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This discussion concerns the flowage of the 1991 lava lobes at Unzen that were suggested by Goto et al. (2020) to be moving rigidly. Pictorial evidence of flowage of the 1991 lava lobe of Unzen, such as morphological change of the lava lobe, protrusion of the front of lava lobe, crease structure, and wrinkle surface of lava blocks, are presented. Differences in the interpretation of flow mechanisms may reflect slight difference in temperature and glass composition of the lavas. Temperatures used by Goto et al. (2020) were 780–880 °C, whereas those estimated by Venezky and Rutherford (1999) were 900 ± 30 °C. The groundmass glass compositions of 1991 blocks of Unzen dacite used by Goto et al. (2020) are 1–2 wt% higher in SiO2 than those of Nakada and Motomura (1999) and ours, suggesting that the samples used by Goto et al. (2020) represent the cooler rigid parts of the lava lobes. The lava viscosity is delicately influenced by cooling, dewatering, and crystallization during eruption. The direct application of experimental results to understanding the rheological behavior of natural lavas needs much more careful consideration.

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma protein that has been identified in most mammals. We first identified whole genome sequence of equine HRG (eHRG) and succeeded to purify eHRG from plasma of horses. Since HRG interacts with various ligands, this protein is thought to be involved in immune response, coagulation, and angiogenesis. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is characterized as a non-specific, clinical, pro-inflammatory immune response that damage organs and tissues in the host. Recent reports revealed that blood HRG levels in human patients with SIRS are approximately 50% lower than those in healthy controls, indicating the use of HRG as a biomarker or treatment for SIRS. SIRS is also a serious issue in equine medicine. In this study, we investigated various effects of eHRG on neutrophil functions, including adhesion, migration, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lysosome maturation using neutrophils isolated from horses. Microscopic observation showed that the addition of eHRG to the culture diminished adhesion of neutrophils stimulated with LPS. Using the Boyden chamber technique, we showed that eHRG reduced neutrophil chemotaxis induced by recombinant human IL-8. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay demonstrated that eHRG restrained the peak of LPS-promoted ROS production from neutrophils. In contrast, eHRG promoted phagocytic activity evaluated with uptake of fluorescent dye conjugated particles, as well as lysosomal maturation assessed using fluorescent staining for lysosomes of equine neutrophils. These results indicated that eHRG acts as a dual regulator of neutrophils in horses.

Background There is a rare type of vestibular schwannoma, scarcely discussed in the literature, known as a hypervascular vestibular schwannoma (HVS). Objective To evaluate its biological characteristics, angiographical classification, surgical outcomes, and the significance for surgical consideration, using a large series of this clinical entity. Methods The definition for HVS in this study was the tumor stain from the vertebrobasilar system (VBS) in angiography. The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 36 patients who were angiographically diagnosed with HVS and underwent surgery between 2008 and 2015. Their biological findings and their surgical outcomes were compared with non-HVS subjects. With regard to the tumor feeders and AV shunt, we classified HVS into 5 types. Results HVS occurred more commonly in younger subjects (mean: 39.4 yr), as a larger solid tumor with multiple flow voids (mean: 34.1 mm), and involved higher levels of cerebrospinal fluid protein (mean: 202 mg/dl) and a higher MIB1-index (mean: 4.3%). The average resection rate for these 36 cases was 95.3%, and recurrence was seen in 6 cases (16.7%). Compared with non-HVS, the extent of tumor resection was significantly lower, and the recurrence rate was significantly higher. Especially in HVS type 2B (the tumor stain is fed by the VBS and the external carotid artery, with an arteriovenous shunt from the VBS), the recurrence-free survival duration was significantly shorter compared with other HVS types and non-HVS, and HVS type 2B exhibited an identifiable risk factor for recurrence. Conclusion HVS have the distinct clinical characteristics compared with those of non-HVS subjects.

This data article reports on the chemical properties of commercial fish sauce products associated with the fish sauce taste and flavor. All products were analyzed in triplicate. Dried solid content was analyzed by moisture analyzer. Fish sauce salinity was determined by a salt meter. pH was measured using a pH meter. The acidity was determined using a titration assay. Amino nitrogen and total nitrogen were evaluated using a titration assay and Combustion-type nitrogen analyzer, respectively.The analyzed products originated from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Italy. Data on the chemical properties of the products are provided in table format in the current article. Keywords: Fish sauce, Chemical property, Salinity, Protein digestion, Fermented foods

Identifying molecular determinants of virulence attenuation in live attenuated canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccines is important for assuring their safety. To this end, we identified mutations in the attenuated CPV 9985-46 vaccine strain that arose during serial passage in Crandell-Rees feline kidney cells by comparison with the wild-type counterpart, as well as minimal determinants of the loss of virulence. Four amino acid substitutions (N93K, G300V, T389N and V562L) in VP2 of strain 9985-46 significantly restricted infection in canine A72 cells. Using an infectious molecular clone system, we constructed isogenic CPVs of the parental virulent 9985 strain carrying single or double mutations. We observed that only a single amino acid substitution in VP2, G300V or T389N, attenuated the virulent parental virus. Combinations of these mutations further attenuated CPV to a level comparable to that of 9985-46. Strains with G300V/T389N substitutions did not induce clinical symptoms in experimentally infected pups, and their ability to infect canine cells was highly restricted. We found that another G300V/V562L double mutation decreased affinity of the virus for canine cells, although its pathogenicity to dogs was maintained. These results indicate that mutation of residue 300, which plays a critical role in host tropism, is not sufficient for viral attenuation in vivo, and that attenuation of 9985-46 strain is defined by at least two mutations in residues 300 and 389 of the VP2 capsid protein. This finding is relevant for quality control of the vaccine and provides insight into the rational design of second-generation live attenuated vaccine candidates.

This data article describes a sensory evaluation of potatoes used in food processing from the Tokachi, Kamikawa, and Abashiri geographic areas of Hokkaido, Japan, performed by untrained young adults. We gathered sensory data on potatoes from the four cultivars âToyoshiro,â âKitahime,â âSnowden,â and âPoroshiri.â The sensory evaluation was performed on steamed potatoes from each cultivar; these potatoes were harvested from each of the three geographic areas. Table 1 provides the data from the evaluation of the five basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami), as well as the evaluation of the egumi taste, which is a Japanese term indicating a taste that is acrid, astringent, and slightly bitter. Keywords: Potato, Sensory evaluation, Tastes, Cultivars

We developed novel polypropylene (PP)/silica nanocomposites using PP and silica nanospheres (SNSs) combined with poly(5-hexen-1-ol-co-propylene) (PPOH), which is a functionalized PP containing hydroxyl groups that was assumed to play a role as not only an elastomer but also an interface modifier. Since the affinity between the PP matrix and silica filler was expected to be improved by blending with PPOH, its influence on the mechanical properties, structure, and toughness of the ternary composites was examined in detail to provide a better understanding of the role of the matrix-filler affinity on the mechanical properties. The dispersity of the SNSs in the fabricated PP/PPOH/SNS nanocomposite was improved by increasing the hydroxyl group content of PPOH due to the enhanced affinity between PPOH and the SNSs. The SNSs in the composite with PPOH containing 6.4 mol% hydroxyl groups (PPOH6.4) were almost dispersed in the microscale domain, while the SNSs in the composite with 1.3 mol% hydroxy groups (PPOH1.3) were considerably aggregated. The toughness of the nanocomposite was noticeably improved by blending PPOH6.4 without a significant loss of stiffness. In contrast, the toughness was hardly improved using PPOH1.3. Therefore, both the fine dispersion of the SNSs and the excellent affinity between PPOH6.4 and the SNSs contributed to the good balance of toughness and stiffness of the PP/PPOH/SNS nanocomposite.

The protective efficacy of intranasal (IN) administration of inactivated feline calicivirus (FCV) vaccine against homologous or heterologous FCV infection was investigated. Groups of cats immunized with the experimental inactivated, non-adjuvanted FCV vaccine via either the IN or subcutaneous (SC) route were exposed to homologous or highly heterologous FCV. Both the IN and SC immunization protocols established robust protection against homologous FCV infection. Although neither immunization regimen conferred protection against the heterologous strain, clinical scores and virus titres of oral swabs were lower in cats in the IN group compared to those in the SC group, accompanying a faster neutralizing antibody response against the heterologous virus in cats in the IN group. The IN group secreted more IgA specific to FCV proteins in oral washes (lavage fluids from the oral cavity) than the SC group. IN immunization with an inactivated whole FCV particle, which protects cats from homologous virus exposure and shortens the period of heterologous virus shedding, may serve as a better platform for anti-FCV vaccine.

To investigate the association between glycated albumin (GA) in diabetic mothers and complications in their children, and to determine GA cutoff values for predicting complications in infants.This hospital-based case-control study involved 71 Japanese diabetic mothers and their children. Mean GA values were compared between mothers of infants with and without complications, and relationship with number of complications was analyzed by Pearson's correlation. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined GA cutoff values for complications in infants.GA was significantly higher in mothers of children with neonatal hypoglycemia (15.8 ± 3.2 versus 12.6 ± 1.2%, p .001), respiratory disorders (15.7 ± 3.6 versus 12.9 ± 1.9%, p .001), hypocalcemia (15.9 ± 3.7 versus 13.1 ± 1.8%, p .001), polycythemia (15.7 ± 2.3 versus 13.8 ± 2.1%, p =.009), myocardial hypertrophy (16.1 ± 3.7 versus 13.1 ± 2.3%, p .001), and large-for-date status (15.8 ± 2.4 versus 13.7 ± 3.1%, p = .006), showing significant positive correlation with number of complications in infants (r = .704, 95%CI: 0.579-0.797, p .001). Cut-off values were within the limits of 13.6-14.7%.GA is useful for predicting pregnancy outcomes in mothers with diabetes and must be maintained at low levels to prevent complications in infants.

Background While acute hyperglycemia has been shown to mitigate the beneficial effects of ischemic preconditioning, its effect on insulin-induced preconditioning remains unclear. Methods The study was designed to test the hypothesis that acute hyperglycemia diminishes the cardioprotective effects following a 20-min pre-ischemic pre-conditioning with insulin in the isolated rat heart using the Langendorff system. Forty hearts were assigned to receive modified Krebs–Henseleit (KH) buffer containing 0.5 U/L insulin and 100 mg/dL glucose (InsG100, n = 10), KH buffer with 100 mg/dL glucose (G100, n = 10), KH buffer supplemented with 0.5 U/L insulin and 600 mg/dL glucose (InsG600, n = 10), or with 600 mg/dL glucose (G600, n = 10). To match the osmotic pressure of the InsG600 group, 27.5 mmol/L of mannitol was added to KH solution in the InsG100 and G100 group. The four groups were perfused with each solution for 20 min prior to 15 min of no-flow ischemia, and during 20 min of reperfusion. Only during the ischemic period the heart was paced at 222 beats/min. Measurements of heart rate, coronary flow and maximum of LV derivative of pressure development (dP/dt max) were recorded. Myocardial phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and sandwich ELISA, respectively following reperfusion. Results After reperfusion, LV dP/dt max and heart rate in the InsG100 group was significantly higher than that in the other three groups. The myocardial p-Akt level in the InsG100 group was significantly elevated when compared to the InsG600 group at the end of reperfusion. The p-Akt levels in the InsG600 and InsG100 group were significantly higher than in the corresponding non-insulin groups. Conclusions Acute hyperglycemia diminishes the cardioprotective effects of insulin preconditioning in the isolated rat heart, possibly mediated through the suppression of myocardial Akt phosphorylation.

We have developed a rapid fluorescence assay based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the monitoring of RNA degradation activity in mammalian cells. In this technique, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) fluorescent probes are used. The dsRNA fluorescent probes consist of a 5' fluorophore-labeled strand hybridized to a 3' quencher-labeled strand, and the fluorescent dye is quenched by a quencher dye. When the dsRNA is degraded by nascent RNases in cells, the fluorescence emission of the fluorophore is induced following the degradation of the double strands. The degradation rates of the dsRNA are decelerated in response to chemical or environmental toxicity; therefore, in the case of cellular toxicity, the dsRNA is not degraded and remains intact, thus quenching the fluorescence. Unlike in conventional cell-counting assays, this new assay eliminates time-consuming steps, and can be used to simply evaluate the cellular toxicity via a single reaction. Our results demonstrate that this assay can rapidly quantify the RNA degradation rates in vivo within 4 h for three model chemicals. We propose that this assay will be useful for monitoring cellular toxicity in high-throughput applications.

The majority of hearing loss due to mumps presents as unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, which is refractory to treatment. In rare cases of bilateral total deafness, cochlear implants were beneficial for speech perception. Vaccination against mumps is recommended to prevent mumps-associated hearing loss.The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of hearing loss due to mumps and to evaluate hearing outcomes.The clinical parameters were analyzed under a retrospective multi-institutional study design in patients diagnosed with hearing loss due to mumps at the Otolaryngology departments of 19 hospitals between 1987 and 2016.Sixty-seven patients with hearing loss due to mumps were enrolled. The study population consisted of 35 males and 32 females, ranging in age from 1 to 54, with a median age of 9.5 years. Sixty-three patients presented with unilateral, and 4 with bilateral hearing loss. Profound hearing loss was observed in 65 ears. Only one ear with severe hearing loss showed complete recovery. Four patients with bilateral hearing loss received cochlear implant surgery. Most of the patients with hearing loss due to mumps had no history of vaccination.

Objectives: A nationwide epidemiological survey involving 23 hospitals in Japan was conducted and the predictive values of demographic data were examined statistically. Methods: A total of 642 patients from 23 hospitals, including 20 university hospitals, in Japan were enrolled in the study. Age ranged from 8 to 87 years, and all were diagnosed with acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) between 1994 and 2016. Demographic data for the patients, such as symptoms, gender, mean age, and distribution of ALHL grading, were collected and analyzed in relation to prognosis using Student’s t-test, χ2 test and logistic regression. Results: Female gender (p?.013), younger age (p?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) using the results of a nationwide survey database in Japan and to analyze the variables associated with their clinical features and the severity of hearing impairment, treatment, and prognosis. Methods: Participants were patients registered between April 2014 and March 2016 in a multicenter epidemiological survey database involving 30 university hospitals and medical centers across Japan. Statistical analysis was performed to clarify the factors associated with their clinical characteristics and the severity of hearing impairment, treatment, and prognosis. Results: Idiopathic SSNHL and ALHL differed significantly in terms of male-to-female ratio, age distribution, and time from onset to start of treatment. The treatment methods and hearing prognosis also differed markedly between the two diseases. A majority (92%) of idiopathic SSNHL patients were administered some type of corticosteroid, while half of the ALHL patients received corticosteroids and a diuretic agent. Conclusion: The results suggested that idiopathic SSNHL and ALHL belonged to different categories of inner ear disease.

Beyond the high resolution/low mass range data traditionally used, a Kendrick mass defect analysis (KMD) using the new concept of fractional base units has been successfully conducted on low resolution/low mass range and high resolution/high mass range data for the first time. Relying on a mathematical framework to rationalize the effect of the fractional base units, the electrospray ionization single stage and multistage mass spectra of a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) recorded from a low resolution ion trap analyzer were turned into information-rich KMD plots using vinylpyrrolidone/112 and pyrrolidone/86 as base units. The distributions detected in the matrix assisted laser desorption ionization spiralTOF mass spectra of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(caprolactone) were conveniently discriminated in KMD plots using (ethylene oxide)/45 and caprolactone/113 as base units with an unprecedented resolution at such a mass range. The high resolution KMD analysis using fractional base units opens new perspectives for the acquisition, visualization, and presentation of mass spectra of polymers with less restrictions in terms of required resolution and molecular weights.

In this work, the thermal stabilization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) by super-growth carbon nanotubes (SGCNTs) is studied by analyzing degraded compounds via high-resolution matrix-assisted laser diffusion ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy and IR techniques. SGCNTs successfully suppress the thermal oxidation of PEG, and the components of the degraded compounds change upon addition of SGCNTs to PEG. The SGCNTs quench mainly the RO radical generated by the initial chain scission of the C O bond of PEG, resulting in the suppression of the intermolecular proton abstraction.

Objective To document the clinical features and associated pure-tone audiometry data in patients with enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct (EVA), and to identify risk factors for fluctuating hearing loss (HL) and vertigo/dizziness in EVA patients. Methods In this nationwide survey in Japan, a first survey sheet was mailed to 662 board-certified otolaryngology departments to identify the ones treating EVA patients. A second survey sheet, which contained solicited clinical information and the results of the hearing tests, was mailed to all facilities that reported treating EVA cases. We analyzed clinical information, including age at the time of the most recent evaluation, gender, EVA side, age at onset, initial symptoms, precipitating factors, and etiology from survey responses, and assessed 4-frequency (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) pure-tone average (PTA) from accompanying pure-tone audiometry data. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the possible risk factors for fluctuating HL and vertigo/dizziness. Results In total, 513 hospitals (response rate, 77.5%) responded to the first survey, and 113 reported treating patients with EVA. Seventy-nine out of the 113 hospitals (response rate 69.9%) responded to the second survey, and the data of 380 EVA patients were registered and analyzed. Of the 380 patients, 221 (58.2%) were female, suggesting female preponderance. The patient age ranged from 0 to 73 years (mean, 16.7 years; median, 13 years; interquartile range, 6–24 years). EVA was bilateral in 91.1% of the patients (346/380). The most prevalent initial symptom was HL (341/380), followed by vertigo/dizziness/imbalance (34/380). Sudden HL occurred secondary to head trauma in 5.3% of the patients and upper respiratory infection in 5.0%. Pure-tone audiometry showed profound HL (PTA >91 dB) in 316 (52.0%) of the 608 ears in the 304 patients tested, and asymmetric HL, defined as >10 dB, in 147 (48.4%) of the 304 patients. The mean PTA was 83.7 dB (median, 91.3 dB; interquartile range, 71.3–103.8 dB), and the severity in PTA did not correlate with age. Multivariate logistic regression identified age ≥10 years (compared to age of 0–9 years), bilateral HL (compared to unilateral HL/normal hearing), a history of head trauma, and Pendred syndrome (compared to the other EVA-associated disorders) as significant risk factors for fluctuating HL and/or vertigo/dizziness. Conclusion The present nationwide survey of 380 EVA patients provided a more precise description of the clinical features, including risk factors for fluctuating HL and vertigo/dizziness.

The molecular association between human papilloma virus (HPV) and cell cycle-related (CCR) proteins is not fully understood in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Herein, we examined the expression levels of CCRs in OPSCCs based on HPV status. In situ hybridization (ISH)- and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays were used to detect HPV status in 98 OPSCCs, and CCRs were detected by immunostaining. Of 98 tumors, 47 had HPV-positive tumors by either ISH- or PCR-based assays. Concordance analysis between ISH- and PCR-based tests showed a good agreement in OPSCC. Expression of p16 was moderate, consistent with HPV positivity as determined by ISH-based analysis. High p53-, phospho (p)-Rb-, SKP2-, cyclin D1-, and p-c-myc-positive rates were correlated with HPV-negative tumors, whereas high p16- and p27-positive rates were associated with HPV-positive tumors. The positive rates for p21 and cyclin A did not differ between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. Finally, Ki-67 positivity was commonly observed for both types of OPSCCs. Although expression of p16 is thought to be a marker of HPV infection, ISH- or PCR-based tests should be used for HPV detection. In addition, our results regarding CCRs may be helpful for understanding the carcinogenesis of OPSCC.

Objectives: To present the cardiovascular risk factors in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients enrolled in a nationwide epidemiological survey of hearing disorders in Japan. Materials and methods: We compiled the cardiovascular risk factors in 3073 idiopathic SSNHL subjects (1621 men and 1452 women) and compared their proportions with controls as part of the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, 2014. The cardiovascular risk factors consisted of drinking and smoking habits, a history of five conditions related to cardiovascular disease and body mass index. Results: The proportion of current smokers was significantly higher among men aged 50?59, 60?69 and 70+ and among women aged 30?39, 40?49 and 60?69. The proportion of patients with a history of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher among men aged 50?59, 60?69 and 70+, but not in women. In addition, male and female SSNHL subjects aged 60?69 showed lower proportions of current drinking; and female SSNHL subjects aged 60?69 showed higher proportions of overweight (BMI ?25?kg/m2). Conclusions: The present cross-sectional study revealed showed significantly higher proportions of current smokers among both men and women as well as those with a history of diabetes mellitus among men across many age groups in patients with idiopathic SSNHL compared with the controls.

Objectives: To investigate the hearing prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) treated with different initial therapies. Methods: Subjects consisted of patients diagnosed with idiopathic SSNHL within 7 days from onset and showing severe hearing loss (?60?dB), who were registered in a Japanese multicenter database between April 2014 and March 2016. Subjects were divided into four groups according to initial therapy: (1) steroids, (2) steroids?+?Prostaglandins (PGs), (3) intratympanic steroids (ITS), and (4) no steroids. Hearing outcomes were compared among the groups. Results: In total, 1305 patients were enrolled. The final hearing level and hearing gain of patients treated with steroids?+?PGs were significantly higher than those of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. The ratio of good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement) in patients treated with steroids?+?PGs was higher than that in patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. There was no difference in the prognosis of patients treated with steroids alone or no steroids. Conclusion: A large number of patients with idiopathic SSNHL were registered in a multicenter database. PG use in combination with steroid administration was associated with a good hearing prognosis in patients with severe hearing loss.

Tantalum-181 is a typically used nucleus for neutron resonance thermometry. To develop an imaging technique of neutron resonance thermometry, the neutron transmission spectrum for a tantalum foil which was set up in a constant-temperature furnace was measured by the time-of-flight (TOF) method. The thickness of the tantalum sample was 30 or 300 μm. Several temperature conditions were set from 20 to 500°C. A gas electron multiplier (GEM) neutron detector was used. The measurements were performed on the 10th beam line (BL10) of the Material and Life science experimental Facility (MLF) at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). To cut-off neutrons below thermal neutron energy, a cadmium filter was inserted on the neutron beam line. The measured neutron transmission spectrum in the eV energy region was compared to the calculated one with the PHITS code. In the calculation, the time distribution of neutron emission from a source was defined as the pulse function of BL10. The distance from the source to a tally was 14.5 m. The evaluated nuclear data of ENDF/B-VIII.0 or JENDL-4.0 were utilized for each calculation with respect to the neutron-induced nuclear reactions of Ta-181. The differences in the calculated neutron transmission spectra due to the evaluated nuclear data are discussed based on the measured spectra.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are strongly implicated in tumor progression, including in the processes of tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. The targeting of CAFs using various therapeutic approaches is a novel treatment strategy; however, the efficacy of such therapies remains limited. Recently, near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), which is a novel targeted therapy employing a cell-specific mAb conjugated to a photosensitizer, has been introduced as a new type of phototherapy. In this study, we have developed a novel NIR-PIT technique to target CAFs, by focusing on fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and we evaluate the treatment efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Esophageal carcinoma cells exhibited enhanced activation of fibroblasts, with FAP over-expressed in the cytoplasm and on the cell surface. FAP-IR700-mediated PIT showed induced rapid cell death specifically for those cells in vitro and in vivo, without adverse effects. This novel therapy for CAFs, designed as local control phototherapy, was safe and showed a promising inhibitory effect on FAP(+) CAFs. PIT targeting CAFs via the specific marker FAP may be a therapeutic option for CAFs in the tumor microenvironment in the future.

Introduction and objectives Methemoglobinemia has been reported to be associated with severe food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES). However, no reports have evaluated methemoglobin (MHb) levels in FPIES without symptomatic methemoglobinemia or the usefulness of MHb measurement for the diagnostic prediction of FPIES. To evaluate the MHb levels of patients with neonatal-onset FPIES and determine whether MHb levels are higher in FPIES than in other gastrointestinal diseases. Patients and methods Eleven neonates with severe acute FPIES (FPIES group) and 139 neonates with other gastrointestinal diseases (non-FPIES group) were included in this study. Patient characteristics, symptoms, and venous blood test values (MHb, pH, HCO3−, and C-reactive protein) were evaluated. Results The median age at onset was 16 days vs. 1 day; males comprised 64% vs. 46%, the median gestational age was 38 weeks vs. 38 weeks, the median birth weight was 2710 g vs. 2880 g, and the median hospitalization duration was 31 days vs. 6 days for the FPIES vs. non-FPIES groups, respectively. MHb (%) was higher in the FPIES group than in the non-FPIES group [median (range), 1.1 (0.6–10.9) and 0.6 (0.3–1.2), respectively, p 0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis for FPIES diagnosis based on MHb (%), the area under the curve was 0.885, specificity was 97.1%, and sensitivity was 72.7% at a MHb cutoff of 1.0. Conclusion High MHb levels may help diagnose severe acute FPIES in neonates, but careful evaluation is needed.

High-energy radiation caused by exoplanetary space weather events from planet-hosting stars can play a crucial role in conditions promoting or destroying habitability in addition to the conventional factors. In this paper, we present the first quantitative impact evaluation system of stellar flares on the habitability factors with an emphasis on the impact of Stellar Proton Events. We derive the maximum flare energy from stellar starspot sizes and examine the impacts of flare associated ionizing radiation on CO$_2$, H$_2$, N$_2$+O$_2$ --rich atmospheres of a number of well-characterized terrestrial type exoplanets. Our simulations based on the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System [PHITS] suggest that the estimated ground level dose for each planet in the case of terrestrial-level atmospheric pressure (1 bar) for each exoplanet does not exceed the critical dose for complex (multi-cellular) life to persist, even for the planetary surface of Proxima Centauri b, Ross-128 b and TRAPPIST-1 e. However, when we take into account the effects of the possible maximum flares from those host stars, the estimated dose reaches fatal levels at the terrestrial lowest atmospheric depth on TRAPPIST-1 e and Ross-128 b. Large fluxes of coronal XUV radiation from active stars induces high atmospheric escape rates from close-in exoplanets suggesting that the atmospheric depth can be substantially smaller than that on the Earth. In a scenario with the atmospheric thickness of 1/10 of Earth's, the radiation dose from close-in planets including Proxima Centauri b and TRAPPIST-1 e reach near fatal dose levels with annual frequency of flare occurrence from their hoststars., 37 pages, 19 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal (on June 16, 2019), Version 2 (fixed typo)

RATIONALE Molecular characterization of industrial oligomeric products is performed using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS), termed desorption ionization using a through-hole alumina membrane (DIUTHAME). This paper describes the unique feature of a DIUTHAME chip applying active SALDI, which generates specific types of fragments of polyglycol samples. METHODS Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and PEO-based materials were subjected to SALDI-MS. The influence of the presence or absence of a cationization salt on the mass spectrum was investigated. The resulting mass spectra composed of fragment ions were compared with those obtained by collision-induced dissociation (CID)-MS/MS. The specific fragment ions generated using the DIUTHAME chip were further subjected to high-energy CID-MS/MS. RESULTS The addition of a cationization salt resulted in SALDI mass spectra with fewer fragment peaks. The mass spectra obtained without adding the cationization salt were composed of many more fragment ions caused by in-source decay. The fragmentation pattern was similar to that seen with low-energy CID. The resulting fragment ions were formed by selective cleavage at the C-O bond. High-energy CID-MS/MS can be performed for the specific fragment ions generated by in-source decay fragmentation. CONCLUSIONS Molecular characterization of PEO-based oligomers by SALDI-MS using the DIUTHAME chip was successfully demonstrated. The selective fragmentation and high-energy CID-MS/MS of the in-source decay fragments made it possible to provide more detailed structural information. This unique feature of DIUTHAME gives it potential for use in new molecular characterization techniques.

We investigated the responses of microRNAs (miRNAs) using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) exposed to nine chemicals (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, p-cresol, p-dichlorobenzene, phenol, pyrocatecol, chloroform, tri-n-butyl phosphate, trichloroethylene, and benzene), which are listed as "Class I Designated Chemical Substances" from the Japan Pollutant Release and Transfer Register. Using deep sequencing analysis (RNA-seq), several miRNAs were identified that show a substantial response to general chemical toxicity (i.e., to these nine chemicals considered as a group) and several miRNA biomarkers that show a substantial and specific response to benzene. The functions of the identified miRNAs were investigated in accordance with Gene Ontology terms of their predicted target genes, indicating regulation of cellular processes. We compared the results with those for the long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and mRNAs reported in our previous studies in addition to previously identified miRNAs that are either up- or down-regulated in response to the benzene as stimuli. We also observed that the changes in expression of miRNAs were smaller than those for long ncRNAs and mRNAs. Taken together the current and previous results revealed that toxic chemical stimuli regulate the expression of miRNAs. We believe that the use of miRNAs, including the thus identified miRNAs, as biomarkers contribute to predicting the potential toxicity of particular chemicals or identifying human individuals that have been exposed to chemical hazards.

Purpose To determine the appropriate attachment and design of a denture base for mandibular implant overdenture (IOD), the oral mucosa pressure caused by mandibular implant overdentures was measured using edentulous jaw models with various attachments. Methods An experimental edentulous mandibular model with a 1.5-mm thick artificial oral mucosa was used. Two implants were placed at the area equivalent to the bilateral canines of an experimental jaw model. Locator attachments (LA), ball attachments (BA), magnetic attachments (MA), and round-bar attachments (R-BA) were fabricated. Six miniature pressure sensors were placed at the bilateral buccal premolar regions, bilateral buccal shelves, and bilateral lingual molar regions. A precision universal testing machine was used to apply dynamic repetitive loads of 50 N. The load points were the center of the model, which should represent bilateral mastication on both sides (bilateral load), and were equivalent to the left first molar, which should represent unilateral mastication (unilateral load). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance. Multiple comparisons were then performed using the Bonferroni post hoc test. P Results Under the bilateral load condition, the lower oral mucosa pressure value with BA was measured, compared to other attachments at all measurement sites. Under the unilateral load condition, the oral mucosa pressure value of BA was smaller than the other attachments at the measurement site on the loading side. Conclusions BA has exerted the greatest effects on support and bracing, suggesting that, BA is suitable for reducing oral mucosa pressure during mastication.

Objective Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging tool of choice in the diagnosis of temporal bone lesions. With the recent progress in imaging technology, CT with higher spatial resolution (Ultra-high resolution CT) has become available in the clinical setting. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the visibility of small temporal bone structures using ultra-high resolution CT. Material and methods The visibility of 27 minute temporal bone structures on ultra-high resolution CT images was evaluated. Non-helical axial scans were performed in 18 normal hearing ears without previous otologic diseases. Visibility was scored by an experienced radiologist and otologist. Results Minute temporal bone structures including the ossicular chain, the crus of the stapes, the greater superficial petrosal nerve, and the anterior malleolar ligament were clearly visualized on ultra-high resolution CT. The stapedius muscle tendon and the chorda tympani exiting the posterior canaliculus and coursing medial to the malleus could be visualized. Conclusion Ultra-high resolution CT provides good visualization of small temporal bone structures in normal subjects.

Background Use of coil embolization for internal carotid artery-posterior communicating artery aneurysms (IC-PC ANs) has been increasing. However, the recurrence rate after embolization is rather high compared to that after surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors related to recurrence after coil embolization for IC-PC ANs. Methods A total of 69 patients with IC-PC ANs treated with coil embolization between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled, and we evaluated whether the aneurysms recurred after embolization. The patients were divided into two groups (no-recurrence group and recurrence group), and the relationships of several patient or aneurysm characteristics and treatment-related information with aneurysm recurrence were examined. Results Twenty patients (29%) developed aneurysm recurrence. There were significant differences in dome size (5.19 mm/6.48 mm, p = 0.01), neck width (3.25 mm/4.23 mm p = 0.009), aneurysm volume (47.5 mm3/120 mm3, p = 0.003), and Pcom diameter (1.11 mm/1.96 mm p = 0.005) between the two groups. Pcom diameter was the independent risk factor for recurrence (odds ratio: 3.52, 95%CI 1.43–8.69, p = 0.006). The cutoff for Pcom diameter as the factor related to recurrence was 1.79 mm, with sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 83.7%. Conclusion In this study, dome size, neck width, aneurysm volume, and Pcom diameter were associated with recurrence after coil embolization for IC-PC ANs. In particular, Pcom diameter could be an independent risk factor for recurrence.

A man and a woman were rescued from a room that had exploded. Many empty cassette gas cylinders were found in the room. The man and woman were hospitalized immediately for the treatment of burns. The woman died 6 days later, and the man died 31 days later without regaining consciousness. Carbonization and hardening of the frontal facial skin and parts of the left and right fingers were observed on the man's body. In both cases, systemic burns had led to progressive systemic edema and markedly suppressed circulation. Analytical samples for butanes obtained from their bodies at autopsy were stored at −20 °C for 14 and 25 days, respectively, before analysis. Normal butane and isobutane were quantified in the brain and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the woman. Only the isobutane was quantified in the adipose tissue of the man. The evidence suggests that the man lit a cigarette while breathing gas and the entire room exploded. Our results also suggest that butane can be detected in the adipose tissue of autopsy cases long after inhalation even under the present storage conditions, and isobutane may remain in adipose tissue longer than n-butane.

The efficacy of DRIVEN-FLOW® M7-II(DFM7II) for seven drug groups was compared with Triage DOA® (Triage) using 340 autopsy urine samples taken from bodies within 1 month of death based on mass screening analysis of GC/MS and LC-MS/MS. The sensitivity to benzodiazepines was 0.56 in Triage and 0.53 in DFM7II with few false positives, and their accuracy was 0.88. Triage detected triazolo diazepine derivatives more easily than DFM7II. DFM7II detected diazepam and nitro benzodiazepines more easily than Triage. There were nine amphetamine false-positive cases of more than 10 days after death in Triage, but these were absent in DFM7II during this period. The accuracy of amphetamines for Triage was 0.96 and for DFM7II was 1. Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) was detected in five cases by mass analysis, while there were four false-positive cases using Triage and eight cases using DFM7II. In the TCA false-positive cases of both kits, tricyclic psychotics such as chlorpromazine, carbamazepine, and quetiapine were included as well as the drug poisoning cases. There were no samples containing cocaine or THC. The accuracy of DFM7II for opiate and barbiturates was 1, but those of Triage was less than 1. Based on the above, DFM7II is a more accurate kit with fewer false-positives for target drug groups, other than TCA, than Triage.

Differential oxidative modifications of myofibrillar protein (MP) by hydroxyl radicals generated in an enzymatic system with glucose oxidase (GluOx) in the presence of glucose/FeSO4 versus a Fenton system (H2O2/FeSO4) were investigated. Pork MP was modified at 4 °C and pH 6.25 with hydroxyl radicals produced from 1 mg/mL glucose in the presence of 80, 160, or 320 μg/mL GluOx and 10 μM FeSO4. Total sulfhydryl content, solubility, cross-linking pattern, and gelation properties of MP were measured. H2O2 production proceeded linearly with the concentration of GluOx and increased with reaction time. GluOx- and H2O2-dose-dependent protein polymerization, evidenced by faded myosin heavy chain and actin in SDS-PAGE as well as significant decreases in sulfhydryls, coincided with protein solubility loss. Firmer and more elastic MP gels were produced by GluOx than by the Fenton system at comparable H2O2 levels due to an altered radical reaction pathway.

We experimentally investigate the optimum illumination wavelength range and the degradation mechanism by the ultra-violet (UV) light for small-molecule organic solar cells (OSCs) using various long-pass filters with different cutoff wavelengths λc. The OSC structure consists of an indium–tin–oxide (ITO, anode)/copper phthalocyanine (CuPc, donor)/fullerene (acceptor)/bathocuproine (buffer)/Ag (cathode). The initial power conversion efficiency ηp is not affected by the use of the long-pass filter with λc 400 nm, no distinct degradation appears. Thus, the origin of the degradation is revealed to be UV light with wavelengths less than 400 nm. The degradation mechanism is attributed to the decrease in carrier transport efficiency at the interface between ITO and CuPc film. Reorganization of the CuPc crystal structure occurs in the near-surface region on ITO due probably to the heat generated by the UV light. This would deteriorate the electrical contact at the interface, resulting in an increase in series resistance there.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor that is essential for the maintenance of peripheral and central neurons. While importance of such physiological activities as well as the potential of it as a stress marker in Equus caballus has been implicated, the sequence of equine NGF remained unknown. In this study, we identified the sequence of equine NGF from the mRNA expressed in the peripheral blood in seven Thoroughbreds and three warmblood horses. There were no polymorphisms among samples analyzed, and the homology is more than 90% in comparison to human, mouse, rat, dog, and cow. When the sequence corresponding to the biologically active β-nerve growth factor was expressed in CHO-K1 cells, they were stained with an anti-NGF antibody that recognizes human NGF. Thus, it provides a rationale for using antibodies that react to other species' NGF to measure the equine NGF for further studies.

This paper provides taxonomic and biological data on one new and one newly recorded species of Coptotriche Walsingham and one new and one newly recorded species of Tischeria Zeller from Japan. Coptotriche symplocosella Kobayashi & Hirowatari, sp. n. (host Symplocos lucida, Symplocaceae), and Tischeria kumatai Sato, Kobayashi & Hirowatari, sp. n. (host Tilia japonica, Malvaceae) are described. The pupal morphology of Coptotriche symplocosella is illustrated with scanning electron micrographs. Coptotriche minuta Diškus & Stonis, 2014 and Tischeria relictana Ermolaev, 1986 are newly recorded from Japan. The female, hostplants (Carpinus, Corylus, and Ostrya species), and immature stages of Coptotriche minuta and the adult features, female, and hostplants (Betula species) of Tischeria relictana are described with photographs and drawings for the first time. Mine types and characters of Japanese Tischeriidae are reviewed with photographs.