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ABSTRACT Recently, optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), which use the spin polarization of alkali metal atoms to measure magnetic fields, have attracted much attention. However, in order to realize high‐sensitivity biomagnetic field measurements using OPMs, it is necessary to reduce environmental magnetic noise and system noise. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of the noise reduction of OPM signals when principal component analysis, independent component analysis, and empirical mode decomposition are used for signal processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate visual outcomes between medical treatment alone (MED) and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (AGVI) in Shiba dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Procedures: Records of 65 Shiba dogs (104 eyes) with PACG were retrospectively reviewed. Vision was assessed qualitatively using both the menace response and maze testing. The significance of age, sex, intraocular pressure (IOP), and duration of clinical signs (≤72 h or >72 h) at first presentation (V1) was assessed. Eyes with vision at V1 were divided into groups according to subsequent treatment method (MED versus AGVI), and vision as a survival outcome was compared between group by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: At V1, 65 eyes (62.5%) of 54 dogs had vision. There was no statistically significant difference in age or sex on the presence of vision at V1. Median IOP was higher in blind (52 mmHg) compared to sighted eyes (28 mmHg) (p <.001). Eyes presenting in ≤72 h of the onset of clinical signs were more likely to have vision (86.7%) compared to those presenting after 72 h (44.1%) (p <.001). By the Kaplan–Meier analysis, the cumulative visual retention rate was significantly higher with AGVI than with MED (69.2% vs. 7.7%; p <.01) at 12 months. The median time to visual loss was 39.9 months with AGVI vs. 1.7 months with MED. Conclusions: AGVI resulted in better visual outcomes than MED and should be considered in Shiba dogs with PACG that are visual at the time of presentation and suitable for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations beneath Kanto, Japan have shown that seismic activity and seismic attenuation within the overlying continental plate change with time due to drainage caused by slow‐slip events (SSEs) along the upper boundary of the Philippine Sea plate. However, associated changes in rock properties have not been investigated. In this study, we estimate frequency‐dependent shear‐wave anisotropy to provide a detailed insight into the structural change associated with drainage. We perform shear‐wave splitting analysis in frequency ranges of 1–4, 2–6, and 4–8 Hz for 306 earthquakes that occur during September 2009–August 2021 and recorded at the Metropolitan Seismic Observation network. Obtained time differences between fast and slow S waves (delay time) range from almost zero to 0.16–0.18 s, exhibiting spatio‐temporal variation and frequency dependence. The fast S‐wave polarization directions are generally consistent with the direction of the maximum horizontal compressional axis in the study region, which suggests that the observed anisotropy is probably caused by the NE–SW‐oriented fractures developed under the regional stress field. The temporal variation in delay times is correlated with SSEs activity with a lag time of 0.0–0.1 year. Furthermore, comparisons between observed frequency‐dependent delay times and numerical calculation of fracture‐induced anisotropy suggest that the average fracture radius is almost constant (0.30–0.35 m) over time but fracture density temporally varies from 0.025 to 0.035. We infer that the fracture density is probably enhanced by opening of the NE–SW‐oriented fractures during the upward migration of fluids that are expelled from the plate interface. Plain Language Summary: Measurement of shear‐wave polarization anisotropy characterizes the intensity and orientation of fractures within the rocks beneath the Earth's surface. Furthermore, its frequency dependence provides important information for determining the fracture size and density. This study reveals that the strength of anisotropy shows temporal variations associated with the inferred periodic drainage from the subducting slab. We discuss a possible mechanism of the structural change focusing on the frequency dependence of the observed anisotropy and propose that the opening of fractures occurs immediately above the subducting slab following the periodic drainage. The obtained results will provide important constraints on fluid‐rock interaction above the subducting plate interface. Key Points: Shear‐wave splitting analysis in Kanto, Japan suggests that seismic anisotropy is orientated sub‐parallel to the regional stressAnisotropy above the plate interface is enhanced with a lag of 0.0–0.1 years from the occurrence of slow‐slip eventsThe observed frequency‐dependent anisotropy suggests that fractures open responding to drainage from plate interface [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the gene encoding the transient receptor potential vanilloid member 4 (TRPV4), a Ca2+ permeable nonselective cation channel, cause TRPV4‐related disorders. TRPV4 is widely expressed in the brain; however, the pathogenesis underlying TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ deregulation in neurodevelopment remains unresolved and an effective therapeutic strategy remains to be established. These issues were addressed by isolating mutant dental pulp stem cells from a tooth donated by a child diagnosed with metatropic dysplasia with neurodevelopmental comorbidities caused by a gain‐of‐function TRPV4 mutation, c.1855C > T (p.L619F). The mutation was repaired using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate corrected isogenic stem cells. These stem cells were differentiated into dopaminergic neurons and the pharmacological effects of folic acid were examined. In mutant neurons, constitutively elevated cytosolic Ca2+ augmented AKT‐mediated α‐synuclein (α‐syn) induction, resulting in mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation and dysfunction. The TRPV4 antagonist, AKT inhibitor, or α‐syn knockdown, normalizes the mitochondrial Ca2+ levels in mutant neurons, suggesting the importance of mutant TRPV4/Ca2+/AKT‐induced α‐syn in mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation. Folic acid was effective in normalizing mitochondrial Ca2+ levels via the transcriptional repression of α‐syn and improving mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and neurite outgrowth of mutant neurons. This study provides new insights into the neuropathological mechanisms underlying TRPV4‐related disorders and related therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations beneath central Japan have shown that periodic fluid drainage occurs during slow‐slip events (SSEs) based on temporal variations in QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ above the megathrust boundary of the subducting Philippine Sea slab. However, no previous studies have estimated associated QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$. A comparison of QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ can provide clues to the mechanism of seismic attenuation because of different propagation characteristics of the two waves. We estimate temporal variations in QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ via spectral analyses of waveform data from November 2009 to August 2021 period. The results indicate that both QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ exhibit temporal variations at about 1‐year periodicity and there are systematic differences between QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ that QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ have smaller values, less insignificant variation, and weaker correlations with SSEs. Furthermore, QP−1/QS−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}/{Q}_{S}^{-1}$ increases concurrent with SSEs. These differences suggest that attenuation is caused by the wave‐induced fluid flow. QP−1/QS−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}/{Q}_{S}^{-1}$ could be an important parameter for detecting the presence of fluid. Plain Language Summary: Q−1 ${Q}^{-1}$ value, which represents energy dissipation of seismic wave, is an important parameter for detecting the anelastic heterogeneity in subsurface rocks. However, few observational studies have revealed the characteristics of both P‐ and S‐wave attenuation (QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$, respectively) related to the presence of fluids in the crust and the uppermost mantle. This study reveals that both QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ show temporal variations associated with the inferred periodic drainage from the upper surface of a subducting slab but QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ is less fluctuated with time. We discuss a possible attenuation mechanism focusing on the differences in the observed QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ values and propose that the wave‐induced fluid flow (WIFF) may be a dominant control on the increases in attenuation concurrent with the drainage from the megathrust. The obtained results will provide important constraints on attenuation mechanism that is enhanced by the presence of fluid in rocks. Key Points: We estimated the long‐term temporal variations in QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ at 20–45 Hz above the megathrust boundary of the Philippine Sea PlateBoth QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ exhibited temporal variations with about 1‐year periodicity and spatiotemporal correlations with slow‐slip eventsSystematic differences between QP−1 ${Q}_{P}^{-1}$ and QS−1 ${Q}_{S}^{-1}$ may provide important constraints on attenuation mechanism enhanced by fluids [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous translation elongation, irrespective of amino acid sequences, is a prerequisite for living organisms to produce their proteomes. However, nascent polypeptide products bear an inherent risk of elongation abortion. For example, negatively charged sequences with occasional intermittent prolines, termed intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD) sequences, weaken the translating ribosomal complex, causing certain nascent chain sequences to prematurely terminate translation. Here, we show that most potential IRD sequences in the middle of open reading frames remain cryptic and do not interrupt translation, due to two features of the nascent polypeptide. Firstly, the nascent polypeptide itself spans the exit tunnel, and secondly, its bulky amino acid residues occupy the tunnel entrance region, thereby serving as a bridge and protecting the large and small ribosomal subunits from dissociation. Thus, nascent polypeptide products have an inbuilt ability to ensure elongation continuity. Synopsis: Acidic‐rich amino acid sequences destabilize the translating ribosome, stochastically inducing elongation abortion. This study unveils a positive feedback system mediated by the nascent chain within the ribosomal tunnel, which ensures elongation continuity by stabilizing the ribosome. Translation of acidic or proline‐intermitted intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD) sequences favors premature elongation cessation.Nascent peptide within the ribosomal exit tunnel helps to ensure translation continuity by counteracting IRD.IRD‐counteracting mechanisms include the exit tunnel‐spanning nascent polypeptide and its bulky amino acid residues that occupy the tunnel entrance region.Selection for length and bulkiness in nascent chains to minimize the risk of nonproductive translation discontinuation affects amino acid distribution throughout the proteome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the predictors of cognitive function in patients with drug-resistant gelastic seizures ( GS) related to hypothalamic hamartoma ( HH) before and after stereotactic radiofrequency thermocoagulation surgery ( SRT). Methods We studied 88 patients with HH who underwent SRT between October 1997 and December 2014. Patients received neuropsychological tests preoperatively and postoperatively. Based on the preoperative measures, patients were categorized as 'high-functioning' (full-scale intelligence quotient [ FSIQ] ≥70; n = 48) and 'low-functioning' group ( FSIQ <70; n = 40). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses determined the clinical, electroencephalography ( EEG), and imaging factors associated with preoperative cognitive function as well as postoperative cognitive change. Results Eighty-seven patients (98.8%) were followed postoperatively for an average of 3.3 years, and 75 (85.2%) of them achieved GS remission at the last hospital visit. Neuropsychological performance was significantly improved after surgery in both groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that a smaller HH size (p = 0.002) and a smaller number of antiepileptic drugs (p < 0.001) were preoperatively associated with better neuropsychological performance. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that better postoperative improvement in cognition was associated with a shorter duration of epilepsy (p = 0.03). Significance Cognitive impairment related to epileptic encephalopathy may improve following SRT in substantial proportions of HH patients. Reduced improvement in postoperative cognitive function in patients with longer duration of epilepsy warrants further studies to determine if earlier SRT provides a greater chance of postoperative cognitive improvement in patients with HH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study a new approach to indocyanine green ( ICG) angiography for contrasting the ocular fundus in cats. Animals studied Six healthy laboratory cats. Procedures Fluorescein ( FLUO) and ICG angiography were performed using an infrared-sensitive charged coupled device-equipped fundus camera on sedated cats. Results At 12.3 ± 3.4 s after ICG administration, the choroidal arteries could be seen extending radially from the optic disk. The choroidal veins became apparent at 16.2 ± 4.1 s alongside the choroidal arteries. Gradual fading of the choroidal vessels began 5.8 ± 1.5 min postdye administration and diffuse fluorescence of the fundus appeared. Diffuse fluorescence of the optic disk faded at about 18.8 ± 2.9 min. Mean arterial blood pressure at 1 and 3 min after ICG administration showed no significant change when compared to pre-administration ( P > 0.05). However, 5 min ( P = 0.054) and 10 min ( P < 0.05) postadministration, a significant drop in blood pressure occurred. The time lapse between FLUO administration and its appearance in the ocular fundus was 15.7 ± 3.8 s. Retinal veins became apparent at 22.0 ± 3.6 s alongside retinal arteries. At 31.2 ± 4.1 s, full venous fluorescence was visualized throughout the entire fundus. Conclusions While FLUO angiography shows only the retinal vessels, ICG angiography enabled visualization of the choroidal vasculature. ICG angiography provides clear resolution while remaining reliable and simple; thus, a combination of ICG and FLUO angiography shows promise as a diagnostic aid for clinical evaluation of various chorioretinal diseases in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous mast cells are present in the choroid, but the effects of mast cell mediators on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are not well understood. We investigated the influence of mast cell mediators on RPE cells in vitro, focusing on tryptase. Expression of receptors was examined by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also assessed production of interleukin 8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after RPE cells were stimulated with mast cell mediators by using an antibody array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of tryptase on RPE cell migration and integrity by the scratch assay and the transepithelial resistance. RPE cells expressed protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), histamine receptor 1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1, and CCR 1, 3, 4, 8, and 11. Tryptase, PAR2 agonists, histamine, and TNF-α all enhanced interleukin 8 production by RPE cells, while only tryptase enhanced VEGF production. Tryptase also enhanced expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, resulting in increased migration of RPE cells. However, tryptase did not alter epithelial integrity or the expression of zonula occludens-1 and junctional adhesion molecule-A by RPE cells. Mast cell mediators, especially tryptase, may influence RPE cell inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH), composed of neurons and glia without apparent cytologic abnormalities, is a rare developmental malformation in humans. Patients with HH often have characteristic medically refractory gelastic seizures, and intrinsic epileptogenesis within the lesions has been speculated. Herein we provide evidence to suggest that in HH neurons, Ca2+ permeability through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors is aberrantly elevated. In needle biopsy specimens of HH tissue, field potential recordings demonstrated spontaneous epileptiform activities similar to those observed in other etiologically distinct epileptogenic tissues. In HH, however, these activities were clearly abolished by application of Joro Spider Toxin (JSTX), a specific inhibitor of the Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor. Consistent with these physiologic findings, the neuronal nuclei showed disappearance of adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 2 (ADAR2) immunoreactivity. Furthermore, examination of glutamate receptor 2 (GluA2) messenger RNA (mRNA) revealed that editing efficiency at the glutamine/arginine site was significantly low. These results suggest that neurons in HH may bear Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors due to dislocation of ADAR2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a damage estimation model of an earthquake using a pair of interferometric SAR data. Coherence is defined as a correlation function of two SLC (Single Look Complex) data. The coherence derived from multi-temporal SLCs before and after the earthquake includes a temporal decorrelation in disturbed regions. To estimate a degree of damage using the temporal decorrelation, the proposed model employs a coherence ratio, which is the ratio of the coherence derived from the SLCs before and after the event to the coherence derived from a pair of SLCs before the event. The temporal coherence ratio is computed by compensating the coherence ratio with the spatial decorrelation. The degrees of damage are defined by the logarithmic probability range of the ratio of the damage areas. It is shown that there is a significant relationship between the temporal coherence ratio and the probability of the degree of damage. In the case of the Hyogoken–Nanbu earthquake, its relationship can be represented by a linear function. The parameters of regression lines are set by applying the least-squares method. We have succeeded in estimating the cumulative probability of the degree of damage from the temporal coherence ratio. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 143(3): 49–57, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.10138 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 68-year-old man who underwent living-unrelated kidney transplantation from his spousal donor was immunosuppressed with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Despite his uneventful clinical course, protocol biopsy at 2 years post transplant showed de novo CNI tubulotoxicity despite low tacrolimus exposure. Everolimus was added in order to discontinue TACER. However, prominent proteinuria impeded continuation of everolimus since biopsy showed diffuse glomerular endocapillary proliferation without C4d deposition. No donor-specific antibody was detected. Pulse steroids were given and proteinuria returned to normal with histological reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]