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This paper introduces the double-pass imaging background-oriented schlieren (DPBOS) technique to overcome a defocusing problem of conventional background-oriented schlieren (BOS) systems. In the conventional BOS system, a camera focuses on a background situated behind a measurement target, which inevitably causes a blurred image of the target. The advantage of the proposed technique, using a digital projector with proper optical alignment, is that the camera focuses on both the target and the background image at the same time. Therefore, measurement in the vicinity of the target can be achieved with higher sensitivity than that of the conventional BOS system. For validation, a test target (lens) and the density field near a heat sink are measured using the DPBOS. The results show good agreement with theoretical prediction and exhibit higher sensitivity than the conventional and telecentric BOS system. In addition, the accuracy of DPBOS was assessed by comparing the calculated surface temperatures from the displacement of DPBOS and conventional BOS with the corresponding theoretical temperature. As the results, the DPBOS and conventional BOS have errors of 3% and 9%, respectively. The proposed method clearly shows the advantage of DPBOS over BOS in overcoming the defocus problem and achieving high-accuracy measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously demonstrated that human olfactory epithelia can be classified into five grades according to the degree of degeneration present in patients with various kinds of olfactory disorders. In practice, however, the occurrence of additional types of cell changes in other kinds of olfactory disorders and findings with immunohistochemical techniques have led us to re-evaluate our previous classification. In the present study, changes in olfactory epithelia from ten patients with various kinds of olfactory disorders are discussed and a revised classification is proposed. Microvillar and differentiating cells were also evaluated in the epithelium studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although advances in the management of spinal injuries during the past 60 years have led to greatly increased life expectancy for paralysed patients, most remain disabled. Around the world, spinal injury centres have become specialized rehabilitation units, where staff accepts the inevitability of persisting paralysis. In part, this pessimism has been based on incorrect information about the anatomy and function of the circulation of the spinal cord. Since the publication of accurate descriptions of the segmental nature of spinal vasculature, research and clinical data suggest that reversal or prevention of paralysis after spinal injury may be possible in many patients. These improved outcomes will depend on the recognition that urgent correction of cord blood supply in patients with traumatic spinal injury is critical to the long-term results of treatment. The creation of specialist spinal units within trauma centres for the urgent treatment of patients following spinal injury will require considerable logistical change, but has the potential to lead to a revolution in spinal care, driven by the knowledge that spinal cord function can often be saved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously surveyed chromosomal regions showing segregation distortion of RFLP markers in the F2 population from the cross between a japonica type variety `Nipponbare' and an indica type variety `Milyang23', and showed that the most skewed segregation appeared on the short arm of chromosome 3. By comparison with the marker loci where distortion factors were previously identified, this region was assumed to be a gametophytic selection-2 (ga2) gene region. To evaluate this region, two near isogenic lines (NILs) were developed. One NIL had the `Nipponbare' segment of this region on the genetic background of `Milyang23' (NIL9-23), and the other NIL had the `Milyang23' segment on the genetic background of `Nipponbare' (NIL33-18). NIL9-23 and `Milyang23', NIL33-18 and `Nipponbare', and `Nipponbare' and `Milyang23' were respectively crossed to produce F1 and F2 populations. The F1 plants of NIL9-23 × `Milyang23' and NIL33-18 × `Nipponbare' showed high seed fertility and the same pollen fertility as their parental cultivars, indicating that ga2 does not reduce seed and pollen fertility. Segregation ratio of a molecular marker on the ga2 region in the three F2 populations was investigated to clarify whether segregation distortion occurred on the different genetic backgrounds. Segregation distortion of the ga2 region appeared in the both F2 populations from the NIL9-23 and `Milyang23' cross (background was `Milyang23' homozygote) and the `Nipponbare' and `Milyang23' cross (background was heterozygote), but did not in the F2 population from the NIL33-18 and `Nipponbare' cross (background was `Nipponbare' homozygote). This result indicates that ga2 interacts with a `Milyang23' allele(s) on the different chromosomal region(s) to cause skewed segregation of the ga2 region. In addition, segregation ratio was the same between the F2 populations from NIL9-23 × `Milyang23' and `Nipponbare' × `Milyang23' crosses, suggesting that the both genotypes, `Milyang23' homozygote and heterozygote, of gene(s) located on the different chromosomal region(s) have the same effect on the segregation distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary¶Background. A variety of procedures for reconstructing the spine following the removal of spinal cord and cauda equina tumours have been developed to prevent postoperative spinal deformities and nerve entrapment. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new reconstructive procedure based on rotational laminoplasty and to report preliminary results in a small series. Method. The trough is drilled at the border of the laminae and articular processes and the ligamentum flavum is resected on its cephalocaudal aspect, so the vertebral arch can be separated as a single mass. After tumour resection, the vertebral arch is removed en bloc with the laminae, and is rotated 90 degrees and placed on the articular facets and fixed using suture passing through holes drilled in the bone. Findings. One man and six women underwent rotational laminoplasty following resection of spinal or cauda equina tumours. Operative exposure was good and permitted complete resection. Patients did well postoperatively from both spine-surgical and neurolosurgical points of view. Computed tomography documented a bony union with preservation of widely patent spinal canal. Interpretation. Rotational laminoplasty affords a satisfactory operative exposure for the resection of large, complex lesions. It creates a widely patent, stable spinal canal easily, without the need for special tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the current status of the development of our new detectors for far-infrared (FIR) astronomy. We develop Blocked-Impurity-Band (BIB)-type Ge detectors to realize large-format compact arrays covering a wide FIR wavelength range up to 200 $$\upmu $$ m. We fabricated Ge junction devices of different physical parameters with a BIB-type structure, using the room temperature, surface-activated wafer bonding (SAB) method. We measured the absolute responsivity and the spectral response curve of each device at low temperatures, using an internal blackbody source in a cryostat and a Fourier transform spectrometer, respectively. The results show that the SAB Ge junction devices have significantly higher absolute responsivities and longer cut-off wavelengths of the spectral response than the conventional bulk Ge:Ga device. Based upon the results, we discuss the optimum parameters of SAB Ge junction devices for FIR detectors. We conclude that SAB Ge junction devices possess a promising applicability to next-generation FIR detectors covering wavelengths up to $$\sim $$ 200 $$\upmu $$ m with high responsivity. As a next step, we plan to fabricate a BIB-type Ge array device in combination with a low-power cryogenic readout integrated circuit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 73-year-old man with a history of bronchial asthma and atrial fibrillation was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea and back pain. Blood analysis revealed a marked increase in total blood cell and eosinophil counts. The creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB increased slightly. The ECG demonstrated significant ST-segment depression that mimicked acute posterior myocardial infarction. Emergent coronary angiography showed no stenotic lesions. The histological findings in endomyocardial biopsy showed thickened endocardium associated with significant eosinophilic infiltration, which was compatible with Löffler's endocarditis. After the administration of prednisolone, the patient's general condition, eosinophilia, ECG abnormalities, and histological findings were improved dramatically. The endomyocardial biopsy in the acute phase was helpful for diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the genetic background of two floral anthocyanin pigmentation traits, anthocyanin pigmentation in the flower tepals and spot formation, in the Asiatic hybrid lily (2n = 24), segregation of the two traits among 96 F1 plants derived from a cross between commercial cultivars 'Montreux' and 'Connecticut King' were investigated. 'Montreux' has anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals with many spots, and 'Connecticut King' has flowers with carotenoid pigmentation without spots. The F1 plants with or without anthocyanin pigment in the tepals segregated with a 1:1 segregation ratio, indicating that a single gene controls anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals. The number of spots per square centimeter of all tepals showed continuous distribution in the F1 plants. To map the loci for the two anthocyanin pigmentation traits, molecular linkage maps in the Asiatic hybrid lily were constructed using a double pseudo-testcross strategy, with the same F1 plants used for phenotypic evaluation, and 212 PCR-based DNA markers. The trait for anthocyanin pigmentation in tepals was used as a trait marker. The map of 'Montreux' comprised 95 markers in 26 linkage groups, and the map of 'Connecticut King' used 119 markers in 24 linkage groups. The total map lengths were 867.5 and 1,114.8 cM, respectively. The trait locus for anthocyanin pigmentation in the tepals was between markers ASR35-180 and P506-40 in linkage group 1 of the 'Montreux' map with a map distance of 1.2 cM and 2.6 cM, respectively. A single-point analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for tepal spot number identified two putative QTLs in linkage groups 1 and 19 of the 'Connecticut King' map. One putative QTL in linkage group 19 explained 64% of the total phenotypic variation. Because both putative QTLs were mapped on the linkage map of 'Connecticut King' that has no spots, dominant alleles of them might suppress spot formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risks of atherosclerotic events substantially vary even among patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with extremely high risk based on life-long exposure to high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. This study aimed to examine the impact of the severe FH status defined by the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS). Data of patients with FH (N = 1050, male = 490) who were admitted to Kanazawa University Hospital between 2000 and 2020 and who were followed up were retrospectively reviewed. The number of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including mortality associated with cardiovascular disease, acute coronary syndrome, and ischemic heart disease requiring coronary revascularization per 1000 person-years, was calculated. Hazard ratio was also calculated using Cox proportional model. Overall, 545 (51.9%) patients had severe FH. The median follow-up duration was 12.6 years. In total, 171 MACEs were recorded during the follow-up period. Severe FH was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio = 6.48, 95% confidence interval = 2.56–10.40, P = 1.2 × 10−5). The event rates per 1000 person-years in the primary prevention group of non-severe FH and severe FH, were 0.0 and 15.6, respectively. The event rates per 1000 person-years in the secondary prevention group of non-severe FH and severe FH, were 2.0 and 32.3, respectively. Patients with severe FH exhibited significantly higher risks in primary and secondary prevention settings. This simple criterion provides useful information for identifying patients with even higher risk who may need further management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petal spots are widespread in plants, they are important for attracting pollinators and as economic traits in crop breeding. However, the genetic and developmental control of petal spots has seldom been investigated. To further clarify the development of petal spots formation, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of Lilium davidii var. unicolor and Lilium davidii petals at the full-bloom stage. In comparison with the parental species L. davidii, petals of the lily variety L. davidii var. unicolor do not have the distinct anthocyanin spots. We show that among 7846 differentially expressed genes detected, LdMYB12 was identified as a candidate gene contributing to spot formation in lily petals. The expression level of LdMYB12 in the petals of L. davidii was higher than that in L. davidii var. unicolor petals. Moreover, overexpression of LdMYB12 led to the appearance of spots on the petals of L. davidii var. unicolor, accompanied by increased expression of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes. Taken together, these results indicate that abnormal expression of LdMYB12 contributes to petal spot deficiency in L. davidii var. unicolor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatially and temporally distinct expression of R2R3-MYB positive regulators is among the major mechanisms that create various anthocyanin color patterns in many flowers. However, we do not know how these positive regulators have gained different expression profiles. In the Asiatic hybrid lily 'Lollypop' (derived from the crosses of species belonging to Sinomartagon/Daurolirion section), MYB12 and MYB19S regulate the pigmentation at whole tepals and raised tepal spots, respectively. In the Oriental hybrid lily 'Sorbonne' (derived from the crosses of species belonging to the Archelirion section), MYB12 regulates both whole tepal and raised spot pigmentation. The genes have similar amino acid sequences with similar protein functions but exhibit different expression profiles in lily flowers. As promoters are among the most significant factors affecting gene expression profiles, their promoter sequences were determined in this study. The three genes had very different promoter sequences, and putative cis-regulatory elements were not conserved in numbers or order. To further confirm the promoter functions, tobacco plants were transformed with native promoter-driven MYB12 or MYB19S genes of 'Lollypop.' Expression levels of MYB12 were higher in corolla tubes than in lobes, while those of MYB19S were higher in corolla lobes than in tubes. Thus, the diverse promoter functions were likely to be the leading causes of their different expression profiles and generation of unique color patterns. Finally, the history of R2R3-MYB gene establishment during lily evolution was estimated using sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine objectively the degree of olfactory disturbance, we biopsied the olfactory mucosa from patients who complained of anosmia. The olfactory disturbances in this study were caused by choanal atresia, chronic sinusitis, viral inflammation, and head trauma, as well as by congenital and idiopathic anosmia. The biopsy specimens were examined by light microscopy and the degree of mucosal degeneration present was classified according to five grades. The clinical courses of the patients studied paralleled the changes found in the olfactory mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cells recognize tumor-associated antigens under the condition of lymphopenia-induced homeostatic proliferation (HP); however, HP-driven antitumor responses gradually decay in association with tumor growth. Type I interferon (IFN) has important roles in regulating the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study we examined whether a tumor-specific immune response induced by IFN-α could enhance and sustain HP-induced antitumor immunity. An intratumoral IFN-α gene transfer resulted in marked tumor suppression when administered in the early period of syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (synHSCT), and was evident even in distant tumors that were not transduced with the IFN-α vector. The intratumoral delivery of the IFN-α gene promoted the maturation of CD11c+ cells in the tumors and effectively augmented the antigen-presentation capacity of the cells. An analysis of the cytokine profile showed that the CD11c+ cells in the treated tumors secreted a large amount of immune-stimulatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6. The CD11c+ cells rescued effector T-cell proliferation from regulatory T-cell-mediated suppression, and IL-6 may have a dominant role in this phenomenon. The intratumoral IFN-α gene transfer creates an environment strongly supporting the enhancement of antitumor immunity in reconstituted lymphopenic recipients through the induction of tumor-specific immunity and suppression of immunotolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in mating time between populations can give rise to premating reproductive isolation. Tephritid fruit flies exhibit large variation in mating time among intra- or inter-specific populations. We previously cloned the clock gene period from two strains of melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae; in one the individuals mate early during the day, whereas in the other the individuals mate later. These strains were originally established by divergent artificial selection for developmental time, ‘short’ and ‘long’, with early and late mating times, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of PERIOD proteins for these two strains were reported to be identical. Here we cloned another clock gene cryptochrome (cry) from the two strains, and found two stable amino acid substitutions in the strains. In addition, the allele frequency at the two polymorphic sites of cry gene correlated with the circadian locomotor period (τ) across strains, whereas the expression pattern of cry mRNA in the heads of flies taken from the short strain significantly differed from that from the long strain. These findings suggest that variation in the cry gene is related to differences in the circadian behaviour in the two strains, thus implying that the cry gene may have an important role in reproductive isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary¶Background. Separation of the posterior ring apophysis of an adjacent vertebral body can sometimes accompany lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. The condition can be both difficult to detect in conventional radiographs and is somewhat controversial to treat. Although there is general agreement on the frequent need for surgery, there is no consensus on the choice of operation. One procedure, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), has never been examined for effectiveness. Method. Computed tomography (CT) either or with discography (CTD) was compared to plane radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for its ability to reveal the fragmentation. Five cases were identified and the severity of the condition evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association’s Assessment of Treatment for Low Back Pain (JOA score). The fragments were removed by impaction with a shoe shaped device and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was performed using autogenous iliac crest bone. A second evaluation using the JOA score was performed after a 4 to 5 year follow-up. Findings. CT identified the separation in all 5 cases while plain films showed the defect in two and MRI in none. JOA scores prior to surgery were between 5 and 19 (mean, 13) and between 25 and 29 (mean, 27.4) at follow-up. The scores represented a recovery of 80% to 100%t (mean, 89.4). Interpretation. CT and CT discography (CTD) are the diagnostic tools of choice for detecting this condition. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is an effective procedure for patients who have low back pain due to lumbar disc herniation accompanied by a separation of the posterior ring apophysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a 4-month-old infant with mitral valve injury that was induced by percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for severe aortic valve stenosis. Three-dimensional echocardiography revealed a laceration at the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The mitral valve injury was successfully repaired by surgical operation 1 year after the valvuloplasty. This unexpected complication is associated with anatomical disorders of congenital aortic stenosis, including hypoplastic left ventricle, short chordae tendae, and large papillary muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of semi-crystalline polymers as additives with small-molecule organic semiconductors has emerged as a pioneering method for the alteration of crystallization processes, thin film morphologies, and charge carrier mobility within organic semiconductor matrices. In this paper, we utilize the intrinsic attributes of polyethylene oxide (PEO), acting as a semi-crystalline polymer additive, to modulate the crystallization, phase segregation and charge transport of 6,13-bis (triisopropylsilyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene). To understand the synergistic effects between varying molecular weights (8, 100, 300 and 900 K) of PEO and the crystallization behavior of TIPS pentacene, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the films' relative crystallinity and crystallographic morphology employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical microscopy. Our findings indicate that higher molecular weight PEOs (300K and 900K) exhibit reduced molecular chain activity, resulting in lower crystallinity at increased doping ratios. Furthermore, attributes such as a high dielectric constant and a substantial melting point, combined with favorable thermoplastic properties, predispose these films to a more susceptible phase separation within the crystalline matrix. Conversely, films with lower molecular weight PEOs (8 and 100 K) showed lesser impact from molecular chain dynamics, leading to enhanced crystal morphology, higher crystallinity, and improved charge carrier mobility by up to 11 times. This substantial enhancement underscores the potential of employing low molecular weight semi-crystalline polymers as additive agents in the development of advanced organic semiconductor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three major sweet potato pest species, sweet potato weevil Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), West Indian sweet potato weevil Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and sweet potato vine borer, Omphisa anastomosalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were examined for their utilization patterns and spatial distribution in the wild host plant, blue morning glory, Ipomoea indica ((Burm.) Merr.) (Solanales: Convolvulaceae) in Okinawa, Japan. We investigated 18,720 samples of I. indica and showed that 649 individuals of C. formicarius were found at an infestation rate per 1 m of the vine of 2.44%, which was significantly higher at height levels 0 m than the other levels (0–1 m, 1–2 m and 2–3 m), and tended to be higher at height level >3 m. In the case of E. postfasciatus, 131 individuals were found, and its infestation rate (0.37% on average) was significantly higher at height levels 0–1 m than the other level (2–3 m), and tended to be higher at height level >3 m. In the case of O. anastomosalis, 65 individuals were found and its infestation rate (0.32%) was significantly higher at the 0–3 m height level than at the other level (0 m). The results of analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of populations within and across species showed that the pests are randomly distributed across the study area throughout the year. Stochastic simulations showed that E. postfasciatus and the other two species tend to infest the same vines, but C. formicarius and O. anastomosalis tend to infest different vines. We provide valuable information on the distribution patterns of these pests that can their effectively control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinesin-9 family comprises two subfamilies specific to ciliated eukaryotic cells, and has recently attracted considerable attention because of its importance in ciliary bending and formation. However, only scattered data are available on the motor properties of kinesin-9 family members; these properties have not been compared under identical experimental conditions using kinesin-9 motors from the same species. Here, we report the comprehensive motor properties of two kinesin-9 molecules of Tetrahymena thermophila, TtK9A (Kif9/Klp1 ortholog) and TtK9B1 (Kif6 ortholog), using microtubule-based in vitro assays, including single-motor and multi-motor assays and microtubule-stimulated ATPase assays. Both subfamilies exhibit microtubule plus-end-directed, extremely slow motor activity, both in single and multiple molecules. TtK9A shows lower processivity than TtK9B1. Our findings indicate that the considerable slow movement of kinesin-9 that corresponds to low ATP hydrolysis rates is a common feature of the ciliary kinesin-9 family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the direct and interaction effects of formal and relational control mechanisms on franchisor performance. The causes of performance in franchise networks have been overlooked. Therefore, this article juxtaposes the influence of authoritative, contractual, and relational mechanisms on network performance depending on whether franchisors participate in unilateral or mutual decision making with their franchisees. Using primary data from Germany and Switzerland, it is found that both mechanisms of contractual and relational control enhance the profitability and efficiency of franchise networks either when used individually or in combination, while authoritative control diminishes performance, and that its negative performance effect is strengthened with more contractual control, but positively moderated by relational control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We devised our own instrument for obtaining biopsy specimens of human olfactory epithelium. We obtained specimens from two patients with anosmia caused by head trauma. The morphological changes in the olfactory epithelia were studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. With little damage or early stage of changes, the characteristic finding involved degeneration of the olfactory vesicles, especially with the disappearance of cilia. In the case of great damage and the final stage of injury, no olfactory vesicles were found at the epithelial surface and the olfactory epithelia presented a disorganized cellular arrangement of cells with an atrophic appearance. Our findings indicate that the epithelial degeneration occurring in traumatic olfactory dysfunction varies according to the degree of damage incurred and the time lapse present from injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic variation in protoplast-derived rice ( Oryza sativa L.) plants was characterized using first and second generation selfed progenies. A total of 133 regenerated plants were obtained from ten protoplasts of the japonica rice cultivar Nipponbare. Sixty two regenerated plants which set enough seeds for the subsequent field tests at the next generation and were derived from five protoplasts were selected, and their selfed seeds were used as the first selfed-seed progeny (Pt1 generation). Fifteen plants were selected from each of the 15 Pt1 lines, and their selfed seeds were used for tests at the Pt2 generation. Thirty seven Pt1 lines (60%) segregated plants with detrimental mutant characters of yellowgreen phenotype, dwarf stature, dense and short panicle, or low seed fertility. According to the segregation patterns in the lines having mutated plants among those originated from the same protoplasts, the stages of mutation induction were estimated. Additionally, five quantitative traits were changed in almost all Pt1 and Pt2 lines. Varied quantitative traits of heading date, number of spikelets per panicle, and seed fertility, were in a heterozygous state. However, culm and panicle lengths showed high uniformity, whereas reduced culm and panicle lengths were caused by mutational changes in polygenes and/or multiple genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were utilized for the identification of Lilium species and inter-specific hybrids. The optimum annealing temperature of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the RAPD assay in Lilium was 54 °C, which is relatively higher than the temperature used for other genera reported by previous researchers. Among 76 primers used to amplify genomic DNA by PCR, 18 primers (24%) generated polymorphic DNA fragments in Lilium species and hybrids. Cultivars were also identified by RAPD markers. Some amplified fragments were unique to species of each section and to hybrids derived from these species; that is, they were the section-specific DNA markers. Sections, Sinomartagon, Leucolirion b, Leucolirion a and Archelirion could be identified by 6 section-specific markers amplified with five primers. Seven inter-section hybrids showed the section-specific bands of both parental sections, indicating that these markers would be useful for identifying the parental sections of inter-section hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The submandibular organ (a sort of apocrine sweat glands) of the rabbit was observed with the electron microscope. The cell structure of glandular tubules varies depending upon the secretory activity; there are three functional stages. The secretory cells at the resting stage are characterized by low height, absence of secretory substance, and presence of small and slender mitochondria. In the synthesizing stage, enlargement and peculiar deformation of mitochondria are observed. Secretory substance always occurs near the deformed mitochondria. The part of a mitochondrion closely abutting on the secretion mass is extremely thin, and contains longitudinally oriented cristae. Sometimes a direct continuity is observed between the thinned portion of the deformed mitochondria and the mass of secretory substance. It is presumed that the secretion is initially produced in the mitochondria and then discharged from them. The Golgi apparatus and the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum may be involved indirectly. Smooth surfaced vesicles, probably related to the transport of raw material, are extremely abundant in the cells of this stage. The development of a generally homogeneous projection into the gland lumen is characteristic of the stage of secretion discharge. The mitochondria are again small and slender, and the secretion is liquefied. At the base of the full-grown projection, cytoplasm is condensed to form a demarcation zone from which the projection may become detached. This mechanism of release of secretory product is quite the same as the so-called apocrine secretory process long postulated by light microscopists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of social media has greatly enriched the channels and sources of information through which individuals interact. However, there remains a lack of empirical research on its actual impact on personal safety. This study employed both Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and network analysis to explored the mechanisms by which social media engagement affects safety perceptions. Additionally, it examined gender differences from both micro-level perspectives (including general trust and perceived social support) and macro-level viewpoints (including personal belief in a just world). The findings revealed that perceived social support, general trust, and personal belief in a just world played a fully mediating role. A multi-group analysis indicated that males were more susceptibility to the influence of social media engagement, with their general trust exhibiting negligible impact on perceived safety. Consequently, this study argues that attention should be given not only how social media affects personal beliefs and safety perceptions, but also its impact on behavioral outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We successfully implanted a coronary stent via a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt to relieve stenosis of the left pulmonary artery in an infant with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect. The placement of a flexible coronary stent via a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is a safe and feasible catheter intervention for the treatment of infants with hypoplastic pulmonary arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 9-year-old boy with progressive heart failure due to effusive-constrictive pericarditis. The patient was successfully rescued by extensive surgical removal of the thickened pericardium. The histopathological examination revealed degenerative changes of myocardium without significant inflammation, indicating that surgical pericardiectomy should be performed for subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis before progression to definite constrictive pericarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the performance of handmade tri-leaflet expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) conduits in the absence of a suitable homograft. Methods: Patients who underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with tri-leaflet ePTFE conduits or homografts between December 2016 and August 2020 were included. The primary endpoint was the incidence of moderate or severe conduit stenosis (≥ 36 mmHg) and/or moderate or severe insufficiency. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of severe conduit stenosis (≥ 64 mmHg) and/or severe insufficiency. Results: There were 102 patients in the ePTFE group and 52 patients in the homograft group. The median age was younger [34.5 (interquartile range: 20.8–62.8) vs. 60.0 (interquartile range: 39.3–81.0) months, P = 0.001] and the median weight was lower [13.5 (10.0–19.0) vs. 17.8 (13.6–25.8) kg, P = 0.003] in the ePTFE group. The conduit size was smaller (17.9 ± 2.2 vs. 20.5 ± 3.0 mm, P < 0.001) and the conduit Z score was lower (1.48 ± 1.04 vs. 1.83 ± 1.05, P = 0.048) in the ePTFE group. There was no significant difference in the primary endpoints (log rank, P = 0.33) and secondary endpoints (log rank, P = 0.35). Multivariate analysis identified lower weight at surgery [P = 0.01; hazard ratio: 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.94] and homograft conduit use (P = 0.04; hazard ratio: 8.43; 95% CI 1.14–62.29) to be risk factors for moderate or severe conduit insufficiency. No risk factors were found for moderate or severe conduit stenosis or conduit dysfunction on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Handmade tri-leaflet ePTFE conduits showed acceptable early and midterm outcomes in the absence of a suitable homograft, but a longer follow-up is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutual trust is considered one of the critical aspects of building a successful doctor-patient relationship. Albeit patient trust in physicians has been widely explored by researchers, physician trust in patients remains neglected, which is reflected by the lack of existing tools to assess this construct. Therefore, we aimed to validate and adapt Thom's Physician's Trust in the Patient Scale (PTPS) in Polish. We conducted a survey-based study among 307 medical doctors. To determine the factor structure of the scale, both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed. The two-factor solution was established for the scale in accordance with the original version. To determine the internal reliability and consistency of the scale, we measured Cronbach's alpha, corrected-item total correlation, and discrimination indices—all of them obtained very good or excellent values. Estimates of convergent and discriminant validity reached all suggested thresholds. The scale also performed well in theoretical validity. Together, these findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation and validation of PTPS are satisfactory and that the tool can find practical and scientific applications. We believe that the scale can substantially add to our understanding of building trust-based relationships and rapport between patients and physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (mIBG) has been applied to patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, the relationship between 123I-mIBG activity and lethal arrhythmic events (ArE) is not well defined. This study aimed to determine this relationship in Japanese and European cohorts. Results: We calculated heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) count ratios and washout rates (WRs) of 827 patients using planar 123I-mIBG imaging. We defined ArEs as sudden cardiac death, arrhythmic death, and potentially lethal events such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest with resuscitation, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) discharge, either from a single ICD or as part of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device (CRTD). We analyzed the incidence of ArE with respect to H/M ratios, WRs and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes among Japanese (J; n = 581) and European (E; n = 246) cohorts. We also simulated ArE rates versus H/M ratios under specific conditions using a machine-learning model incorporating 13 clinical variables. Consecutive patients with CHF were selected in group J, whereas group E comprised candidates for cardiac electronic devices. Groups J and E mostly comprised patients with NYHA functional classes I/II (95%) and II/III (91%), respectively, and 21% and 72% were respectively implanted with ICD/CRTD devices. The ArE rate increased with lower H/M ratios in group J, but the relationship was bell-shaped, with a high ArE rate within the intermediate H/M range, in group E. This bell-shaped curve was also evident in patients with NYHA classes II/III in the combined J and E groups, particularly in those with a high (> 15%) mIBG WR and with ischemic, but not in those with non-ischemic etiologies. Machine learning-based prediction of ArE risk aligned with these findings, indicating a bell-shaped curve in NYHA class II/III but not in class I. Conclusions: The relationship between cardiac 123I-mIBG activity and lethal arrhythmic events is influenced by the background of patients. The bell-shaped relationship in NYHA classes II/III, high WR, and ischemic etiology likely aids in identifying patients at high risk for ArEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-culprit lesion-related coronary events are a significant concern in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary intervention. Since several studies using intra-coronary imaging modalities have reported a high prevalence of vulnerable plaques in non-culprit lesions at the initial coronary event, the immediate stabilization of these plaques by intensive pharmacological regimens may contribute to the reduction in the adverse events. Although current treatment guidelines recommend the titration of statin and other drugs to attain the treatment goal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in patients with CAD, the early prescription of strong LDL-C lowering drugs with more intensive regimen may further reduce the incidence of recurrent cardiovascular events. In fact, several studies with intensive regimen have demonstrated a higher percentage of patients with the attainment of LDL-C treatment goal in the early phase following discharge. In addition to many imaging studies showing plaque stabilization by LDL-C lowering drugs, several recent reports have shown the efficacy of early statin and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors on the immediate stabilization of non-culprit coronary plaques. To raise awareness regarding this important concept of immediate plaque stabilization and subsequent reduction in the incidence of recurrent coronary events, the term 'Drug Intervention' has been introduced and gradually applied in the clinical field, although a clear definition is lacking. The main target of this concept is patients with acute coronary syndrome as a higher prevalence of vulnerable plaques in non-culprit lesions in addition to the worse clinical outcomes has been reported in recent imaging studies. In this article, we discuss the backgrounds and the concept of drug intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a numerically stable one-point quadrature rule for the stiffness matrix and mass matrix of the three-dimensional numerical manifold method (3D NMM). The rule simplifies the integration over irregularly shaped manifold elements and overcomes locking issues, and it does not cause spurious modes in modal analysis. The essential idea is to transfer the integral over a manifold element to a few moments to the element center, thereby deriving a one-point integration rule by the moments and making modifications to avoid locking issues. For the stiffness matrix, after the virtual work is decomposed into moments, higher-order moments are modified to overcome locking issues in nearly incompressible and bending-dominated conditions. For the mass matrix, the consistent and lumped types are derived by moments. In particular, the lumped type has the clear advantage of simplicity. The proposed method is naturally suitable for 3D NMM meshes automatically generated from a regular grid. Numerical tests justify the accuracy improvements and the stability of the proposed procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomas, complex and heterogeneous malignant tumors, originate from the lymphopoietic system. These tumors are notorious for their high recurrence rates and resistance to treatment, which leads to poor prognoses. As ongoing research has shown, epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA regulation, and RNA modifications play crucial roles in lymphoma pathogenesis. Epigenetic modification–targeting drugs have exhibited therapeutic efficacy and tolerability in both monotherapy and combination lymphoma therapy. This review discusses pathogenic mechanisms and potential epigenetic therapeutic targets in common lymphomas, offering new avenues for lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. We also discuss the shortcomings of current lymphoma treatments, while suggesting potential areas for future research, in order to improve the prediction and prognosis of lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a pest control method that releases a large number of sterile pests into the field to inhibit mating between wild pests, ultimately resulting in the eradication of wild pest populations. It has often been discussed whether releasing one sex (mainly males) of sterile insects enhances the pest control efficiency of SIT compared to releasing both sexes (bisexual release). The control efficiency of sterile females may be negatively affected by their release, because sterile males lose the opportunity to mate with wild females. In this study, we investigated whether sterile females have a positive effect on the control efficiency of SIT and whether there is an additive or synergistic effect of releasing both sexes using two weevil species, Cylas formicarius and Euscepes postfasciatus, which are serious pests of the sweet potato Ipomoea batatas and targets of SIT in Okinawa. The results showed that in both species, the reproduction rate of wild pests was significantly suppressed in the case of the sterile female-only release. Interestingly, the most effective method varied between male-only and bisexual release depending on the density of sterile individuals and weevil species. Synergistic effects of both sexes on bisexual release were observed but varied with the density of sterile individuals and weevil species. High-density bisexual release was most effective for the SIT of at least two weevil species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus, a serious pest of sweet potatoes, is being eradicated by sterile insect technique (SIT) in the south-western islands of Japan. Information on the diurnal movement of the target pests on host plants and where mating and egg-laying behavior occurs on the host is important for the application of SIT, which eradicates the target pest through mating of released sterile males and wild females. However, little such information is available on this species. In this study, male and female adults were released on host plants to examine the diurnal distribution on seedlings according to sex, as well as the sites where mounting behavior and egg laying occurs. The results showed that females left the host plant more frequently at night, whereas males were more likely to remain on the host plant at night. Both males and females stayed on the nodes of the host plant during the daytime. Mounting behavior also tended to occur more often at nodes. Furthermore, compared to unmated females, mated females stayed at the vertical top of the seedlings. However, it was found that eggs were often laid close to the roots rather than at the top of the vertical stems, even when the seedlings were placed upside down. The results of previous studies and this study will be discussed from the perspective of the application of SIT against E. postfasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic analogue of cortisol commonly used for the treatment of different pathological conditions, comprising cancer, ocular disorders, and COVID-19 infection. Its clinical use is hampered by the low solubility and severe side effects due to its systemic administration. The capability of peptide-based nanosystems, like hydrogels (HGs) and nanogels (NGs), to serve as vehicles for the passive targeting of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the selective internalization into leukemic cells has here been demonstrated. Peptide based HGs loaded with DEX were formulated via the "solvent-switch" method, using Fmoc-FF homopeptide as building block. Due to the tight interaction of the drug with the peptidic matrix, a significant stiffening of the gel (G′ = 67.9 kPa) was observed. The corresponding injectable NGs, obtained from the sub-micronization of the HG, in the presence of two stabilizing agents (SPAN®60 and TWEEN®60, 48/52 w/w), were found to be stable up to 90 days, with a mean diameter of 105 nm. NGs do not exhibit hemolytic effects on human serum, moreover they are selectively internalized by RS4;11 leukemic cells over healthy PBMCs, paving the way for the generation of new diagnostic strategies targeting onco-hematological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case presentation: A 61-year-old female was referred to our hospital with a neoplastic lesion in the duodenum. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed a 10-mm tumor in the duodenum. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor-like lesion in the descending part of the duodenum. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a well-defined hypoechoic tumor. Biopsy and immunohistochemical findings including negative Synaptophysin and Chromogranin A staining and positive Trypsin and BCL10 staining suggested a carcinoma with acinar cell differentiation. Pancreatoduodenectomy was performed, and the resected specimen had a 15-mm solid nodule in the submucosal layer of the duodenum. Pancreatogram of the resected specimen revealed a tumor localized in the accessory papilla region. In histopathological examination, the tumor was found in the submucosa of the duodenum with pancreatic tissue present nearby, and these were separated from the pancreatic parenchyma by the duodenal muscle layer. These findings led to a diagnosis of acinar cell carcinoma originating from the accessory papilla of the duodenum. Conclusion: Acinar cell carcinoma originating from the accessory papilla of the duodenum is exceptionally rare, with no reported cases to date. The origin was considered to be pancreatic tissue located in the accessory papilla region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel network version of permutation entropy, the inverted joint permutation entropy (JPEinv), holds potential as non-invasive biomarker of abnormal excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this computational modelling study, we test the hypotheses that this metric, and related measures of signal variability and functional connectivity, are sensitive to altered E-I ratios. The E-I ratio in each neural mass of a whole-brain computational network model was systematically varied. We evaluated whether JPEinv, local signal variability (by permutation entropy) and functional connectivity (by weighted symbolic mutual information (wsMI)) were related to E-I ratio, on whole-brain and regional level. The hub disruption index can identify regions primarily affected in terms of functional connectivity strength (or: degree) by the altered E-I ratios. Analyses were performed for a range of coupling strengths, filter and time-delay settings. On whole-brain level, higher E-I ratios were associated with higher functional connectivity (by JPEinv and wsMI) and lower local signal variability. These relationships were nonlinear and depended on the coupling strength, filter and time-delay settings. On regional level, hub-like regions showed a selective decrease in functional degree (by JPEinv and wsMI) upon a lower E-I ratio, and non-hub-like regions showed a selective increase in degree upon a higher E-I ratio. These results suggest that abnormal functional connectivity and signal variability, as previously reported in patients across the AD continuum, can inform us about altered E-I ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, telework (remote work) has become a widespread practice adopted by companies worldwide. However, Japan has notably maintained a low rate of telework implementation, suggesting cultural factors hindering its adoption. This study aimed to elucidate the antecedents and consequences of teleworking in Japan. Leveraging the natural experiment created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we addressed two key questions: (1) What socio-psychological factors in Japanese workplaces were important for implementing telework in the first place? and (2) How did the implementation of telework subsequently influence socio-psychological factors in these workplaces? Employees from various Japanese companies completed three waves of an online survey before and during the pandemic. Results showed that telework was more likely to be implemented in organizations characterized by a meritocracy. Results also showed that the implementation of telework demonstrated no measurable negative effects but instead increased levels of independence, organizational commitment, and perceived hierarchy mutability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenomes enable the rectification of disordered cancer gene expression, thereby providing new targets for pharmacological interventions. The clinical utility of targeting histone H3 lysine trimethylation (H3K27me3) as an epigenetic hallmark has been demonstrated1–7. However, in actual therapeutic settings, the mechanism by which H3K27me3-targeting therapies exert their effects and the response of tumour cells remain unclear. Here we show the potency and mechanisms of action and resistance of the EZH1–EZH2 dual inhibitor valemetostat in clinical trials of patients with adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma. Administration of valemetostat reduced tumour size and demonstrated durable clinical response in aggressive lymphomas with multiple genetic mutations. Integrative single-cell analyses showed that valemetostat abolishes the highly condensed chromatin structure formed by the plastic H3K27me3 and neutralizes multiple gene loci, including tumour suppressor genes. Nevertheless, subsequent long-term treatment encounters the emergence of resistant clones with reconstructed aggregate chromatin that closely resemble the pre-dose state. Acquired mutations at the PRC2–compound interface result in the propagation of clones with increased H3K27me3 expression. In patients free of PRC2 mutations, TET2 mutation or elevated DNMT3A expression causes similar chromatin recondensation through de novo DNA methylation in the H3K27me3-associated regions. We identified subpopulations with distinct metabolic and gene translation characteristics implicated in primary susceptibility until the acquisition of the heritable (epi)mutations. Targeting epigenetic drivers and chromatin homeostasis may provide opportunities for further sustained epigenetic cancer therapies.The mechanisms of action and resistance of valemetostat, an EZH1–EZH2 dual inhibitor, in patients with adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma who initially responded but later showed disease progression are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balancing selection has been shown to be common in plants for several different types of traits, such as self-incompatibility and heterostyly. Generally, for these traits balancing selection is generated by interactions among individuals or between individuals and other species (e.g., pathogens or pollinators). However, there are phenotypic polymorphisms in plants that do not obviously involve types of interactions that generate balancing selection. Little is known about the extent to which balancing selection also acts to preserve these polymorphisms. Here we ask whether balancing selection preserves an anther-color polymorphism in Erythronium umbilicatum (Liliaceae). We identified a major gene underlying this polymorphism. We then attempted to detect signatures of balancing selection on that gene by developing a new coalescence test for balancing selection. We found that variation in anther color is in large part caused by variation in a paralog of EuMYB3, an anthocyanin-regulating R2R3-MYB transcription factor. However, we found little evidence for balancing selection having acted historically on EuMYB3. Our results thus suggest that plant polymorphisms, especially those not involved in interactions that are likely to generate negative frequency-dependent selection, may reflect a transient state in which one morph will eventually be fixed by either genetic drift or directional selection. Our results also suggest that regulation of the anthocyanin pathway is more evolutionarily labile than is generally believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]