements by six turtles covered from surface to maximum 150 m depth, and the number of the measurements in the region was comparable to that of usual sampling by research vehicles and profiling floats. Comparison of the turtle measurements and products of an operational ocean nowcast/forecast system JCOPE2M elucidated low-temperature bias in JCOPE2M due to assimilation of high-resolution satellite sea surface temperature data. Additional assimilation of the turtle data into a modified JCOPE2M system with correction of the low-temperature bias led to reasonable modification of horizontal temperature/salinity gradient associated with northward moving warm core rings separating from the Kuroshio Extension and southward moving the Oyashio water intrusion branches. Effects of the turtle data assimilation propagated to far east of the Kuroshio-Oyashio confluence region along the subarctic boundary and front through advection. Another experiment assimilating the in situ profile data excluding the traditional temperature/salinity profiles data but including only the turtle data showed that the turtle measurements captured the warm core rings better than the Oyashio intrusion branches, suggesting possible optimum design of future ocean observing systems composed of different kinds of animals and/or autonomous underwater vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of acquired hemophilia A (AHA) that developed in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is presented. A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with AIP in 2007. The symptoms resolved with prednisolone (PSL). Although the dose of PSL was tapered to 7.5 mg/day for maintenance, serum IgG4 levels remained high. She suddenly presented with subcutaneous bleeding in 2015. Her activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged (80.0 s). A mixing test showed an inhibitor pattern, factor VIII (FVIII) activity was less than 1%, and FVIII inhibitor was 290 BU/mL. She was diagnosed with AHA. Her serum IgG4 was elevated to 133 mg/dL. She was treated first with PSL alone, but she developed bladder tamponade. Cyclophosphamide and activated prothrombin complex concentrate were combined with PSL. She then achieved hemostasis, and FVIII inhibitor disappeared. FVIII inhibitor had been detected since PSL was tapered and AHA recurred two months later. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the inhibitor was mainly IgG4 and IgG1. This case suggests that elevation of IgG4 may be associated with the development of both AHA and AIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “Caddisfly Watch” program proposes the use of larvae of the caddisfly genus Stenopsyche (Trichoptera: Stenopsychidae) to monitor the radioactive cesium (137Cs) pollution, including that of suspended solids, in river environments, as a simple method was essential for this following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in March 2011. A variety of aquatic organisms were collected from rivers in Japan in 2012 and their levels of radioactive Cs measured. Amongst all the organisms collected, the highest concentrations of 137Cs were observed in caddisfly larvae. These larvae occur at a high density and can be collected at regular intervals in most rivers throughout Japan. It is proposed that caddisfly larvae can be used as bioindicators of radioactive Cs contamination in rivers, as their temporal and spatial changes are easily assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the relationship between physical frailty and subsequent decline in global cognitive function in the non-demented elderly.Design and setting: A prospective population-based study in a west Japanese suburban town, with two-year follow-up.Participants: Community-dwellers aged 65 and older without placement in long-term care, and not having a history of dementia, Parkinson’s disease and depression at baseline, who participated in the cohort of the Sasaguri Genkimon Study and underwent follow-up assessments two years later (N = 1,045).Measurements: Global cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Physical frailty was identified according to the following five components: weight loss, low grip strength, exhaustion, slow gait speed and low physical activities. Linear regression models were used to examine associations between baseline frailty status and the MoCA scores at follow-up. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of cognitive decline (defined as at least two points decrease of MoCA score) according to baseline frailty status.Results: Seven hundred and eight non-demented older adults were included in the final analyses (mean age: 72.6 ± 5.5 years, male 40.3%); 5.8% were frail, and 40.8% were prefrail at baseline. One hundred and fifty nine (22.5%) participants experienced cognitive decline over two years. After adjustment for baseline MoCA scores and all confounders, being frail at baseline was significantly associated with a decline of 1.48 points (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.37 to -0.59) in MoCA scores, as compared with non-frailty. Frail persons were over two times more likely to experience cognitive decline (adjusted odds ratio 2.28; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5.08), compared to non-frail persons.Conclusion: Physical frailty is associated with longitudinal decline in global cognitive function in the non-demented older adults over a period of two years. Physically frail older community-dwellers should be closely monitored for cognitive decline that can be sensitively captured by using the MoCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The medial meniscus is a secondary stabilizer of anterior tibial translation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient knees. ACL reconstruction effectively restores an increased anterior tibial translation in the ACL-deficient knee. However, knee osteoarthritis sometimes develops in ACL-reconstructed patients during a long-term follow-up period. We hypothesized that the medial meniscal position would be different between the ACL-deficient and reconstructed knees. The aim of this study was to investigate pre-operative and postoperative location of the medial meniscus in patients who underwent ACL reconstruction.Methods: ACL-reconstructed knees (28 knees) and normal knees (27 knees) were investigated. Medial tibial plateau length (MTPL) and medial tibial plateau width (MTPW) were determined using radiographic images. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based medial meniscal length (MML), medial meniscal width (MMW), and medial meniscal extrusion (MME) were measured. Postoperative change in the MML, MMW, and MME were evaluated and compared with those in normal knees.Results: No significant differences between the ACL-deficient (pre-operative) and normal groups were noted. The ACL-reconstructed (postoperative) group showed an increase in the MML, in the percentage of the MML (%MML = 100 MML/MTPL), and in the MME. Significant differences between postoperative and normal groups were observed in the MML, %MML, and MME. MMW and MMW percentage (100 MMW/MTPW) were similar in all groups.Conclusions: The anteroposterior length and radial extrusion of the medial meniscus increased after ACL reconstruction. Transposition of the medial meniscus may be a possible cause of developing further degenerative knee joint disorders after ACL reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endangered loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta) are highly migratory marine reptiles that spend extended maturation periods at sea. Although an understanding of the biology and ecology of juveniles is essential for effective conservation of this species, such information is still limited, especially for the North Pacific population. The first quantitative bycatch survey in northern Japan revealed that the Sanriku coastal area served as an important summer foraging habitat for large juvenile loggerhead turtles in the western North Pacific. To examine their year-round distribution and diving behaviour, we deployed satellite-relayed data loggers on six turtles (mean SCLn-t ± SD = 69.2 ± 9.2 cm, range = 58.3-82.5 cm). While turtles predominantly utilize the Sanriku coastal area and surrounding oceanic waters during summer, all turtles spent most of their time travelling in oceanic waters (>200 m) several kilometres east of Japan and sometimes in association with the Kuroshio Extension Current during winter. Although water temperature experienced by turtles significantly decreased during winter, they predominantly stayed in water >15 °C. There was no strong seasonal pattern in diving behaviour, and daily average dive duration was 20.9 ± 11.6 min regardless of summer or winter. In addition, turtles sporadically performed deep dives, including the deepest dive (>340 m) ever recorded for this species, during winter. These results suggest that juveniles remained active and possibly foraging in oceanic habitats throughout the winter rather than adopting the quiescent overwintering strategy (i.e. undertaking prolonged dives lasting >300 min) previously reported in adult females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to establish a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for the sensitive and specific imaging of functional molecules with a pre-targeting strategy utilizing the streptavidin-biotin interaction. Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was selected as the target molecule.Procedures: The biotinylated polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM)-based contrast agent (Bt-PAMAM-DTPA(Gd)) was prepared, and its proton relaxivity (r1) and affinity to streptavidin were evaluated. Tumor-bearing mice were pre-targeted with streptavidin-conjugated anti-MT1-MMP monoclonal antibody (mAb), streptavidin-conjugated negative control IgG, or saline and 3 days later were injected with Bt-PAMAM-DTPA(Gd) followed immediately by MRI for a period of 3 h.Results: High r1 (15.5 L mmol(-1) s(-1)) and 1.9-fold higher affinity than D-biotin were obtained. Significantly higher relative tumor signals were observed in mice pre-targeted with streptavidin-conjugated anti-MT1-MMP mAb (165% at 3 h vs. pre-administration) than with saline or streptavidin-conjugated negative control IgG (P < 0.0001).Conclusions: This pre-targeting approach can accomplish sensitive and specific in vivo MRI of functional molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanism of zinc iron removal by zero-valent iron was discussed through zinc removal responses to several operational conditions of a packed column reactor with zero-valent iron powder. The adsorption isotherm observed implied that a kind of chemisorption was responsible for zinc removal. Zinc removal by zero-valent iron was enhanced by dissolved oxygen and ferric ion addition. However, it was deteriorated under acidic pH. In addition, zinc adsorbed on zero-valent iron was eluted by a reducing agent such as citric acid, whereas the zinc was not eluted by diluted sulfuric acid. Consequently, the zinc removal mechanism by zero-valent iron was inferred to be as follows: Zero-valent iron was firstly corroded and oxidized into ferric ion by dissolved oxygen. The ferric ion was precipitated as iron hydroxide onto the surface of the zero-valent iron powder. Zinc ion was adsorbed on and/or coprecipitated with the iron hydroxide. The iron hydroxide was finally oxidized and transformed into iron oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-controlled fabrication of microtrenches including inclined features using normal incidence with gradual shifting of the irradiated area was demonstrated. Based on the variation of trench width depending on the laser fluence, the existence of gaps between the edge of the irradiated area and sidewall of the trench was shown. Because of these gaps, the shifted laser pulse can stay at the bottom of the trenches in the fabrication of the inclined features. In laser-induced backside wet etching (LIBWE), the photo-activated region generated within organic solution would act on the glass surface and results in etching. It was indicated that the photo-activated region generated at the bottom of the trenches acted not only on the bottom of the trench but also on the sidewalls. Based on such etching of the sidewall, fabrication of inclined features becomes possible. In this method, the tilting angle can be changed within one deep trench. Flexible structure formation deep inside the silica glass can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automotive component (steering helical gear) made from low-alloy structural steel SCr420H was gas-carburized and oil-quenched. Axial contraction of total length was measured after such case-hardening process. Using DEFORM-HT Ver 6.1 simulation tool incorporating phase transformation kinetics, the causal factor of negative axial distortion is studied. Analysis of time-dependent displacement, temperature, phase transformation, and stress-strain generation is presented. Total strain and individual strain (e.g., thermal, elastic, plastic, phase transformation, and transformation plasticity strain) are included. Three simulations consisting of case hardening with transformation plasticity (TP), case hardening without TP, and through hardening with TP were conducted to asses the influence of transformation plasticity and martensite as well as retained austenite in contributing the axial contraction of total length. Finally, transformation plasticity has a greater influence than volume fraction of martensite and retained austenite in producing the negative axial distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most promising techniques for the non-invasive visualization of biomarkers and biologically relevant species, both in vivo and ex vivo. Although 1H MRI with paramagnetic contrast agents, such as Gd3+ complexes and iron oxide, is widely used, it often suffers from low contrast because of the large background signals caused by the abundant distribution of protons in biological samples. Here we report the use of supramolecular organic nanoparticles to detect specific proteins by 19F-based MRI in an off/on mode. In NMR spectroscopy these designed probes are silent when aggregated, but in the presence of a target protein they disassemble to produce a sharp signal. This ‘turn-on’ response allowed us to visualize clearly the protein within live cells by 19F MRI and construct an in-cell inhibitor assay. This recognition-driven disassembly of nanoprobes for a turn-on 19F signal is unprecedented and may extend the use of 19F MRI for specific protein imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solubilization efficiency of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) has been determined and compared to that of ethanol and propylene glycol for 13 poorly soluble drugs. NMP is found to be a more efficient solubilizer for all the drugs studied. The solubility enhancement as high as about 800-fold is obtained in 20% v/ v NMP solution as compared to water. The mechanism of drug solubilization by NMP has also been investigated. It is proposed that NMP enhances drug solubility by simultaneously acting as a cosolvent and a complexing agent. A mathematical model is used to estimate the drug solubility in NMP–water mixture, according to which the total solubility enhancement is a sum of the two effects. This model describes the experimental data well and is more accurate than other models. A large and uniform reduction in the surface tension of water as a function of NMP concentration demonstrates its cosolvent effect. The complexation is supported by the fact that it’s strength is affected by the temperature and the polarity of the medium. A strong correlation exists between log K ow of the drugs and the cosolvency coefficients. The correlation between log K ow and the complexation coefficients is weak suggesting that factors such as molecular shape and aromaticity of the drug molecule are significant in determining the complexation strength. This has been confirmed by the absence of a significant complexation between NMP and linear drug-like solutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor airborne radon concentration released from water was estimated over several months based on experimental measurements. When heated water including radon was used, the radon level became high in the entire house. Filling the bathtub with hot water had a strong effect on the indoor radon level. In winter, the indoor radon concentration was high due to windows being closed. The radon transfer coefficient was estimated 2.5·10−4 in this test house. This is 2.5 times higher than the average radon transfer efficiency estimated by UNSCEAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loading paths (hereafter referred as LPs) that consist of internal pressure and axial feeding are important manufacturing conditions in tube hydroforming. Among the factors that affect LP design, friction between the forming die and tube causes the most difficulty due to its complicated characteristics. Although there is no friction, a number of issues with LP design remain. In this study, free hydraulic bulging (hereafter FHB) with internal pressure and axial feeding is investigated. In FHB, tubes are freely expended without friction. It has been shown that axial feeding affects the circumferential thickness distribution in the tube periphery. The tubes in this study are straight seamless tubes. Seamless tubes typically have predictable thickness deviations resulting from their manufacturing processes. In general, the degree of thickness deviation will increase as the tube expands. A FEM simulator is used to analyze the mechanism of the growth of thickness deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with Fontaine stage IV chronic arteriosclerosis obliterans who had been suffering from inveterate giant skin ulcers on the dorsum and heel of the right foot. As conventional medical treatments had not improved these ulcers and surgical treatment was considered unfeasible, amputation of the right lower limb below the knee appeared to represent the only option. The patient was admitted to Tottori University Hospital to attempt a new angiogenic therapy using auto-mononuclear cell transplantation to avoid amputation. On admission, neither right ankle blood pressure nor transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen at the right toe were detectable. The patient had a history of multiple cerebral infarctions, and collection of mononuclear cells from bone marrow was considered too difficult, so collection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was selected. Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen and skin temperature in the treated limb started to improve from 2 weeks after implantation. Ulcer size was recognizably reduced by 1 month after treatment. Partial auto-skin implantation on the right heel was performed 2 months after treatment, and the giant skin ulcer was finally completely covered. No adverse effects were noted during follow-up lasting 1 year. These results suggest that peripheral blood mononuclear cell implantation may offer a suitable alternative rescue therapy for patients with critical limb ischemia whose general condition is not good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic laparoscopic surgery has been shown to decrease task completion time, reduce errors, and decrease training time, as compared with manual laparoscopic surgery. However, current literature has not addressed the physiologic effects, in particular muscle responses, to training with a robotic surgical system. The authors seek to determine the frequency response of electromyographic (EMG) signals of specific arm and hand muscles with training using the da Vinci Surgical System.Methods: Seven right-handed medical students were trained in three tasks with the da Vinci Surgical System over 4 weeks. These subjects, along with eight control subjects, were tested before and after training. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were collected from four arm and hand muscles during the testing sessions, and the median EMG frequency and bandwidth were computed.Results: The median frequency and frequency bandwidth both were increased after training for two of the three tasks.Conclusion: The results suggest that training reduces muscle fatigue as a result of faster and more deliberate movements. These changes occurred predominantly in muscles that were the dominant muscles for each task, whereas the more demanding task recruited more diverse motor units. An evaluation of the physiologic demands of robotic laparoscopic surgery using electromyography can provide us with a meaningful quantitative way to examine performance and skill acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To understand the process of skill acquisition in robotic surgery and to allow useful real-time feedback to surgeons and trainees in future generations of robotic surgical systems, robotic surgical skills should be determined with objective variables. The aim of this study was to assess skill acquisition through a training protocol, and to identify variables for the quantification of proficiency.Methods: Seven novice users of the da Vinci Surgical System engaged in 4 weeks of training that involved practicing three bimanual tasks with the system. Seven variables were determined for assessing speed of performance, bimanual coordination, and muscular activation. These values were compared before and after training.Results: Significant improvements were observed through training in five variables. Bimanual coordination showed differences between the surgical tasks used, whereas muscular activation patterns showed better muscle use through training. The subjects also performed the surgical tasks considerably faster within the first two to three training sessions.Conclusions: The study objectively demonstrated that the novice users could learn to perform surgical tasks faster and with more consistency, better bimanual dexterity, and better muscular activity utilization. The variables examined showed great promise as objective indicators of proficiency and skill acquisition in robotic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary survey of airborne and waterborne radon concentrations was given for an area where groundwater is used as a source of public water supply. The average of the waterborne radon concentrations was 77 Bq/l for 36 samples and that of airborne radon concentrations was 18 Bq/m3for ten houses. It is concluded that the exposure dose due to radon-in-water is likely to be much smaller than the total dose from natural radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon measurements were carried out in a Japanese wooden house built on granitic geology, where radon-rich well water is used. Atmospheric radon concentrations were measured over one year with passive integrated radon monitors. The monitors were distributed at several locations in the house and were replaced every two months. In order to confirm the diurnal variation and heterogeneous distribution of radon, short-term measurements were carried out accordingly. Radon, its decay products and terrestrial gamma-radiations were measured in this survey. From the long-term measurement, the radon concentration in the house ranged from 14 to 184 Bq. m-3with an arithmetic mean of 45 Bq. m-3. A radon concentration of 184 Bq. m-3was observed in the bathroom in spring (March-May) though the radon level was normal in the living room and bedroom. In order to characterize the house, similar measurements were conducted in several surrounding houses. There was a significant difference in radon concentration between the investigated houses. There was a spatial distribution of the radon concentration and the highest value was found in the bathroom. Radon and its decay products concentrations varied with time, which increased from midnight to morning whereas they decreased during daytime. Although the radon concentration in tap water was 1 Bq. l-1, a high level of 353 Bq. l-1was found in the well water.While well water was being used, the indoor radon concentration near the bathroom increased rapidly with a maximum value of 964 Bq. m-3. It is clear that the use of well water enhanced the radon level around the bathroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient processes of laser ablation of a highly laser-absorbing liquid, toluene, were investigated by directly measuring (by using a fast-response pressure gauge) the transient pressure caused by toluene ablation under KrF laser irradiation . The results were compared with time-resolved images . The peak pressure P due to a shock wave decreased slowly with increasing distance d for d=100-1000 µm:P?d-0.33. By extrapolating P to d=8.9 µm, the optical penetration depth of toluene at ?=248 nm, the estimated initial pressure due to toluene ablation was 65 MPa at 1.0 J cm-2 pulse-1. The estimated initial pressure increased linearly with the fluence. These results help clarify the mechanism of laser-induced backside wet etching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal variations of 7Be deposition in regions throughout Japan (26°18'N-43°05'N, 127°54'E-141°27'E) were observed during the period of 1989-1995. The observation indicated that 7Be deposition peaked in spring all over Japan except in the inland central basin. However, spring peak was not always the annual maximum. Along the coastal side of the Japan Sea, especially around Hokuriku region, 7Be deposition was at its maximum in winter. In addition, September peak also was observed in some regions, which was presumably caused by high precipitation or blowing in of northern air stream. Variations were classified into 4 types according to meteorological factors and local geographical conditions: winter peak, double peaks (spring and September peaks), spring peak and non-peak. A correlation between 7Be deposition and precipitation was observed in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports the cloning and characterization of an inhibitor of STAT protein activation, which was named SSI-1 for STAT-induced STAT inhibitor-1. The discovery of the induction of SSI-1 messenger RNA; The indication that SSI-1 is responsible for negative-feedback regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway induced by cytokine stimulation.

Purpose. To clarify the mechanism of covalent binding between human serum albumin (HSA) and drugs containing thiol groups, we studied the interactions between HSA and bucillamine (BA) and its derivatives. Methods. To determine the concentration of HSA-drug conjugate, we used columns of N-methylpyridium polymer cross-linked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (4VP-Me), and analyzed the reaction between HSA and B A derivatives kinetically. Following pseudo first-order reaction kinetics, the rate constants of reduction of non-mercaptoalbumin (HNA) to mercaptoalbumin (HMA) (k) and formation of HSA-drug conjugate (k) were determined. Results. Formation of HSA-drug conjugate was observed only for drugs containing one thiol group. In compound IV, the plots of k and k against pH were found to be linear. The HSA-drug conjugate was affected by various factors such as pK, pH, temparture and the microenviroment of Cys. The increases in k and k. against pH were mainly due to the increase in mercaptide ion concentration. Further, fatty acid affected the microenviroment of Cys, which increased HSA-drug formation. Conclusions. Cys located in a crevice on the surface of the protein plays an important role on the formation of HSA-drug conjugate. These results may be useful for elucidating the reaction mechanisms between various proteins and thiol compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the mechanism of cytotoxicity induced by captopril (Cp), interactions between tissue protein and Cp were studied by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The amide-linked adducts [hemocyanin from keyhole limpet-Cp adduct (KLH-Cp) and poly- l-Lys-Cp adduct (pLys-Cp)] using carbodiimide, and a disulfide-linked adduct [ovalbumin-Cp adduct (OVA-Cp)] were prepared. To determine the formation of the protein-Cp adduct, rabbit antisera against KLH-Cp was employed. The immunoreactivities with pLys-Cp and OVA-Cp against anti KLH-Cp sera were elevated when compared with the unmodified protein. With the inhibition ELISA, this antisera was useful for detecting the Cp disulfide-linked conjugate. In kidney cytosol, a high level of immunoreactivity was observed. Plasma and liver cytosol reactivities were similar, and ∼40% against kidney cytosol. Thus, a method for the detection of the Cp-protein adduct using ELISA has been established. Formation of the Cp-protein adduct was observed in rat plasma and in liver and kidney cytosol. These findings suggest the possibility that the formation of Cp-protein adduct is partially related to cytotoxicity in liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the usefulness of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) for differentiating types of degenerative diseases in children. The findings of BAEPs were abnormal in one out of two with polioencephalopathies and in seven of the eight with leukoencephalopathies, showing prolonged interpeak latencies of waves I-III, I-V or disappearance of wave components. On the other hand, normal responses were observed in four with corencephalopathies and one with spinocerebellopathy. The serial BAEPs in eight patients had deteriorated with progression of the clinical symptoms. These data on 16 children suggest that BAEPs are indeed a useful tool for monitoring pathophysiologic processes of neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome (LNSS) is a rare congenital neuroectodermal disorder characterized by involvement of the skeleton and central nervous system. Case: We report the case of a 5-year-old girl who had LNSS with hypophosphatemic rickets and multiple fractures of her extremities. Biochemical tests revealed a high serum level of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) but normal levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and parathormone (PTH). FGF-23 mRNA expression in the skin lesions of our patient's skin was found to be below the limit of detection in all samples tested by quantitative-PCR analysis. Conclusions: It is possible that an as-yet unidentified substance increases FGF-23 expression LNS lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal impairment is a major concern in patients taking high-dose methotrexate (MTX) for malignancy, but it has not been fully explored in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking low-dose MTX. This study aimed to elucidate the dose-dependent effects of MTX on the renal function of patients with RA. We retrospectively reviewed 502 consecutive RA patients who were prescribed MTX for ≥ 1 year at Okayama University Hospital between 2006 and 2018. The primary outcome was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over 1 year. The association between MTX dosage (< 8, 8–12, and ≥ 12 mg/week) and the change in eGFR was evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for possible confounding factors including age, sex, disease duration, body weight, comorbidity, baseline eGFR, concomitant treatment, and disease activity. Mean patient age was 63 years; 394 (78%) were female. Median disease duration was 77 months, while mean MTX dosage was 8.6 mg/week. The last 1-year change of eGFR (mean ± SD) in patients treated with MTX < 8 (n = 186), 8–12 (n = 219), ≥ 12 mg/week (n = 97) decreased by 0.2 ± 7.3, 0.6 ± 8.6, and 4.5 ± 7.9 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for the confounding factors, MTX ≥ 12 mg/week was still correlated with a decrease in 1-year eGFR (beta-coefficient: − 2.5; 95% confidence interval, − 4.3 to − 0.6; p = 0.0089) in contrast to MTX 8–12 mg/week. Careful monitoring of renal function is required in patients with MTX ≥ 12 mg/week over the course of RA treatment regardless of disease duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]