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Herein, the effect of inorganic carbon (IC) limitation on the nitrogen removal performance of the single-stage reactor containing nitritation and anammox gel carriers was investigated. As a result of a continuous feeding test, the effluent ammonium concentration increased as the IC concentration decreased, indicating the deterioration of nitritation activity, not anammox. Furthermore, the sensitivity of IC to anammox and nitritation activity was investigated in anammox and nitritation reactors, respectively. Consequently, the relationship between the effluent IC concentration and nitritation rate was well described using the Michaelis-Menten equation. The apparent Km value of nitritation was calculated as 4.4 mg-C L-1. In anammox reactor, it was calculated as 1.7 mg-C L-1. These results revealed that the affinity of nitritation gel carriers to IC was lower than that of anammox, supporting that nitritation activity was easily deactivated by decrease in the IC concentration rather than anammox. Microbial community analysis revealed that Nitrosomonas europaea and Candidatus Jettenia asiatica were the dominant species of ammonium-oxidizing and anammox bacteria.

Researches on the fission product chemistry made after the severe accident of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station were reviewed with focus on the Cs chemistry in terms of two regimes, namely, the accidental source term and the long-term source term via aqueous phase toward the decommissioning. For the accidental source term, Cs chemical interaction with Mo, B, and Si under steam atmosphere greatly affect the behavior of release from fuel and revaporization from the deposit on the structural material surface in the reactor coolant system. Regarding the unique issue of long-term source term via aqueous phase, Cs penetration into concrete and fuel debris leaching were mentioned as the main sources of FPs. Efforts on the preparation of thermodynamic data for the Cs complex oxides were described. All these Cs chemical behaviors should be modelled and validated/verified through the analysis and evaluation of the actual samples including fuel debris that would be taken from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in near future.

For a battery module where single cells are connected in series, the single cells should each have a similar state of charge (SOC) to prevent them from being exposed to an overcharge or over-discharge during charge–discharge cycling. To detect the existence of unbalanced SOC cells in a battery module, we propose a simple measurement method using a single-frequency response of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). For a commercially available graphite/nickel-cobalt-aluminum-oxide lithium-ion cell, the cell impedance increases significantly below SOC20%, while the impedance in the medium SOC region (SOC20%–SOC80%) remains low with only minor changes. This impedance behavior is mostly due to the elementary processes of cathode reactions in the cell. Among the impedance values (Z, Z′, Z″), the imaginary component of Z″ regarding cathode reactions changes heavily as a function of SOC, in particular, when the EIS measurement is performed around 0.1 Hz. Thanks to the significant difference in the time constant of cathode reactions between ≤SOC10% and ≥SOC20%, a single-frequency EIS measurement enlarges the difference in impedance between balanced and unbalanced cells in the module and facilitates an ~80% improvement in the detection signal compared to results with conventional EIS measurements.

Achieving both the backbone order and solubility of π-conjugated polymers, which are often in a trade-off relationship, is imperative for maximizing the performance of organic solar cells. Here, we studied three different π-conjugated polymers based on thiazolothiazole (PSTz1 and POTz1) and benzobisthiazole (PNBTz1) that were combined with a benzodithiophene unit in the backbone, where PNBTz1 was newly synthesized. Because of the steric hindrance between the side chains located on neighboring heteroaromatic rings, POTz1 had a much less coplanar backbone than PSTz1 in which such a steric hindrance is absent. However, POTz1 showed higher photovoltaic performance in solar cells that used Y6 as the acceptor material. This was likely due to the significantly higher solubility of POTz1 than PSTz1, resulting in a better morphology. Interestingly, PNBTz1 was found to have markedly higher backbone coplanarity than POTz1, despite having similar steric hindrance between the side chains, most likely owing to the more extended π-electron system, whereas PNBTz1 had good solubility comparable to POTz1. As a result, PNBTz1 exhibited higher photovoltaic performance than POTz1 in the Y6-based cells: specifically, the fill factor was significantly enhanced. Our results indicate that the backbone order and solubility can be achieved by the careful molecular design, which indeed leads to higher photovoltaic performance.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION Metformin is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal complications, and probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) can improve the symptoms of diarrhea. This study aimed to clarify the effects of probiotic BBG9-1 on the gastrointestinal symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using metformin. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this open-label single-arm exploratory study, 40 patients (mean age 64.0 ± 9.4 years) were given probiotic BBG9-1 for 10 weeks. Changes in the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale total score, which was the primary end-point, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale subscale scores, glycated hemoglobin levels and gut microbiota after the administration of probiotic BBG9-1 were evaluated by the Student's t-test. RESULTS The gastrointestinal symptom rating scale total score significantly improved (from 2.02 ± 0.51 to 1.59 ± 0.43, change, -0.43 ± 0.49, P

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a peroxisomal disorder characterized by white matter degeneration caused by adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette subfamily D member 1 (ABCD1) gene mutations, which lead to an accumulation of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective treatment; however, the ratio of donor‐to‐recipient cells required to prevent the progression of demyelination is unclear. The proband was diagnosed with the childhood cerebral form of ALD at 5 years of age based on the clinical phenotype, elevated plasma VLCFA levels, and pathogenic ABCD1 mutation c.293C>T (p.Ser98Leu). Soon after the diagnosis, he became bedridden. At 1 year of age, his younger brother was found to carry the same ABCD1 mutation; despite being asymptomatic, at 1 year and 9 months, head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed high‐signal‐intensity lesions in the cerebral white matter. The patient underwent unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) with a reduced conditioning regimen, which resulted in mixed chimerism. For 7 years after UCBT, the donor chimerism remained low (

During a severe accident (SA) such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, fission products (FPs) can be retained on the surface of structural materials in reactors. Cesium (Cs) is a...

π-Conjugated polymers are important materials for organic photovoltaics. While search for new backbone systems is central to the development of π-conjugated polymers, side chain engineering is also imperative. Here, we synthesized two benzodithiophene-thiazolothiazole copolymers, PSTz1 and POTz1, where the side chain placement is different. Due to the less steric hindrance between the side chains, PSTz1 had a more coplanar backbone than POTz1. This led to significant differences in trend of the performance for the binary and ternary blend cells that used a fullerene (PC 71 BM) and/or a non-fullerene (ITIC) as the acceptor materials. Whereas PSTz1 showed higher photovoltaic performance in the PC 71 BM-based cell, POTz1 showed higher performance in the ITIC-based cell. Furthermore, in the ternary blend cell, whereas increase in the PC 71 BM content improved the photovoltaic performance for the PSTz1 system, it was detrimental to the performance for the POTz1 system. We believe that these results would be a good guideline for maximizing the performance of organic photovoltaics.

Background: Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency is an X-chromosome-linked neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from impaired thyroid hormone transport across the cell membrane. The diagnosis of MCT8 deficiency is typically delayed owing to the late appearance of signs and symptoms as well as the inability of standard biomarkers of neonatal screening to provide early detection. In this study, we report, for the first time, the ability to detect MCT8 deficiency at birth using dried blood spot (DBS) samples. Methods: We retrospectively measured triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and reverse T3 (rT3) levels in DBS samples obtained at 4–5 days of life from 6 infants with genetically confirmed MCT8 deficiency and from 110 controls. The latter consisted of 58 healthy term neonates obtained at the same time, 16 were stored for more than 1 year before measurement to match samples from the MCT8-deficient infants. Ten DBS samples were collected at day 1 of life and 42 samples were from prematurely born neonates. Measurements were carried out in extract from eight millimeters diameter DBS using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: Contrary to characteristic iodothyronine abnormalities of MCT8 deficiency during later life, T3 and T4 values were not discriminatory from those of other study groups. In contrast, rT3 was significantly lower. The T3/rT3 ratio was higher in the DBS samples from the MCT8-deficient infants compared with all other groups with no overlap (p

Thiazolothiazole-based π-conjugated polymers are promising semiconducting materials in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). In this study, we report on a series of thiophene-thiazolothiazole based polymer...

We analyzed edible potato starch and observed the interaction between its granular structure and water molecules. We studied the changes caused by gelatinization during heating and stirring using microscopy, micro‐FT‐IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray scattering techniques. A wide range of spatial scales was revealed using these various techniques. The rate of gelatinization varied significantly and was dependent on the starch concentration. The process of adsorption of water on starch molecules was studied using the humidity‐controlled FT‐IR spectroscopy technique. Furthermore, by comparing the X‐ray scattering profiles of dry and wet granules, the 9‐nm repeat “cluster” structure was studied. A gradual collapse of the granules occurred during the processes of heating and stirring. A clustered smectic structure and a smectic‐like structure were observed in the opaque gel after gelatinization. Upon further heating, a transparent gel was obtained after the melting of the cluster., We analyzed edible potato starch and observed the interaction between its granular structure and water molecules. A wide range of spatial scales was revealed using various techniques such as X‐ray scattering and FT‐IR measurements. We could succeed gelatinization and gelation process with a wide spatial scale.

Herein, we study the origin of differences in open-circuit voltage (VOC) for polymer:fullerene solar cells employing highly crystalline conjugated polymers (PTzBT) based on the same thiophene–thiazolothiazole backbone with different side chains. By analyzing the temperature dependence of VOC and cyclic voltammogram, we find that the difference in VOC originates in the different cascaded energy structures for the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels in the interfacial mixed phase. Furthermore, we find that this is due to the stabilization of HOMO caused by the different branching of side chains on the basis of density functional theory calculation. Finally, we discuss the molecular design strategy based on side-chain engineering for ideal interfacial cascaded energy structures leading to higher VOC and photocurrent simultaneously.

Niemann–Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal congenital neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene, which is involved in cholesterol transport in lysosomes. Broad clinical manifestations of NPC1 include liver failure, pulmonary disorder, neurological deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. The main cause of death in NPC1 patients involves central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction; there is no essential treatment. We generated a tyrosine-mutant adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9/3 vector that expresses human NPC1 under a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (AAV-CMV-hNPC1) and injected it into the left lateral ventricle (5 μL) and cisterna magna (10 μL) of Npc1 homo-knockout (Npc1−/−) mice. Each mouse received total 1.35 × 1011 vector genome on days 4 or 5 of life. AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice (n = 11) had an average survival of >28 weeks, while all saline-treated Npc1−/− mice (n = 11) and untreated Npc1−/− mice (n = 6) died within 16 weeks. Saline-treated and untreated Npc1−/− mice lost body weight from 7 weeks until death. However, the average body weight of AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice increased until 15 weeks. AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice also showed a significant improvement in the rotarod test performance. A pathological analysis at 11 weeks showed that cerebellar Purkinje cells were preserved in AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice. In contrast, untreated Npc1−/− mice showed an almost total loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Combined injection into both the lateral ventricle and cisterna magna achieved broader delivery of the vector to the CNS, leading to better outcomes than noted in previous reports, with injection into the lateral ventricles or veins alone. In AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice, vector genome DNA was detected widely in the CNS and liver. Human NPC1 RNA was detected in the brain, liver, lung, and heart. Accumulated unesterified cholesterol in the liver was reduced in the AAV-treated Npc1−/− mice. Our results suggest the feasibility of gene therapy for patients with NPC1.

Salivary cortisol concentration and its circadian variation were detected by optimizing the ionic concentration of a solution during the immobilization of aptamers on a field-effect transistor bios...

Aims The impacts of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) as an anti‐inflammatory and C reactive protein (CRP) as inflammatory properties on the pathogenesis of heart failure were reported. At present, the clinical significance of the HDL‐C/CRP ratio in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients remains unknown. Methods and results We examined the data on 796 consecutive HFpEF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%) patients hospitalized due to acute decompensated heart failure from the PURSUIT‐HFpEF registry, a prospective, multicentre observational study. We calculated the HDL/CRP ratios and evaluated the relationship between the values and clinical outcomes, including degree of cardiac function. The mean follow‐up duration was 420 ± 346 days. All‐cause death occurred in 118 patients, of which 51 were cardiac deaths. HDL/CRP ≤ 4.05 was independently and significantly associated with all‐cause death (odds ratio = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.06–3.20, P = 0.023), and HDL/CRP ≤ 3.14 was associated with cardiac death by multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis (odds ratio = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.36–6.01, P = 0.003). HDL‐C/CRP ratio significantly correlated with the product of the left atrial volume and left ventricular mass index as well as the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion by multiple regression analysis (standardized beta‐coefficient = −0.085, P = 0.034 and standardized beta‐coefficient = 0.081, P = 0.044, respectively). Conclusions HDL‐C/CRP ratio was a useful marker for predicting all‐cause death and cardiac death and correlated with left ventricular diastolic function and right ventricular systolic function in HFpEF patients.

The 70% ethanol extract of Artemisia campestris was screened to find PPARγ ligands using the PPARγ ligand-responsive chimera luciferase reporter system. Capillartemisin B was identified as a PPARγ ligand that stimulated lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. By further purification of PPARγ ligands from a large-scale preparation of the methanol extract of Artemisia campestris, we isolated and identified eupatilin and santaflavone as PPARγ ligands. Weak PPARγ ligand activity of eupatilin or santaflavone in reporter assay was enhanced by a PPARγ antagonist, GW9662, suggesting that santaflavone or eupatilin and GW9662 bound simultaneously to the multiple sub-pockets of the PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD) and cooperatively activated PPARγ. Docking simulation suggested that eupatilin binds to the Ω-pocket but not to the AF-2 pocket of Y-shaped PPARγ LBD where artepillin C that differs from capillartemisin B at the C-5′ position without hydroxy group binds. Eupatilin or santaflavone with or without GW9662 did not stimulate lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that binding of each compound alone or with GW9662 to the Ω-pocket which stimulated the PPARγ-responsive reporter expression was not enough to stimulate lipid accumulation. The PPARγ ligands found in this study have a potential to design the fragment-based drug design of a novel PPARγ ligand that cover the Y-shaped PPARγ LBD.

Leukocytes play an important role in vascular inflammation prior to atherosclerosis. In particular, monocyte adhesion and migration to the endothelium contribute to the development of vascular inflammation. Previously, we showed the importance of neutrophils and complement C5a in the early phase of vascular inflammation in mice fed a high‐fat diet. However, the relationship between monocytes and neutrophils is not well understood. In this study, we elucidated the involvement of neutrophils in the migration of monocytes. We observed that C5a induces CCL2 expression in neutrophil‐like dHL‐60 cells. To investigate the physiological significance of CCL2 secretion, we performed a chemotaxis assay. Interestingly, dHL‐60 culture supernatant in the presence of C5a enhanced the migration of THP‐1 in comparison with the absence of C5a. Furthermore, CCL2 expression and secretion significantly increased in C5a‐stimulated dHL‐60 through the phosphorylation of NF‐κB p65. Actin polymerization on THP‐1 was enhanced by the presence of C5a compared with the absence of C5a when stimulated by a dHL‐60‐cultured medium. These results suggest that crosstalk between neutrophils and monocytes via CCL2 may play an important role in vascular inflammation., In this study, we found that neutrophil‐like dHL‐60 stimulated with C5a induces the migration of monocytic THP‐1 through phosphorylation of p65 NF‐κB and that dHL‐60‐derived CCL2 plays an important role in the crosstalk between these cells. These results suggest that there may be a transition process from acute to chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic vascular inflammation.

Polymer-blend solar cells (all-PSCs) based on a copolymer of naphthodithiophene diimide and bithiophene (PNDTI-BT-DT) as a near-infrared absorber as well as an electron acceptor were fabricated in combination with PTB7 as an electron donor. Notably, the external quantum efficiency spectra of the all-PSCs demonstrated photoresponse up to 900 nm with the efficiency of 25% at 800 nm, which is much higher than that for the previously reported all-PSCs. Power conversion efficiency as high as 2.59% was achieved under the irradiation of simulated solar light (AM1.5, 100 mW/cm2). Both PNDTI-BT-DT and PTB7 formed a crystalline structure in the blend films similar to in the pristine films, leading to the efficient charge generation contributed from both polymers.

Thiazole has been less focused, compared to thiophene, as the building unit for π-conjugated polymers that are used in organic electronic devices despite its electron deficiency and ability to coplanarize the polymer backbone, which are crucial for design of such π-conjugated polymers. Here, we show that bithiazole dicarboxylate ester (BETz), which is quite easily synthesized, is a promising building unit for π-conjugated polymers. Copolymers based on BETz, having unsubstituted bithiophene and bithiazole as counits, indeed form highly crystalline structures in thin films, which is beneficial for semiconducting properties. Of particular interest is that the BETz-based polymers are found to show electron-transport property even though the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels are not very low, as they show ambipolar and unipolar n-channel behaviors depending on the counit in organic transistor devices. We believe that BETz allows us to design a wide variety of π-conjugated polymers that provide fascinating functions in organic electronic devices.

While palladium-catalyzed direct arylation polymerization (DArP) is an easy and safe method to synthesize semiconducting polymers with alternating donor–acceptor units (DA polymers), branching and ...

The control of three-dimensional (3D) geometrical shapes is one of important approaches that contribute the development of new functionalities in material science. We produced 3D Si pyramids with a...

Purpose Recently, guidelines recommended the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common post-surgical complication of cardiac surgery, but the efficacy and safety of DOAC for POAF have rarely been investigated. We conducted a prospective observational study to investigate the efficacy and safety of DOAC administered immediately after POAF. Materials and methods In all, 135 patients that experienced POAF after cardiac surgery were treated with a DOAC. Primary endpoints were either bleeding or thromboembolic events. Secondary endpoints included changes in hemoglobin (Hb), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), serum creatinine (sCr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and pleural/pericardial effusion. Results Patients were treated with apixaban (n = 31), edoxaban (n = 87), and rivaroxaban (n = 17). Major bleeding (p = 0.011) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (p = 0.047) were significantly more frequent in the rivaroxaban group. Stroke was observed in one rivaroxaban group patient and none in the other two groups. Conclusion DOAC as anticoagulation therapy for the early intervention of POAF following cardiac surgery is associated with a low incidence of major bleeding; a favorable safety profile and excellent efficacy were demonstrated for DOAC. Furthermore, our results indicate that the safety and efficacy of apixaban and edoxaban are better than rivaroxaban.

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are energy storage devices that bridge the gap between electric double-layer capacitors and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A typical LIC cell is composed of a capacitor-type positive electrode and a battery-type negative electrode. The most common negative electrode material, graphite, suffers from low rate capability and cyclability due to the sluggish kinetics of the Li+ intercalation/de-intercalation process. In this work, metal chloride-pillared graphite, which has recently attracted attention as high-rate LIB anodes, is applied as the negative electrode for LICs for the first time to overcome this drawback. It is shown that AlCl3-graphite intercalation compounds (AlCl3-GICs) with a wide interlayer spacing benefits faster Li+ diffusion. The low molecular weight and conversion reaction of the AlCl3 pillar further enhances the specific capacity per mass. An optimized LIC cell comprised of a AlCl3-GIC negative electrode and activated carbon as the positive electrode exhibited higher energy and power densities compared to LICs using graphite as the negative electrode, and displayed stable cycling performance with 85% capacity retention after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The AlCl3-GICs synthesized in this work displayed improved electrochemical performances and have the potential to replace the graphite electrode in conventional LICs.

Background/aim Curcumin is a natural compound of turmeric, which inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation. This study examined whether treatment of LNCaP prostate cancer cells with the combination of curcumin and dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, affect proliferation and the amount of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Materials and methods LNCaP Cells were incubated with curcumin or the combination of curcumin and dutasteride and cell proliferation was measured at 72 h. LC-MS/MS was used to determine testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations in prostate cancer cells. Results Curcumin combined with dutasteride suppressed proliferation and affected apoptosis of LNCaP cells. The combination of curcumin and dutasteride also reduced the amount of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in LNCaP cells. The secretion of prostate-specific antigen was inhibited by the combination treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Treatment with the combination of curcumin and dutasteride may interfere with the intra-tumoral androgen activity.

Objective: Soy sauce oil, a byproduct of whole soybean processing by the soy sauce industry, was evaluated as a source of linoleic acid for dairy cows for the purpose of manipulating the composition of milk.Methods: Eight dairy Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used for ruminal administration of soy sauce oil for a 28-day period using a 4×4 Latin square study design with 4 doses (0, 200, 400, and 600 g soy sauce oil/d).Results: Although dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by soy sauce oil administration, ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and acetate were decreased, specifically at 600 g/d administration. While milk fat percentage was decreased with administration of soy sauce oil, proportions of linoleic, vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acids in the rumen, blood and milk were increased with increasing soy sauce oil dose.Conclusion: These results suggest that soy sauce oil feeding could be useful for improving milk functionality without adverse effects on animal production performance when fed at less than 400 g/d.