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Net ecosystem production (NEP) by submerged aquatic vegetation plays a substantial role in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide into aquatic ecosystems. In lakes and estuaries, the net uptake of carbon dioxide by submerged aquatic vegetation is mediated by stratification of the water column which suppresses the vertical flux of carbon dioxide between the upper and lower layers. The presence of submerged aquatic vegetation can also affect the strength of stratification such that the interactions between vegetation, stratification, and NEP can moderate the carbon dioxide emissions. Since stratification can occur in lakes and estuaries, there is need for a new numerical approach able to consider the effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on stratification, NEP, and carbon dioxide. This study aims to develop a model to investigate how stratification, mediated by vegetation density and flexibility, affects the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). After initial parameterization of coefficients based on experimental work, horizontal and vertical variations in DIC were successfully modeled by a spatially (horizontally) integrated DIC (SiDIC) model, which was validated with field observations from an estuarine and freshwater lake case study. The SiDIC model was able to reproduce the pCO2 changes between daytime and nighttime throughout the water column. Sensitivity tests showed that the fluctuation of pCO2 was controlled by the suppression of stratification due to the density of submerged aquatic vegetation. The results highlight the importance of resolving vegetation‐induced stratification when modeling the carbon budget within freshwater lakes and coastal environments. Plain Language Summary: The key idea of the present study is that "vegetation‐induced stratification" suppresses vertical mixing in lakes and plays a substantial role in determining how much atmospheric carbon dioxide exchanges with the water. Field observations in Komuke Lagoon and Lake Monger were used to create a representative data set for understanding dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) metabolism in coastal and freshwater lake ecosystems, respectively. A spatially integrated DIC model was then created to reveal that the fluctuation of partial pressure of carbon dioxide was controlled by the suppression of stratification which is related to the density of submerged aquatic vegetation. The results demonstrate the effect of submerged aquatic vegetation on the vertical mixing of DIC, with implications for our understanding of carbon capture within aquatic ecosystems. Key Points: Submerged vegetation promotes stratification in shallow freshwater and coastal lakes which can impact net CO2 captureModel results demonstrate that vegetation properties mediate the diurnal pCO2 excursion by influencing vertical exchange with the canopyThe results highlight the importance of resolving vegetation‐mediated changes in mixing when estimating carbon uptake by submerged canopies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic models used for both freshwater and marine systems frequently need to account for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) due to its influence on flow and water quality. Despite its importance, parameterizations are generally adopted that simplify feedbacks from SAV, such as canopy properties (e.g., considering the deflected vegetation height) and the bulk friction coefficient. This study reports the development of a fine‐scale non‐hydrostatic model that demonstrates the two‐way effects of SAV motion interaction with the flow. An object‐oriented approach is applied to capture the multiphase phenomena, whereby a leaf‐scale SAV model based on a discrete element method is combined with a flow dynamics model to resolve stresses from currents and waves. The model is verified through application to a laboratory‐scale seagrass bed. A force balance analysis revealed that leaf elasticity and buoyancy are the most significant components influencing the horizontal and vertical momentum equations, respectively. The sensitivity of canopy‐scale bulk friction coefficients to water depth, current speeds, and vegetation density of seagrass was explored. Deeper water was also shown to lead to a smaller decrease in vegetation height. The model approach can contribute to improving assessment of processes influencing water quality, sediment stabilization, carbon sequestration, and SAV restoration, thereby supporting an understanding of how waterways and coasts will respond to changes brought about by development and a changing climate. Plain Language Summary: Aquatic system models that capture aquatic vegetation are increasingly important to help us understand processes controlling carbon budgets (e.g., "blue carbon") and for planning restoration efforts (e.g., Adams et al., 2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.10319). Current models all rely on "static" approaches to account for vegetation via bulk parameterizations, though we know vegetation motion is important (e.g., Abdolahpour et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.11008). Our study is the first to model the feedback between blade‐scale vegetation motion and hydrodynamics to show it is crucial in shaping bottom mixing processes with implications for carbon and nutrient deposition. Key Points: A model is presented to capture the changing position of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation blades and validated using laboratory experimentsForcing terms that control seagrass movement within a meadow are evaluatedEstimates of deflected vegetation height and bulk meadow friction coefficients demonstrate the importance of simulating SAV motion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied a relation between distal right coronary arterial (dRCA) flow demonstration and perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses (FGR). We investigated fetal biometry, cardiothoracic area ratio (CTAR), amniotic fluid index, Doppler examinations (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, aortic isthmus, ductus venosus). OC04.08: Distal right coronary arterial flow demonstration in growth-restricted fetuses: a sign of heart-sparing effect related to adverse perinatal outcome. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract for the article "Prenatal demonstration of distal right coronary artery in normal and growth-restricted fetuses: a plausible sign of heart-sparing effect?" by S. Miyashita and others is presented.

The zigzag-type atomic structure at edges of graphenes theoretically produces flat energy band. Because electrons have infinite effective mass at the flat band, they localize at zigzag edges with high densities. The localized electron spins are spontaneously polarized due to mutual Coulomb interaction in spite of a material consisting of only carbon atom with sp2 bonds. However, in most experimental studies, spin polarization (such as ferromagnetism) has been observed in defect-related carbon systems. Here, we fabricate honeycomb-like arrays of low-defect hexagonal antidots (nanopores) terminated by hydrogen atoms on graphenes. They are prepared by a non-lithographic method using nanoporous alumina templates. We find large-magnitude ferromagnetism arising from polarized electron spins localizing at the zigzag antidot edges. Moreover, weak hysteresis loop in magnetoresistance and also spin pumping effect are found for perpendicular and parallel magnetic fields applied to the few-layer antidot lattices with larger inter-antidot space. These promise to be a realization of rare-element free magnets and also novel spintronic devices such as all-carbon spin transistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Involvement of the serotoninergic system (S/S) in alcoholism has been suggested in both mice and humans. Previous studies have suggested the S/S genotype of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism to be associated with severe alcohol dependence marked by severe withdrawal symptoms. It has also been associated with alcoholics who exhibit a dissocial personality disorder. Methods: We examined the polymorphism in 166 Japanese alcoholics who experienced withdrawal seizure or delirium and 290 Japanese controls. Results: The S/S genotype was not increased in the patients. Exploratory analyses showed significantly less frequent S allele and S/S genotype frequencies in the alcoholics with a history of drinking-related arrests than in the controls ( p= 0.009 and p= 0.03, respectively), perhaps reflecting previously reported harm avoidance personality traits associated with S/S. Alcoholics with the L allele had a significantly earlier onset of alcohol dependence than those with the S/S genotype ( p= 0.01). Conclusions: The present study failed to provide supportive evidence for an association of the S/S genotype with severe alcoholism marked by physical withdrawal symptoms or with antisocial behaviors among the Japanese. Although our data support involvement of the central serotoninergic system in some types of alcoholism, the potential association findings of this study emerged as only exploratory and, therefore, should be understood as tentative until replicated in other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper accumulation leading to liver and/or brain damage. In this paper, we describe the results of a pilot study of screening for WD using ceruloplasmin determinations in dried blood samples. Specimens were collected from children aged 1 to 6 years who were seen at local paediatric outpatient clinics in the Miyagi Prefecture. We measured ceruloplasmin (CP) concentrations in 2789 children using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean value was 12.4±3.95 mg/dl blood. Among these children, we identified two (case 1, male, 2 years old; case 2, female, 3 years old) with markedly reduced CP concentrations. Apart from low serum copper concentrations, their biochemical findings were almost normal, as were growth and development. To confirm the diagnosis, we analysed the WD gene and detected A803T/2871delC mutations in case 1 and R778L/G1035V mutations in case 2. We conclude that these children were presymptomatic WD patients. The CP level in dried blood samples from children aged 1 to 6 years appears to be a reliable marker for early detection of WD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of Duchenne muscular dystrophy with multifocal hamartomatous glial nodules in the cerebral cortex is reported. The patient had suffered severe mental retardation since boyhood, dying of aspiration pneumonia at the age of 23 years. Post-mortem examination revealed an atrophic brain with normal gyri. Microscopically, multifocal small nodules composed of bizzare astrocytic cells, multinucleated cells, neuron-like cells, small astrocytes and glial fibers were found in the first, fifth and sixth layers of the prefrontal cortex. Some of the bizarre cells showed intense immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein and moderate to very weak reactivity for ubiquitin, tau protein and αB crystallin but no immunoreactivity for neurofilament and synaptophysin, suggesting that these cells were of astrocytic origin. The nodules were considered to be due to hamartomatous changes that had occurred in the early stage of brain development, and that might have been partly responsible for the pathogenetic mechanisms of mental retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral lymphocytes from eight patients with congenital immunodeficiency diseases were infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in an attempt to establish B lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL). These patients included three boys with congenital agammaglobulinaemia, two girls with hypogammaglobulinaemia, one boy with common variable immunodeficiency, one boy with severe combined immunodeficiency with adenosine deaminase deficiency, and one boy with DiGeorge syndrome. Five of the patients bore no surface immunoglobulins (sIg) on their peripheral lymphocytes. LCL were established from seven of the eight patients. All the LCL established formed rosettes with EAC3 and had the ability to produce cytoplasmic immunoglobulins (cIg) of various classes. Culture supernatants concentrated up to 100-fold developed precipitin bands by Ouchterlony's method with antisera to human Ig in all the established LCL. These results suggested that both sIg-, cIg- and C3+ cells and sIg+, cIg- and C3+ cells might be the target cells for EBV and that sIg-, cIg- and C3+ cells might be the precursor cells of B lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OC25.02: Estimated pulse wave velocity in growth-restricted fetuses: a novel perspective for fetal hemodynamic changes using phased tracking method We studied pulse wave velocity (PWV) estimated by applying newly developed technique, ultrasonic "Phased Tracking Method" (PTM) in FGR. The higher PWV in FGR-HS group suggested altered arterial wall properties or elevated blood pressure, which possibly make out highly compromised fetal patients. [Extracted from the article]

OP16.09: Cardiac output and placental perfusion in growth-restricted fetuses with cerebral blood flow redistribution Fetal cardiac output and placental blood flow in normal growing and growth-restricted fetuses were investigated focusing into functional cardiovascular alteration especially in cases with cerebral blood flow redistribution. Umbilical venous flow volume (UVFV) and UVFV/CCO was estimated from the internal diameter of intrahepatic umbilical vein and the pulsed Doppler velocity waveform. [Extracted from the article]

Ultrasonic "phased tracking method" (PTM) enables non-invasive measurements of pulse wave velocity (PWV). We aim to investigate PWV and pulse pressure (PP) in growth-restricted fetuses with or without demonstrated flow signals in right distal coronary artery (dRCA). Increased PWV and PP in cases with demonstrated dRCA flow signals suggested elevated diastolic pressure and pulse pressure in them. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the article "Prenatal demonstration of distal right coronary artery in growth-restricted fetuses: a sign of protective response?," by S. Miyashita and colleagues is presented.

A numerical analysis and a water model study of the mold region of a billet continuous caster was performed with a novel injection concept using swirling flow in the pouring tube, to control the heat and mass transfer in the continuous casting mold. The following results were found: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary analysis of the phase 1/2 ISLANDs study in Japanese individuals with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) showed that isatuximab monotherapy was well tolerated and effective, even in participants with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. Here, we report a prespecified second analysis conducted 20 months after the first dosing of the last participant (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02812706). The primary objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of isatuximab in phase 1 and to evaluate the efficacy of isatuximab, including assessment of overall response rate (ORR) at the recommended dose (RD), in phase 2. In phase 1, three participants received isatuximab 10 mg/kg every week (QW) for 4 weeks/cycle followed by every 2 weeks (Q2W) and five participants received 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W. Since no dose-limiting toxicities occurred in phase 1, 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W was identified as the RD for the phase 2 study (n = 28). At the time of data cut-off, three participants (one in phase 1 and two in phase 2) continued to receive isatuximab; disease progression and treatment-related adverse events were the most common reasons for treatment discontinuation. The overall safety profile was consistent with the primary analysis. One death, not related to isatuximab treatment, was reported since the first analysis. The ORR and clinical benefit rate remained unchanged from the primary analysis at 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.4%-54.9%) and 54.5% (95% CI: 36.4%-71.9%), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.6 months, longer than the median PFS reported in the primary analysis (4.7 months), whereas median overall survival was not reached. Overall, isatuximab 20 mg/kg QW/Q2W had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and showed promising antitumor activity in Japanese individuals with RRMM., (© 2022 Sanofi and the Authors. Hematological Oncology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Dry aging (DA) allows for the storage of meat without packaging at 0 to 3°C for several weeks. It enhances the production of pleasant flavors, tenderness, and juiciness in meat. Due to the long storage period and roles of indigenous microbiota in the maturation of several meat products, the microbiota of DA meat is of interest in terms of microbial contributions and food hygiene but has not yet been characterized in detail. This study identified the microbiota of pork loins during DA using culturing and culture-independent meta-16S rRNA gene sequencing and elucidated its characteristics. The amounts of free amino acids and profiles of aroma-active compounds were also monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively. The meta-16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Pseudomonas spp. generally dominated the microbiota throughout DA; however, the culturing analysis showed marked changes in the species composition during DA. Acinetobacter spp. were the second most dominant bacteria before DA in the culture-independent analysis but became a minor population during DA. The cell numbers of yeasts showed an increased tendency during DA, and Debaryomyces hansenii was the only microorganism isolated from all meat samples throughout DA. Well-known foodborne pathogens were not observed in two microbiota analyses. The amounts of free amino acids were increased by DA, and the number of aroma-active compounds and their flavor dilution values markedly changed during DA. Most microbial isolates showed positive reactions with proteolytic and lipolytic activities, suggesting their contribution to tenderness and aroma production in DA meats., (© 2021 The Authors. MicrobiologyOpen published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background This large-scale observational study on negative events in a real-world setting investigated Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation who were not on anticoagulants. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of ischemic stroke and bleeding events (intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, others) based on CHA2DS2-VASc scores in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation who were not anticoagulated. Methods and Results We used health checkups and insurance claim data from a Japanese insurance organization. Altogether, 9733 atrial fibrillation patients were not prescribed anticoagulation during their follow-up periods. Patients' risk levels were defined by their CHA2DS2-VASc scores (range 0-≥3): Men with scores of 0, 1, or ≥2 and women with scores of 1, 2, or ≥3 were considered at low, intermediate, or high risk, respectively. Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association between the CHA2DS2-VASc-determined risk and the incidence of ischemic stroke and intracranial, gastrointestinal, and other bleeding. The mean 2.5-year follow-up revealed 143 ischemic strokes and 332 bleeding events. Annual event rates were 0.58% for ischemic stroke and 1.17% for total bleeding events. Annual incidence of ischemic stroke increased with elevated predicted risks based on CHA2DS2-VASc scores: 0.18% for low-risk, 0.44% intermediate-risk, and 1.29% high-risk groups ( P <0.001 for trend). Annual incidences of total bleeding also increased with elevated predicted risks: 0.51% for low-risk, 1.28% intermediate-risk, and 2.02% high-risk groups ( P <0.001 for trend). Conclusions Risks of ischemic stroke and bleeding events were high, particularly among those with high CHA2DS2-VASc scores.

Aim: To investigate whether high-intensity breastfeeding (HIB) reduces insulin resistance during early post-partum period in women with gestational diabetes (GDM), independent of post-partum weight change (PWC)., Materials and Methods: In this multicentre prospective study, we included Japanese women with GDM who underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during early post-partum. We measured plasma insulin during OGTT to obtain a homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We defined the condition in which infants were fed by breastfeeding alone or greater than or equal to 80% of the volume as HIB, and other statuses, including partial and nonbreastfeeding, as non-HIB. We investigated the association between post-partum HOMA-IR and the breastfeeding status after adjusting for confounders including PWC., Results: Among 222 women with GDM who underwent the OGTT at 7.9 ± 2.3 weeks post-partum with a PWC of -7.8 ± 3.4 kg, although the rate of abnormal glucose tolerance (prediabetes and diabetes) did not differ between the groups (33% vs 32%), the HOMA-IR in the HIB women (n = 166) was significantly lower than that in the non-HIB women (n = 56) (1.12 ± 0.85 vs 1.72 ± 1.43, P = 0.0002). The effect of the HIB was independently associated with lower HOMA-IR after adjusting for confounders including PMC. However, the subgroup analysis according to their pre-pregnancy obesity states showed that the effect was seen only in the obese subjects (BMI ≥ 25)., Conclusions: In obese Japanese women with GDM, HIB has a significant effect in reducing insulin resistance during early post-partum, independent of the post-partum weight loss., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)